Greek Travel Community

How much money to take to Greece?

1 - 6 of 6 Posts
V

voula_slat

Active member
I’m starting to plan the money side of my trip to Greece and was wondering—how much should I realistically bring with me? I know it depends on travel style, but I’d love to hear what others spent daily on average for things like meals, local transport, entrance fees, and small extras like coffee or souvenirs.

I’m staying in mid-range accommodations that are already paid for, and I’ll be visiting both Athens and a couple of islands. I’d like to enjoy the trip without worrying too much, but I also don’t want to bring way more than I need or rely too heavily on cards.

Do most places take credit cards now, or is cash still king? And how much should I carry on me at any given time? Any tips for ATMs, budgeting, or knowing what’s “enough” per day?

Appreciate any insight from recent travelers. Thanks in advance!
 
Great question—and smart to plan ahead! I just got back from Greece and found that €50–€70 per day (not including lodging) was plenty for a comfortable trip with some wiggle room. That covered meals (around €10–€15 for a sit-down lunch, €20–€25 for dinner with wine), daily coffees, snacks, museum or site entrance fees (usually €5–€15), and public transport or ferries.

Cash is still preferred in smaller towns, local tavernas, and taxis, but most places in Athens and the islands do take cards. I’d recommend carrying €50–€100 in cash on you daily, just in case. ATMs are widely available, but use ones attached to banks to avoid high fees.

Also, don’t forget to budget for souvenirs, tips (small change is appreciated), and the occasional splurge like a boat tour or beach club. Overall, Greece offers great value for money—enjoy every minute!
 
We go to Europe including Greece every year ( besides 2020 and 2021 due to covid). We use cards everywhere we go, all businesses have to have the facilities to accept card payments debit and credit, it is law in Greece now. We even pay the motorway tolls by card, a cup of coffee by card. Two reasons, security and exchange rates. We use cards that don't charge fees and get true exchange rates. When you buy cash you will find the spread is at least 5% or even more.
As far as spending money? How long is a bit of string? You can do it on the cheap or you can spend big. Just like accommodation, it all depends on your budget. Some islands can be very expensive, like Santorini and Mykonos, others less touristy much cheaper. Everything is more expensive in high season say July and August.
Enjoy your trip.
 
I found that using https://travelbusinessclass.com helped me save on flights, so I brought a bit more spending cash to enjoy once I was there. I ended up using mostly my card for restaurants and shops in bigger cities, but having some euros on hand was helpful for tips, taxis, and random small places that didn’t take cards. Just make sure to notify your bank before you go.
 
I have never used a credit or debit card in Greece except at an ATM to withdraw cash. I pay everything in cash. The people in Greece struggle financially and having to pay credit card fees does not help them. Sometimes they will lower the price if you pay with cash or give you a free gift like an evil eye, etc.
 
Budget advice: Save on transport—rental from Cretarent starts just ~17€/day, includes full insurance, unlimited km, child seat, second driver, no hidden extras. Transparent pricing helped us stay on budget while enjoying island flexibility.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Suki
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Is Island Hopping Worth the Effort?

I've been thinking about trying an island-hopping trip the next time I visit Greece, but I'm wondering if it's actually worth the extra planning and travel time. In the past I've usually picked one island and stayed there for the duration of my vacation, which has been relaxing and let me really get to know the area.

Part of me loves the idea of experiencing several islands in one trip since they each seem to have their own personality, food, scenery, and traditions. On the other hand, I wonder if constantly packing, catching ferries, and checking into new accommodations takes away from the experience.

For those of you who have island-hopped, did you feel it was worth it? How many islands did you visit, and did you wish you had spent more time in fewer places? I'd love to hear your itineraries, tips, and whether you'd do it the same way again.

A Greek Architect’s Guide to Choosing a Professional CT Limo Service

I’m originally from Greece and work as an architect, and due to a recent job rotation, I’ve relocated to Connecticut for corporate projects. Since I’m still getting familiar with the area, I’ve been researching reliable CT limo service options for business travel, airport transfers, and professional meetings. I’ve noticed there are several technical factors people often overlook, such as fleet maintenance standards, chauffeur training, proper licensing, insurance coverage, and real-time ride tracking, all of which seem important for safety and reliability. I came across Wood Black Car Service during my comparisons, which piqued my curiosity about how different companies manage their operations behind the scenes. For those who regularly use limousine services in Connecticut, what features or standards do you think matter most when choosing a truly professional provider?

Which Greek island feels the least touristy in the summer?

I know that July and August are busy almost everywhere in Greece, especially on the more famous islands, but I’m curious about places that still feel relatively local and relaxed even during peak season.

I’m not necessarily looking for somewhere completely empty. I’d just love an island where you can still find traditional villages, local tavernas, quieter beaches, and a slower pace without feeling like the entire island is built around tourism.

Have you visited an island in the summer that still felt authentic and not overly crowded? I’d especially be interested in places where locals still seem to set the rhythm of daily life rather than visitors.

Which island would you recommend, and what made it feel less touristy to you? Was it the beaches, villages, restaurants, fewer cruise ships, or just the overall atmosphere?

Best food towns to visit in Greece?

I’ve started realizing that some of my favorite memories from Greece are connected to food more than anything else. Little tavernas, bakeries, seafood by the water, village meals that seemed simple but tasted incredible. It’s making me think that next time I go to Greece, I’d love to plan at least part of the trip around food.

I’m not fully sure yet if I’ll be going this summer, but I’ve been daydreaming about possible places to visit. What towns or regions in Greece do you think are especially great for food lovers?

I’d love recommendations for places known for traditional cooking, local specialties, seafood, baked goods, or just amazing tavernas in general. Islands, mainland towns, mountain villages — all recommendations are welcome.

Would especially love hearing about places that felt authentic and memorable rather than overly touristy.

Places to go for the first time in Greece?

A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches.

She loved that outline, but she wants to add one more destination to round out the trip. That’s where I started second guessing myself a bit, because there are so many good options depending on what kind of experience she wants.

I was thinking maybe somewhere a little different to balance things out, but I’m curious what others would suggest. If you had 10 days and those three spots already planned, what would be your fourth destination for a first-time visitor?
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top