Do you want to visit Santorini, but is Santorini expensive for you? Then read the next piece! We’ll tell you how much things will cost and how to save money while you’re there.
It is clear why Santorini is one of the most well-known Greek islands. Many people visit every year to see the painted houses, the stunning caldera, and the vibrant towns like Fira and Oia.
When you think of Santorini, you probably first picture high-end establishments with stunning views, traditional Greek cuisine, and breathtaking scenery in the background.
But as you make plans for your trip, you learn that Santorini isn’t cheap. You have to pay for the great food, hotels with pools, and views.
Please don’t give up, though. You can still get to Santorini even if you can’t afford to stay in fancy places. If you plan, you can travel without breaking the bank.
This piece offers advice on how to travel to Santorini without spending a lot of money, based on our experiences from past trips there. We tell you about places to visit, things to do, sights to see, hotels, and restaurants in Santorini that you can enjoy on a budget.
We’ll show you how to visit Santorini without spending a lot of money now. But first, the important question:
Is Santorini Expensive?
In all honesty, Santorini is one of the most expensive places to visit in Greece. It is also one of the most beautiful and well-known places to visit.
So, if you want to travel on a budget, you need to carefully consider when, where, and how long you travel, as well as where you stay, eat, and get around. All of these things are pricey in Santorini.
But this Santorini book can help you with that.
Where do you spend the most money on your holiday to Santorini?
⚪ Hotels: If you want a better hotel, say one with four to five stars, the prices will be very high right away. It’s too bad that living on Santorini is one of the most expensive things you can do in all of Greece.
⚪ Dining: The most expensive restaurants have the best views. Minimum spending amounts have been talked about in a few places. Additionally, most places are crowded, despite the high prices.
Even so, these things don’t mean you can’t visit Santorini without spending a lot of money. Of course you can, and we’ll show you how in this post.
How to save money on a holiday to Santorini in 2025
Here are some unique, budget-friendly ideas and tips to help you save money on your trip to Santorini. We’ll give you advice on how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.
For your question,” Is Santorini expensive?” So let’s look at some ways you can save money and get the most out of your trip to Santorini:
Ways to plan a cheap holiday to Santorini
Before planning your holiday to Santorini, consider what you need and want from the trip. High-end services, hotels, and restaurants may not be suitable for a budget trip.
Therefore, it’s essential to carefully examine prices and determine when, where, and how to obtain the best deals without overspending.
At this point, here are some important things to think about:
Things that will cost less
⚪ Travelling at the right time: If you plan your trip to Santorini well, it can cost half as much as it does during the busy season. We’ll also show you times when it’s worth moving. If you can be flexible with your travel plans, you can save a lot of money.
⚪ Flights: If your leaving airport is served by more than one airline, choose the cheapest one. Most of the time, this means giving up some services. You can also save money on items such as checked bags (only pay for what you need), in-flight food, and airport parking if needed.
⚪ Hotels: Staying in a hotel with a sea view in Fira and Oia is quite expensive. If a nice view isn’t important to you, you can find much cheaper rooms. You can also get a better deal if you book a little farther away, like in Kamari or Akrotiri. The downside to this is that most of the time, you need a car to get to the larger places.
⚪ Food: You must try the delicious Greek cuisine when you visit Greece. But it doesn’t matter how much you pay for it. The most beautiful views often come at a premium, but we’ll show you some places to eat that won’t break the bank.
⚪ Things to do: Fortunately, Santorini doesn’t have many places where you need to purchase tickets. Most of the time, you won’t have to spend a lot of money on activities. You may only need to pay for a few extra spots, or, if you prefer, a boat tour or water sports.
When to go to Santorini for cheap?
Is Santorini Expensive? As we know, choosing the right time to visit Santorini is one of the best ways to save money. Here’s what we learned about Greek prices from our experience:
⚪ Summer: It costs the most in the summer, between July and August. We only recommend going during this time if you enjoy spending time at the beach. On the other hand, remember that Santorini isn’t known for its beaches.
⚪ Shoulder season: The best times to go are in early fall (September or October), late spring (May), or early summer (June). During the off-season, the weather is ideal for hiking, boating, and exploring local attractions. Additionally, prices are significantly lower now than they were in the summer.
⚪ Winter: Keep in mind that many places are closed from the second half of fall to spring, so there are fewer activities available. Additionally, this time is not as suggested.
May, June, September, or October are the best times to visit Santorini, both in terms of experience and price.
How long should you stay in Santorini?
Spend at least two to three days in Santorini; a week would be even better. Some of the best views, food, drinks, and places to be can’t be seen in less than two to three days.
A lot of ship lines offer one-day trips to Santorini, but they only show you a small part of the island.
To determine how long to stay, it’s recommended to stay 3 to 5 days. You’ll have enough time to see everything on the island, have fun, and still have time to relax.
Cheap flight tickets to Santorini
There are as many departure airports as there are readers.
Santorini, or occasionally Athens, is the most common destination.
The following low-cost airlines fly to these locations within Europe:
RyanAir, WizzAir, Jet2.com, Volotea, Vueling, and Sky Express
It’s worthwhile to evaluate these airlines’ pricing and adjust trip expenses accordingly.
If you’re coming from afar, you might not be able to find cheap flights to Greece. Instead, you might have to pay more for your trip. Don’t worry, no matter what, it’s a good idea to check with us at Low Cost Vibes. We’ll help you with all of your problems so you can enjoy your holiday without stress.
As a general rule, you should always be on the lookout for deals. For example, around Valentine’s Day, Easter, and other holidays, there are often sales, especially on flight prices!
But you should know that it’s tough to find cheap flights, especially if there are only a few to choose from. When it comes to other costs, we have more freedom.
Cheap places to stay in Santorini
One of the most flexible aspects of planning a trip is choosing where to stay, and Santorini offers a wide range of options. There are affordable options, as well as three- and four-star hotels, and high-end resorts to choose from.
Since this piece is about cheap travel, we suggest the following places to stay, where you can get a room for around 200 euros a night on average:
You often wonder if they should book on sites like Booking.com or on the hotel’s own website. We suggest comparing different prices and booking the less expensive option. We can help you find the best deals.
Do not buy the hotel food if you do not eat much in the morning. This will help you save money. If breakfast costs $30 to $50 per person, you can eat somewhere else for less money.
Cheap places to eat in Santorini
Greece is known for its tasty food, and you can find lots of places to try it wherever you go. The same is true for Santorini, which has one of the largest selections of places.
But prices in Santorini can be pretty high, so if you’re trying to save money, you’ll need to be picky about where you eat.
How to get around Santorini for little money
On Santorini, you can get around by using the following methods:
By car
A car is a good way to get around Santorini. Renting a car is not too expensive. On the island, you don’t need a big car so that you can rent a small one for as little as 40 euros a day.
Greece has relatively expensive gas, but since the trips aren’t very far, it won’t be a big deal. You don’t have to pay tolls, and most hotels and cities offer free parking.
You can take a scooter or an ATV for about the same price as a car. These are also very popular on the island.
Public transportation
There isn’t a lot of public transportation on Santorini. There aren’t any trains, and there aren’t many buses. That link will provide more information about the local bus system if you’re interested.
You may need to use private transfers if you prefer not to rent a car.
There are private transfers available from some hotels, but we also offer a variety of other options.
Santorini activities that won’t cost much
There are lots of fun things to do on Santorini that won’t cost a lot of money.
Explore the old towns
Walk along the cute, winding streets of Fira and Oia. These places feature charming buildings, quaint shops, and stunning views. It’s a cost-effective and enjoyable way to experience the building and feel like you’re part of the community.
Enjoy the beaches
Perissa and Kamari are two public beaches in Santorini that you should check out. You can go to these beaches for free and enjoy a relaxing time swimming and lying out in the sun.
Hike the caldera
Between Fira and Oia, there is a beautiful trail you can take. The views from this trail of the caldera and the Aegean Sea are stunning. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the island, and the hike only takes a few hours and is free of charge.
Visit the local markets
Take a stroll through the shops in Fira or Oia. The area is home to many crafts, foods, and gifts. You can browse and shop without spending a dime. You might find unique things or foods that are only available in that area.
Watch the sunset
Find a good spot, such as Oia, to witness the famous Santorini sunset. The island’s sunsets are famous for being stunning, and you can enjoy them for free from several different spots around the island.
Discover ancient ruins
Visit the archaeological museum in Fira or explore the ancient site of Akrotiri. Akrotiri may charge a fee to enter, but it’s usually minimal. The ruins are interesting to see because they show how the island used to be.
Relax in public squares
Spend some time in the town squares that are so pretty on the island. In Oia’s central area and other similar places, you can relax, watch people, and enjoy the local vibe.
Photograph the scenery
Take a picture of Santorini’s famous blue domes and whitewashed houses. The island’s unique buildings and beautiful scenery offer great photo opportunities that are free for everyone to enjoy.
Taste local street food
Street food from local sellers, such as gyros or souvlaki, is usually very affordable. These can be a tasty and inexpensive way to try Greek food without having to go to a restaurant.
Is Santorini Expensive?
No, if you plan your Holiday with low-cost vibes!
That’s all we have to say about how to plan a cheap trip to Santorini.
There are many affordable ways to enjoy your Santorini holiday, whether you want to watch the sunset over the caldera, stroll through the charming streets of Fira and Oia, or savour traditional Greek cuisine.
The island of Santorini is one of the most expensive places to visit in Greece, but you can still go there on a budget. We’ve highlighted the best hotel deals in Santorini, shown you the cost of food there, and provided ideas for budget-friendly activities in Santorini. A typical meal or drink in Santorini can be quite pricey, but you can find cheaper food on the street and in budget places.
People often ask, “Is Santorini expensive?” Please note that prices fluctuate with the seasons. Sometimes it’s pricey to fly to Santorini and buy tour tickets, but if you plan, you can still afford to go there. If you want to take a trip that won’t break the bank, avoid going to Santorini during the busy season.
Although Santorini is quite pricey, the stunning views, charming towns, and other famous attractions make it worth the trip. If you want to go on holiday to Santorini, keep an eye out for the best deals. You’ll see that the island is worth every euro.
