Greece, a country with a tapestry of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and captivating islands, is often perceived as a pricey travel destination. However, the question on many travelers’ minds is, “Can you do Greece cheap?” The answer is a resounding yes!
This guide will take you through affordable strategies to explore Greece, highlight volunteer organizations offering all-inclusive experiences, and provide insights into making your Grecian dream a reality without breaking the bank.
Traveling on a Budget: How to Go to Greece for Cheap
Choosing Your Destination Wisely
When pondering where it is cheap in Greece, consider less touristy locales. Mainland Greece offers numerous hidden gems that are just as enchanting as the islands but at a fraction of the cost. Cities like Nafplio, Meteora, and Delphi offer breathtaking views, historical sites, and a genuine taste of Greek culture without the hefty price tag of popular islands.
Transportation: Getting Around Without Overspending
Are taxis cheap in Greece? Not particularly. Instead, utilize Greece’s extensive public transportation network. Buses and trains connect major cities and towns, offering a cost-effective way to traverse the country. For island hopping, ferries are cheaper if booked in advance, though prices vary depending on the season and route. Cheap Greece car rental and car hire services are also available for those who prefer more flexibility.
Eating and Shopping Like a Local
Is food cheap in Greece? Yes, if you eat where the locals do. Avoid tourist traps and seek out tavernas and street vendors for authentic and affordable Greek cuisine. As for shopping, markets and local bazaars are your best bet for finding cheap Greece souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to local art.
Affordable Accommodations
Cheap Greece hotels and holiday packages are abundant if you know where to look. Opt for accommodations like guesthouses and hostels in lesser-known areas. Booking cheap Greece holiday packages, especially those that include all-inclusive deals, can significantly reduce costs.
For those seeking a unique experience, cheap Greece holidays all inclusive of volunteer work offer both a place to stay and meals, in exchange for your time and skills.
Volunteer Organizations for an All-Inclusive Experience
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Greek culture while giving back, several organizations offer all-inclusive volunteer opportunities. These programs cover your stay, food, and sometimes even transportation, in exchange for your work in conservation, education, or community projects. Not only do these experiences allow you to visit Greece for cheap, but they also provide a meaningful way to connect with local communities and landscapes. You do have to pay for your flights, so book early or go during non peak seasons.
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International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
IVHQ is a leading volunteer organization established in 2007, renowned for placing over 132,000 volunteers in 42+ countries to support global sustainable development. IVHQ has tailored a variety of programs in Greece to suit different interests, all set against the stunning backdrop of Athens and the serene island of Alonissos.
Starting at $690 for a week, the program fees include orientation, accommodation, meals, and more, making your stay as worry-free as possible. Staying in a sustainable hostel in Athens or a modern guest house by the beach in Alonissos offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek life, and projects align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring your efforts contribute to meaningful change. You can also learn the language with their affordable Greek language lessons!
Available IVHQ Programs in Greece:
- Homeless Support in Athens: Aid local NGOs in providing essential services to Athens’ homeless population, such as food, water, and legal documentation support.
- Animal Care in Athens: Work in an animal shelter, caring for, feeding, and socializing dogs and cats to prepare them for adoption.
- Community Support in Athens: Assist in providing workshops, language classes, and other services to help refugees and asylum seekers integrate into Greek society.
- Content Creator for Impact: Use your creative skills to help local NGOs develop their online presence and marketing materials, raising awareness for their causes.
- Marine Conservation in Alonissos: Dive into the azure waters of Alonissos to protect marine life, participate in conservation projects, and earn a PADI scuba certification.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)
Established in 1989, Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is an Australian non-profit that’s championed global volunteer efforts for over three decades, with 25,000+ volunteers in 23 countries. IVI’s projects in Greece, particularly on the island of Chios, allow you to join a network of passionate volunteers in supporting projects that truly make a difference, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges facing this beautiful part of the world.
The cost starts from $380 for the first week, with consecutive weeks priced at $330, making it an affordable way to experience Greece, far removed from the typical tourist path. Plus staying in Chios gives you a unique Greek experience away from overcrowded tourist spots.
Available IVI Programs in Greece:
- Community Support: Dive into various projects aimed at enhancing local communities, from improving school conditions to maintenance of public spaces. Activities include painting classrooms, general maintenance, and beautification projects.
- Kindergarten Support: Assist in kindergartens, helping set up lessons, and supporting local teachers with daily tasks. Create a nurturing environment for children through teaching assistance, supervising lunchtimes, and engaging in fun educational activities, ideal for volunteers passionate about early childhood education and those ready to bring their energy and enthusiasm to the classroom.
- School Teaching Support: Provide support within local schools, assisting teachers and engaging with students. Responsibilities range from lesson planning assistance to helping with arts and crafts and general maintenance tasks.
- Refugee Humanitarian Work: Engage directly in supporting refugees by distributing essential items, working in a free shop, and responding to immediate needs. This is a raw and challenging experience, requiring patience, kindness, and a deep sense of empathy. Volunteers will assist with logistics in the warehouse, distribution of supplies, and various tasks aimed at providing support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
Since 2006, Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) has grown a global network offering over 250 projects in more than 26 countries, with over 15,000 volunteers dedicating 817,275+ hours to causes like healthcare, education, and conservation. With projects in Greece, you not only contribute to meaningful conservation efforts but also immerse yourself in the Greek way of life, particularly on the idyllic Ionian Islands.
Programs start at $798 for two weeks, which includes accommodation, transfers to the project site, and more, making your volunteer trip worry-free and meaningful.
Wildlife and Environmental Protection: Volunteer for a conservation program that focuses on the protection of nature and wildlife. You’ll assist in various tasks including ecosystem monitoring, agricultural work, and data collection. Key Activities include the development of eco-communities, permaculture farming, monitoring of wild cats, marine ecosystem protection, and more.
Volunteers stay in a traditional two-story stone house with modern amenities, close to shops, cafes, and beaches.
Global Vision International (GVI)
Founded in 1997, Global Vision International (GVI) is celebrated for sending over 35,000 volunteers abroad, focusing on sustainable projects. GVI’s programs in Greece take place in two stunning locations on the island of Kefalonia. Program fees include accommodation, food, airport pick-up, all project equipment, various educational and recreational activities, and more, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience.
Available Programs:
- Sea Turtle Conservation in Skala: Engage in efforts to preserve and protect crucial coastal habitats for sea turtles. Activities include beach cleanups, snorkel surveys, and coastal vegetation maintenance.
- Under 18 Sea Turtle Conservation in Argostoli: Designed for teens, this program focuses on protecting loggerhead turtles and their habitats by helping to record nesting activities and protect hatchlings.
Maximizing Your Greek Adventure
- Early Planning: Book your flights and accommodations well in advance to snag the best deals. Cheap flights to Greece can save you a considerable amount, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
- Visit During Off-Peak Seasons: Cheap Greece holidays in May or September can offer the same picturesque settings but with fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Explore Local Markets: For groceries and souvenirs, local markets offer quality products at lower prices than tourist-centered shops.
- Take Advantage of Free Attractions: Greece is filled with free or low-cost attractions, especially its beaches and historical ruins that don’t require entrance fees.
Experience Greece Without the Splurge
Greece’s allure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With strategic planning, choosing less frequented destinations, and considering volunteer opportunities, you can experience the richness of Greek culture, cuisine, and scenery on a budget. Whether it’s through cheap Greece vacations all-inclusive packages or budget-friendly travel choices, Greece’s beauty and heritage are accessible to every traveler yearning for adventure without compromising their finances.
Munira Maricar · Travel Writer
With an international living background spanning Singapore, Qatar, Japan, and Mexico, Munira enjoys sharing insights on immersive travel while emphasizing the vital role of cultural respect and ethical engagement. Her extensive experience offers a unique perspective that inspires others to explore the world through service, ensuring that every journey respects and contributes positively to local traditions and communities.