6 Greek Islands for a Cheap Holiday in 2025

Travel Guides

Direct Ferries Blog
By Direct Ferries Team 19 June 2025
view of Rhodes bay in Greece

The general rules for saving money on your Greek holiday are similar to those for any other trip: book transport and accommodation well in advance, eat local food in less touristy areas, find out if there are any free activities available for when you're there, and of course, travel out of season.

On this last point, however, it's worth asking the question - is it really a good idea to travel out of season? The Greek Islands for example, are a popular summer destination. And whilst it's true that July and August can be hell - unless you don't mind being confined to a square metre of beach and unable to move to get to the sea - holidaying on a Greek Island in say November, offers a totally different experience and perhaps one that won't suit everyone.

Not to mention that the Greek population, like many others in the Mediterranean, have specific summer holidays so you may find that on many of the islands, shops will be closed, places will be empty and in extreme cases, there may be little or no connection to the mainland.

But there's a secret to finding a cheap holiday without giving up everything you expect from a Greek Island. It's about choosing the islands that retain all the characteristics of their more famous neighbours, but which (for now) are not yet on the tourist radar.

Here's a few golden rules for the seasoned traveller:

  • Choose independent or family-run establishments, both in terms of food and accommodation. The smaller the location, the more likely you are to experience a warm welcome and incredible service. 
  • If you're arriving by plane, opt for cheap flights to major cities (such as Athens and Thessaloniki) or the main islands (such as Crete and Mykonos) and then use the local buses and ferries to get around.
  • Take note of all the free activities available, but at the same time don't be put off by the paid attractions. Given the unique number of archaeological sites in the world, entrance fees are usually very cheap (we're talking a few euros per person).

So, now you're in the mood to start planning your trip, let's take a look at some of the Greek islands that can work out really cheap. The list could be endless (there are about 6000 islands in Greece!), so we've selected some of the islands that offer the perfect balance between cheap and less crowded, but also interesting enough to be the main destination for a holiday.

Vistas al paseo marítimo de la isla de Egina, en Grecia

Aegina: a stone's throw from Athens, because comfort is priceless

Despite being less than an hour's ferry ride from Athens, making it close enough for day trips, Aegina (Greek: Αίγινα) manages to maintain a relaxed atmosphere and cheap prices. Aegina may not be an island that makes you feel far from civilisation, but it is surrounded by miles and miles of ocean, with plenty of greenery and beautiful beaches.

How difficult is it to get to Aegina?

Aegina is located in the Saronic Gulf, only 50 km from Athens. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by a low-cost flight to Athens, followed by a ferry crossing from Athens (Piraeus) to Aegina (a 40-minute to 1 hour crossing depending on the type of ferry).

What not to miss in Aegina

  • The natural landscape, with pine and olive trees, makes the perfect setting for long walks.
  • Tourists love to visit the temple of Aphaia, which dates back to 570 BC and is dedicated to the island's local goddess.
  • The picturesque harbour town, full of narrow streets and waterfront cafes where you can have a coffee and watch island life go by.
  • The beautiful beaches, such as the beach of Marathonas.

A tip for your holiday in Aegina:

Stay in Aegina and visit Athens for the day instead of the other way around. We also recommend that you visit the rest of the archipelago, such as Poros and Spetses. The convenience of transport is the same, but accommodation will be cheaper.

Popular Ferry Routes to Aegina

Vistas a la isla de Naxos, en Grecia

Naxos: the cheapest of the most popular islands

Nestled between the world-famous Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos (Greek: Νάξος) remains one of the cheapest Greek islands. Thanks to the windy climate, it's the ideal destination if you enjoy water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing. Mount Zas (1,004 metres, the highest in the Cyclades), also makes it a great choice for hikers. And that's not all - according to myths, it is the island where Theseus abandoned Ariadne after defeating the Minotaur. Hence one of the interpretations of its name - not the most historically cited but certainly the most poetic: ‘to stand on Naxos’.

Is it difficult to get to Naxos?

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades Islands, an archipelago in the Aegean Sea. To get there, you can simply take a cheap flight to Athens or nearby Santorini and Mykonos, and then a short ferry ride to Naxos. The ferry ride from Athens (Piraeus) to Naxos takes about four hours, so if you don't like ferry crossings, it's much more convenient to fly direct to the island.

What you can't miss on Naxos:

  • The local beaches (such as St. Anna, St. Procopius, Alikos, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Plaka and St. George).
  • Chora, the capital and main port, with its traditional architecture and postcard-perfect views.
  • The sunset view from the Temple of Apollo (near the harbour).
  • Hiking on Mount Zas and Mount Fanari (on foot or by renting a mountain bike).
  • Kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing on windy days.

A tip for your holiday on Naxos

Naxos is less well known than the other main Greek islands. However, with its beauty and attractions, so many tourists are starting to head there. It's definitely an island that's likely to become more crowded in the next few years, so... you'd better go soon!

Popular Ferry Routes to Naxos

Ios: a cheap Mykonos

Ios (Ίος in Greek) is the ‘sister’ of Mykonos. It's the ideal destination if you like to party, with many people travelling to Chora, the main town, every night to dance in the local bars and nightclubs.

How difficult is it to get to Ios?

Ios is located in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. The itinerary is similar to Naxos in that you can get a cheap flight to Athens or the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, and a ferry ride to the island. Remember to disembark on neighbouring islands if you prefer a longer flight and shorter ferry trip, or vice versa. You can also find crossings from Athens via the Athens (Piraeus) - Ios ferry route.

What not to miss on Ios:

  • The local beaches: Yalos, Mylopotas, Manganari and Agia Teodoti.
  • Mangari and Paleokastro, two traditional villages that offer a glimpse of authentic island life.
  • Numerous water sports such as windsurfing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding and scuba diving. Beware though, some are not very cheap!
  • Visit the shepherds' paths to Pyrgos, the highest peak on the island.
  • Chora, the central village, with its picturesque white houses and cobbled streets.

A tip for your holiday on Ios:

Have you always dreamed of an overnight holiday on Mykonos? Stay in Ios, take the ferry to Mykonos and party until the early hours. In the morning, you can return home on the first ferry to Ios.

Rhodes: a famous name, an island to discover

It's not clear how or why Rhodes (Greek: Ρόδος) manages to keep its prices low despite its fame, but it's certainly nothing to complain about! Holidays to Rhodes are perfect for those who are in love with Greece, its history, culture and cuisine. You won't want to pass up the opportunity to enjoy a quieter holiday and escape the ‘tourist traps’ that are quite popular on neighbouring islands.

How difficult is it to get to Rhodes?

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and is located in the Aegean Sea, just 17.7 km off the Turkish coast. You can get a direct flight to Rhodes from the UK. You can also take a ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Rhodes.

What not to miss in Rhodes:

  • The beaches of Anthony Quinn - considered by many to be the most beautiful - Lindos, Tsambika, Agathi and Traganou.
  • Prassonisi beach, perfect for surfing when the wind picks up.
  • The remains of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, you can see two columns with two deer statues, located in the harbour of Madraki.
  • The Acropolis and all that can be admired while strolling through the main town, an open-air museum.
  • Lindos, its Acropolis and its castle.
  • The castle of Kritinia and the town of the same name.
  • The springs of Kallithea, an ancient thermal complex only 10 km from the centre of Rhodes. It overlooks some of the most beautiful beaches of the island (Oasis beach, Nicolas beach and Jordan beach).

A tip for your holiday in Rhodes:

On Stegna beach (about 30 km from Rhodes Town), the Koza family has been serving seafood since 1932. Their cuisine is legendary and all the dishes are worth trying, but those who have been there recommend ordering the cuttlefish and rice, seafood spaghetti and smoked octopus.

Popular Ferry Routes to Rhodes

vistas de la Acropolis de Lindos, en la isla de Rodas, Grecia

Samos: a hidden gem on Turkey's coastline

Samos (also ‘Samos’, in Greek Σάμος) manages to stay under the radar, which has allowed it to keep prices low and therefore become one of the cheapest Greek islands. The culture of Samos draws from Greek and Turkish culture (the home of Pythagoras and Epicurus, among many others). Samos is ideal if you're willing to make the extra effort to get to this more secluded island and enjoy one of the best destinations in Greece, all without the typical tourist crowds.

How difficult is it to get to Samos?

Samos is an island located in the eastern part of the Aegean, between the island of Chios to the north and the Dodecanese islands to the south. The coast of Turkey is only 1,000m away. You can fly from the UK to Samos International Airport, but you'll have to make stopovers on most routes. Your best bet would be to get a flight from the UK to Athens and then get a ferry. You can get there from Athens via the Athens (Piraeus) - Karlovassi ferry route or the Athens (Piraeus) - Vathi ferry route.

What not to miss in Samos:

  • The Pythagoreion (an ancient fortified port named after Pythagoras, of course) and the Heraion (an Ionian temple dedicated to Hera), both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • The beaches are among the best in the country with vibrant blue waters. They're never overcrowded and are surrounded by lush vegetation. 
  • Visit the ruins of the Temple of Hera and the Tunnel of Eupalinos.

Here's a tip for your holiday on Samos:

Take a trip to Turkey. Ferries from the ports of Pythagorio and Vathi in Kusadasi (Turkey) leave several times a day and take between 50 minutes and an hour.

Popular Ferry Routes to Samos

Tinos: picturesque and artistic

Tinos (Τήνος in Greek) is a serene, artistic and inexpensive island. It's ideal if you enjoy art, traditional food and wine and the natural beauty that surrounds the island.

How difficult is it to get to Tinos?

Tinos is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades archipelago. It has no airport, so the most convenient option is to fly to Mykonos and then take a 20-30 minute ferry to Tinos. You also have the option of landing in Athens and boarding from there; the journey takes an average of 4 hours and will be via the Athens (Piraeus) - Tinos ferry route.

What not to miss on Tinos

  • The beaches, from the wildest and most surfer-friendly (Kolymbithra) to those perfect for relaxing in the sun (Agios Ioannis).
  • Pyrgos and Volax, two unique villages characterised by the presence of marble and granite, whose origin is still unknown. Volax also has characteristic poems on the doors of the buildings.
  • Take one of the guided tours to discover the island better: a 4x4 excursion, a tasting of local food and wine, etc.
  • The church of Panagia Evangelistria.
  • The Venetian fortifications of Mount Exomvourgo.

A tip for your holiday on Tinos:

August sees the celebrations of the Dormition (‘dekapentavgoustos’ in Greek) of the Virgin Mary, which attract worshippers from all over the world. The exact date is 15th August and it is not uncommon to see the faithful walk the 800 metres from the port to the church on their knees as a sign of devotion. If religious folklore isn't your thing, you might want to avoid this period, and the Easter period too.

Popular Ferry Routes to Tinos

In conclusion...

These are only 6 islands (out of a total of 6000), but they are far from being the only cheap Greek islands where you can spend a unique holiday. You can also find really wild islands, where there are no means of transport (like Hydra) or some so quiet that you won't meet people for days (Ikaria, the island where time stands still). The best way to choose the right one is to do a lot of research and be well organised - enjoy your holiday in Greece and see you on board!

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