How Much Does a Greece Trip From India Cost?

A Greece trip from India costs most in three places: return flights, hotels on islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, and the ferries or short flights between them. Athens is moderately priced. The month you travel matters more than anything else: May, June, September and October bring good weather at noticeably lower prices than July and August.

Greece can be a moderate trip or a very expensive one, depending on which islands you choose and the views you want from your room. This guide breaks the cost down by component, explains what moves the price and shows where to save. We do not quote exact prices, which change by season and exchange rate; use this as a framework when you compare quotes.

Where the money goes

Flights

Most flights from India to Athens have one stop, via the Gulf, Istanbul or a European hub; check current schedules for any non-stop options. Fares rise for May and June, when Indian summer holidays begin, and in July and August. Booking three to four months ahead usually helps. Some travellers fly into Athens and out of Santorini or Mykonos via a European hub to avoid returning to the capital.

Hotels

Santorini's caldera-view hotels in Oia and Fira are among the most expensive in Europe in summer. Staying in Kamari, Perissa or inland villages costs far less, with short bus or taxi rides to the views. Mykonos is also pricey in peak season. Naxos, Paros and Milos offer better value. In Athens, Plaka and Monastiraki are central, while Koukaki and Pangrati are often cheaper and still walkable to the Acropolis.

Ferries and domestic flights

Ferries link Athens's ports of Piraeus and Rafina with the Cyclades. Fast boats cut journey times but cost more and can be cancelled in strong winds, especially the summer meltemi. Slow ferries are cheaper and more stable. Domestic flights from Athens to Santorini, Mykonos and Crete save time. Book summer ferries and flights early, and keep a buffer day before your international flight.

Local transport

Athens has an efficient metro, including a line from the airport to the centre, and most sights in the old city are walkable. On the islands, public buses are cheap and link the main towns and beaches, though they are crowded in summer. Taxis are limited on busy islands, so pre-book port and airport transfers. Car or scooter hire gives freedom but requires the right licence and careful driving on narrow roads.

Sights and tours

The Acropolis uses timed entry, and the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora and Delphi add further tickets. A combined ticket can save money if you visit several archaeological sites in Athens. Popular extras include a sunset catamaran cruise in Santorini and a day cruise from Athens to Hydra, Poros and Aegina, as in our Athens short break.

Food

Greek food is good value away from the most famous viewpoints. Bakeries sell spinach and cheese pies for breakfast, and tavernas serve generous shared plates. Vegetarians eat well, and Athens has several Indian restaurants. Restaurants with caldera views charge a premium; eat at the view for a drink and dine elsewhere.

Budget, mid-range and luxury styles

How the season changes the bill

How your route changes the cost

Athens with Santorini and Mykonos is the classic first trip and the most expensive island pairing. Swapping one of them for Naxos, Paros or Milos lowers costs. Crete is large and varied, with good-value stays outside the resort towns. Day trips from Athens to Delphi or the Saronic islands are affordable ways to add variety.

Package or do-it-yourself

A package makes the budget predictable, especially when ferries and hotels need to line up. When comparing, list what each option includes: hotels and views, breakfasts, port and airport transfers, ferry class, site tickets, cruises and taxes.

Eight ways to bring the total down

1. Travel in May, June, September or October.
2. Book flights, ferries and island hotels early.
3. Choose one famous island and one quieter one.
4. Stay away from the caldera edge and visit for sunset.
5. Use slow ferries where time allows.
6. Buy a combined archaeological ticket in Athens.
7. Eat at tavernas and bakeries rather than view restaurants.
8. Pay with a low-fee forex card.

For families and parents

Santorini's cliffside hotels often have many steps, so parents may prefer beach areas or hotels with level access. Children enjoy the beaches of Naxos and Crete, and many sites have reduced entry for young people. Choose fewer islands to cut down on ferry days.

For couples and honeymooners

Honeymooners often spend on one or two nights with a caldera view and stay more simply for the rest. A sunset cruise usually gives the same view as an expensive dinner.

How to compare quotes

Line up offers item by item: nights on each island, room views, breakfasts, transfers, ferry or flight class, tickets, cruises and taxes. A lower price often means no view, slow ferries or no transfers.

Visa, insurance and forex

Greece is in the Schengen area. Check requirements with the Embassy of Greece in India. Travel insurance is required for Schengen visas, and Greece uses the euro.

Next steps

Read our 7-day Greece itinerary and Greece trip guide from India, then price each component. A BagPackerMe planner can build a line-by-line quote privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the most expensive part of a Greece trip?

Hotels on Santorini and Mykonos in July and August are usually the biggest cost, especially rooms with caldera or sea views. Flights from India and inter-island transport come next.

Is it cheaper to take ferries or fly between islands?

Ferries are usually cheaper and cover more islands, though fast boats cost more than slow ones. Short domestic flights save time on longer routes such as Athens to Santorini. Book both early in summer.

Is Greece good for vegetarian travellers?

Yes. Greek salad, spanakopita, gemista (stuffed vegetables), fava, giant beans and many vegetable dishes are widely available, and Athens has Indian restaurants. Jain travellers should plan meals ahead.

When is Greece cheapest to visit?

April, May, late September and October usually balance good weather with lower prices. Many island hotels close from November to March, so winter suits Athens rather than the islands.