Island hopping in Greece doesn’t need to mean crowded Santorini or Mykonos prices. While Santorini’s well-known cave hotels cost EUR250+/ night, these more affordable Greek island alternatives use the exact same spectacular white-and-blue appeal for under EUR80– plus empty beaches, genuine tavernas, and stunning sunsets without the traveler crowds. Discover 7 hidden gem islands where you can experience the very best of Greece (without the hype or high expenses) in 2025!
Category | Santorini/Mykonos | Surprise Gem Islands |
---|---|---|
Cost (Daily) | EUR250+ hotels, EUR70+ meals | EUR60– 120 hotels, EUR25– 40 meals |
Crowds | Overwhelming (10/10) | Serene (3/10) |
Experience | Traveler traps, long queues | Genuine towns, empty beaches |
Best For | Instagram photos | Cultural immersion |
Top Islands | Santorini, Mykonos | Milos, Naxos, Sifnos, Serifos, Paros |
Ferryboat Tips | Costly, congested | Book through Ferryhopper, conserve 15% |
Pro Idea | Sundown areas packed by 5PM | Secret beaches accessible throughout the day |
Why select options? Save EUR1,000+/ week while taking pleasure in authentic Greek culture without crowds
Cheaper Than Santorini? Here’s the Evidence
The majority of tourists presume the popular Greek islands included premium cost, however that’s where the vast bulk get it incorrect. Let’s break down the genuine numbers that’ll make you reassess your Greece travel plan:
Expense | Santorini | Alternatives (Milos, Sifnos, etc) |
---|---|---|
Hotel (June 2025) | EUR250+ per night | EUR60– 120 per night |
Dinner for 2 | EUR70+ | EUR25– 40 |
Sunset Cruise | EUR100 per person | EUR35 per person |
Crowd Level | 10/10 3/10 Why pay too much when | you can book a beachfront studio in Milos
for EUR85/night and actually enjoy your getaway without the chaos? The Greek island hopping adventure you’ve imagined is absolutely possible on a reasonable budget plan– you just require to know where to look. These lesser known islands offer everything the most popular Greek islands promise : spectacular views, lovely towns, great beaches, and that essential Greek experience. The difference? You’ll have breathing space to in fact enjoy it all. The 7 Islands( +How to Get There Without Squandering Time )Here’s what most Greek island hopping schedules get incorrect: they assume you require to backtrack to Athens in between every destination. That’s a massive waste of valuable holiday time! The ferryboat services linking the Cyclades islands are more extensive than most people understand. Secret idea: Book ferries on Ferryhopper, not direct– conserves 15 %on ferry tickets and gives you real-time updates on high speed ferries. Flight hack: Skip Athens entirely! Fly straight to Milos from major European cities(EUR55 with Sky Express )and start your Greek island hopping journey right away. Island 1: Milos — The Volcanic Marvel Why it’s special: Milos is the only island where you can sail into transcendent sea caves aboard a conventional kaiki boat journey. The ancient volcano that formed this landscapeproduced a few of the most dramatic shorelines in the Aegean Sea. What you’ll save: Spending plan lodging: EUR65-100/ night Local taverna meal: EUR12-20(try”Armenaki “in Klima village )Automobile rentals: EUR25-35/ day(vital for reaching concealed beaches)Getting there:
link via Piraeus
As the largest island in the Cyclades, there’s lots ofarea to expand, plus it offers incredible worth for cash. What makes it special: Ancient Greece history buffs will love the Temple of Apollo Incredible beaches that go for miles Rates that will not make you recoil: lodging from EUR45-80/ night Getting around: The main town(Chora) is easily walkable, but lease an automobile to check out the many beaches dotting Budget plan breakdown: Captivating guesthouse: EUR50-90/ night Authentic meal per person: EUR15-25 Day trip around the island: EUR30(consisting of transportation) Island connections: From Milos, it’s just 1 hour by ferry(EUR18)– no requirement to go back to Athens! The ferryboat services
45 minutes, EUR65). From other Cyclades islands, anticipate about an hour travel time on high speed ferries. Must-do: Check out Parikia’s archaeological site and take a night stroll through Naoussa’s fishing village– postcard perfect 7: Kimolos– The Untouched Trick Kimolos is what Santorini resembled 30 years back– pure, pristine, and blissfully crowd-free. This lower known island sits simply across from Milos, linked by a 20-minute ferryboat
on the island Pro tip: Usage Kimolos as your base and take outing to Milos– you’ll save time and money while experiencing two islands for the cost of one tourist location. Travel plan Hack: The Perfect 7-Day Loop(No Backtracking!)Day 1-2: Athens → Milos(ferryboat from Piraeus Port) Day 3-4:
(1-4 PM)are for siestas, not sightseeing. Explore at sunrise or sunset like the residents do. Hidden Costs: Little ferryboats between Cycladic Islands often charge EUR5-10 per bag– pack light or spending plan extra . Pro suggestion: Backpacks=complimentary! Local Secrets: For
: EUR1,200/ week in Santorini vs. EUR550for much better vibes in these concealed gems 10/10 crowds vs. your personal sunset spot
permanently. The
ancient Greeks knewparadise
on CuddlyNest today and unlock: Local-approved apartment or condos(no traveler traps)Free cancellation(plan hassle-free)Secret discounts for wise travelers like you The real Greece is waiting– and it costs half what the crowds are paying. Claim Your Perfect Island Base Now “Travel smarter, not harder. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.”FAQs For Island Hopping in Greece What ‘s the best time of year for island hopping in Greece on a spending plan ? Late May to mid-June and September are ideal– ferryboats are running often, weather is best, and costs are 30– 40%cheaper than peak July– August rates. Can I utilize one ferry pass for several islands, or do I book each journey independently? You’ll need to book each leg individually. Platforms like Ferryhopper or Seajets make it simple to compare paths and prices– however no single pass coversall islands like a Eurail. Is money required on these lesser-known islands? Yes, especially for local tavernas, small ferryboats , and remote locations. Bring cash– some villages still operate mainly offline and ATMs can go out during summer . How many islands can I reasonably visit in 7 days? 3 islands max. Plan 2– 3 nights per island to avoid rushing and factor in ferry schedules, which may just run certain days in between smaller islands. Explore More in Greece |