When planning a European adventure, travelers often find themselves weighing the beauty, culture, and cost of Greece vs. Italy. Both countries boast rich history, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine. But when it comes to budgeting your trip, many ask the same question: Is it cheaper to travel to Greece or Italy? The answer depends on various factors like time of travel, accommodation, transport, and lifestyle choices.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 9 smartest ways to save on your trip whether you’re heading to the islands of Greece or the vineyards of Italy. We’ll also compare costs to help you decide which country might be more budget-friendly for your travel goals.
1. Compare Airfare Deals Early
Winner: Greece (by a small margin)
One of the biggest costs of international travel is your flight. While both countries are major European travel hubs, Greece often has slightly cheaper flights, especially to Athens via budget airlines from within Europe.
How to save:
Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
Book at least 2–3 months in advance.
Be flexible with dates and fly mid-week to get the best deals.
Consider flying into a secondary airport (e.g., Thessaloniki in Greece or Bologna in Italy) and traveling overland.
2. Travel in the Shoulder Season
Winner: Tie
Both Greece and Italy are swamped with tourists during the summer months. Traveling during the shoulder seasons (April–June and September–October) means:
Lower hotel prices
Cheaper attractions
Fewer crowds
In both countries, the weather remains pleasant, and you’ll enjoy a more authentic experience without breaking the bank.
3. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation
Winner: Greece
Italy has a wide range of hotels and luxury resorts, but Greece, especially its islands, offers cheaper guesthouses, hostels, and Airbnb rentals. If you’re backpacking or traveling as a couple, your euro will likely go further in Greece.
Accommodation tips:
Book in smaller towns near major attractions.
Try traditional guesthouses (like “domatia” in Greece).
Stay at agriturismos in Italy—rural farms that offer meals and lodging.
4. Use Public Transport and Ferries
Winner: Italy for trains, Greece for island ferries
Italy’s train system is highly developed and relatively affordable, especially with regional trains. Greece, on the other hand, lacks an extensive rail network but makes up for it with cheap ferries connecting the islands.
Transportation savings:
In Italy, use Trenitalia’s regional trains instead of high-speed ones for short distances.
In Greece, book ferries in advance and use slower boats to save.
Use public buses in both countries—they’re reliable and inexpensive.
5. Eat Like a Local
Winner: Tie (but Greece offers slightly more value)
Both Greece and Italy are famous for their cuisine, and both offer budget-friendly meals—if you know where to look. In Greece, you can easily find a generous gyros or souvlaki meal for under €5. Italy has delicious pizza, pasta, and paninis that are also easy on the wallet.
Food savings:
Skip tourist traps near landmarks.
Eat where locals eat—look for places full of locals, not just tourists.
Try bakeries and delis for budget breakfasts and lunches.
In Italy, avoid table charges by eating at the bar.
6. Explore Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Winner: Greece
Greece is often more generous when it comes to free-entry ruins, beaches, and museums, especially outside of Athens. While Italy boasts incredible sites like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums, entry fees can quickly add up.
Attraction tips:
Check for free museum days in both countries.
In Greece, many archaeological sites are free on certain days of the month.
Explore churches, parks, and beaches—many are free to enjoy.
In Italy, smaller towns offer amazing architecture and views at no cost.
7. Choose Budget Destinations Within Each Country
Winner: Greece
Both countries have touristy and expensive areas—think Santorini in Greece or Venice in Italy. But Greece offers a larger selection of budget-friendly islands and towns compared to Italy’s tourist-heavy cities.
Budget alternatives:
Instead of Santorini, visit Naxos or Paros.
Instead of Rome, try Lecce or Bologna.
Instead of Mykonos, visit Sifnos or Milos.
Instead of Venice, explore Bergamo or Verona.
These locations provide a rich experience at a fraction of the cost.
8. Plan Your Own Itinerary
Winner: Tie
Tour packages can be convenient but often expensive. Both Greece and Italy are very DIY-friendly destinations. Planning your own itinerary using local transport, booking your own tours, and eating independently can save hundreds of euros.
Money-saving ideas:
Use free travel apps to plan your route (Rome2Rio, Omio, Google Maps).
Walk or cycle in cities rather than using taxis.
Join free walking tours in cities like Athens, Rome, and Florence.
Limit organized excursions unless truly unique or difficult to access.
9. Shop Smart for Souvenirs
Winner: Greece
Souvenirs in Greece tend to be more affordable and locally made, from olive oil and soap to handmade jewelry and ceramics. Italy offers higher-end leather and fashion goods, which, while beautiful, are usually pricier.
Shopping tips:
In Greece, shop at local markets and support artisans.
In Italy, watch out for “Made in China” fakes near tourist sites.
Buy food items (like spices, cheeses, and oils) as edible souvenirs.
Set a souvenir budget and stick to it!
10. Is Greece or Italy Cheaper Overall?
Winner: Greece
While both countries offer ways to travel affordably, Greece often comes out cheaper overall, particularly when it comes to accommodation, food, and attractions. Italy has more costly entrance fees, and accommodation in tourist cities can be expensive.
That said, Italy has an excellent transportation network and offers strong value in rural areas and southern cities. Your personal travel style—luxury vs. budget, urban vs. island—will ultimately determine which country offers the better deal for you.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely and Spend Smart
When asking *“Is it cheaper to travel to Greece or Italy?”*, the answer is: it depends on where you go, how you travel, and what kind of experiences you’re after. Greece may give you more for your money, especially if you’re seeking laid-back island life, rustic accommodations, and fresh, inexpensive meals. Italy, on the other hand, shines with its efficient trains, historical landmarks, and world-famous cities—but you’ll need to plan carefully to avoid blowing your budget.
By using these 9 travel-saving tips, you can make the most of your European vacation without breaking the bank—whether you choose sun-drenched Greek islands or pasta-filled piazzas in Italy.
FAQs
1. Is it cheaper to fly into Greece or Italy from the U.S. or Europe?
From the U.S., flights to Italy (especially Rome or Milan) are often more direct and slightly cheaper. However, from within Europe, Greece (especially Athens) usually has more low-cost carrier options, making it cheaper for intra-European travelers.
2. Which country is more budget-friendly for backpackers?
Greece is generally better suited for backpackers due to its affordable hostels, guesthouses, and cheap street food. Italy can be affordable too, but major cities are more expensive unless you stick to less touristy towns.
3. Are attractions and museums more expensive in Italy than in Greece?
Yes, Italy’s famous sites (like the Vatican, Colosseum, and Uffizi Gallery) can be pricey. Greece has many free or low-cost ancient ruins and sites, especially outside the major cities.
4. Can I visit both Greece and Italy in one trip on a budget?
Yes! Budget airlines and ferries make multi-country travel possible, especially if you’re flexible with your route and dates. Stick to southern Italy and western Greece for easier and cheaper connections.
5. What’s a good daily budget for Greece vs. Italy?
Greece: €50–€70/day (budget)
Italy: €70–€100/day (budget to mid-range)
These include accommodation, meals, transport, and attractions. Luxury travel in either country can exceed €200/day easily.
