Planning a budget trip to Greece from India? Here’s how to do it.

Greece is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the world. Did you know that there are a total of 6000 islands and islets in Greece? But not all of them are inhabited; only about 227 islands are inhabited and every one of them is stunning.

Travellers flock to this island nation for its rich history, stunning seaside locales, food, nightlife and gorgeous hiking trails that offer some of the best views of the Aegean and the Mediterranean sea. All these sounds like the making of a holiday that could burn holes in your pockets. But surprisingly, you can do all that in Greece in a budget-friendly way.

Here are some of the tips you can use to plan a budget trip to Greece.

If you are on a budget, avoid the peak months of July and August. This is the time when the airfares and accommodation rates shoot up. Even though Greece, in general, is a budget-friendly country, travelling in the peak months can really put a strain on your budget. The shoulder months of May, June, September and October are, by far, the best time to visit Greece. Though these months are not peak season, you will find everything up and running. Not to forget, less visitors and heavy discounts on airfares, ferries and accommodation.

There’s nothing better than booking in advance. As they say, Early Bird Gets the Worm, it is true in the case of accommodation in Greece. If you are planning to look for accommodation after reaching your destination, it’ll land you in a very expensive and not so pleasant situation with your rooms. Greece is also a favourite destination among backpackers so you can expect to find plenty of affordable hostel stays in the islands. But again, do book in advance to get an option to choose for rooms with better views and facilities.

When in Greece, unless you are planning to stick to just one destination (spread out, live a little!), you will be taking a lot of ferries to go from one island to the other. Again, you need to book early as there is always a considerable price difference between advance booking and walk-ins. Popular islands have multiple ferry services, so it is always better to compare the price before you buy your ticket. When it comes to budget and comfort, slow ferries are better than the fast ones. They cost less and not many opt for the slow ferries, so there is a possibility of travelling in comfort. While exploring the islands, take local transport like buses and trains. Always a lot cheaper than cabs.

Now that you are in Greece, how to get around? Depending on where you are, you might want to check the availability of trains and local buses. Travel by cars can get expensive real fast. You can hire scooters and bikes too to go around the town. They are usually very budget-friendly. If you are planning to explore the island of Hydra, wear comfortable footwear as you will have to walk the whole time. All motor vehicles are banned on the island.

When in Greece, it’s always good to look for discounts while visiting famous monuments. Usually, there are great discounts for students, senior citizens and those under 26 years of age. Also, all beaches in Greece have free entry.

The eateries by the sea or beach will be very expensive. These places cater especially to tourists so rates are higher than your usual local eateries. Go local when in Greece; you will be able to experience not only authentic Greek cuisine but will also be able to interact with the locals. Look for street side vendors selling local specialities, like souvlaki sandwiches, loukoumades, and koulouri (bagels) to name a few.