Destination: Greece

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Money & Costs

Greece is no longer a cheap country. Prices have rocketed since the adoption of the euro in 2002. It’s hard to believe that inflation is less than 4%, as claimed by the government, when prices have risen by more than 50% in two years. Some dramatic price rises, particularly for accommodation and restaurant meals, have been evident especially in the wake of the 2004 Olympic Games.

A rock-bottom daily budget for a solo traveller would be €45. This would mean hitching, staying in youth hostels or camping, and only occasionally eating in restaurants or taking ferries. Allow at least €90 per day if you want your own room and plan to eat out, as well as travelling about and seeing the sights. If you want comfortable rooms and restaurants all the way, you will need close to €130 per day. These budgets are for individuals travelling in high season (July/August). Couples sharing a room can get by on less.

Your money will go much further if you travel during the quieter months of May to June and September to October. Accommodation is a lot cheaper outside high season – particularly on the islands. You will also be able to negotiate better deals if you stay a few days. Families can achieve considerable savings by looking for self-catering apartments, shopping for food and drink at supermarkets and local produce markets and cooking for themselves.

Prices quoted are for the high season in July and August.

HOW MUCH?

Local telephone call: €0.25 per min
Minimum taxi fare: €3
Litre of milk: €1.50
International Herald Tribune: €2
Coffee: €3-4
Soft drink (can): €1
Cinema ticket: €7.50

Travelling to Greece?
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