How to Do Santorini on a Budget

Written by Corie Daniel Last updated June 10th 202510/06/25

Ah, Santorini! The name alone conjures images of sugar-cube houses cascading down volcanic cliffs, blue-domed churches catching the golden hour, and crystal waters sparkling like a Greek god’s bath. But for many travellers, this dream can seem just a bit out of budget.

Don’t worry – your Greek island fantasy is still doable, without the luxury price tag. Whether you’re a savvy student traveller, a romantic couple not looking to break the bank, or a family trying to squeeze the most out of your euros, we’ve got the ultimate guide to doing Santorini on a budget. Spoiler: you don’t have to sleep in a cave suite to live the island life.

1. Consider a Day Trip from Nearby Islands

Let’s get this trick out early: you don’t have to stay overnight on Santorini to experience its magic.

Accommodation on the island – especially during the summer – can be steep (we’re talking London hotel on New Year’s Eve steep). That’s why many savvy travellers are choosing to stay on nearby Greek islands and take a day trip via ferry to Santorini instead. Islands like Naxos, Paros, Ios and Crete not only offer significantly cheaper accommodation but also have a more laid-back, local feel with excellent food at local prices. High-speed ferries can get you to Santorini in one to two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the highlights before heading back in the evening. This means you can soak in the views, snap that famous Oia sunset, and dodge both the peak sunset crowds and the extortionate hotel rates.

Simply take a look at the ferry schedules and plan your dreamy day trip ahead of time. Booking your ferry tickets in advance can save you both money and the stress of last-minute changes—especially during the high season.

2. Travel Off-Peak (And Thank Yourself Later)

If you want to make your money stretch further, consider skipping the high summer months of July and August. Not only are prices at their highest, but the island is also packed and scorching hot. Travelling in May, early June, or September gives you all the benefits of beautiful weather without the inflated costs. Hotels and ferries are more affordable, restaurants are less crowded, and the whole island feels a bit more relaxed. The sea is still warm enough to swim in, and you’ll have a better chance of scoring a great deal on a room or a ferry seat with a view.

Plus, there’s something extra magical about enjoying the caldera views without a hundred people jockeying for the same Instagram angle.

3. Skip the Cliff-Edge Hotels (But Keep the View)

Staying overnight in Santorini doesn’t have to mean forking out hundreds per night for a caldera-view suite. For a much more affordable option, consider booking accommodation in charming inland villages like Pyrgos or Karterados. These spots are just a short bus ride from the main tourist areas and offer a more authentic and peaceful vibe—often at half the price of places in Oia or Fira.

Another clever strategy is to book a hotel or hostel that offers a shared rooftop terrace. You might not get the caldera view from your bed, but you’ll still enjoy the iconic scenery from a communal space. Alternatively, head to public viewpoints like the castle in Oia or the Akrotiri Lighthouse with a bottle of local wine and a few bakery treats. You’ll still get that perfect Santorini sunset moment—just without the four-figure price tag.

4. Use the Bus System Like a Local

While taxis on Santorini can be scarce and very expensive (think London black cab levels), the island’s KTEL bus network is a budget traveller’s dream. These air-conditioned buses run regularly between all the major towns and beaches, including Fira, Oia, Perissa, and Kamari, and tickets cost just €1.60 to €2.50 depending on the route.

The bus station in Fira serves as the main hub, making it easy to transfer to different parts of the island. Timetables are posted at the stations and are generally reliable, even in high season. If you’re planning to explore multiple areas in a day, this is by far the most cost-effective and straightforward way to get around.

5. Eat Like a Local – Because It’s Better Anyway

Food is one of the highlights of any Greek island trip, and it doesn’t need to be expensive to be amazing. Skip the overpriced cliffside restaurants and instead dive into Santorini’s street food and local tavernas. You’ll find mouth-watering gyros and souvlaki for just a few euros, served with homemade tzatziki and crispy chips. Local bakeries are perfect for a quick and tasty bite, with offerings like spanakopita (spinach pie) and bougatsa (custard pastry) that won’t break the bank.

Villages like Megalochori or Emporio are filled with family-run restaurants that serve up delicious, authentic meals at a fraction of the cost of tourist hotspots. And when it comes to drinks, skip the trendy bars and grab a bottle of Santorini wine from a supermarket or vineyard to enjoy during a sunset picnic. Cheaper, more personal, and arguably more romantic.

6. Free (or Cheap) Things You’ll Brag About Anyway

Some of the best experiences on Santorini are completely free. The hike from Fira to Oia is a must-do for budget travellers and offers some of the most stunning views in the entire Cyclades. The walk takes about two to three hours and includes sweeping views of the caldera, quaint churches, and dramatic cliffs.

For beach lovers, Perissa and Kamari offer striking black sand shores and warm waters without any entry fees. History buffs can explore Ancient Thera or the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri for just a few euros, discovering Santorini’s fascinating volcanic past and ancient civilizations. Don’t forget to wander into the island’s many whitewashed churches and chapels—each one tells its own story and offers a peaceful moment away from the tourist bustle.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to spend like royalty to feel like a Greek god in Santorini. With a bit of planning, a dash of ferry-hopping, and a willingness to eat like a local, you can soak in all the sun-drenched charm of this iconic island without melting your travel card.

So whether you’re sailing in from Paros for the day or catching that golden Oia sunset with a bakery pastry and €4 wine, Santorini is just as magical on a budget—maybe even more so.