10 Comments

Greece is one of the most beloved destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year with its sparkling islands, golden beaches, and cultural wealth. For many travelers, the biggest question is how to reach this Mediterranean paradise without spending extra. Fortunately, finding budget flights in Greece has never been easier.

Whether you’re planning to explore the ancient ruins of Athens, watch the famous sunset in Santorini, or stroll through the coastal villages of Crete, there are several airlines that connect Europe with Greece at surprisingly low prices. Below, we’ll explore the best airlines and their routes to Greece, plus budget-friendly places to stay and must-see attractions in each destination.

Find out how much the air ticket may cost

Budget Flights to Athens:

Athens is the beating heart of Greece, a city where history and modern life collide. Most international visitors come here first, making it the busiest and best-connected airport in the country. Fortunately, many carriers offer affordable connectivity.

Athens is the beating heart of Greece, a city where history and modern life collide. Most international visitors come here first, making it the busiest and best-connected airport in the country. Fortunately, many carriers offer affordable connectivity.

Ryanair:  This airline connects Athens with more than 20 European cities, including London, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid. Fares often drop below €30 when booked early, making it one of the most affordable ways to start your Greek journey.

Wizz Air: This airline offers cheap flights to Athens from Eastern and Central European centers such as Budapest, Warsaw, and Bucharest. If you are traveling from this area, it is a great choice.

EasyJet: Offers regular flights to Athens International Airport from the UK, Germany, and France. Known for competitive pricing and straightforward service.

Aegean Airline: The national carrier of Greece, often cheaper than expected during seasonal sales. The Aegean connects Athens not only to Europe but also to islands such as Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Find out how much the hotel room may cost

Budget Hotels in Athens:

Budget Hotels in Athens:

Athens Backpackers: Step from the Acropolis; this hostel is a hub for young travelers.
Hotel Katerina: A comfortable budget hotel near Omonia Square with good transport links.
Pella Inn Hostel: Offers affordable dorm and terrace views of the Parthenon.
Tempi Hotel: Simple, centrally located near Monastiraki Square.

Must-See in Athens

Acropolis and Parthenon: Crown jewels of ancient Greece.
• Plaka District: A colorful neighborhood for taverns and shops.
• National Archaeological Museum: Home to treasures throughout the Greek world.
Syntagma Square: The heart of modern Athens, where you can see the changing of the guard.

Budget Flights to Santorini:

Few places in the world are as instantly recognizable as Santorini. Its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking cliffs make it a must-see Jewel of the World. Although it has a reputation for being expensive, travelers can still find budget flights to Greece that land directly on the island.

Volotia: Focuses heavily on Mediterranean leisure routes, flying to Santorini from cities like Venice, Naples, and Barcelona.

Ryanair:  Offers direct flights from European hubs such as Milan, Rome, and Athens, often at bargain prices during the summer season.

EasyJet: A strong choice for direct flights from London, Paris, and Berlin to Santorini.

Sky Express: A Greek domestic airline that connects Athens to Santorini several times a day, ideal for those who prefer a combination of destinations.

Find out how much car rental may cost

Budget Hotels in Santorini:

• Caveland Hostel: Converted into a charming hostel with a former winery hostel and private rooms.
Villa Manos: Family-run guesthouse near Firra with a swimming pool.
Galatia Villa: Affordable boutique-style accommodation near the city of Fira.
• Anna Pension: A simple but comfortable stay, a short bus ride from Oia.

Must-See Attractions in Santorini:

Oia Village: Famous for sunsets and stunning caldera views.
Fira Town: Busy capital with nightlife, shopping, and panoramic views.
Red Beach: Striking red cliffs and unique volcanic sands.
Akrotiri Ruins: An ancient Minoan settlement preserved by volcanic ash.

Budget Flights to Crete:

Budget Flights to Crete:

Crete is Greece’s largest island and offers a mix of rugged mountains, charming coastal towns, and world-class beaches. With two major airports, Heraklion and Chania, it’s easy to find cheap flights to Greece that bring you directly here.

Jet2:  Extremely popular with British travelers flying to Heraklion and Chania. Jet2 often bundles cheap flights with accommodations.

Ryanair: Connects Crete to several European destinations, including Dublin, Manchester, and Vienna.

Wizz Air: A top choice for travelers from Central Europe, with routes to Heraklion from cities such as Budapest and Warsaw.

Transavia: Serve Crete from Amsterdam and Paris with reliable, low-cost service.

Aegean Airlines: Offers affordable domestic connections from Athens and Thessaloniki, ideal for multistop routes.

Find out how much travel insurance may cost

Cheap hotels in Crete:

So Young Hostel (Heraklion): Trendy hostel in the heart of Heraklion, popular with backpackers.
Candia Studios (Chania): Affordable studios near the Venetian port, ideal for couples.
Heraklion Hotel (Heraklion): Central and budget-friendly, with easy access to Knossos Palace.
Dreamy Rooms (Rethymno): Cozy, affordable option close to Rethymno’s old town.

Must-see in Crete:

• Knossos Palace: The legendary seat of Minoan civilization.
• Elafonisi Beach: Known for pink sand and shallow turquoise waters.
• Samaria Gorge: One of Europe’s longest gorges, a haven for hikers.
• Chania Old Town: Venetian streets, eateries along the harbor, and lots of charm.

Other Greek Destinations with Budget Flights:

While Athens, Santorini, and Crete are the most popular stops, budget flights to Greece also connect travelers to other spectacular islands and cities at great prices.

Mykonos—Known for its nightlife and beaches, this glamorous island is served by Volotea, Sky Express, and EasyJet, making it easy to find affordable routes.

Rhodes—A family favorite with rich history and resorts, connected by Norwegian Air, Eurowings, and Pegasus Airlines at competitive fares.

Corfu—Famous for its lush landscapes and Venetian charm, budget-friendly carriers like Transavia, Vueling, and Smartwings fly here seasonally.

Thessaloniki—Greece’s vibrant second city with culture, nightlife, and great food—is served by Air Serbia, Wizz Air, and Blue Air, all offering budget deals.

Find out how much an eSIM may cost

Final Thoughts:

Thanks to the wide range of budget carriers, reaching out in Greece is now more affordable than ever. Whether you’re planning a cultural escape to Athens, a romantic getaway to Santorini, or booking an adventure in Crete, there are budget flights to Greece that can get you there without breaking the bank.

With smart planning and the right airline, your Greek holiday can be rich in experience but easy on the wallet. From the Acropolis to volcanic beaches and ancient palaces, the journey begins with flight. And with so many low-cost options available, there’s no better time to book your adventure. When it comes to travel prices, knowing the best airlines for budget flights to Greece beats nothing.

Follow Nanajee (Grandpa) Travels for cheap airline tickets, great hotel rooms and best deals on car rentals.

See world, save money, use Nanajee Travels

Other travel related blogs:

A

B

C

D

E

F

H

I

J

L

M

N

P

Q

S

T

10 Replies to “Budget Flights to Greece: Best Airlines for Athens, Santorini & Crete

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts