Is Crete worth it? How to Visit on a Budget

Crete Budget Guide:
What to Expect and How to Save Money

 

Crete is Greece’s largest island, known for its crystal clear waters, ancient historical ruins, hiking trails and cultural attractions. Like the mainland, Crete is known for its reasonable price points and its abundance of accommodation options. We’ve created the ultimate guide for costs in Crete, and how to explore this beautiful Greek island on a budget.

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Crete

 

How Much Do Things Cost in Crete

 

Category	Average Cost
Coffee	€2-€4
Alcohol	Beer: €2-€3 Wine: €3-€4
Transport	Buses: €1.50
Accommodation	Mid-range hotel: €70-€80 p/n Luxury Resort: €300-€400 p/n
Dining Out	Approx. €15-€25 per person
Attractions	Elafonissi Beach: Free Knossos Palace: €12-€15 per person Heraklion Archaeological Museum: €6-€12 Falassarna Beach: Free

Where to Stay in Crete on a Budget

Crete has a reputation for being moderately priced, and certain cities and areas are cheaper than others and offer better deals on accommodation. For tips and advice on where to stay in Crete for the best chance of remaining in budget, keep reading:

Airport Hotels

Most of Crete’s largest cities have their own airports. Airport hotels are a popular choice for cheap accommodation nearby to popular attractions. If you don’t plan on venturing too far into the city centre and are simply in Crete for business or a layover, airport hotels may be ideal for you.

Malia: Malia is known for its lively nightlife and party strip, as well as its beach. The town can get pretty busy during peak tourist season, but prices are generally reasonable and affordable. Booking your hotel in Malia in advance can help keep costs even lower and availability high, plus it can increase the chances of securing your ideal hotel or accommodation option. For cheap hotels in Malia, try the Malia Mare or Meropi Hotel.

Chania: Chania is known for being cheaper than Crete’s ‘capital’ Heraklion. Its Old Town streets, lively waterfront atmosphere and picturesque harbour attract tourists from across Greece and Europe. Hotels and accommodation options in Chania are varied and reasonably priced, so we recommend adding this city to your Crete itinerary.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in Crete

Crete’s most popular destinations are Malia and Heraklion, with other cities being popular for cultural activities and dining out. However, with large tourist footfalls tend to come higher prices and low availability of many accommodation options. Crete is known for being moderately priced, with even some of the top 5-star resorts being affordable for most budgets. However, of course, it has its pricier areas too, like Heraklion. There are tips and tricks to finding affordable accommodation even in the most popular and expensive of Crete’s cities and towns.

What to Expect From Staying in Crete and How to Book a Cheap Room

You don’t have to compromise on quality just because you’re compromising on price– most of the time, cheap accommodation is as high-quality as luxury resorts in Crete. We’ve got the lowdown on the best ways to ensure that every type of accommodation you book in Crete remains affordable, no matter which city or town you’re staying in or what time of year you’re travelling. Crete’s accommodation options are comfortable, convenient and modern, often with high-end amenities and sometimes package deals. Here are our recommendations and suggestions on what to consider when booking somewhere to stay in Crete to ensure you stay within budget:

Travel in the off-season: Thanks to its glorious Mediterranean weather in the summer months, it makes sense that Crete sees the highest footfall of tourists from June to August. During summer, hotels are far more likely to sell out quickly or increase rates. Because of this, it’s a good idea to travel during the winter or autumn months. The weather will still be pleasant, and Crete’s diverse range of attractions and individual cities all with their own charm and atmosphere.

Book in advance: Booking in advance is the best way to make sure that the hotel you’ve had your eye on is available for when you need it. Booking in advance means you can avoid the influx of tourists and have enough time to fix or sort out any issues or answer any questions you may have before your stay.

How to Get Around Crete Easily and Cheaply

The best way to get around the island and its respective towns and cities is usually by bus or car hire. Crete is filled to the brim with attractions, sights and culture, so ensuring you see it all is the best way to truly appreciate everything the island has to offer. You can enjoy superb deals on car hire with Enjoy Travel, with countless vehicles to suit your every need and party size. You’ll enjoy the convenience of Crete’s public and shuttle bus services, which you can normally find in each town and city– Heraklion offers regular shuttle services to Malia as the town doesn’t have its own airport.

If you really want to go all out, why not consider a road trip around Crete? Especially with the diverse array of things to do and see across the island.

How to Eat Well in Crete Without Spending a Fortune

Greek cuisine is some of the best and most varied cuisine in the world, with many traditional Greek dishes being international favourites. Here are a few tips on how to keep food costs low in Crete.

Opt for street food: You’ll find street food served across Greece, from souvlaki to gyros and spanakopita. Street food tends to be much cheaper than a sit-down restaurant meal, so if you plan to eat out at all in Crete, opt for street food!

Choose inexpensive restaurants: This is probably a given, but don’t head to fine dining or upmarket restaurants if you’re on a budget. You’ll find many local and independent restaurants to choose from across the island, most of which will keep you full for a cheaper price.

Book hotels that offer free breakfast: This is a great way to keep the most important meal of the day cheap, as breakfasts will often be included in your hotel price. Sometimes, breakfasts at hotels can be all you can eat, so you can fill yourself up and fuel your day ahead without worrying about going over budget.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in Crete

If you plan to go to Crete just for a tan and to relax on the beach, you’re in luck, as beaches are in abundance on this island and don’t cost anything. However, history and culture lovers may be more interested in museums or attractions, so let’s take a look at some of the cheapest:

Heraklion Archaeological Museum: At a discounted price, which is usually seasonal, this museum costs around €6, which can increase to around €12-€15. See some truly amazing architecture that is steeped in Greek history, including Minoan architecture and art dating back to the Bronze Age!

Elafonissi Beach: One of the most popular beaches in Crete, characterised by its crystal clear turquoise waters and pinkish-red sand. What’s more, it costs nothing to enter– the only fee you need to pay is parking if you own or are hiring a car.

Knossos Palace: Entry to this open-air museum costs around €12-€15 per person. With thousands of years of history surrounding it, dating back to the Bronze Age, Knossos Palace is a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Shows and Events in Crete

Beach bars: You’ll find many a beach bar in Crete, thanks to the abundance of beaches and miles of coastline. Beach bars in Crete have a lively atmosphere, serve top-quality drinks and some can play live music or host events or parties. Some of the best places for beach bars include Heraklion and Malia.

Nightclubs: Malia is a hotspot for partying, drinking and nightlife, and nightclubs can often host special events that may be ticketed. If you’re the partying type, even just attending a nightclub will keep you entertained all night long, regardless of whether there’s an event on or not.

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Tourist Board Info For Crete

Crete Car Hire	Crete Hotels
Crete Airport Hotels	Crete Airport Parking