Planning a 10-day trip to Greece with €1000 sounds magical—and it is—but in 2025, especially during high season, you’ll need to be clever and flexible to stay within budget.
This is not about roughing it. It’s about smart travel: choosing the right islands, avoiding tourist traps, and getting amazing experiences without spending like a millionaire.
💡 First: Is €1000 Still Enough in 2025?
Yes—but not in July or August, and not if you want to stay in Santorini or Mykonos.
To make €1000 work, you’ll need to:
- Travel in May, early June, mid-September, or early October
- Pick one or two affordable islands with ferry connections from Athens
- Use local transport, walk, and avoid overpriced beach clubs
- Choose local tavernas and grocery shops over trendy cafés
✨ Updated Itinerary: 10 Days in Greece with €1000 (Realistic Summer Plan)
| Day | Location | Highlights | Daily Spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athens | Acropolis, Koukaki dinner, Plaka walk | €85 |
| 2 | Ferry to Syros | Explore Ermoupoli, local tavernas | €100 |
| 3–5 | Syros | Beaches, villages, budget beach bars | €75/day |
| 6 | Ferry to Tinos | Hike, old villages, sunset in Pyrgos | €85 |
| 7–9 | Tinos | Chill beach days, rent scooter for 1 day | €70–€75/day |
| 10 | Return to Athens | Souvenirs, casual dinner, metro to airport | €75 |
💰 Total: ~€990–€1020, depending on where you eat, stay, and how early you book.
🏝️ Why Syros & Tinos?
They’re both authentic Cycladic islands, less overrun than Paros/Naxos in summer, and much more budget-friendly for 2025.
- Syros (capital of the Cyclades) has culture, beaches, and great food for local prices.
- Tinos is underrated, quiet, and has gorgeous mountain villages—and cheaper hotels even in August.
🏨 Updated Summer Accommodation Prices (Peak Season)
| Island/City | Budget Stay (July–August) | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | €40–€60/night (private room) | €80–€100 (central hotels) |
| Syros | €45–€65 | €90–€120 |
| Tinos | €50–€70 | €85–€110 |
✅ Shared accommodations or off-center guesthouses bring the price down.
🍽️ Summer Food Costs (Realistic)
| Meal | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Bakery breakfast | €3–€6 |
| Lunch (souvlaki or taverna) | €8–€15 |
| Dinner (taverna, with wine) | €15–€25 |
| Cold coffee or frappe | €3–€4 |
✅ Daily food budget: €25–€35 (no beach clubs, no Instagram cafés)
🚢 Updated Ferry Costs (2025 Peak Season)
| Route | Ferry Type | Cost (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Athens → Syros | Standard ferry | €40–€55 |
| Syros → Tinos | Fast ferry | €18–€25 |
| Tinos → Athens | Standard ferry | €35–€50 |
💡 Total ferry cost: €95–€130
Prices are higher than previous years—especially fast boats.
🧭 Realistic Sightseeing Budget
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Acropolis ticket (new price) | €30 |
| Tinos hike or beach day | Free |
| Small museum or church | €5–€10 |
| Scooter rental (1 day) | ~€25–€30 |
✅ Budget around €60–€90 total for activities—not everything needs to cost money.
✅ Summary: How to Make It Work
| Category | Total Spend |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €400–€450 |
| Food & Drinks | €250–€300 |
| Ferries & Local Transport | €100–€130 |
| Sightseeing & Extras | €80–€100 |
| Total | €930–€980 |
📍Optional Alternative Itinerary: Mainland & Meteora Route
If you’d rather skip the islands and explore the mainland:
- Athens (2 days)
- Nafplio & Epidaurus (2 days)
- Meteora (2 days)
- Thessaloniki (2 days)
- Return to Athens (2 days)
✅ Total cost is often even lower, especially with buses and train travel.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest: €1000 is a tight but possible Greece budget for 10 days—if you:
- Avoid hot-ticket islands
- Travel smart in summer
- Skip overpriced beach clubs and fake “authentic” spots
But here’s the good news:
Even with a tight budget, Greece delivers richness in experience, beauty, and hospitality. Swim in the Aegean, sip wine under the stars, wander alleyways scented with jasmine—and still keep your bank account happy.
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