In a Greece where budget family vacations now seem like a luxury, the question that concerns more and more parents is simple, yet the answer is anything but: Where can a family of four go for summer holidays with less than €1,000? If we’re being honest, the answer is rather disappointing. Given the prices of ferry tickets, accommodation, and daily living costs, such an amount is enough for at most 3 to 4 days somewhere nearby or for more days only under specific conditions.
Read: Where to go for cheap family vacations: The destinations with the lowest cost
Why the numbers don’t add up for budget vacations
According to Kyriakitiki Apogematini, for a supposed 10-day trip, even to a nearby island destination like Paros, ferry tickets for four people and a car exceed €500. If you add accommodation in a mid-range hotel costing €100 per night, we’re already at €1,500 without calculating food, transportation, beach loungers, or any other activities.
Similarly, for more distant destinations like the Dodecanese, costs rise dramatically: tickets with cabin and car for a family of four can exceed €900. Even without luxuries, the total amount can reach or exceed €2,000.
Alternative solutions for budget family vacations
With €1,000, what can a family looking for budget vacations actually do?
- Vacation home stays: The most realistic solution is having access to a vacation home, whether their own or from friends or relatives. In this case, accommodation costs are eliminated, which is the heaviest burden on the budget. If the destination is accessible by road, expensive ferry costs are also saved. Thus, €1,000 can cover gas, tolls, supermarket shopping, beach expenses, and some outings.
- Camping: Another alternative for budget vacations is organized camping. Many families who already have equipment (tent, mattresses, cooking utensils) choose this solution for destinations like Amorgos, Ikaria, Pelion, or Halkidiki. Organized campsites offer infrastructure, shade, bathrooms, and common areas, while prices for a family can range from €25 to €40 per night. However, even with camping, if the necessary equipment isn’t available or if the family eats out daily, costs increase significantly. And of course, the comfort level is much lower than that of conventional accommodation.
Affordable destinations for short budget vacations
If 10 days is beyond reach, what about a shorter trip? There are still Greek islands that offer the possibility of 3 to 4-day vacations at reasonable cost:
•Aegina and Agistri: Accessible from Piraeus, with tickets starting from €10. Accommodation starts from €60 to €70 per night, while dozens of daily routes offer flexibility.
• Andros: From Rafina, in just two hours. Transportation costs for a family with car reach €150, while there are still accommodation options from €80.
• Thassos, Lemnos, or Alonissos: Ideal for families from Northern Greece. With cheap ferries and a wide variety of budget accommodations, they offer accessible solutions for 3 to 4 days of relaxation.
• Ikaria: Although prices have increased there too, they remain at relatively lower levels than other island destinations.
• Zakynthos and Kefalonia: From Kyllini port, with ticket prices at low levels. Despite being tourist destinations, budget accommodation is still available, provided bookings are made early.
Mainland alternatives for budget vacations
For many families, the solution lies far from islands. Mainland destinations, such as Agios Ioannis Pelion, Stoupa in Mani, the Patraikos Gulf, and Evia, offer car access, avoiding ferry and transportation costs. Accommodation in small guesthouses or rental rooms can be arranged for €60 to €80 per night, while kitchenettes in accommodations allow for food expense control.
Hidden costs
It’s worth noting that transportation costs within islands are often overlooked: car rental or bus transportation increases the total bill. Additionally, using organized beaches with loungers and umbrellas can reach €40 to €60 per day, while “front row” spots at famous beaches can cost up to €200.
Budget vacations with €1,000 for a family of four aren’t impossible, but they’re certainly limited. Without their own vacation home or tent and camping equipment, most parents will need to choose few days, nearby destinations, and careful management of every euro. The concept of summer vacations is transforming from an obvious right to a matter of planning, resourcefulness, and luck. For those who manage it, however, even three days away from routine can be enough to catch their breath again.
