Santorini has a reputation for being one of the most expensive destinations in Greece – but is Santorini expensive for couples travelling on a budget? In this guide, we break down real costs, affordable tips and what’s worth paying for.
The iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and breath-taking sunsets it’s a dream destination for any traveller. We visited Santorini as a couple and quickly realised that while it can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, where you stay, and a few realistic expectations. Santorini is still possible without blowing your entire travel budget!
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Is Santorini expensive for couples? (Short answer)
Yes – Santorini is expensive compared to many Greek islands. But couples travelling together can manage costs far better than solo travellers, especially when sharing accommodation, transport and food.
Where Santorini gets expensive:
- Hotels with Caldera views
- Peak summer months (July-August)
- Tours and sunset experiences
Where couples can save:
- Staying outside Oia and Fira
- Eating local food
- Using buses instead of taxis
- Booking early and being flexible
Best time to visit for couples on a budget
The best time for budget-conscious couples to visit Santorini is during shoulder seasons when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Best months (April-early June) (Late September-October)
- Lower accommodation prices
- Better flight deals
- Good weather during the day, colder at night
- A more relaxed, romantic atmosphere – Less crowding, cruise ships, little need for restaurant bookings
Most expensive months (June-August)
- Although guaranteed weather summer brings peak pricing, heavy crowds and limited availability making it harder to enjoy Santorini on a budget. If you need to come throughout these months (may be due to school holidays stay outside of Fira and Oia, we were pleased we stayed in Perissa).
Rainy Season (November – February)
I would avoid visiting off-season between Nov-Feb, this is the rainy season and temperatures dip well below 10 degrees. Locals have explained that many restaurants and bars close during this season, where the workers may go back across to Athens or back to their home town.
We did go in peak season, due to getting a good flight deal, if we went back would definitely go out of season. We witnessed thousands of tourists pile off ships, gather for sunsets for photos and the hustle and bustle of Fira was not enjoyable while visiting there.
Getting to Santorini on a budget
Flying from England to Santorini on a budget requires a combination of careful planning and smart choices.
- For your flight to Santorini Use and Check budget airlines like Ryanair, Jet2 and easyJet. All fly to Santorini (Thira) from the UK, they will have different deals at different times across airports near you. Check Skyscanner for best deals.
- Look for flights from smaller regional airports if they offer better deals. – We live in Newcastle but often fly from Leeds and Edinburgh due to Ryanair having different destinations from these.
- Flights are usually cheaper if you book in advance
- Be flexible with dates! Use SkySkanners whole month option and flying through the week. – Scotland have different school holidays to England which is why we got cheap flights (in the holidays) from Edinburgh.
- Travel light! – Do you need a check in bag for a few days in the sun? you will save money and skip queue’s. This bag has been my ultimate saviour while travelling. Primark duffel
- While researching your flights and hotels, look for flight + hotel package deals on platforms like Jet2Holidays or Expedia, as these can sometimes offer better value for your budget in Santorini than booking separately.
Getting Around Santorini on a Budget
Santorini’s transportation system is very very simple! Also very laid back, being on a small Greek Island. No trains, metros, with buses and taxi’s being the main methods of transport.
Public Buses
Very popular and great budget way to travel! We used buses regularly, both day and night. They are reliable but may run a little late, check your times in advance. Some routes are very scenic and beautiful, so get a window seat! In low-season buses do run less regularly
- €2-3 per journey depending on route/time of year
- Reliable and budget friendly
Buses only take cash, so make sure you carry some change!
The main bus station is in Fira, for example we had to take 2 buses at times as we were staying in Perissa. Perissa – Fira. Fira – Oia. This would be the same for Kamari, the port etc.
Car or scooter rental
- Freedom to explore rural parts of the island
- Useful if staying outside main towns
- Renting a car isn’t as expensive as it seems, starting at around €20 locally for a day or using Booking.com or Kayak before your trip
Make sure you have an international driving licence which you can get online before you go!
Taxi’s in Santorini
- Best avoided unless necessary
- Pre-book a taxi with booking.com or the hotel if needed
- Most expensive option
Best areas to stay in Santorini for budget couples
If you’re travelling on a budget as a couple, location matters more than luxury.
Best budget-friendly areas
- Perissa & Perivolos – beachy, affordable and relaxed
- Kamari – Good transport links and cheaper hotels
- Prygos – Traditional village with lower prices
Most expensive
- Oia
- Central Fira (especially cliffside hotels)
While on our trip in August we stayed in Perissa and couldn’t recommend it enough!
- Accomodation, like ours in Perissa, includes extra ammenties such as as pools at a budget-friendly rate.
- Perissa is known for it’s black sand beach, it was lovely in the heat being able to walk for a relaxing few hours here.
- Perissa is less crowded and touristy, drinks and food were significantly cheaper in the local bars/restaurants.
- The area is more authentic, having local tavernas and family-run shops
We went to Santorini in peak-season, we went to visit Fira and Oia using public transport and I loved having the opportunity to come back to Perissa to the sea, pool and relaxing atmosphere after the hustle and bustle.
Please book Philoxenia Hotel & Studios, the hotel and amenities are beautiful at a budget price of £460 for 4 nights in peak season in Santorini. A family-run hotel, the owners will do anything for you, such a lovely family! Other visitors return which says enough, also local wine for €2.
Accommodation costs in Santorini for couples
Accommodation is where budgets rise or fall
- Budget Accomodation
- €60-100 per night
- Studios or small hotels
- Located in Perissa, Kamari or inland villages
- Mid-range
- €120-200 per night
- Boutique hotels
- Partial sea views, good locations
- Caldera-view hotels
- €250+ per night
- Beautiful, but rarely worth it for the budget-minded couples
Tip – You don’t need a caldera view every night – visit viewpoints instead.
Read more here for Where to Stay in Santorini: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget (2025)
Affordable things to do in Santorini on a budget
Visit the Beaches
Santorini is home to some of the most unique beaches in the world, thanks to its volcanic origins. Two of the most famous are the Black Beach and the Red Beach, each offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Black Beach, located in Perissa and Perivolos, is known for its dramatic black sand and pebbles, a result of the islands volcanic activity. The beach stretches along the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, with the towering Mesa Vouno mountain adding to its striking scenery. A beach to relax while having restaurants and beach bars alongside.
The Red Beach, located near Akrotiri, is just as breath taking. Its vibrant red cliffs and sands, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, create a surreal landscape. You can reach it by a short hike or boat, making the journey part of the adventure, or 20 minute drive from Fira. Best for snorkelling but there are no beach bars, few sunbeds so bring what you need! A day exploring beaches in Santorini is also great for the budget.
Spend the Day in Oia
Oia is known for its iconic whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, and picturesque windmills. Take the day to simply wander through the beautiful, small streets, take stunning photos, and take in the beauty of Santorini. Treat yourself to a drink or meal at one of the caldera-edge restaurants taking in the views and visit the clothes, jewellery, gift shops.
Oia also has a few art galleries worth exploring. Don’t miss a walk to the Kasteli of Agios Nikolaos or the historic windmills, both offering unique perspectives of the town. While Oia is magical at sunset, its popularity means it can get quite crowded, especially during the summer months—so plan ahead to make the most of your visit.
Trip to the Volcano and Hot Springs
You can’t visit Santorini without a visit to experience the island’s volcanic roots. Take an organised boat tour to Nea Kameni, where you can hike to the top of the active volcanic crater and enjoy stunning panoramic views. Afterward, sail to the nearby hot springs at Palea Kameni, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters. Our tour also took us to the small island of Thirassia, traditional Greek life remains untouched with amazing food.
Wear dark swimwear, the sulfur rich waters can discolour if not! Tours start at €20 and are different lengths of time, may include sunset, extra options. Click for Get Your Guide or book with tour guides at Fira Port.
Explore Ancient Akrotiri
Akrotiri is a fascinating 3,500-year-old town that was once a thriving Minoan city and a vital port in the Aegean Sea. In the 17th century BCE, a massive volcanic eruption buried the town in ash, preserving it so well that it’s often called the “Greek Pompeii.” Today, you can walk through its remarkably intact streets, buildings, staircases, and even second-story structures. Entry costs 15 EUR, and skip-the-line tickets are available.
Hike from Fira to Oia
For adventure lovers, the hiking trail from Fira to Oia is an absolute must. This scenic route is completely free and offers breathtaking views of Santorini from a whole new perspective. It’s around 6 miles, the hike typically takes about two hours, but if you enjoy a leisurely pace and love capturing photos along the way, you might find yourself taking closer to four hours. Remember bring some water!
How much does Santorini cost for a couple?
Here’s a realistic daily budget estimate for two people (excluding flights but covers accommodation, food, transport and light activities):
Daily budget for couples
- Budget: €120-150 per day
- Mid-range: €180-250 per day
- Luxury: €300+ per day
Advice – focus on one ‘nice’ meal a day then keep it simple there are so many local cheap bakeries and takeaway spots.
Money Saving Tips
- Avoid staying in Oia and Fira – transportation is good, you can see all of the main attractions by getting a bus from areas across the island for a fraction of a cost
- Book in advance – Especially for trips or if you want to book a table in a well-known bar/restaurant in the summer months
- Eat in local backstreet restaurants – The cliffside restaurants are very expensive along the Caldera, maybe go there for a drink for photos and views after food
- Drink local beer or wine, go for happy hour or buy at a local shop to save money
- Eat at a local bakery, they sell so many home made goods at low prices or go for a Gyros (street food) which will fill you for a long time and are VERY good.
- Buy souvenirs in markets and local village shops rather than crowded shops in Oia.
- Explore on foot, which is free and scenic. In Fira you may want to try the cable car once but there was also a queue from the cruises and people walk up and down the hill for free, like we did.
Final thoughts: Santorini for couples on a budget
Santorini’s expensive reputation isn’t wrong – but it’s incomplete. If you’re expecting a bargain beach holiday it’s not the place. If you want a memorable trip without luxury prices, it can absolutely work.
Couples who, plan ahead, choose accommodation wisely and focus on value not Instagram moments can definitely enjoy this destination without overspending.
Enjoy your trip!
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