12 Beautiful Small Towns in Greece That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
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Greece, known for its stunning islands and rich history, is a treasure house of charming small towns that offer a blend of unmatched beauty and affordability. Whether seeking a peaceful seaside retreat or a journey through history, Greece has a perfect spot for every budget traveler. Away from the bustling crowds of popular destinations, these hidden gems promise authentic experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and a slower pace of life, all at much lower prices.
To enjoy all this, there is only one catch: you have to know exactly where to go; not all Greek destinations offer the unmatched combination of cultural richness, scenic beauty, and budget-friendliness.
Looking to experience the irresistible charm of Greece’s small town while remaining within the limits of a small budget? These 12 small Greek towns will offer you the perfect balance of beauty and affordability.
Corfu Town, Corfu Island
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Corfu Town, the capital of Corfu Island, is a stunning place that is well-appreciated for its Venetian architecture and rich history. You will like the fact that despite having so many things to explore, Corfu Town remains reasonably priced. A one-week trip to Corfu Town will cost up to $850 for an individual and around $1,700 for two people.
You can explore this charming town by visiting the Corfu Museum of Asian Art, the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, the Achilleion Palace and the Old Fortress of Corfu.
Don’t miss out on Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, located between the Old Town and the Old Fortress. This square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, perfect for some historical exploration.
When you’re done with historical exploration, you can head to Faliraki or the beaches on Garitsa Bay.
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Parga, Preveza
Parga, located in northwestern Greece, receives less attention than the seaside resorts in the Peloponnese peninsula or the islands. However, it is an excellent place for those interested in escaping the international tourist hordes.
Although it gets busy during the summer, Greek tourists mostly visit, giving it a local and more laid-back feel. A budget-conscious traveler can spend around $80-$100 daily in Parga, which is an irresistible deal considering how beautiful this town is.
Parga is known for having some of the best beaches in Greece. There are many bays and islets along the coast of Parga with some noteworthy beaches being Valtos, Town, which is within walking distance of the town center; Piso Krioneri and Agios Sostis. Parga’s beaches are backed with lush hills, offering amazing hiking opportunities.
If you are not connected with Parga’s beautiful landscape, you can explore the town center’s beautiful Venetian architecture.
Read also: Top Landmarks in Greece
Koroni, Pylos-Nestor
Koroni is sprawled elegantly across the Peloponnese peninsula’s southern tip, giving it a more island feel despite being on the Greek mainland. This small town boasts a rich history and natural beauty waiting to be discovered. It is an excellent destination for budget travelers since life here is quite affordable. Hotels, restaurants, and rentals are not costly despite offering great services. The average hotel cost for one individual for one week stands at around $598.
During your visit, wander around the town to discover Venetian and Byzantine gems. You can also admire the grand old mansions with flowered facades or relax in the palm-fringed Agiou Dimitriou Square. If you want to sunbathe or swim, the beautiful beaches of Memi and Zaga await with crystal-clear waters and golden sands.
Read more: Tourist Mistakes in Greece To Avoid
Monemvasia, Laconia
When planning to visit a beautiful, small town in Greece with a cinematic setting, you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere more impressive than Monemvasia. Situated off the coast of the Peloponnese, this small coastal town is popularly called the ‘Gibraltar of the East.’ Surprisingly, the average hotel cost for one week in Monemvasia is an affordable $642.
This town is perched on dramatic cliffs and surrounded by the Aegean Sea’s deep blue waters, creating a picturesque scenery. The town’s Ottoman, Venetian and Byzantine influences can still be seen in its cobbled streets, unique architecture and winding stairways.
While Monemvasia’s historical sites are intriguing, don‘t miss out on its stunning beaches. Whether you prefer organized ones or secluded coves, you will find your cup of tea in Monemvasia. All in all, don’t miss out on Pori Monemvasia, Mandraki, Pera Kakavos, and Ambelakia.
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Fiskardo, Kefalonia
Kefalonia, one of Greece’s most charming islands, comes with the harbor-front village of Fiskardo, which is unbelievably beautiful. Despite much of the historic Venetian architecture on the island being destroyed by the 1953 earthquake, the small town of Fiskardo managed to escape unscathed. Therefore, to explore some of the island’s oldest buildings, you need to go to Fiskardo. Luckily, a daily budget of $250 in Fiskardo covers everything from local transport to meals and hotels.
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For your adventure, wander through the streets of Fiskardo, enjoying its pastel-colored houses and historic buildings, or head out to Emblisi Beach for a swim or other watersports.
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Lefkada Town, Lefkada
There are so many things to like about Lefkada, but its being connected to the Greek mainland via a causeway is certainly an attribute any bargain hunter would like. You can, therefore, drive or take a bus ride to Lefkada from the mainland, which in itself is a money-saving deal. Besides, hotels are quite affordable in Lefkada Town. For $647, you can get a good hotel for one week.
Visit the beautiful village of Agios Nikitas, located on the west side, if you prefer to have access to several great beaches like Agios Ioannis and Gyra.
You can also take short day trips from Lefkada Town to nearby beaches like Porto Katsiki and Egremni, known for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs.
Beyond beaches, you can explore the Agia Mavra Castle, Sikelianos Museum, and Archaeological Museum of Lefkada.
Read more: Budget Travel Tips for Greece
Klima, Milos
Klima is a tiny yet gorgeous fishing village situated on Milos Island, which is lower-key compared to Cyclades islands like Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini. Klima has around only 20 permanent residents, making it one of the smallest settlements on the entire island. This is a destination to consider for anyone who would love absolute tranquility. Daily transport, meals, and accommodation can cost up to $200 for any budget-conscious traveler.
While Klima has several noteworthy attractions, you will be impressed by the homes carved right into the rock face and perfectly backed by the turquoise sea. The homes’ ground floors are used for storing boats, and the top floors are living quarters. For a unique yet memorable Klima experience, rent out one of these fishing houses, called syrmata, for your holiday.
Klima also has a small pebbly beach that is perfect for swimming.
Read also: Budget Beach Towns in Greece for Expats
Mithymna, Lesbos
Mithymna, also known as Molyvos, is a picturesque town located on the northern coast of Lesbos island. This small town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming stone houses, and narrow streets. The town is crowned by a Byzantine castle that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea.
If you are looking for a destination that effortlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture, Mithymna will captivate you. You will even love it more because it is budget-friendly. If you want to stretch your budget further, you can stay in budget hotels or family-run guesthouses. Also, the town’s numerous tavernas and cafes serve delicious local cuisine at reasonable prices.
During your visit, you can catch breathtaking sunsets from the town’s harbor or the castle. You can also take a short trip to nearby Petra, known for its sandy shores and clear waters.
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Symi town, Symi
Symi Town, the main town of Symi Island, is a charming destination you can explore with a daily budget of $108. The town is divided into Gialos (the harbor area) and Chorio (the upper town), both of which have a captivating allure waiting to be explored. The picturesque scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage make Symi Town a top-tier destination, especially because of its low prices.
When visiting, walk along Symi Harbor as you enjoy views of the pastel-colored buildings and the Aegean Sea. This harbor also marks the starting point of many water excursions and tours. Above all, you can relax on Symi’s beautiful beaches, such as Nos, Agios Georgios, and Dysalonas, which are easily accessible from the town.
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Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Despite its big size, Crete is one of the most affordable Greek islands. If you want your money to stretch further, skip or spend less time in Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and head to Agios Nikolaos. Single travelers can get around on a budget of $138 per day, while $329 would be sufficient for two people on a budget.
For outdoor adventures, visit the circular Voulismeni Lake, Agios Nikolaos’ most remarkable feature. This lake is surrounded by bars, tavernas, and cafes, making it an excellent place for anyone interested in tasting delicious Cretan cuisine. If you are a history fan, you cannot afford to miss the ninth-century Byzantine chapel of Saint Nicolas.
If you are a beach person, don’t miss out on Voulisma, Almyros, Ammoudi, Kitroplatia, Ammos, and Ammoudara, all of which are easily accessible from the town center.
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Chora, Patmos
Despite Patmos Island’s small size, it is full of authentic Greek charm and history-soaked religious landmarks. Its capital, Chora, is no exception! Chora is full of 12th-century hilltop monasteries and whitewashed houses constructed in the Aegean style. With a daily budget of $426, a family of 4 can comfortably get by in Chora.
You will be amazed by the three stone windmills strategically perched on the ridgeline, which make Chora more impressive. Pass by the UNESCO-listed monastery dedicated to Saint John the Theologian, which has the same religious importance as the Apocalypse cave. For some relaxation, ensure you get to the nearby beaches full of clear waters and sandy coves, like Skala, Grikos, and Loukakia.
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Galaxidi, Phocis
Galaxidi is another small town on the mainland with a lovely island-like atmosphere. Tucked on the northern shores of the Gulf of Corinth, Galaxidi offers an unparalleled blend of laid-back coastal charm and rich maritime heritage. Galaxidi is a former shipbuilding center and port that retains much of its nautical past glory. Luckily, a budget of as low as $120 per day can cover accommodation, meals, and entrance fees to attraction sites in this charming town.
To fully experience Galaxidi, walk along the colorful streets lined with neoclassical mansions that used to be home to sea captains. You can also visit the Maritime History Museum to learn more about the country’s rich maritime history. For your beach adventures in Galaxidi, you can head out to Agios Vasileios.
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