12 Greek Beach Towns Where You Can Live Large for Less

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Greece is home to numerous beach destinations; you will be spoilt for choice if you are looking for somewhere to explore. However, it is no secret that some are very expensive, making them unfit for anyone looking for a budget-friendly new home.

If you are a bargain hunter, you want to steer clear of Mykonos and Santorini and find spots that are not overrun with tourism. Many times, lesser-appreciated destinations retain their authentic charm while remaining reasonably affordable.

Are you looking to wake up to views of the sun rising over clear sea waters? Or maybe do a morning jog on pristine shores as you take in the gentle sounds of crashing waves? Or maybe relaxing on the shores all day without worrying about financial strain? If you dream of relocating to a budget-friendly beach destination in Greece, we have got you covered; keep reading.

Kavala

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Kavala is a coastal city on the Aegean Sea, facing the island of Thassos. It is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful beaches. During your stay, you will enjoy soaking in the city’s unique blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture.

For beaches, you can spend your sunny days on Batis, Rapsani, Tosca and Ammolofoi. For a dose of history, explore Kavala Castle, a castle dating back to Byzantine times; the Aqueduct, a striking landmark built by the Ottomans to supply water to the city; and Philippi Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage site located nearby, with ruins of an ancient city and theater.

With so much to explore, Kavala remains considerably cheaper than other major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. The average cost of living in Kavala, including rent, is around $830.

Whether you are soaking up its natural beauty and historical charm, Kavala’s ambiance lets you experience the best of a coastal city without breaking the bank.

Kalamata

Kalamata sits on the coast of the Messenian Gulf, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The city is home to Kalamata Beach and Voidokilia, which is a short drive away. While the city’s coastline is a good enough reason to move to this beautiful destination, there is more to like about it.

You can sample Kalamata’s olive oil production in the Olive Oil Museum, the medieval Castle of Kalamata, or the Archaeological Museum of Messenia. If you are into active exploration, you can head out for hiking adventures in the Taygetos Mountains or get active with water sports along the coast. Of all the aspects you will love about Kalamata, its cost of living will likely be one of the things that you will fall for, as you can live comfortably off $1,100, rent inclusive.

Agios Nikitas, Lefkada

Greek Island to Visit Lefkada for Watersports — © moofushi / Adobe Stock

Lefkada is one of the cheapest islands in Greece, and Agios Nikitas is a real gem for bargain hunters. It is especially great for anyone who likes a destination that has all the modern amenities but still retains the authentic Greek village charm.

This village is known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. You can spend your days hopping from Milos, Kathisma, to Pefkoulia. You will also like that the village is surrounded by lush green hills, offering numerous other exploration opportunities besides the beaches.

You can also soak in Agios Nikitas’ stunning sunset views and traditional Greek architecture or sample fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes at tavernas in the village. Agios Nikitas offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle amidst stunning natural scenery, all for way less than numerous other beach destinations in Europe.

Chora, Naxos

Resorts on the Greek Islands Naxos Imperial Hotel Beach Resort, Naxos — © saiko3p / Adobe Stock

Naxos is a less touristy Cycladic island with beautiful beaches and affordable living costs. Chora (Naxos Town), the island’s capital, is perfect for enjoying island life without breaking the bank. Chora Old Town features narrow alleys, Venetian mansions, and traditional Cycladic architecture adorned with bougainvillea, providing numerous exploration and relaxation spots.

Just outside Chora stands Portara, an incomplete marble gateway known for offering stunning sunset views. Some of Naxos’s best beaches, including Agios Georgios, Agios Prokopios, and Plaka, are a short drive away from Naxos Town. These are perfect for relaxation or getting active with watersports like windsurfing, kite surfing, and scuba diving.

Naxos is considerably cheaper than other Cycladic islands like Santorini or Mykonos. Everything from activities, accommodation, and daily living costs, like dining, are well priced for anyone on a budget. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in Naxos town for as low as $400-$500 per month.

Naoussa, Paros

Naoussa, a coastal town in northern Paros, is a perfect spot for anyone who would like the perfect mix of affordability and beauty. While Naoussa is one of the tourist spots on the island, it remains considerably affordable compared to other touristy spots in the Cyclades.

You can rent an apartment from as low as $250-$500 in Naoussa. You will love the wide variety of beautiful beaches surrounding Naoussa, including sandy coves and larger ones like Kolymbithres.

Other beaches near Naoussa you can explore include Lageri, Agioi Anargyroi, Tourkou Ammos, Piperi, and Filizi. You can also walk along the waterfront and marvel at the Venetian castle ruins or just admire the town’s beautiful white-washed buildings.

Samos Town, Samos

Samos Town, also known as Vathy, is the capital and main port of the island of Samos. Known for being the birthplace of the mathematician Pythagoras and the philosopher Epicurus, Samos has a rich history dating back to ancient times. You can explore this island’s numerous museums, vineyards, and fine beaches. Some beaches within or not far from Samos Town include Gagou, Livadaki, and Kerveli.

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You can spend your evenings in cafes around Pythagoras Square, a charming square named after the famous mathematician. It is a great living destination for anyone who values natural beauty, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and a rich historical heritage without having to worry about finances.

Myrina, Lemnos

Myrina is located on the western coast of Lemnos Island, nestled between two bays, with the imposing Castle of Myrina overlooking the town. The Castle of Myrina, also called Kastro, which means castle in Greek, offers panoramic views of the town and the Aegean Sea. During your stay in Myrina, you can explore the narrow streets lined with historic buildings or head out and watch the activities at the town’s harbor.

Several beautiful beaches surround Myrina. Romeikos Gialos, a long sandy beach near the center of Myrina, lined with tavernas and cafes, is a spot you could spend an entire day on. If you get enough of Romeikos Gialos, you can head out to Riha Nera Beach or Plati Beach, which are equally beautiful.

Myrina and Lemnos, in general, offer a moderate cost of living. Depending on where you live in town, you can live off of $1,000, which is literally a pipe dream in another world’s beach destination.

Thassos Town, Thassos

Thassos Town, also known as Limenas, is the capital of Thassos Island. Picturesque harbor, historic sites, vibrant cultural life, and stunning beaches are some things you get to enjoy during your stay in Thassos.

Some Thassos Town beaches that will win you over include Nisteri, Makryammos, Glyfada, and Tarsanas. Beaches aside, during your stay, ensure to make time for the Archeological Museum of Thassos, which hosts artifacts from different historical periods; Karnagio (Old Shipyard), a picturesque area with traditional shipyards and charming cafes, and Metalia, known for its unique landscape and remnants of the island’s mining history.

Of the many things there is to love about Thassos, you cannot ignore how it is significantly cheaper than Greece’s mainland urban centers. Living in Thassos means enjoying pristine beaches any day without digging deeper into your pockets.

Kos Town

Not far from the coast of Turkey lies Kos Town, the capital of Kos, one of the Dodecanese islands. Kos Town is soaked in centuries of history and cultural heritage. One thing for sure is that you will fall in love with the beaches surrounding the picturesque town. Lambi features a long stretch of sandy coastline with coastlines, sunbeds, and beach bars. Psalidi, on the other hand, offers a mix of pebbly and sandy shore; while Agios Fokas is known for its black sand and thermal springs.

If you are not on the beaches in Kos Town, you can explore the Castle of the Knights, a well-preserved medieval castle offering panoramic views of the harbor, and the Ancient Agora, the remains of an ancient civilization featuring ruins of temples, public buildings, and mosaics.

Kos Town lets tourists get the best of island life without spending as much as they would have in tourist-heavy Greek islands. Depending on your location, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment for $250 -$500. Whether partying in its nightlife spots or soaking up in the sun along its shores, you can save more if you choose Kos over many other destinations.

Rethymno, Crete

Crete is one of the most loved Greek islands – its beauty is out of this world. With this, tourist areas like Chania and Heraklion can be costly. However, this does not mean you can’t enjoy Crete’s beauty when on a budget. If you are looking for a budget-friendly place in Crete, consider a destination like Rethymno.

Rethymno is situated on the northern coast of Crete and is known for blending beautiful Venetian architecture with traditional Greek styles. You will especially like the fact that this town offers a variety of beaches, from long sandy stretches to smaller, quieter coves, like Rethymno Town, Preveli, and Bali Beaches, a series of small coves and beaches known for their crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Explore Fortezza of Rethymno, a Venetian fortress offering panoramic views of the surroundings and a lot of history to explore. You will like the fact that despite being in one of Greece’s most popular islands, Rethymno still maintains its authentic charm and reasonable cost of living. With just $1,015, you can rent an apartment in Rethymno and live your dream beach life.

Patras

Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, offers a lower cost of living than the capital, Athens, and the second-largest city, Thessaloniki. You will especially like living in Patras because of its vibrant Patras Carnival, one of the largest in Europe, which features parades, floats, and festivities. Among the many other things there is to like about Patras, stunning beaches are one you cannot ignore. Some of the city’s best beaches include Rio, Psathopyrgos, and Akrata, which is a bit outside the city but still popular among locals.

Explore the Roman Odeon, an ancient theater that still hosts performances and events; Patras Castle, which offers stunning views of the city and Gulf of Patras; Achaia Clauss Winery, one of Greece’s oldest wineries; and Rio-Antirrio Bridge, an architectural marvel connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece.

While the student population largely contributes to the vibrant energy in the city, it also offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodation services and entertainment options. The average monthly cost of living per person in Patras can be as low as $674-$1,300.

Aegina Town, Aegina

Aegina Town, the capital of Aegina Island, is another beach destination where little money goes unexpectedly further.

Aegina is approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) from Athens. Therefore, while staying on this island, you can easily escape to Athens via a ferry ride and explore some of its world-renowned landmarks. If you want to be close to Athens but remain within a slim budget, Aegina Town would be a great place to call your new home.

Day trips aside, Aegina is a gem. You can relax in its laid-back atmosphere, visit the ancient Temple of Aphaia, and explore the town’s neoclassical architecture.

For beach lovers, your best options are Agia Marina, Marathonas, Souvala, and Aeginitissa. With so much to see and do in Aegina, you can never overlook how incredibly affordable it is. It is no wonder many people commute daily from Aegina to Athens.