How expensive is Greece for tourists in an international comparison? Analysing costs for holidaymakers.

Travel Costs Around the Globe in 2024

Travelling abroad requires careful budgeting, especially when considering accommodation, meals, and local transport. A recent analysis of 136 countries worldwide has revealed some surprising findings about the most expensive destinations for international travel in 2024.

The study examined average daily budgets for a single traveller, focusing on in-country expenses such as lodging (hotels or holiday rentals), food, and local transportation (including flights, trains, buses, and taxis within the destination country). It’s worth noting that these figures do not include the cost of getting to the destination.

Greece ranks as the 25th most expensive country globally, with a daily budget of £197 (€249). A week-long holiday in Greece would cost approximately £1,379 (€1,740), while a fortnight would set travellers back £2,955 (€3,729). In Europe, Greece is the 7th priciest destination.

The Caribbean dominates the list of most expensive travel destinations:

1. Barbados – £367 (€463) per day
2. Antigua and Barbuda – £343 (€433) per day
3. Saint Kitts and Nevis – £303 (€382) per day
4. Maldives – £292 (€368) per day
5. Grenada – £288 (€364) per day

Three European countries known for their high prices also feature in the top 15:

6. Switzerland – £281 (€355) per day
7. Liechtenstein – £246 (€310) per day
8. Monaco – £224 (€283) per day

North America and Western Asia are also represented in the top 15:

7. United States – £277 (€350) per day
8. Greenland – £251 (€317) per day
9. United Arab Emirates – £246 (€310) per day
10. Oman – £240 (€303) per day

Here’s a comprehensive list of the 15 most expensive countries for travel in 2024:

1. Barbados
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Saint Kitts and Nevis
4. Maldives
5. Grenada
6. Switzerland
7. United States
8. Micronesia
9. Greenland
10. United Arab Emirates
11. Liechtenstein
12. Bahamas
13. Oman
14. Monaco
15. Bermuda

While some destinations may seem surprisingly expensive, others offer more value for money. For instance, Spain, a popular holiday spot, has an average daily cost of £109 (€137), making it more affordable than Greece.

Travellers should bear in mind that these figures are averages, and actual costs can vary depending on individual preferences, travel style, and specific locations within each country. Luxury travellers may find their expenses significantly higher, while budget-conscious holidaymakers might discover ways to reduce costs.

To help visualise the cost differences, here’s a table comparing the daily budgets for some key destinations:

These figures highlight the importance of thorough research and planning when budgeting for international travel. Factors such as exchange rates, seasonal variations, and local economic conditions can all impact the overall cost of a trip.

For those looking to stretch their travel budget, considering less expensive alternatives or visiting during off-peak seasons can lead to significant savings. Additionally, opting for budget accommodations or self-catering options can help reduce daily expenses.

While some countries may have higher daily costs, they might offer unique experiences or attractions that justify the expense for many travellers. Balancing cost with desired experiences is key to planning a satisfying holiday.

Greek holidaymakers vanish from their own islands

The presence of Greek tourists in some of the country’s most popular holiday destinations has dwindled dramatically. Recent data reveals a stark imbalance between domestic and international visitors in key regions, painting a concerning picture for local tourism.

In 2023, three Greek regions stood out for their overwhelmingly foreign visitor base:

1. Crete: 94.6% foreign tourists
2. Ionian Islands: 93.6% foreign tourists
3. South Aegean: 92.0% foreign tourists

These figures highlight a striking trend in Greek tourism, where domestic travellers have become a rarity in some of the nation’s most iconic holiday spots.

This phenomenon is not unique to Greece. Other European destinations show similar patterns:

• Malta: 93.1% foreign tourists
• Jadranska Hrvatska (Croatia): 92.5% foreign tourists
• Cyprus: 90.8% foreign tourists
• Tirol (Austria): 90.7% foreign tourists

These statistics reflect a broader European trend. In 58 out of 231 EU regions with available data, foreign tourists outnumbered domestic visitors in terms of overnight stays.

The dominance of international tourism in these areas raises questions about affordability, accessibility, and changing travel preferences among Greek citizens. It also highlights the success of these regions in attracting foreign visitors, particularly as global travel rebounds post-pandemic.

Top EU destinations for foreign tourists in 2023:

1. Canary Islands (Spain): 83.2 million overnight stays
2. Jadranska Hrvatska (Croatia): 80.8 million overnight stays
3. Balearic Islands (Spain): 61.7 million overnight stays

These three regions alone accounted for 16.4% of all foreign tourist overnight stays in the EU. The top 10 destinations, which include Greek regions like South Aegean and Crete, represented 37.6% of foreign overnight stays in the EU for 2023.

In contrast, domestic tourism thrived in other parts of Europe. The top three regions for domestic overnight stays were all in France:

1. Île-de-France: 39.7 million overnight stays
2. Rhône-Alpes: 38.7 million overnight stays
3. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: 38.7 million overnight stays

This disparity between regions heavily favoured by international tourists and those popular with domestic travellers underscores the diverse tourism landscape across Europe.

The near-absence of Greek tourists in their own island destinations could have several implications:

1. Economic impact: Local businesses may become overly reliant on foreign visitors, potentially leading to seasonal fluctuations in income.

2. Cultural preservation: The lack of domestic tourists might affect the preservation of local traditions and authentic experiences.

3. Price inflation: High demand from foreign tourists could drive up prices, making these destinations less accessible to Greek citizens.

4. Infrastructure development: The focus on international tourism might influence infrastructure and service development, potentially neglecting the needs of local communities.

5. Environmental concerns: The heavy influx of international visitors could put additional strain on local ecosystems and resources.

To address these issues, Greek tourism authorities might consider:

• Developing targeted campaigns to encourage domestic tourism
• Implementing pricing strategies to make popular destinations more accessible to Greek citizens
• Balancing infrastructure development to cater to both international and domestic visitors
• Promoting lesser-known destinations to distribute tourism more evenly across the country

Common Questions About Greek Holiday Costs

How do Greek holiday expenses stack up globally?

Greece offers relatively affordable holidays compared to many Western European destinations. A week-long trip to Greece often costs less than similar holidays in France, Italy or the UK. Accommodation prices in Greece range from £13-£39 per night, which is quite reasonable. Food and activities are also moderately priced, making Greece an attractive option for budget-conscious travellers.

What’s the typical price tag for a fortnight in Greece?

A two-week holiday in Greece can vary widely in cost depending on travel style and destinations. For a mid-range trip, budget around £1,500-£2,500 per person. This includes flights, accommodation, food, and activities. Island-hopping can increase costs, with ferry tickets and potentially pricier island accommodation. Mainland trips tend to be more economical.

Which Greek isles offer the best value for money?

Several Greek islands cater well to budget travellers:

• Naxos
• Milos
• Lefkada
• Ikaria
• Thassos

These islands often have lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds than popular spots like Santorini or Mykonos. They still offer beautiful beaches, authentic Greek culture, and delicious cuisine at more wallet-friendly prices.

What are typical daily food costs in Greece?

Daily food expenses in Greece can be quite reasonable:

• Breakfast: £3-£7
• Lunch: £5-£12
• Dinner: £10-£20

Street food like gyros or souvlaki can cost as little as £2-£4. A meal at a taverna might range from £8-£15 per person. Cooking your own meals can further reduce costs if you have kitchen access.

What are some affordable lodging options in Greece?

Greece offers various budget-friendly accommodation choices:

1. Hostels: £10-£25 per night
2. Guesthouses: £20-£40 per night
3. Budget hotels: £30-£60 per night
4. Camping: £5-£15 per night
5. Airbnb rooms: £20-£50 per night

How do tourist costs in Greece compare to Spain?

Greece and Spain have similar cost structures for tourists, but Greece is often slightly cheaper. Here’s a brief comparison:

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