Here are lots of tips & tricks to have a cheap (but still awesome) holiday in Crete — I can also help you pull together a sample budget if you tell me when you want to go and for how many days.
When to go
Shoulder seasons (April-early June, September-mid-October) are ideal: good weather, far fewer tourists, much cheaper flights/accommodation.
Avoid high summer (July-August) if you can; everything from hotels to food costs more.
Travel & Getting There
Book flights well in advance. Low-cost carriers sometimes fly to Crete, but prices shoot up if you wait.
Decide which airport is more convenient for where you’ll stay: Heraklion vs Chania. Heraklion often has more connecting flights.
Getting Around
Use public buses (KTEL) between towns. They are reliable, cheaper than taxis or private tours.
If you need a car, rent just for the days you need it (e.g. for hiking or visiting remote beaches), not the whole trip. Local/rural providers can be much cheaper than international ones.
Walk or bike when possible in towns; many of the attractions are concentrated, or beautiful scenery lies close by.
Accommodation
Stay away from beach-front resorts or the most touristy spots; even being 5-10 minutes walk inland or a little up in the mountains or in a smaller village can save lots.
Look for guesthouses, small family-run hotels, rooms/apartments with kitchen facilities (so you can self-cater).
Longer stays sometimes get discounts; negotiating might help in smaller places.
Eating & Food
Eat where the locals eat: small tavernas off the waterfront, neighborhood places rather than tourist-strip restaurants. The food is often just as good, far cheaper.
Visit markets (local fruits, vegetables, bread, cheeses) and cook some meals (or at least prepare breakfasts/picnics).
Try street food and “dish of the day” menus if available; usually good value.
Activities & Things to Do
Many natural attractions (beaches, hiking, scenic villages) are free or low cost. Examples: beaches like Elafonisi, walking in gorges, exploring old towns.
Instead of packaged tours, do it yourself: public transport + entrance tickets where needed. E.g. hiking the Samaria Gorge by taking the local bus + paying entrance rather than booking expensive guided tour.
Find museums with free entry days. If your trip aligns with these, you can save.
Other Money-Saving Tips
Avoid tourist traps for souvenirs and drinks: shops near major tourist sites are pricier. Walk a few streets away.
Bring your own beach gear if possible (umbrella, towel, etc.) rather than renting every day.
Use refillable water bottles since tap water in many towns is drinkable. That cuts down on bottled water cost.
how much a cheap holiday in Crete would cost. Prices vary depending on season, where you stay, and how much comfort you want — but here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a 1-week trip (7 nights) on the cheap:
Flights
From Europe (London, Berlin, Paris etc.): €80 – €200 return if booked early in April–June or Sept–Oct.
From further away (US, Middle East): €250–€500+ depending on season.
Accommodation
Budget guesthouse/hostel bed: €15 – €25 per night.
Simple double room in a small hotel or apartment: €30 – €45 per night.
For 7 nights: €100 – €300 per person if sharing a room.
Food & Drink
Street food (gyros, souvlaki, bakery snacks): €3 – €5.
Taverna meal (main dish + salad + drink): €10 – €15.
Self-catering with supermarket buys: €5 – €8 per day.
Daily food budget: €15 – €20 (so about €100 – €150 for a week).
Transport
Public bus (city to city): €5 – €15 per ride.
Local buses in towns: €1.50 – €2.
Occasional car rental (just 2–3 days): €25 – €35/day + fuel (split if you’re 2–3 people).
Expect about €50 – €100 total for the week if you mostly use buses.
Activities
Many beaches, hikes, villages = free.
Museum/archaeological site: €4 – €12 (Knossos Palace is €15).
Samaria Gorge entry: €5, ferry back: €12.
About €40 – €60 total for a week of sightseeing.
Total for 7 days in Crete (per person, excluding flights)
Ultra-budget (hostels, buses, cook your meals): €300 – €350
Comfortable budget (small hotels, eat out 1–2 times a day): €400 – €500
Including cheap flights from Europe:
€400 – €650 total per person for a 1-week holiday
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