Greece on a budget. Looking for an inexpensive European getaway? Look no further than the land of the philosophers, whitewashed and blue domed churches, Hercules and those other gyros.
Greece has fallen on tough times lately. Its economy was particularly hard hit by the global downturn, and the country is plagued by excessive national debt. But, that can mean financial breaks for the traveler.
Luxury travel options in Greece abound, especially at upscale island resorts. But, think about mom and pop, family owned establishments for food and lodging deals, especially those that include breakfast. Also, look out for internet rates when booking rooms.
Sightseeing doesn't have to be expensive either. Some of Greece's greatest sights are its centuries-old monuments and archaeological sights – many of which can be seen for free, or for not much more than $10. Even the paid monuments have their free days:
March 6, April 18, May 18, June 5, September 27, the last weekend in September, Sundays between November 1 and March 31, Greek national holidays, the first Sunday of every month except July, August and September.
Meteora: Greek Monasteries Perched High in the Air and Open for Tourists
In Northwestern Thessaly, a few hours out of Athens, rock towers crowned with the ancient monasteries of Meteora loom over fertile valleys. Islands of Orthodox Christianity from the high tide of a Turkish onslaught in the 11th century, the monasteries still function today, bustling with busy Snape-robed priests and icon-painting nuns.
Fortunately for visitors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is accessible for the un-ordained and even the unholy. Elevators and gondolas service the thin, stony peaks, which offer unrivaled view of the red-roofed town's below.
Now would be the time to go. As Greece's financial troubles have reached Olympian heights, prices for a number of good's and services (and hotel rooms) have plummeted. Check out AOL Travel's guide to Greece on a budget here.
Skopelos
Though it served as the backdrop for the movie Mamma Mia, Skopekos is still a somewhat uncharted island when it comes to tourist traffic. That’s likely why movie producers chose its Kastani Beach as the setting for the 2008 movie. That, and the typically Greek panorama of tile-roofed, whitewashed buildings set against the sea probably didn’t hurt either.
Besides relaxing on the beach, mountain biking is a way to experience Skopolos, which is more than half-covered with hilly terrain. Also pay a visit to Meteora to see the rock columns. Atop these geological oddities rests one of the largest complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. Some of the structures at this UNESCO World Heritage site date back to the 16th century. The monasteries charge only a small fee for visitors, something in the neighborhood of €2/$3.
In Skopelos Town, the Folk Art Museum costs just a few Euro and offers a glimpse into an 18th century Greek mansion and other facets of Greek life.
Where to Stay: At Skopelos Town, and just steps from the sea, Hotel Prince Stafilos offers classic doubles (€80-130/$115-188), two connected rooms (€140-190/$203-275), triple attic rooms (€110-155/$159-225) and suites (€150-195/$217-283), all with an “American” buffet breakfast.
Or, rent a fully furnished apartment at Hovolo Apartments in Neo Klima Village. Rates vary, but a basic apartment for two to three adults in October can go for €42/$61 per night, and an apartment for four adults is €56/$82. The apartments have full kitchens, but a breakfast buffet is included.
Getting There: From the Athens International Airport take a bus or taxi to an agency like Alkyon Travel to get a hydrofoil or ferry from the Port of Piraeus to Skopelos.
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