How To See Crete On A Budget

*This is a collaborative post on how to see Crete on a budget

A lot of us are craving sun, especially recently, when lying on the beach in a foreign country feels like a distant dream. However, with many of us also needing to save money, it can seem impossible to go abroad on a budget.

Luckily, Crete is a great place to get the most out of a holiday without needing to break the bank. All the Greek islands benefit from a long warm season, with average temperatures hitting 20°C in May and remaining warm until October, meaning that it’s easy to take advantage of the beautiful nature and beaches Crete has to offer.

We take a look at how you can enjoy Crete and still keep your bank account happy.

Flights and accommodation to see Crete on a budget

The more flexible you can be with your timings, the more money you’ll be able to save on flights. Whilst the most popular times are often more pricey, if you’re willing to fly midweek, or at an odd time, you should be able to save money. Make sure that you travel in off-peak season too, if you can – not only will the flights be cheaper, the island will be quieter, giving you more space to explore. When searching for cheap flights, try searching for a few days either side of your ideal date to see what difference it makes. Just remember to factor in your travel to the airport and travel once you get to Crete.

If you’re looking for the cheapest accommodation possible, then there are several hostel and hotel options available in Crete. When booking, consider location and included services – some places will include breakfast, and if you are right next to the beach, then you could choose a cheaper hostel or hotel without a pool. However, local BnBs also offer great rates, and if there are several of you on the trip, splitting the cost of a villa between you, especially in low season, can be very reasonably priced.

See Crete on a budget by getting outdoors

Crete is great for getting outside and making the most of your surroundings. Top hiking trails include the Samaria Gorge, which is 16km long, so takes around 5-7 hours depending on your fitness levels. Weather dependent, it typically opens for walkers at the beginning of May and closes again in October, meaning that you can visit at off-peak times. The entrance fee to the park is €5 and there are marshalls along the route to help in case of difficulty, although we’d always recommend making sure you’re prepared with water, sunscreen and food.

For those who prefer a more relaxed holiday, Crete has over 1000km of coastline, meaning that you should be able to find a beach to suit you. Falasarna Bay is famous for its beaches, and has even won awards for the white sands and turquoise waters. From some beaches, it is possible to snorkel, see a chapel and use beach volleyball courts, so make the most of the range of entertainment on offer when you want a break from your book.

Food

The local food in Crete is fresh and delicious, so if you’re looking to eat on a budget, you don’t need to go to a taverna every night to explore the cuisine. Visit the local shops to try some tasty produce, and perhaps learn some key phrases before you go to make sure you know what you’re buying. A picnic of local bread, cheese and fruit on the beach can be absolutely delicious.