If you’re dreaming of a Greek summer but want to avoid the hefty price tags of bustling hotspots like Kos and Corfu, check out these 10 budget-friendly islands that offer the same magic for less.
A new study has unveiled the most affordable Greek islands for British tourists, along with clever ‘destination swaps’ that provide the classic Greek experience for a fraction of the cost.
The findings were calculated based on average prices per person for seven-night breaks, searched on TravelSupermarket, between 16 September, 2025 and 15 March, 2026.
With an average of £596 per person, Kefalonia has emerged as the cheapest Greek island.
Marked by white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, local wine and Venetian-inspired architecture, the Ionian island draws thousands of holidaymakers each year who crave a slower-paced Greek atmosphere without the high costs.
Kefalonia (pictured) has emerged as the most affordable island in Greece for seven-night stays, costing an average of £596 per person
In second place is the lush green island of Lefkas, where seven-night stays cost around £606 per person
In second place, with an average of £606 per person, is the mountainous island of Lefkas, renowned for its striking cliffs, vast green areas, white pebbled beaches and charming fishing villages.
Surprisingly, Santorini ranks third thanks to an average seven-night stay costing around £637 per person.
Known for its white and blue architecture, volcanic landscape and picturesque villages, up to 17,000 tourists descend on the idyllic Aegean isle in the peak summer months, with many reporting of ‘jam-packed streets’ and ‘soaring’ hotel prices.
Following closely in fourth place is Mykonos at £670 per person – yet another surprising ranking considering its status as one of Greece’s most luxurious and expensive hotspots.
Rounding out the top five, at £689 per person, is Rhodes, the fourth largest island in Greece. The island welcomed a record-breaking 1.28 million visitors in 2025 who flocked for its blend of medieval sites, colourful villages and energic nightlife.
In sixth place is Crete, at £768 per person, followed by Corfu (£822), Naxos (£890), and Kos (£943), with Skiathos rounding out the top ten with an average cost of £958 per person – nearly £362 more expensive than Kefalonia.
Santorini ranked as third cheapest, with week-long stays costing around £637 per person
Skiathos emerged as the most expensive island on the list, with 7-night stays costing travellers £958 on average
Cheapest Greek Island Destinations
*Based on average price per person for 7 nights
Destination
1. Kefalonia
2. Lefkas
3. Santorini
4. Mykonos
5. Rhodes
6. Crete
7. Corfu
8. Naxos
9. Kos
10. Skiathos
Average price (pp)
£596
£606
£637
£670
£689
£768
£822
£890
£943
£958
For even bigger savings, experts at the holiday comparison site have drummed up five destination swaps for those seeking authentic yet significantly cheaper Greek experiences.
Planning a trip to an island in the sun-drenched Dodecanese? Swap costly Kos for Rhodes, where a seven-night stay costs £689 per person instead of £943, giving a total saving of £254.
As for islands along the Ionian coast, holidaymakers can save £216 per person by trading a seven-night stay in Corfu for a holiday in Lefkas, which offers a quieter, more traditional Greek alternative.
Looking to go off the beaten track? Swap Skiathos for Naxos, and save £68 per person while immersing yourself in ancient ruins, sandy beaches and whitewashed villages.
If you can’t compromise on luxury, trade Crete for Mykonos for a surprisingly cheaper experience – saving up to £98 per person.
For unique, breathtaking landscapes, swap Santorini for Kefalonia’s rugged clifftops and turquoise bays, and pocked an extra £41 per person.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: ‘Greek islands are not all created equal when it comes to price – but the expensive ones might not be the islands you’d expect.
‘Mykonos costs less to book than Crete. Rhodes is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Kos. If you’re prepared to swap one island for another, the savings can be huge.’
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