Top 10 Affordable Greek Islands for British Tourists Revealed in New Study

Top 10 Affordable Greek Islands for British Tourists Revealed in New Study

If you are dreaming of a Greek summer holiday but wish to avoid the hefty price tags of bustling hotspots like Kos and Corfu, a new study has unveiled the most budget-friendly islands that offer the same magical experience for significantly less money. The research, conducted by TravelSupermarket, provides clever 'destination swaps' to help British tourists enjoy classic Greek charm without breaking the bank.

Methodology and Key Findings

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. This comprehensive analysis highlights the most affordable options for travellers seeking value and authenticity in their Greek getaways.

Ranking of the Cheapest Greek Islands

With an average cost of £596 per person, Kefalonia has emerged as the cheapest Greek island for seven-night stays. Known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, local wine, and Venetian-inspired architecture, this Ionian island attracts thousands of holidaymakers each year who crave a slower-paced atmosphere without the high costs.

In second place is the lush green island of Lefkas, where seven-night stays cost around £606 per person. Renowned for its striking cliffs, vast green areas, white pebbled beaches, and charming fishing villages, Lefkas offers a tranquil alternative to more crowded destinations.

Surprisingly, Santorini ranks third with an average seven-night stay costing approximately £637 per person. Despite its reputation for jam-packed streets and soaring hotel prices during peak summer months, when up to 17,000 tourists descend on this idyllic Aegean isle, it remains a relatively affordable option for those seeking its iconic white and blue architecture and volcanic landscapes.

Following closely in fourth place is Mykonos at £670 per person, a surprising ranking given its status as one of Greece's most luxurious and expensive hotspots. Rounding out the top five is Rhodes at £689 per person, the fourth largest island in Greece, which welcomed a record-breaking 1.28 million visitors in 2025 drawn to its medieval sites, colourful villages, and energetic 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. Notably, Skiathos is nearly £362 more expensive than Kefalonia, highlighting the significant price variations among Greek islands.

Clever Destination Swaps for Bigger Savings

For even greater savings, experts at TravelSupermarket have proposed five destination swaps that offer authentic yet significantly cheaper Greek experiences. These swaps allow travellers to maximise their budget while still enjoying the essence of a Greek holiday.

• Swap costly Kos for Rhodes: Save £254 per person by choosing Rhodes, where a seven-night stay costs £689 instead of £943.
• Trade Corfu for Lefkas: Holidaymakers can save £216 per person by opting for Lefkas, which provides a quieter, more traditional Greek alternative along the Ionian coast.
• Swap Skiathos for Naxos: Save £68 per person and immerse yourself in ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and whitewashed villages on the less-trodden path.
• Trade Crete for Mykonos: For those who cannot compromise on luxury, this swap saves up to £98 per person, offering a surprisingly cheaper experience.
• Swap Santorini for Kefalonia: Save £41 per person while enjoying unique, breathtaking landscapes, including rugged clifftops and turquoise bays.

Expert Insights on Greek Island Pricing

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, commented on the findings, stating, 'Greek islands are not all created equal when it comes to price, but the expensive ones might not be the islands you would expect. Mykonos costs less to book than Crete. Rhodes is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Kos. If you are prepared to swap one island for another, the savings can be huge.'

This study underscores the importance of research and flexibility in planning affordable Greek holidays, empowering British tourists to explore stunning destinations without overspending.