Top 10 Islands for Budget Travellers

Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive. If you are struggling for money, but desperately want to sneak in an extra holiday before the year ends, we have got you covered. Here are some of the best budget islands across Europe. Perfect for anyone with tighter purse strings.

Spetses

If you want a taste of Greek paradise but at half the price, look no further than Spetses. Located just 54.4 miles (87.5km) from Athens, this stunning island is very affordable for those looking for a short getaway. Spetses offers a variety of incredible attractions including Bekiri’s Cave, Paralia Zogeria and Kounoupitsa. Best of all, Spetses is easily accessible by ferry from either Piraeus Port, Rafina Port or Lavrio Port. The ferry from Athens to Spetses takes approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Korcula

If you want an island that is both affordable and serene, Korcula ticks all the boxes. This blissful island is located just off the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, but close enough to Split and Dubrovnik that it’s easily accessible by ferry. Climb aboard the Dubrovnik to Korcula ferry and arrive at the island in just 2 hours with TP Line, Krilo Kapetan Luke or Jadrolinija.

The first thing to do when you arrive in Korcula is take a stroll around the vibrant Old Town. With restaurants and cafes down every street, you are overwhelmed for choice when it comes to dining options. If you have time, you must also visit Lovric Winery to sample the local wines. We also recommend that you climb to the bell tower of St. Mark’s Cathedral, which provides panoramic views of the entire island.

Aegina

This tranquil island does not get the credit it deserves. While smaller than some of the main islands in Greece, Aegina certainly makes up for it in charm and affordability. Take the Athens to Aegina ferry and get there in 1 hour from Piraeus Port. When you arrive in Aegina, you should visit Agios Nektarios Monastery and stop for lunch in Perdika, where you will also find a luxurious sandy beach. Whatever you enjoy doing, this is the perfect destination for a cheap holiday away.

Andros

If you are looking for a cheap family holiday abroad, Andros is a great choice. Located only a short distance from Athens, you can easily reach Andros by ferry. Take the Rafina to Andros ferry and get there in approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes. There are 4 sailings departing per day during the high season so you should have no trouble finding one suitable for your plans.

Prepare to be blown away by the idyllic scenery that Andros has to offer. From breathtaking caves to picturesque beaches, no island captures the magic of Greece quite like Andros. Better yet, you can visit without breaking the bank.

Milos

Milos is usually overlooked by the more popular islands in Greece like Mykonos and Santorini. But what few people know is that Milos is one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the Cyclades. With cheaper hotels and accommodation, Milos is worth adding to the wish list. Whether you are travelling during the height of summer or the off-season, this beautiful island is accessible by high-speed ferry. Take the Athens to Milos ferry with SeaJets and reach the island in just 2 hours and 40 minutes.

If you aren’t sure where to start, Milos has a variety of unspoilt beaches that are begging to be explored. Also don’t miss the chance to swim in the Kleftiko Caves. Alternatively, you can explore the whitewashed streets of Plaka and watch the sunset from the Venetian Castle of Milos.

Sicily

As Italy’s largest island, Sicily is an excellent year-round holiday destination, especially for those on a budget. Although the island certainly has its share of extravagant hotels, there’s also plenty of accommodation at reasonable prices. You can save even more money by adding free activities to your itinerary. Discover many of the scenic local beaches like San Vito Lo Capo or check out the Ballaro street market in Palermo.

Sicily has 9 ports with sailings available from various destinations including mainland Italy, making it very accessible by ferry. The fastest ferry route to Sicily is the Villa San Giovanni to Messina ferry, which takes just 20 minutes and departs up to 53 times every day. 

Sifnos

When it comes to budget islands, Sifnos certainly makes the list. This majestic island is surrounded on all sides by sandy beaches, most famously Chrysopigi Beach in the southwest. With seafood tavernas and beach bars, Sifnos has everything you would expect from a Greek island, just at a lower price. If you want to keep your trip on the cheaper side, this island is definitely worth visiting.

It's not just the price which makes Sifnos so attractive. The location is good too. Sifnos is located 81 nautical miles from Athens, making it very convenient by ferry. Catch the Athens to Sifnos ferry and arrive in approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Brac

Unlike its noisy neighbours, Brac is a tranquil holiday destination only a short distance from Split. With a number of stunning coastal towns, this beautiful island will have you lost for words. While it might not have the nightlife of Hvar, Brac does offer a refreshing break from the chaotic crowds and is much more affordable than the tourist hotspots.

There are many port towns in Brac that are accessible by ferry including Milna and Bol. Choose between either the Split to Bol ferry or the Split to Milna ferry. Wherever you decide to stay, you are guaranteed a cheap and enjoyable getaway.

Jersey

If you are looking for somewhere closer to home, Jersey could be an ideal place to visit. As Jersey is a tax-free shopping destination, many purchases are likely to be cheaper than UK and France, giving you more money to spend elsewhere. The island is perfect for a short trip away, with a variety of popular attractions including Jersey War Tunnels, Mont Orgueil Castle and Jersey Zoo.

Those travelling from the UK can take the Poole to Jersey ferry with Condor Ferries. Climb aboard and reach St Helier in 4 hours and 35 minutes. If you live closer to London, perhaps it would be easier to book the Portsmouth to Jersey ferry instead. However you choose to get there, Jersey is an enjoyable destination for all of the family.

Tinos

Last but not least, we have the Greek island of Tinos. Unlike its closest neighbour, Mykonos, this island doesn’t get the attention it rightly deserves. Tinos is an unblemished oasis in the Aegean Sea, with secluded beaches, beautiful coastal villages and delicious food. Better yet, it doesn’t cost a fortune.

The easiest way to reach the island is by taking the Mykonos to Tinos ferry. This route takes only 15 minutes with SeaJets. If you are arriving from the Greek capital, you can catch the Athens to Tinos ferry instead, which takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.