Group of budget travellers on a Greek island hopping adventure, with their hands in the air smiling while on a catamaran with MedSailors.

Why Greece is the Most Underrated European Budget Destination of 2025

By Ryan Brown published on 10 July 2025

Forget overpriced island resorts or chaotic party cruises—if you’re dreaming of unforgettable seaside parties, diving into turquoise seas, wandering ancient ruins, feasting on mouth-watering souvlaki, and golden hour beach bars without breaking the bank, then Greece is your ticket to ultimate summer bliss. And the best way to experience it? Island-hopping on a MedSailors yacht, of course.

We think Greece is criminally underrated as the perfect summer trip for party seekers, budget backpackers, adventure travellers, and all other types of explorers. Whether you’re an Aussie or Kiwi in London, Brit looking for a European escape, or a traveller from further afield, island hopping in Greece is unmatched.

We’re shining a spotlight on our two epic Greek routes—perfect for anyone craving sun, sea, and serious vibes with a dose of history and culture. Calling all foodies, beach-hoppers, history nerds, or all-night partiers — here are 10+ reasons why a sailing holiday in Greece should be your next move:

Group of female solo travellers and budget travellers exploring the Greek islands with MedSailors. Sitting at a table filled with Greek dishes in a colourful taverna.

1. Greece Is Way More Affordable Than You Think

From €3 gyros to waterfront tavern dinners that won’t hurt your wallet, Greece is ideal for budget-conscious travellers who still want to live their best life in 2025. Compared to Mykonos or Santorini hotel prices, our week-long sailing trips are an absolute steal. Most mains are around €15, or choose to try heaps of delicious dishes with a mezze family-style feast for around €20.

Better yet, you can often find flights from London for under £100 to Athens and Corfu!

Group of female solo travellers on a Greece budget travel adventure floating together in a beautiful bay while on a trip with MedSailors.

2. You Can Island-Hop Without the Hassle

One of the biggest hassles about travel can be figuring out the what, when where, why, and how. Ferries? Timetables? Stress? Nah. With MedSailors, your floating home takes you from one dreamy Greek island to the next. No repacking, no checking in — just sailing, swimming, and sipping cold drinks while the world drifts by. We’ll take you to hidden spots only accessible by yacht, where it’ll feel like you have the whole bay to yourself.

Group of travellers partying on a Greek island in the Saronic while on a Greece budget travel adventure with MedSailors.

3. Nightlife That Doesn’t Stop at Sunset

Whether it’s a late-night party in Poros or a casual wine bar under the stars in Parga, Greece brings ample energy and variety. Think of this: Greek islands where you can party 'til sunrise or chill to acoustic guitar on the sand. Every night there’s a bit of something different, so one evening you could be singing your ABBA-loving heart out in a disco bar right beside the water, or learning Greek dancing and smashing plates the next.

Group of smiling budget travellers sitting in front of Greek food in a tradtional town while island hopping Greece with MedSailors.

4. Fresh Greek Food Will Ruin You for Life

Sorry, not sorry, but Greek food will live rent-free in your mind FOREVER. Spanakopita for breakfast. Grilled halloumi with sea views. Sun-dried octopus and local rosé. Fresh garlic butter mussels with an ice-cold beer on a cliffside. The MedSailors guides know the best spots in every port—so you’re never more than 10 steps from a taverna that’ll change your life. And all of that will be less burden on the bank account than anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

A group of young backpackers sit atop Greek ruins at sunset while on a budget adventure tour of Greece with MedSailors.

5. Ancient Ruins Just Happen to Be Your Backdrop

When we say “just a stone's throw away”, it is quite literal in Greece. History isn’t just in textbooks here—it’s under your flip-flops. Or thongs. Or jandals. You get it. Explore Venetian castles, grandiose ancient theatres, and temples dedicated to Poseidon… all just steps from your yacht. Snorkel past ruins and dock at islands that have seen thousands of years of myth and war. If you’ve never experienced Ancient Greek history, it’s absolutely mind-blowing. You can see as much or as little as you want, except we think it’s all epically awesome, be you history buff or not.

Group of yachts and people swimming in crystal clear waters of Greece while on a budget Greek island hopping trip with MedSailors.

6. Two Routes, Infinite Vibes

Our Greece Athens Voyager route gives you off-the-beaten-path charm and rich culture. Think Hydra’s car-free cobbled streets, traditional fishing villages, sunset hikes, and all-night parties. This route is more up-tempo when it comes to activities and nightlife, so jump on this for a more amplified adventure.

The Greece Corfu Discovery route is more laid-back with lush green landscapes, epic snorkelling bays, and the best olive oil you’ll ever taste. You’ll get longer days in bays or blue lagoons, with some seaside nightlife sprinkled in to break up the lush and lazy days under the sun.

Happy budget travellers on a paddleboard in a beautiful Greek bay enjoying summer fun while on a sailing adventure with MedSailors.

7. You’ll Make New Mates Without Lifting a Finger

Solo traveller? Couple? Crew of besties? MedSailors' routes are all about bringing awesome people and open-minded legends from all over the world together. And making new friends at sea is an absolute breeze. Before you know it, you’re clinking drinks with new mates from countries all over the world. It’s like the best of a hostel social experience, where you’ll get to hang out and make new friends in a laid-back atmosphere, yet you have your own cabin and wake up at sea!

Group of youth exchange travellers relaxing in the Mediterranean on a budget Greek islands sailing holiday with MedSailors.

8. Sailing = Built-in Chill Time + Thrill Time

You get the best of both: lazy swims in glassy blue coves and active days exploring cliffside trails or paddleboarding past ancient harbours. Your route, your vibe. Each Greek destination we sail in has a plethora of activities to hop on, and plenty of time in the day to simply relax and take it easy. Nothing is forced, but possibilities are infinite, and each day you can make it dramatically different from the last based on your mood.

Greek sunset photo with a group of 20s and 30s travellers on a budget contiki Greek island hopping trip with MedSailors.

9. The Sunset Game Is Just Unfair Here

Sunset lover? Greece is about to ruin sunsets for you after your trip. Golden light bouncing off white-washed towns, the Aegean glowing like liquid gold…or crimson and orange hues washing over the Ionian Sea while atop a rock arch or ancient fortress. Whether it’s from the bow of the boat or a hilltop ruin, Greek sunsets deserve a religion of their own. Maybe that’s why every island is covered in temples…as the sunsets are simply out of this world.

Group of female travellers enjoying a budget-friendly Greek meal of gyros by the seaside with an idyllic backdrop while on an adventure travel experience with MedSailors.

10. It’s the Ultimate Way to Experience the Mediterranean

This isn’t just a holiday—it’s a moving, living postcard of the best Europe has to offer. Crystal waters, ancient stories, unforgettable flavours and spontaneous moments you’ll be talking about for years. You’ll likely come out adopted by a lovely Greek family that pulled you into their restaurant to share an ouzo, and you’ll have daydreams of those sun-soaked coastlines until the end of time. A Greek sailing adventure that is budget-friendly, without feeling like you're getting a budget experience.

BONUS: Two Greek Routes. One Tough Choice.

Can’t decide on which Greek sail week to do? We’ve got you covered. If you want more party or more chill, these are the two routes that offer plenty of balance, yet swing more to one or the other.

Go Athens Voyager if you want adventure activities, ample nightlife, and ancient history.
Go Corfu Discovery if you want lush islands, chilled vibes, and turquoise bays you’ll have all to yourself.

Aussie Or Kiwi in London? This Is Your Dream Trip

Are you an Aussie or Kiwi in London? Maybe you're an exchange student in London aching for adventure? Let’s be real. You didn’t move to London to sit in the pub all summer. You came for moments like these:

Sailing past ancient temples
Sharing grilled calamari with a crew of new mates
Jumping off a boat into blue nothingness
Dancing barefoot under the stars

Summer Sorted—No Planning Required

MedSailors makes it ridiculously easy. You book your spot, book your flight, and we’ll sort the rest:

✔️ Route planning

✔️ Skipper & Guest Experience Leader

✔️ Paddleboards and Snorkels

✔️ Breakfast on board

✔️ Daily swim stops

✔️ Hidden gems

For time-poor Brits or expats in the UK, it’s a no-brainer. Spend less time stressing, more time exploring.

Group of budget backpackers cheers beers atop a viewpoint at sunset in Greece while on a Greek island hopping sail week with MedSailors.

Don’t skip Greece and the Trip of a Lifetime

There’s something magical about Greece that just feels like home. Maybe it’s the warmth, the friendliness, or the way life slows down as soon as you’re by the sea. Whatever it is—it’s calling you.

Whether you’re looking for your yacht girl summer, lads on tour, a solo traveller, or couples wanting an epic social holiday...Greece ticks all the boxes for all types of wanderlust.

Both Greece island-hopping routes are sailing now, and still wildly affordable. Whether you’re chasing a summer reset or your next big adventure, this is your sign. Secure your spot on the MedSailors Greece routes today. It’s time to discover the real Greek island experience.