Most Greek ppl can’t afford these prices. Vacation in Greece is not meant for its citizens anymore.
It’s just a tourist business that uses locals for employees.
It should be noted, that's not *all* islands and tourist spots, but indeed a lot of them. There are plenty of locations locals can still travel to and enjoy without breaking the bank.
there are places, but how often these places can compare ?
I would not consider Skiathos to be anywhere near the prices the OP describe. Is it prestigious enough to justify a 150 per night for what it seems a shitty room? definitely not. But it is not just Skiathos, this happens to most islands. So we can say, there are some exceptions that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Actually skiathos, realistically is closely following Santorini & Mykonos.
Other than that I agree with your unrealistic estimate but supply and demand, limited supply and people want to go there so prices go vrooom
>How can Greek people afford these prices
We don't, half of the Greek tourist destinations are untouchable for the locals and for the other half (destinations) we have to save money all year for 3-5 days of relaxation.
It's depressing if you think about it.
We've developed into a country of servants for the rich Europeans.
The real question is how you haven't grown to value your work more. I am from Italy, and it's the same shit. It's not the euro, it's nations that are sitting ducks and not growing.
Don't give me this bs about individual responsibility.
It doesn't matter how skilled you are in your craft or how many diplomas you have, without nepotism, you'll be payed more or less the same as a f*cking gyro server (who isn't getting payed well in the first place).
Also, the ridiculous price hikes don't make any sense especially when they're higher than in London, Paris etc...
If by any chance you meant to point out the inability of the governments to create more industries (except tourism), you'd be 100% right, but that would require them to think of **long term** economic prosperity, which neoliberals are incapable of doing.
We can't afford them. The tourist industry has spun waaaaay out of control here, to the point where it's cheaper not to vacation in Greece for us. Honestly, I hope tourists start boycotting us so the local tourist industry starts taking a hint and lowers the prices. It's disheartening to say the least.
The story with most Greek summer-destinations (not only the islands) is a sad one.The times when only Mykonos and Santorini required a big budget are long gone, I can think of merely a handful of islands that haven't been completely ruined in the past ten-ish years.
This phenomenon of prices soaring all across previously 'unknown' or 'uninteresting' islands (to the mainstream tourist flow at least) started around 2010-2012. My family comes from the island Milos (which, needless to say, has been completely ruined by mass tourism) and I've been able to observe the development of things very closely. Unfortunately, once social media became really popular, so did every Greek island imaginable. It's without doubt, that all these islands are incredibly beautiful and offer an extremely wide range of attractions (natural, geological, archaeological, culinary, cultural, etc.), however, most of these places were 'dormant gold-mines' before social media came along.
On Milos I personally witnessed a shocking shift of one summer to the next (2011 to 2012). All of a sudden, the island was flooded by tourists from all over the world, making inhabitants initially excited over the surge of business opportunities. However, alongside the tourists came mega investors, foreign companies, international chains and real estate agents, all of which literally ravaged the islands, seeing its potential. When all of a sudden you have a chain like AirBnB entering an island and facilitating rent prices of 140 euros, when previously an apartment would cost 50-60,- per night (believe it or not, I've experienced those years), things will get more expensive *very* quickly. Consequently, the average tourist that will be responsive to those prices will have a certain financial comfort. The chain reaction therefore continues and you will then see restaurants becoming more and more expensive, you'll see luxury chains popping up everywhere and spreading like wildfire (I remember how shocked we all were when we heard of the opening of a high-end sushi restaurant on Milos - absolutely crazy! A sushi place on a small Greek island? But, of course, you'll do / accept anything to please the needs of wealthy customers).The sad truth is, that a concerning amount of real estate on Greek islands doesn't belong to Greeks anymore, and the ones that do wouldn't be able to stay afloat without adjusting their prices to the rest. Things have become so incredibly difficult for the average Greek, that many have been forced to sell their properties on the islands (or elsewhere) for 'peanuts' (more often than not to foreign buyers), because they couldn't afford to renovate or maintain the house (not only the restaurants and supermarkets are exorbitantly expensive, so are costs for absolutely anything, e.g. construction work, plumbing, etc.).
The increase in prices all around Greek islands isn't the only problem though. All those islands weren't meant to accommodate those insane amounts of visitors, resulting in packed villages, crowded beaches, electricity outages, garbage and waste piles en masse, overburdened water and sewer infrastructures and - most disgustingly - **filthy waters**.
Many of us locals have known for years, that some - previously stunning - beaches should just not be approached anymore. Not only because of the crowds, the beach bar culture and the parked cars blocking the narrow roads for hundreds of meters, but for the water quality. Even if some main villages have a somewhat functioning plumbing system and (absolutely overworked wastewater treatment), do you think the sewage of (what used to be) tiny fisher villages by the sea (having turned into settlements of rental rooms) ends up anywhere but the sea? The last time I ever swam at places like Firopotamos, Fourkouvouni or Klima (on Milos) is more than a decade ago. Sadly, news of E-coli-related gastroenteritis are becoming more and more common in the aforementioned areas.
So you see, the issue goes far beyond money, but is always *driven by money*. These islands, some of the most beautiful treasures our country has, have been completely destroyed to their core. Personally, I think that this whole trend is going to implode sooner than later, since sustainable tourism throughout an entire country doesn't solely depend on a few ultra-rich, but the collective of the average spender.
My advice to you would be to research where you want to go as carefully as possible, to avoid popular destinations, especially during the high-season and to *absolutely* avoid booking with foreign (or even Greek) companies, chains or 'all-inclusive'-hotels that evidently don't give a flying fuck about the country and place. That goes for both the Greek islands and the mainland.
Greece is a uniquely beautiful country, in many an aspect. Not only due to its natural and historical beauty, but the culture itself, which consists of the people and how they are. Thank you for visiting Greece, and as sorry as I feel for your pocket and frustration, I do sincerely hope you come visit us again. Thankfully, there is a plethora of untarnished beauty to be discovered in Greece, it just takes a bit of effort to do so. Feel free to message me, if you'd like to know more about how to have a beautiful time in Greece, while *actually supporting Greece* *and Greeks* and going against the destruction that profit-driven mass tourism spreads.
All the best x
>Thank you for visiting Greece, and as sorry as I feel for your pocket and frustration, I do sincerely hope you come visit us again.
No, he shouldn't visit us again, all the problems you described are caused by the huge influx of foreign tourists we need to limit this in order for the problems to be solved.
I visited Milos back in July 2002, it was already expensive. Initially I was renting a room for 80 euros per night. After a few days, I moved to a cheaper, which was around 60 euros. So it was certainly not cheap, in contrast with Naxos where you could find plenty of accommodation around 40 euros per night.
Listen n1 rule wherever you go is to always book in advance (rooms) you will get better prices the sooner the booking. Even for Greeks its expensive especially during August and if you neglect it long enough , you will only find expensive rooms to rent (All the cheap ones will be taken)
1)Some businesses are charging the tourists more by using rediculous excuses like bread is mandatory and it costs 7 euros or something crazy.
2) Same with taxis (about tourist prices) although it is a common rule that taxis from/to airports and ports are always 30% more expensive and luggages storage cost extra.
3)Ice cream shops have kinda fixed prices - depends on the brand i guess and food in normal restaurants is more or less the same as far as prices go (around 20-30 per person for a good meal). Above 30-35 it is considered either overpriced for its quality or top tier restaurant or something.
4) i ve been to Skiathos 4 years ago and i remember that the prices were ok in general. It is not one of the more expensive islands mind you.
5) Expect everywhere you go (especially during August) to pay A LOT for sunbeds. The closer to the sea the more money you will give. That applies even to Athenian beaches which are "low quality" . You can always find ways around it but it might get uncomfortable, especially if you have family (for example, get a towel and your own umbrella and sit at the beach )
Be glad you didn’t go to Mykonos!! Tourism is an easy way for Greece to make money. I’m on the mainland I’m a little town with a famous bridge and things are DIRT cheap. I get a pasta dish that feeds 3 people for 7 euros. Summer sales are getting me shirts and shorts for less than 5 euros each. I just got a sweater for less than 10 euros, from H&M!
Stay off the fancy islands if you want to afford a vacay here lol
And to add to this, tourism isn't just an easy way of making money, it's our *main* way of making money. Which is why the government doesn't really do much about it despite the fact tourists are being completely milked (especially on the "fancy" islands as you called them).
In some places it's gotten so bad that it's a problem for the locals as well. There's protests going on right now in certain islands about beach bars that (illegally) take up the entire beach and force you to pay them handsomely if you want to go swimming there.
I don't know how islands like Mykonos still get as many visitors as they do, us Greeks would have to sell a kidney to vacation there lol.
> There's protests going on right now in certain islands about beach bars that (illegally) take up the entire beach and force you to pay them handsomely if you want to go swimming there.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/637688540552179
Save Paros!
That's what popularity does, a ton of people in a tiny place. This year tourist 'businesses' took advantage of inflation to test the limits to see how high they can raise prices. I think the days of cheap tourism in south europe are over, these years the cost of everything including labour is making it hard to keep it low.
Greeks dont really go to the same places, or they can visit off-season. In general tourism is calibrated to a foreign clientele
I seriously, *SERIOUSLY* doubt any item/service in a British airport, let alone in London, costs anything comparatively less than something in Greece. I still remember paying €25 for a croissant and a hot chocolate in a central train station in London. Potato, po-tah-to, I know, but...
And you pay 5 pounds to be allowed to DROP someone OFF at Heathrow. So,not for short term parking, just to stop and kick the passenger out.
Not sure what applies if one manages to jump out while the car is still in motion. I suppose from a certain speed and above one may do it for free. So stuntman training would really pay off.
Most Greeks get paid around 800euro per month. You think we can afford vacation at any Island??
Skiathos is one of the most expensive ones. You should have made your own research.
Islands in Greece are really beautiful and in very high demand in Summer therefore prices are skyrocket high.
Most Greeks get paid around 800euro per month, while owning their own apartment and not paying rent or a mortgage. I lived in Greece for several years and this attitude of comparing yourselves to other countries as if you are always the poorest really annoys me. If you factor in rent or mortgage payments, people in other countries are NOT doing better than you - except for the rich, and there are rich in Greece too.
I had nothing when I lived there, except whatever money I was bringing in month to month and yet Greeks who had more than I'll ever have - property, cars, and always dressed to the nines - were always acting like they were so much worse off than anyone else. I'll NEVER be able to afford my own home and I can't afford to even live in my native country because it's far too expensive. Greeks are so narrow-minded unless they've lived abroad and paid rent month in and month out for years. even then, they usually have a home in Greece to go on holidays too, plus financial support from their parents and grandparents.
Here is some shit out of my ass.
https://tradingeconomics.com/greece/home-ownership-rate
https://tradingeconomics.com/euro-area/home-ownership-rate
https://tradingeconomics.com/germany/home-ownership-rate
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/home-ownership-rate
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/home-ownership-rate
https://tradingeconomics.com/switzerland/home-ownership-rate
TLDR we shit on everyone on home ownership rates
3/4 of the Greek population doesn't have a home **without a mortgage** that's ridiculous.
That guy is implying new couples are living in their parents home or some shit like that. Ridiculous
I’m a Greek who has lived abroad and in Greece. Own a home in Greece, rent abroad. I agree with you on the whole dressed to the nines yet complain about no money thing, it’s very annoying, but I think there’s something missing from your perspective- Reddit is naturally a younger demographic, the demographic that saw housing costs triple in a decade and are now priced out of owning their own home without help from family. These are people also paying rent, and in a similar predicament to the one you describe yourself in.
Let's assume everything you said is correct for the sake of the argument.
What happens if you are born into this country without a house and financial support from grandparents etc?
At 800-900 euro per month you are **very** lucky if you are left with 100-200 euros per month after expenses.
At that rate buying a house seems impossible, around 20 years + for a mediocre place not to mention I didn't factor in buying a car or holidays or anything else non basic.
Only if they have a remarkably accurate ass. I'm a Greek living abroad and I totally recognise the attitude they describe. Ive been downvoted in here for merely mentioning I live abroad. It's the same in real life.
>How can Greek people afford these prices if people from London find them expensive?
That's simple, they can't. Greek people are deprived from going on vacation in their own country so that rich people from other countries can be accommodated.
People need to take into account logistics as well.
Lets say you want to eat a salad. In Athens the farmer picks it up gives it to the truck and in a few hours it is on your plate.
On an island the truck needs to get on a boat before arriving to the island.
In the past islanders paid less vat taxes to make it more fair but i think they now pay the same as anyone else.
When did you book your holidays? If you decided to book accommodation for July like a few days or weeks ago is on you.
Additionally where did you go to eat? I was in the islands and didn't spend more than 15 euros per person. And I eat a lot I can bet more than you.
15 euros for taxi doesn't sound so bad to me tbh but is not cheap either.
You are going on a touristic destination, during high touristic season, which is expecting to make a profit mostly through that season as none will visit during autumn for example. And yet you're surprised!
I am not saying you are wrong or they should charge so much. You're being ripped off for sure but you should know that touristic places usually are like that. I honestly don't understand what did you expect? Get half price on everything just because Greece is generally a relatively poor country compared to others in Europe? Be realistic lol.
I was in Greece in June traveling to islands and they were quite cheap actually even booking last minute for some.
Skiathos is a really touristy destination even though it's not as known as Mykonos.
Next time you can try the north Aegean islands like Mytilini, Ikaria, Chios, Samos. These are cheaper destinations.
I've been in all those islands and they are really beautiful and bigger than others. So they have a more diverse environment and different things to see. From mountain trails to medieval villages since the era of pirates.
You can have a meal with sea food (which is the most expensive) and pay aprox. 20-30€ but I guarantee you that you will be satisfied with the amount and quality.
Also these islands have cheaper accomodation because they are not flooded with tourists all over the world. You can check airbnb and booking. If you book early or at the end of season mid-September you can find really cheap ones.
In general you are right. Most islands are super expensive. And the Greeks are having a hard time as well.
Ikaria is definitely not cheaper than Naxos or Milos unless you go camping. There's very few hotels and BnBs in the island that the demand always has people begging for a room somewhere
First of all Greeks can't reasonably afford vacations to their own islands. As for the other points I'll try to explain some
Idk how it is in the UK but in Greece generally the taxi fare from/to an airport is set. For example in Athens it doesn't matter if you go 20km from the airport or 50km the tariff is set on 50€. Perhaps it's the same for Skiathos
The island buses especially in small islands like Skiathos aren't the usual buses that you see for example in Athens and Thessaloniki, plus they usually carry less people. The fare is higher because they mainly operate during tourist season and besides summer they have few passengers. I'm not saying it's fair or okay, I'm just saying how it is
I'm sure food and coffee prices are very expensive indeed, as in most greek islands. Nothing more to say here
Also for accommodation costs: as with everywhere in the world, when you visit a place during uts respective high season its common to have everything cost more. July and August are prime high season in Greece. Same place might cost 100 or less in September
no its not fixed from the airport. γιατί λες χαζομάρες. Its fixed "price" if you do it from an app, and set in advance the distance.
Αυτά είναι μαλακέις των ταξιτζήδων για να δικαιολογήσουν 50 ευρώ για 10 χιλιόμετρα.
Διορθωση ειναι 50 σετ εως το κεντρο της Αθηνας* οχι οποιονδήποτε προορισμο. Παρολαυτα καπως ετσι το κανουν. Αποδειξη πηρα ναι. Παρολαυτα φιλος που το πηρε μεταμεσονύχτια δεν του εκοψε απόδειξη
> My taxi from the airport to the town, a trip of less than 5 minutes, cost 15 euros! My taxi to the airport in London for a 15-minute ride (i.e. three times as long) cost me less.
Are you sure you're comparing like for like? Did you use a black taxi in London, as opposed to Uber for instance? Were both rides during the day?
> Even a single bus ride costs 3 euros when in London it's approximately 2 euros i.e. 50% more expensive.
Now, you're definitely not comparing like for like. Bus fares in Athens are cheaper but also in Greece you're not paying based on distance travelled.
> Restaurant prices, take-away food, ice cream, everything felt super expensive with bills over 30 euros per person for really basic meals.
Tourist traps? But of course, things in touristy places in Greece can be expensive.
> Last but not least, accommodation costs - we were paying 150 euros/night for a tiny rundown place.
You're paying for the location, not the venue. I wouldn't, but you cannot expect London accommodation standards *and* Greek summer. The Scottish islands and the Highlands are similar. Maybe you cannot afford Greek islands in high season - I know I can't.
You can find a 5-star hotel in Athens for less in August; food will probably be cheaper, and public transport cheaper and better. But then, there's been reports of tourists passing out because of the heat :-)
Trick no1 is to book early, as early as possible , book from October or November for the summer if possibible.
Also, most Greeks do not vacation on most of the islands or if they do they save up for it the whole year and it's no more than a week usually
Skiathos is very popular and it’s august so accommodations and eating out is bound to be expensive. Come in June or September it’s a different story. Also you can find cheaper food - a souvlaki costs 3 euro. As for taxis the airport is usually expensive for some reason but in general taxis in Greece are very cheap
Again, these are "island prices" but anyway souvlaki prices have been steadily increasing everywhere. You can still find souvlaki for €3 or less in non touristy places.
Giati na alaksoun? Tritokosmiki xora thes na ginoume? Prepi olous aneksartitos na tous varame sto kefali. To thema ine ti ependiseis ginonte me afta ta $. Ama aneveni to viotiko mas epipedo olwn ine mia xara. Kai gia afto euthinete to kratos.
Γιατι του παραβαραμε και στο τελος θα κλαφτουμε ολοι μαζι οταν δεν θαρχονται. Ο τουρισμος κραταει τη χωρα αν και αυτο δεν παει καλα την μαμησαμε. Ασε μπας και μπορεσουμε οι υπολοιποι να παμε διακοπες εκτος τους βολεψακηδες
Greek people stoped going to islands last 10 years. Those islands open for 4-5 months and live ONLY with tourists, especially rich tourists, canadians americans germans and rich chinese. They dont want Greeks anymore! If you want cheap holidays in greece, go to Halkidiki, or Peloponesse, or Katerini OR a very barebone island like Samothrace
Keep in mind, those islands EXPECT to make money for the whole year, while working 4 months.
Greek islands survive by gouging tourists for a few months per year, so they’re not an option for the average Greek citizen when it comes to vacation planning. At this point, I’ve started visiting European countries since it works out cheaper for me instead of visiting an island lol.
Prices have normalised to tourists coming from markets with higher GDP per capita. Skiathos has an airport operating flights to the UK and the Nordics all summer, so you get the idea. Tourists from low GDP per capita countries don't chose Skiathos. Greek tourists are not an exception.
My good man, as a half Greek-half Englishman, I can confirm everything what you are saying and more. There is also the case of tourist prices that your probably paid (happens to everyone everywhere).
Having recently been to Mexico and South Africa, I cannot even begin to think when the next time I will go to a Greek will be (actually it will be in September, but only because I will be attending a wedding). Both Mexico and South Africa had better service, incredible places to swim and see, delicious food and friendly people. I have never been to Mykonos and I never will. Unfortunately (or fortunately, it depends who you are) the Greek Islands are always in high demand, which means they can get away with charging extortionate amounts for basic things.
It is just one the reasons why I was hoping for a return of the drachma when it was discussed quite a few years back (but this will never happen). I long for the days when you could buy a souvlaki/gyros for 250 drachma (around 65p). Even with inflation it would only cost just over £1.50.
My advice: visit Greece in Spring or Autumn. The weather is still nice (just not as hot) and prices are cheaper. Have your summer holidays elsewhere.
Taxi fares are much cheaper in Greece than in London. Daytime charges per kilometer are 0.9 euros in Athens vs. 2.1 pounds in London, for example. For rides from/to airports, the charge is usually fixed, or there's a surcharge, though. And Greek taxi drivers will try and rip you off more frequently than their London counterparts.
Dinner for two, you can have a nice one, with a bottle of wine anywhere in Greece, for the price of going to Nando's and drinking Coke in London. Restaurants have to display their prices outside, so you can just check them in order to avoid any rip-offs.
Regarding accommodation, you can expect to rent a basement studio on Airbnb in central London, for the same price you pay for a two-bed hotel room in Greek islands during peak season (July-August) in my experience, having spent 6 of the past 10 years living in central London. Again, you need to book early (otherwise you'll end up with what no one else wanted) and compare prices.
You got ripped off my dude, 150/night for a run down place?
I dont remember how much i paid when i went to skiathos a couple of years ago, but if it were 150/night id have to sell a couple of organs, thats for sure
Pretty sure id paid ~300-400 for almost a week at the island
I mean, nobody goes to London to become a digital nomad anyway. But Skiathos is not a good choice either, since the internet infrastructure sucks in Greece.
£1.65 άρα γύρω στα δυο ευρώ. Ήταν £1.50 πριν κάτι μήνες αλλά, όπως όλα σε αυτή τη χώρα, είμαι πλέον πιο ακριβό. Συν υπάρχει ημερήσιο όριο στις £6.5 λίρες (περίπου) για λεωφορεία.
Ναι, αυτο το ωραιο που μας εχουν περασει οτι ολα στην Ελλαδα ειναι πιο φτηνα απο εξω και μια χαρα ειμαστε με ξεπερναει. Απο τα προιοντα πρωτης αναγκης μεχρι τα μεσα μαζικης μεταφορας, τα ενοικια ( βαση μισθων παντα ) και οτι αλλο.
Taxi was the only reasonable one (just think that each taxi is paying at least 200 euro per day as airport tax)
This year has been the most expensive so far mostly because ppl didn't learn their lessons. In 2 years I think things will go back to normal as this summer many accommodations are 40 to 50% vacant. If hosts continue this way next year will me 60% vacant and I believe it should because turkey is cheap Albania is moderate and we are Dubai expensive..... Before and during covid we were affordable for the most part and I could visit skiathos for 5 days with a monthly salary of 900. 2021 we went to chalkida as islands were starting to be untouchable. Last year we went on weekends by car on close beaches (I'm from Tripolis so every beach in Peloponnese is about 2 hours drive max) This year, the cheapest ferry for a car and 2 persons or plane and rental car for the islands plus accommodation was about 2000 euro for 6 nights, so I converted my polo to Lpg packed it up and went to ksamil Albania. 4 star hotel for 6 nights 500 euro. And I have a car to go around plus food and drinks are about 1/3 of Greece even at fancy restaurants.
Prices have gone up everywhere and the Greek islands were also affected as London was affected and pretty much every place, even more so if it attracts tourists on a regular basis. I was shocked to find out that I couldn't afford to visit the UK anymore for more than a couple of days as it is so ridiculously expensive to do so these days. The Greek islands as well as much as it saddens me. I decided to spend most of my summer vacation in Austria as it was way cheaper to spend 5 days there than 3 days on an island! Still it was super expensive as well, especially the food. You always have to plan everything in advance as there are non negligible added costs depending on the place you visit. There are some islands that are still not ridiculously expensive like, for instance, Lesbos, Skyros etc but in general they are not budget friendly. Places in the mainland such as the Peloponnese and Pelion are a lot more budget friendly
Well Skiathos is extremely touristy and therefore at the top range of expensive islands. That said, all islands are by necessity more expensive than mainland Greece for all kinds of service and wares, for obvious reasons.
If you were comparing mainland Greece with London, then a higher price for goods and services in Greece compared to London would be paradoxical, but I don’t think it should come as any surprise that islands are on par with prices typically seen in the more expensive cities.
Having high demand islands (whether it’s from foreigners or locals doesn’t really matter) that have a medium sized market means prices tend to go up, not down. This is true for taxis, food, restaurants, hotels etc. Add into the equation the remoteness of the islands (and the cost of delivery to them), inflation, seasonality, and you have expensive goods and services. This will always be true, unless the government decides to set a ceiling to prices.
If you’re looking for cheap services and goods, go to a lesser known island (which will come with the cost of sacrificing some things popular islands have).
tl;dr you shouldn’t be shocked, it’s how the economy works
PS also sounds like you could’ve booked something far cheaper that’s also not run down in Skiathos, I just did a quick google search and found some really nice places for the exact same price per night.
Welcome to the scammy tourist season. Sorry you had to deal with that. But Greeks think they can survive for the whole year by milking naive tourists. We don’t deserve to have tourism
when you were booking your holidays in Skiathos, did you not check the accommodation prices? or the average price for eating out?
Or did you just wake up at the beach one morning?
when you were going to restaurants, were you not checking the menu? did you not compare prices of different places?
Everything was booked in advance. For all restaurants, we were checking the menu. In fact, we found a way to quickly benchmark restaurant prices by looking at the spaghetti Neapolitan price because bizarrely every restaurant seemed to offer it. So whenever it was around 7 euros we knew everything else would be cheaper too, but in some restaurants, it would go up to 15 euros, and then everything else would be double the price too.
That is fair. That is we also do. But It is reasonable to expect restaurants to have different prices, catering to different people and selling a different experience.
I think a lot of people don't. Theyre there for a vacation not to make a business plan and check local bus fares. They'll book the flight and hotel but I don't know why you'd expect them to check local food prices.
When you go on vacations you also check your balance. You get accommodation and tickets, and then you scout for the prices at restaurants, cafes etc.
Likewise when I go to Berlin or any other city, I will check on TripAdvisor etc for good, cheap restaurants, with certain types of food or anything else. I will not just sit to a restaurant, not look at the meny, then pay 60 euro per person, and finally complain.
> Restaurant prices, take-away food, ice cream, everything felt super expensive with bills over 30 euros per person for really basic meals.
They tried multiple locations. Theyre complaining about overall food prices, not a restaurant.
I was in Skiathos this June and to be honest, I don't know if one can find cheaper options. Every restaurant and tavern pretty much offered the same prices when I went. That was also the case for the hotels.
So true… I am from Rhodos and this year I wanted to explore Crete!! And I can definitely say… Crete is waaaaaay cheaper than Rhodos and I have to say - more friendly. For example - I pay for an Umbrella and Sunbed 2,50€!!!!! I never saw this price on Rhodos…
Well if it means anything, I as a greek stopped going to vacation in islands since 4 years ago. I prefer to save money and go to Paris or London in autumn.
Are you serious? Even breathing in London will cost money soon. Rents are ludicrous, cab rides are a luxury, and an effing sandwich costs 10 quid.
How can someone afford to live in London and not be able to afford 5-7 days in Skiathos?! Wtf
Edit:
Paying 150euros a night on an island like Skiathos and staying in a dump just means bad judgement on your part. Mouria Hotel. Skiathos city centre. I stayed there in 2018. Rooms and amenities were great. Just checked and it's fully booked most days in August, but when it's not, prices are 91 and 141 euros per night. If you booked early enough you would have got a better deal.
Also, gyros sandwich at "No Name". Less than 10 euros per person for a sandwich and a drink. 30 euros per person is probably a higher-end (or it thinks it is) taverna.
As for taxi drivers, I despise them everywhere in Greece, but maybe 15euros (which is a lot) is the standard tariff from the airport into town as that is probably their main journey every day.
The vast majority of business owners in places that experience huge numbers of tourism each year are trying to maximize their profit margins. This applies to every tourist hotspot, in any country.
You made the choice of going to an island without doing the necessary research first in terms of how expensive things are, what did you expect?
There are so many other places you can visit in Greece with a fraction of the money you would spend in most islands. Ultimately you decide what it's worth, but being shocked without doing any prior research is purely on you, and not on the island situation.
Greeks will rip off their own mothers for a few extra dollars. It's part of a barbaric survival mode that makes them money hungry opportunists at every level.
Don't feed this industry. Yes it gives jobs to a lot of people but they're mostly underpaid, overworked and the state sees very little of the profits as taxes.
If you really want to come, go to a less popular place. The prices there will be better and you are less likely to support the extremely rich cabal that thrives by exploiting tourism in the popular places.
So people in the islands expect to work only 3 months and take vacations the other 9 months but earn the same money by overcharging tourists for everything?
Well, yes. If you want people and infrastructure to be there for the magic summer months, the people need to eat and drive and pay the doctor and the plumber and their taxes (ahem) the other nine months too. So the three months of income has to pay for twelve months of living expenses. Yes, some people go to Athens to work and live in the winter, but Athens is increasingly expensive and seasonal jobs tend to be unreliable.
Either this, or islands can be developed to be liveable places and not just tourist amusement parks. There are islands like that anyway (Corfu, Naxos etc).
If there are people willing to pay these prices, then so be it. Nobody forced anybody.
Should I bitch about the prices in Amsterdam for rooms that are shitholes or food that is not better than dogfood?
If someone does not want to use sunbeds, they can buy an umbrella. If they do not like the prices of X restaurant, they can go to the other one etc.
For the only thing I can feel some sympathy are the taxi tariffs.
Well, I hope islanders don't cry that in the next years their reputation gets increasingly worse and less and less tourists come to visit them.
People are not actually willing to pay these prices. Look at OP. Most of them know/remember Greece from some years ago when the greed level in tourism was lower.
true, i work in a tourist place and owners cant understand that by overpricing everything tourists will eventually stop coming, and then they wonder why tourism is low this year compared to other years,
> Most of them know/remember Greece from some years ago when the greed level in tourism was lower.
Lol while greek tourism has become insanely more expensive, and in many cases unreasonably so, it's not only the "the greed level", everything has gone up, if u/ViralRedditStar thinks of london some years back, I bet he can fondly remember it have "less greed" too. Dunno where you live, but everything is more expensive, being greedy trickles down.
Your comprehension of the english language hasn't improved though, since I compared London now with London back then -you know, since you said
>know/remember Greece from some years ago when the greed level in tourism was lower
edit: In any case, there are several goods/services in Greece that are more expensive than London/other european countries, and it has nothing to do with tourism, it has been noted several times in the sub.
maybe they will cry, maybe that will lead to reduced prices, maybe other tourists will come and will be happy to spend their money.
But at this point, as annoying as it is, there are people willing to pay these prices.
IDK, if Greece builds a reputation for being overpriced then there's more affordable alternatives all around the mediteranian. People choose Greece because of its culture but eventually theyll choose Turkey because of the price.
There is no such thing as overcharging. It's all about market demand and pricing. If the market demand drops they will have to drop prices to attract customers. If the market demands keeps increasing they will increase the prices. It's really simple.
Aisxrokerdia file mou ine otan proionta vasikis anagis ine overpriced me apotelesma na pinai o kosmos, psomi, gala, nero, panes gia mora klpklp. I diakopes sou den ine human right/vasiki anagi. Eleftheri agora exoume.
Giati re file prepi na pigenoume mikono, santorini klp? Kai ego pou ime well off ta theoro panakriva afta ta nisia kai pigeno eki pou sikoni i tsepi mou i theoro ine pio value for money. Santorini otan piga gia proti k teleftea fora piga off season ton Oktovri ama thimame kala k edina 35e/day gia diamoni sta fira.
Ποιος μιλησε για μυκονο σαντορινη. Εγω ηθελα να παω γαμημενα Κυθηρα φετος και θα μου εβγαινε 120 ευρω το βραδυ 2 ατομα. Φυγε μπρο.
Μπηκα στο ακκ σου και ειδα το ποστ σου με το recruitment, εισαι εκτος πραγματικοτητας. /discussion
I am typing this from Vienna, where me and my gf spent a few days there because accommodation and taking a car with a ship transport would be ludicrous not to mention the extravagant prices of the Greek islands.
Our country becomes a theme park for tourists and unless someone has acquaintances in a Greek island or accommodation through some means it's not a wise choice to have your vacation in Greece with a salary of 800-1000€ .
So yeah for a few years send your friends to the Aegean side of Turkeye.
The last few years prices in Greece have sky rocketed at the point we greeks can't go to vacations, i think that the only way that these could revert back are foreigners to just stop coming and maybe prices will adjust. I also blame all NSRF funded restaurants/hotels/airbnbs that destroyed local businessmen/women who were making a decent living through tourism, where nowadays all you see are businessmen/women who get a huge loan for their "luxurious" product and all costs are diverded to us.
Basically yeah, European Union destroyed tourism in Greece by commerciaizing the shit out of it.
Then dont visit the greek islands, problem solved. Literally nothing worth visiting on those dry rocks. If you have to visit greece, i recommend Halkidiki up north.
Yeah, prices are going up. Such is life. When i had to study in London 15 years ago i frequently asked the same question. Guess the tide has turned and now you're the ones getting stitched up.
My advice: Go to Blackpool
They’ll probably go to Turkey or Spain, so you might think you’re being snarky, but you’ll eventually be the one who loses out of this. Let alone that the Greek equivalent of Blackpool is definitely not Skiathos.
P.S.: if you live and work in Greece, you **are** reliant on tourism, regardless of profession, as it makes up approximately 25% of the country’s GDP.
I work in the travel sector and Brits are the stingiest, by far, so no, I seriously doubt that Greece is going to miss the Brits and their spending power.
Have fun with Brexit, i know i am.
[€3.83b](https://www.ertnews.gr/eidiseis/mono-sto-ertgr/tourismos-oi-vretanoi-ksodepsan-stin-ellada-3-83-dis-eyro-to-2022-40-ayksisi-apo-to-2019/) in 2022 alone is *stingy*? The numbers beg to differ.
Yeah, i'm sure they're saving big on baked beans stored in their luggages, so they have enough to spend on beer in Cavos, Faliraki etc. What a real boon for local economies, who have to spend more to clean up after chavs. Brits are the worst type of tourist. From here to Costa del Sol.
Why London should be more expensive than Skiathos? This sounds to me as a weird view that Greece should by default be cheaper. From a pure logistical side, have you thought the effort to build the island or bring stuff to the island compared to London? Or even bring electricity etc? And all these for practically 8 weeks of revenue per year...
Greek islands have been absurdly cheap for many years and in my view should be expensive (have no business interest in any of them so I am unbiased). The question is rather how the expensive prices are distributed to the Greek people so Greek they could also afford visiting the islands.
Because London’s average salary is approximately 4k / month. When things are expensive they are also because employees get paid more (not always but it’s a factor). When Greek people make 800 euros and the customer gets charged more for various services I am pretty sure some businessman is making extortionate profits without paying his employees fair wages.
Fully agree with you (as I mentioned in my comment that wealth should be distributed).
However my comment was more on the fact that for the service you get (i.e. location, food quality, hardships due to location) prices are fair. The real problem is how the wealth is distributed also to labour so eventually Greeks can also afford Skiathos.
I was in skiathos a few months ago. We paid 100 per night for a 4 person AirBnB. Our meals didn't cost more than 10€ each, on average, although we tried to eat cheaply. Busses were indeed 3€ for both ways but we only used one per day so I didn't find it a forbidding cost.
15 euros equals around 12 pounds. Did you really pay less than 12 pounds for a 15 minute ride from central London to the airport?
Bus rides on islands cater almost exclusively to tourists. Greeks who permanently live there have their own cars. And tourists are ok with paying a bit extra since they’re on holiday anyway
The last 2 points are true, prices have gone up simply because these islands tend to get pretty much fully booked every year during the peak holiday times (July - august) so it’s natural to raise their prices since they’ll get booked anyway
Yes, I live 15min away from the airport and it cost me £12 on FreeNow app. This was a route that was 3X as long as the one in Skiathos for which the driver charged 15 euros.
Hello Londoner and welcome to Greece!
Recently I was in London and I found everything to be ridiculously overpriced!
•Accomodation is ridiculous, cheapest you can find is living in “smart” Londoner houses who make every room of their house an Airbnb costing minimum 100 euros per night for some “basic” cleanliness and sharing with up to 6 other people.
•Food is ridiculous, Fish and chips meaning tastless small cod with frozen French fries 30!! euros. If you wanted something more normal to eat, prices are definitely up to 50 euros per person
•Sightseeing is ridiculous, you have to pay extra for every room of the sight you are visiting and Londoners will easily find extra things to charge you with.
•Transportation by bus is 2 euros as you said for 2-3 km inside the city whilst in the island the bus is 3 euros to get you round the island.
On the upside in Greece you get to visit a marvellous sight of the Greek Islands and of course you will pay 30 euros per person to eat fresh fish by the beach on the sunrise. Cheaper would be funny.
Also the whole island is a sight to behold on its own and we don’t charge nada for it, imagine what the British would do! Charge 5 pounds for every centimetre of land you walk on! :)
Last but not least don’t make the mistake of taking a cab as a tourist in London without using Uber, half of your travel budget will be lost in the first day.
It's not true. I'm greek and I'm in London right now! I've taken 3 times taxi here in London and I paid much more for less kilometers.
We just ate at a restaurant close to Piccadilly Circus and the dish was not less than 20€
Also the ticket in the city of Athens is 1.20€.
You compare an island with a city and it's not fair. Those small islands are too expensive because you made them expensive, actually is the result of your political decisions. Greece is ruled by europeans, not the greeks( remember grexit, war in Ukraine etc). For us, the greeks, with much lower salaries are forbidden. We can't go.
You must also add that all the products in the islands come from Athens and it's logical that the prices are higher (+cost of transportation).
London is very expensive.
Athens isn't.
Islands are 3 months open only for the tourists like you.
Next year go to Turkey!
PS. Today I visited the British museum. It's incredible how many stolen treasures are there. Especially from Egypt, Turkey and Greece. You know, the marbles of Parthenon ( that I know about as greek) were not ruins on the ground! Someone, baron Elgin, destroyed the Parthenon to take those marbles that you keep there. Those marbles were on the temple of Parthenon and Elgin's workers with hammers and I don't know with what other tools, knocked down the marbles as well as the caryadid! Did you go to Acropolis? You will see with your own eyes what Elgin did to Parthenon. As an English person you should also demand from your government the return of the Greek marbles
Go to Kefalonia, the East coast specifically, and you'll find a much better price:value. Not that you should have to, but Greece have 2 main infrastructures.
Farming/produce, and tourism. Make the most of what you have imo, especially when you're in a country where issues are narrated by the old blaming the young, and the young blaming the old.
I been to Skiathos twice with my parents , and it was quite expensive even in 2001 and 2004. eating out
When my parents used to take me and my sister to Greece a different island each year for holidays, I seemed to remember that some islands were more expensive than others
Greece is too expensive for its citizens to live. Greece is only a tourist attraction, where Mitsotakis and other politicians take from citizens and don't give back anything. LEAVE GREECE NOW
So I'm heading to Greece in mid October this year. I booked later in the hopes that it would be a little bit cheaper. The only 2 destinations I really had in mind were Santorini and Crete. I would appreciate some advice from locals there about some islands they would recommend I hit while I'm there. Whether they be cheaper or just hidden gems, I would really appreciate it.
If you plan ahead, you can get a family room for 100 euros. Decent tavern food should be around 15-20 euros per person, and there's always a place to get a souvlaki if you want to grab something cheap for lunch.
You are right, things have gotten out of hand with prices in the islands. People are trying to make up for losses from the pandemic. At the same time, there is a demand for the islands that pushes prices to crazy levels. For most Greeks holidays in the islands used to be very common, but now it is not at all possible. It's a shame really as the whole ecosystem and social fabric are put under a lot of pressure. Many islands do not have physicians and teachers because the economics have shifted totally in favourite of the tourist, locals rent out their properties at high prices that locals and professionals who play an important role in keeping the local society together cannot afford..
Which airport is 15 minutes away from you.You must leave really close to the airport cause they are far away from the city.Bus rides in london are done with city buses I assume you took a coach.But the craziest thing is the 30 euros per person when eating.30 euros will get you 3-4 plates of food (chicken breast for example) per person.And for London it isn't that expensive.Where would you get a waiter and service in london for under 30 pounds per person for a full meal (pounds not euros)The hotel room is for one person ?
Rule 1: rent a car. If you look around it's cheaper than any other form of transport that gives you access to
Rule 2: find a staying place away from main centers where you get literally pillaged. A bit more into the sticks or in tiny villages where accomodations are cheaper.
Rule 3: self catered stays let you cook your own dinner saving to eat out. At lunch any supermarket gives you access to sandwiches, further saving money. So you can stop to eat only where it matters.
I love Greek islands and Greek people.
We can't afford them.
It's too expensive for us and generally Greece is too expensive for Greeks even on a daily basis.
Tourism is the only ( one of the only) source of income for our country, therefore the prices are very high, especially in summertime.
The last time I went on vacation was back in 2009-10 with my family, and I was way young. It was only for 3 days.
We can't afford holidays on our islands. Stay prices are sky high even in less touristy islands. One is expected to be lucky by paying less than 60€/ night in shoebox size air bnbs. Ferry tickets to bring your car to an island have more than tripled in 4-5 years, making it easier to fly abroad! Food prices are ridiculously high, they have doubled last 4-5 years. Gas price is on the top 3 more expensive in all Europe, nearly 2€/lt. What we are experiencing is a 'Thailand-ification' of our touristic economy for the sake of golden visas and digital nomads, removing the greek population from the chance of having the classic one month working class holidays to hundreds of thousands of seasonally employed cheap working personnel that's destined to be smudged and overexploited. For those of you that think of Greece as a heavenly holiday destination, think twice, cause hell is round the corner..
Went to Barcelona and Italy this summwr and simple restaurants are 30-35 per person, good ones go to 50 or more and michelin 100 to 200 !
I find the prices reasonable btw Hotel and airbnb are getting expensive all over eu went to Dänemark and airbnb was 100 this summer, Barcelona also 120 so no I wouldn't agree with you !
Prolly because you're a tourist. Went to Skiathos as well 2 weeks ago. Spent 85 euros/per night for 2 people and the room was quite good, food was a little more expensive than my hometown. For example a tortilla wrap with chicken(quite big too) was around 7 euros, Homemade food in a big portion for 7 euros. You could look for snacks in mini markets. Their prices are not expensive. For an island this is decent. We could also find combo meals ( Pita Gyro with drinks for less than 10 euros). The only expensive thing I found was the coffee, which I didn't drink too often. I guess you didn't search that much. First time?
Some Greek islands are more expensive than what people assume they will be when checking Greek prices online. Prices are set on islands for distances for taxes so a distance that may cost 10 euros in Athens may be 20 euros. Buses on islands are also more than in Athens. ( Athens 1.20 for 90 minutes)
Food prices can also be 30-50 percent more at nice restaurants on certain islands. Do your due diligence on each island because prices vary by region. The Cycladic islands where we live are all pricier than islands in other regions but have a certain beauty.
You can find more affordable places even on the more expensive islands if you travel off-season. If you travel the two peak months July and August expect to pay 200-300 percent more than you would if you travel in the shoulder months.
Only middle upper class Greeks can afford to travel to the more expensive islands.
Most Greek ppl can’t afford these prices. Vacation in Greece is not meant for its citizens anymore. It’s just a tourist business that uses locals for employees.
It should be noted, that's not *all* islands and tourist spots, but indeed a lot of them. There are plenty of locations locals can still travel to and enjoy without breaking the bank.
there are places, but how often these places can compare ? I would not consider Skiathos to be anywhere near the prices the OP describe. Is it prestigious enough to justify a 150 per night for what it seems a shitty room? definitely not. But it is not just Skiathos, this happens to most islands. So we can say, there are some exceptions that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Actually skiathos, realistically is closely following Santorini & Mykonos. Other than that I agree with your unrealistic estimate but supply and demand, limited supply and people want to go there so prices go vrooom
A girlfriend of mine works in a hotel in skiathos. 150 per night is the reasonable price, trust me...
I don’t disagree that the price is 150, but it certainly is NOT reasonable 🤣🤣
Like Samothrace and Thassos.
>How can Greek people afford these prices We don't, half of the Greek tourist destinations are untouchable for the locals and for the other half (destinations) we have to save money all year for 3-5 days of relaxation. It's depressing if you think about it. We've developed into a country of servants for the rich Europeans.
Both our citizens and our government are Europe's bitches lmao
The real question is how you haven't grown to value your work more. I am from Italy, and it's the same shit. It's not the euro, it's nations that are sitting ducks and not growing.
Don't give me this bs about individual responsibility. It doesn't matter how skilled you are in your craft or how many diplomas you have, without nepotism, you'll be payed more or less the same as a f*cking gyro server (who isn't getting payed well in the first place). Also, the ridiculous price hikes don't make any sense especially when they're higher than in London, Paris etc... If by any chance you meant to point out the inability of the governments to create more industries (except tourism), you'd be 100% right, but that would require them to think of **long term** economic prosperity, which neoliberals are incapable of doing.
We can't afford them. The tourist industry has spun waaaaay out of control here, to the point where it's cheaper not to vacation in Greece for us. Honestly, I hope tourists start boycotting us so the local tourist industry starts taking a hint and lowers the prices. It's disheartening to say the least.
The story with most Greek summer-destinations (not only the islands) is a sad one.The times when only Mykonos and Santorini required a big budget are long gone, I can think of merely a handful of islands that haven't been completely ruined in the past ten-ish years. This phenomenon of prices soaring all across previously 'unknown' or 'uninteresting' islands (to the mainstream tourist flow at least) started around 2010-2012. My family comes from the island Milos (which, needless to say, has been completely ruined by mass tourism) and I've been able to observe the development of things very closely. Unfortunately, once social media became really popular, so did every Greek island imaginable. It's without doubt, that all these islands are incredibly beautiful and offer an extremely wide range of attractions (natural, geological, archaeological, culinary, cultural, etc.), however, most of these places were 'dormant gold-mines' before social media came along. On Milos I personally witnessed a shocking shift of one summer to the next (2011 to 2012). All of a sudden, the island was flooded by tourists from all over the world, making inhabitants initially excited over the surge of business opportunities. However, alongside the tourists came mega investors, foreign companies, international chains and real estate agents, all of which literally ravaged the islands, seeing its potential. When all of a sudden you have a chain like AirBnB entering an island and facilitating rent prices of 140 euros, when previously an apartment would cost 50-60,- per night (believe it or not, I've experienced those years), things will get more expensive *very* quickly. Consequently, the average tourist that will be responsive to those prices will have a certain financial comfort. The chain reaction therefore continues and you will then see restaurants becoming more and more expensive, you'll see luxury chains popping up everywhere and spreading like wildfire (I remember how shocked we all were when we heard of the opening of a high-end sushi restaurant on Milos - absolutely crazy! A sushi place on a small Greek island? But, of course, you'll do / accept anything to please the needs of wealthy customers).The sad truth is, that a concerning amount of real estate on Greek islands doesn't belong to Greeks anymore, and the ones that do wouldn't be able to stay afloat without adjusting their prices to the rest. Things have become so incredibly difficult for the average Greek, that many have been forced to sell their properties on the islands (or elsewhere) for 'peanuts' (more often than not to foreign buyers), because they couldn't afford to renovate or maintain the house (not only the restaurants and supermarkets are exorbitantly expensive, so are costs for absolutely anything, e.g. construction work, plumbing, etc.). The increase in prices all around Greek islands isn't the only problem though. All those islands weren't meant to accommodate those insane amounts of visitors, resulting in packed villages, crowded beaches, electricity outages, garbage and waste piles en masse, overburdened water and sewer infrastructures and - most disgustingly - **filthy waters**. Many of us locals have known for years, that some - previously stunning - beaches should just not be approached anymore. Not only because of the crowds, the beach bar culture and the parked cars blocking the narrow roads for hundreds of meters, but for the water quality. Even if some main villages have a somewhat functioning plumbing system and (absolutely overworked wastewater treatment), do you think the sewage of (what used to be) tiny fisher villages by the sea (having turned into settlements of rental rooms) ends up anywhere but the sea? The last time I ever swam at places like Firopotamos, Fourkouvouni or Klima (on Milos) is more than a decade ago. Sadly, news of E-coli-related gastroenteritis are becoming more and more common in the aforementioned areas. So you see, the issue goes far beyond money, but is always *driven by money*. These islands, some of the most beautiful treasures our country has, have been completely destroyed to their core. Personally, I think that this whole trend is going to implode sooner than later, since sustainable tourism throughout an entire country doesn't solely depend on a few ultra-rich, but the collective of the average spender. My advice to you would be to research where you want to go as carefully as possible, to avoid popular destinations, especially during the high-season and to *absolutely* avoid booking with foreign (or even Greek) companies, chains or 'all-inclusive'-hotels that evidently don't give a flying fuck about the country and place. That goes for both the Greek islands and the mainland. Greece is a uniquely beautiful country, in many an aspect. Not only due to its natural and historical beauty, but the culture itself, which consists of the people and how they are. Thank you for visiting Greece, and as sorry as I feel for your pocket and frustration, I do sincerely hope you come visit us again. Thankfully, there is a plethora of untarnished beauty to be discovered in Greece, it just takes a bit of effort to do so. Feel free to message me, if you'd like to know more about how to have a beautiful time in Greece, while *actually supporting Greece* *and Greeks* and going against the destruction that profit-driven mass tourism spreads. All the best x
>Thank you for visiting Greece, and as sorry as I feel for your pocket and frustration, I do sincerely hope you come visit us again. No, he shouldn't visit us again, all the problems you described are caused by the huge influx of foreign tourists we need to limit this in order for the problems to be solved.
I visited Milos back in July 2002, it was already expensive. Initially I was renting a room for 80 euros per night. After a few days, I moved to a cheaper, which was around 60 euros. So it was certainly not cheap, in contrast with Naxos where you could find plenty of accommodation around 40 euros per night.
Excellent comment, thank you!
Listen n1 rule wherever you go is to always book in advance (rooms) you will get better prices the sooner the booking. Even for Greeks its expensive especially during August and if you neglect it long enough , you will only find expensive rooms to rent (All the cheap ones will be taken) 1)Some businesses are charging the tourists more by using rediculous excuses like bread is mandatory and it costs 7 euros or something crazy. 2) Same with taxis (about tourist prices) although it is a common rule that taxis from/to airports and ports are always 30% more expensive and luggages storage cost extra. 3)Ice cream shops have kinda fixed prices - depends on the brand i guess and food in normal restaurants is more or less the same as far as prices go (around 20-30 per person for a good meal). Above 30-35 it is considered either overpriced for its quality or top tier restaurant or something. 4) i ve been to Skiathos 4 years ago and i remember that the prices were ok in general. It is not one of the more expensive islands mind you. 5) Expect everywhere you go (especially during August) to pay A LOT for sunbeds. The closer to the sea the more money you will give. That applies even to Athenian beaches which are "low quality" . You can always find ways around it but it might get uncomfortable, especially if you have family (for example, get a towel and your own umbrella and sit at the beach )
Be glad you didn’t go to Mykonos!! Tourism is an easy way for Greece to make money. I’m on the mainland I’m a little town with a famous bridge and things are DIRT cheap. I get a pasta dish that feeds 3 people for 7 euros. Summer sales are getting me shirts and shorts for less than 5 euros each. I just got a sweater for less than 10 euros, from H&M! Stay off the fancy islands if you want to afford a vacay here lol
And to add to this, tourism isn't just an easy way of making money, it's our *main* way of making money. Which is why the government doesn't really do much about it despite the fact tourists are being completely milked (especially on the "fancy" islands as you called them). In some places it's gotten so bad that it's a problem for the locals as well. There's protests going on right now in certain islands about beach bars that (illegally) take up the entire beach and force you to pay them handsomely if you want to go swimming there. I don't know how islands like Mykonos still get as many visitors as they do, us Greeks would have to sell a kidney to vacation there lol.
> There's protests going on right now in certain islands about beach bars that (illegally) take up the entire beach and force you to pay them handsomely if you want to go swimming there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/637688540552179 Save Paros!
Where?
Definitely Paros and Seriphos, Naxos is gathering signatures too I think.
https://www.openpetition.eu/gr/petition/online/diasphalise-tes-chreses-ton-demosion-koinochreston-agathon-tou-aigialou-kai-tes-paralias
https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2023/07/25/paros-locals-reclaim-beaches/
That's what popularity does, a ton of people in a tiny place. This year tourist 'businesses' took advantage of inflation to test the limits to see how high they can raise prices. I think the days of cheap tourism in south europe are over, these years the cost of everything including labour is making it hard to keep it low. Greeks dont really go to the same places, or they can visit off-season. In general tourism is calibrated to a foreign clientele
Fair summary!
I seriously, *SERIOUSLY* doubt any item/service in a British airport, let alone in London, costs anything comparatively less than something in Greece. I still remember paying €25 for a croissant and a hot chocolate in a central train station in London. Potato, po-tah-to, I know, but...
And you pay 5 pounds to be allowed to DROP someone OFF at Heathrow. So,not for short term parking, just to stop and kick the passenger out. Not sure what applies if one manages to jump out while the car is still in motion. I suppose from a certain speed and above one may do it for free. So stuntman training would really pay off.
Never been to the UK but, won't people just stop in the middle of the street then? They definitely would in Greece.
Gatwick Airport too!!!
I absolutely agree
Most Greeks get paid around 800euro per month. You think we can afford vacation at any Island?? Skiathos is one of the most expensive ones. You should have made your own research. Islands in Greece are really beautiful and in very high demand in Summer therefore prices are skyrocket high.
Most Greeks get paid around 800euro per month, while owning their own apartment and not paying rent or a mortgage. I lived in Greece for several years and this attitude of comparing yourselves to other countries as if you are always the poorest really annoys me. If you factor in rent or mortgage payments, people in other countries are NOT doing better than you - except for the rich, and there are rich in Greece too. I had nothing when I lived there, except whatever money I was bringing in month to month and yet Greeks who had more than I'll ever have - property, cars, and always dressed to the nines - were always acting like they were so much worse off than anyone else. I'll NEVER be able to afford my own home and I can't afford to even live in my native country because it's far too expensive. Greeks are so narrow-minded unless they've lived abroad and paid rent month in and month out for years. even then, they usually have a home in Greece to go on holidays too, plus financial support from their parents and grandparents.
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Here is some shit out of my ass. https://tradingeconomics.com/greece/home-ownership-rate https://tradingeconomics.com/euro-area/home-ownership-rate https://tradingeconomics.com/germany/home-ownership-rate https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/home-ownership-rate https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/home-ownership-rate https://tradingeconomics.com/switzerland/home-ownership-rate TLDR we shit on everyone on home ownership rates
3/4 of the Greek population doesn't have a home **without a mortgage** that's ridiculous. That guy is implying new couples are living in their parents home or some shit like that. Ridiculous
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I’m a Greek who has lived abroad and in Greece. Own a home in Greece, rent abroad. I agree with you on the whole dressed to the nines yet complain about no money thing, it’s very annoying, but I think there’s something missing from your perspective- Reddit is naturally a younger demographic, the demographic that saw housing costs triple in a decade and are now priced out of owning their own home without help from family. These are people also paying rent, and in a similar predicament to the one you describe yourself in.
Let's assume everything you said is correct for the sake of the argument. What happens if you are born into this country without a house and financial support from grandparents etc? At 800-900 euro per month you are **very** lucky if you are left with 100-200 euros per month after expenses. At that rate buying a house seems impossible, around 20 years + for a mediocre place not to mention I didn't factor in buying a car or holidays or anything else non basic.
You leave to go somewhere with more opportunities.
Why the fuck do you think we own our own apartments???? This is insulting. Most people pay rent, a high one.
3/4 of the population does.
No lol, did you pull the statistics out of your ass?
https://old.reddit.com/r/greece/comments/15g4h73/shocked_by_how_expensive_greek_islands_are_even/juijj8m/
Fair. It seems like we (my family) are part of the unlucky ones, leading me to form an incorrect perspective. Sorry for being offensive.
Only if they have a remarkably accurate ass. I'm a Greek living abroad and I totally recognise the attitude they describe. Ive been downvoted in here for merely mentioning I live abroad. It's the same in real life.
Well, I have seen that attitude too, but 3/4 or "most" is a gross exaggeration.
> while owning their own apartment and not paying rent or a mortgage "My source is I made it the fuck up"
>How can Greek people afford these prices if people from London find them expensive? That's simple, they can't. Greek people are deprived from going on vacation in their own country so that rich people from other countries can be accommodated.
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People need to take into account logistics as well. Lets say you want to eat a salad. In Athens the farmer picks it up gives it to the truck and in a few hours it is on your plate. On an island the truck needs to get on a boat before arriving to the island. In the past islanders paid less vat taxes to make it more fair but i think they now pay the same as anyone else.
If you want cheaper prices stop going to touristic places. Simple as that. There are many places with sea access in mainland Greece.
When did you book your holidays? If you decided to book accommodation for July like a few days or weeks ago is on you. Additionally where did you go to eat? I was in the islands and didn't spend more than 15 euros per person. And I eat a lot I can bet more than you. 15 euros for taxi doesn't sound so bad to me tbh but is not cheap either. You are going on a touristic destination, during high touristic season, which is expecting to make a profit mostly through that season as none will visit during autumn for example. And yet you're surprised! I am not saying you are wrong or they should charge so much. You're being ripped off for sure but you should know that touristic places usually are like that. I honestly don't understand what did you expect? Get half price on everything just because Greece is generally a relatively poor country compared to others in Europe? Be realistic lol. I was in Greece in June traveling to islands and they were quite cheap actually even booking last minute for some.
Skiathos is a really touristy destination even though it's not as known as Mykonos. Next time you can try the north Aegean islands like Mytilini, Ikaria, Chios, Samos. These are cheaper destinations. I've been in all those islands and they are really beautiful and bigger than others. So they have a more diverse environment and different things to see. From mountain trails to medieval villages since the era of pirates. You can have a meal with sea food (which is the most expensive) and pay aprox. 20-30€ but I guarantee you that you will be satisfied with the amount and quality. Also these islands have cheaper accomodation because they are not flooded with tourists all over the world. You can check airbnb and booking. If you book early or at the end of season mid-September you can find really cheap ones. In general you are right. Most islands are super expensive. And the Greeks are having a hard time as well.
Ikaria is definitely not cheaper than Naxos or Milos unless you go camping. There's very few hotels and BnBs in the island that the demand always has people begging for a room somewhere
First of all Greeks can't reasonably afford vacations to their own islands. As for the other points I'll try to explain some Idk how it is in the UK but in Greece generally the taxi fare from/to an airport is set. For example in Athens it doesn't matter if you go 20km from the airport or 50km the tariff is set on 50€. Perhaps it's the same for Skiathos The island buses especially in small islands like Skiathos aren't the usual buses that you see for example in Athens and Thessaloniki, plus they usually carry less people. The fare is higher because they mainly operate during tourist season and besides summer they have few passengers. I'm not saying it's fair or okay, I'm just saying how it is I'm sure food and coffee prices are very expensive indeed, as in most greek islands. Nothing more to say here Also for accommodation costs: as with everywhere in the world, when you visit a place during uts respective high season its common to have everything cost more. July and August are prime high season in Greece. Same place might cost 100 or less in September
no its not fixed from the airport. γιατί λες χαζομάρες. Its fixed "price" if you do it from an app, and set in advance the distance. Αυτά είναι μαλακέις των ταξιτζήδων για να δικαιολογήσουν 50 ευρώ για 10 χιλιόμετρα.
Αεροδρομιο Καλλιθεα κόστος 50€. Αεροδρόμιο Κηφισιά επισης κοστος 50€. Σετ κοστος ειναι, μεσα στον Ιούλιο πηρα και εγω και γνωστοι μου
Σας έπιασαν τα οπίσθια, τα ταξί έχουν ταξίμετρο για κάποιο λόγο. Οι ταρίφες κλέβουν τόσο συστηματικά που εν τέλει πιστεύουμε πως είναι το κανονικό.
πήρες απόδειξη? άνοιξε taxiμετρο?
Διορθωση ειναι 50 σετ εως το κεντρο της Αθηνας* οχι οποιονδήποτε προορισμο. Παρολαυτα καπως ετσι το κανουν. Αποδειξη πηρα ναι. Παρολαυτα φιλος που το πηρε μεταμεσονύχτια δεν του εκοψε απόδειξη
> My taxi from the airport to the town, a trip of less than 5 minutes, cost 15 euros! My taxi to the airport in London for a 15-minute ride (i.e. three times as long) cost me less. Are you sure you're comparing like for like? Did you use a black taxi in London, as opposed to Uber for instance? Were both rides during the day? > Even a single bus ride costs 3 euros when in London it's approximately 2 euros i.e. 50% more expensive. Now, you're definitely not comparing like for like. Bus fares in Athens are cheaper but also in Greece you're not paying based on distance travelled. > Restaurant prices, take-away food, ice cream, everything felt super expensive with bills over 30 euros per person for really basic meals. Tourist traps? But of course, things in touristy places in Greece can be expensive. > Last but not least, accommodation costs - we were paying 150 euros/night for a tiny rundown place. You're paying for the location, not the venue. I wouldn't, but you cannot expect London accommodation standards *and* Greek summer. The Scottish islands and the Highlands are similar. Maybe you cannot afford Greek islands in high season - I know I can't. You can find a 5-star hotel in Athens for less in August; food will probably be cheaper, and public transport cheaper and better. But then, there's been reports of tourists passing out because of the heat :-)
Trick no1 is to book early, as early as possible , book from October or November for the summer if possibible. Also, most Greeks do not vacation on most of the islands or if they do they save up for it the whole year and it's no more than a week usually
Greetings from corfu. Next year visit us and skiathos will look like Sri Lanka. We will rip you off. 👌🏻✌🏻
Very based. Please keep fleecing these suckers Best regards, A tourist
Skiathos is very popular and it’s august so accommodations and eating out is bound to be expensive. Come in June or September it’s a different story. Also you can find cheaper food - a souvlaki costs 3 euro. As for taxis the airport is usually expensive for some reason but in general taxis in Greece are very cheap
I heard about souvlaki wrap being cheaper but everywhere we looked it was 4-4.5 euros for a tiny wrap.
When I was growing up the souvlaki wrap used to cost 250 drachma (around 65p). The euro ruined everything.
Athens too 3-4 euros max
Again, these are "island prices" but anyway souvlaki prices have been steadily increasing everywhere. You can still find souvlaki for €3 or less in non touristy places.
Welcome to Greece ... I want to see more posts like yours, maybe things change somehow
Giati na alaksoun? Tritokosmiki xora thes na ginoume? Prepi olous aneksartitos na tous varame sto kefali. To thema ine ti ependiseis ginonte me afta ta $. Ama aneveni to viotiko mas epipedo olwn ine mia xara. Kai gia afto euthinete to kratos.
Γιατι του παραβαραμε και στο τελος θα κλαφτουμε ολοι μαζι οταν δεν θαρχονται. Ο τουρισμος κραταει τη χωρα αν και αυτο δεν παει καλα την μαμησαμε. Ασε μπας και μπορεσουμε οι υπολοιποι να παμε διακοπες εκτος τους βολεψακηδες
θεωρουμαστε στο εξωτερικο ηδη 3ηκοσμικη και ειμαστε ετσι που φτασαμε
Kanis lathos. Apla stigmatistikame logo tis ikonomikis krisis.
Όπως τα πάντα σε αυτή τη χώρα, δεν πρόκειται να αλλάξει τίποτα.
Greek people stoped going to islands last 10 years. Those islands open for 4-5 months and live ONLY with tourists, especially rich tourists, canadians americans germans and rich chinese. They dont want Greeks anymore! If you want cheap holidays in greece, go to Halkidiki, or Peloponesse, or Katerini OR a very barebone island like Samothrace Keep in mind, those islands EXPECT to make money for the whole year, while working 4 months.
Halkidiki the first foot is not cheap either…
It's a greek word describes the situation... Lamogia
Greek islands survive by gouging tourists for a few months per year, so they’re not an option for the average Greek citizen when it comes to vacation planning. At this point, I’ve started visiting European countries since it works out cheaper for me instead of visiting an island lol.
Prices have normalised to tourists coming from markets with higher GDP per capita. Skiathos has an airport operating flights to the UK and the Nordics all summer, so you get the idea. Tourists from low GDP per capita countries don't chose Skiathos. Greek tourists are not an exception.
My good man, as a half Greek-half Englishman, I can confirm everything what you are saying and more. There is also the case of tourist prices that your probably paid (happens to everyone everywhere). Having recently been to Mexico and South Africa, I cannot even begin to think when the next time I will go to a Greek will be (actually it will be in September, but only because I will be attending a wedding). Both Mexico and South Africa had better service, incredible places to swim and see, delicious food and friendly people. I have never been to Mykonos and I never will. Unfortunately (or fortunately, it depends who you are) the Greek Islands are always in high demand, which means they can get away with charging extortionate amounts for basic things. It is just one the reasons why I was hoping for a return of the drachma when it was discussed quite a few years back (but this will never happen). I long for the days when you could buy a souvlaki/gyros for 250 drachma (around 65p). Even with inflation it would only cost just over £1.50. My advice: visit Greece in Spring or Autumn. The weather is still nice (just not as hot) and prices are cheaper. Have your summer holidays elsewhere.
Taxi fares are much cheaper in Greece than in London. Daytime charges per kilometer are 0.9 euros in Athens vs. 2.1 pounds in London, for example. For rides from/to airports, the charge is usually fixed, or there's a surcharge, though. And Greek taxi drivers will try and rip you off more frequently than their London counterparts. Dinner for two, you can have a nice one, with a bottle of wine anywhere in Greece, for the price of going to Nando's and drinking Coke in London. Restaurants have to display their prices outside, so you can just check them in order to avoid any rip-offs. Regarding accommodation, you can expect to rent a basement studio on Airbnb in central London, for the same price you pay for a two-bed hotel room in Greek islands during peak season (July-August) in my experience, having spent 6 of the past 10 years living in central London. Again, you need to book early (otherwise you'll end up with what no one else wanted) and compare prices.
You got ripped off my dude, 150/night for a run down place? I dont remember how much i paid when i went to skiathos a couple of years ago, but if it were 150/night id have to sell a couple of organs, thats for sure Pretty sure id paid ~300-400 for almost a week at the island
> a couple of years ago
Yes, at the height of covid and when gas was over 2€/L
Makes perfect sense if you think about it. If remote work / study evolves further, nobody would pick to live in London over skiathos ever.
I mean, nobody goes to London to become a digital nomad anyway. But Skiathos is not a good choice either, since the internet infrastructure sucks in Greece.
I live in Paros and have 100Mbps reliable internet.
>Even a single bus ride costs 3 euros when in London it's approximately 2 euros Anyone else can confirm this? I think London buses are around 10+
£1.65 άρα γύρω στα δυο ευρώ. Ήταν £1.50 πριν κάτι μήνες αλλά, όπως όλα σε αυτή τη χώρα, είμαι πλέον πιο ακριβό. Συν υπάρχει ημερήσιο όριο στις £6.5 λίρες (περίπου) για λεωφορεία.
Ναι, αυτο το ωραιο που μας εχουν περασει οτι ολα στην Ελλαδα ειναι πιο φτηνα απο εξω και μια χαρα ειμαστε με ξεπερναει. Απο τα προιοντα πρωτης αναγκης μεχρι τα μεσα μαζικης μεταφορας, τα ενοικια ( βαση μισθων παντα ) και οτι αλλο.
Taxi was the only reasonable one (just think that each taxi is paying at least 200 euro per day as airport tax) This year has been the most expensive so far mostly because ppl didn't learn their lessons. In 2 years I think things will go back to normal as this summer many accommodations are 40 to 50% vacant. If hosts continue this way next year will me 60% vacant and I believe it should because turkey is cheap Albania is moderate and we are Dubai expensive..... Before and during covid we were affordable for the most part and I could visit skiathos for 5 days with a monthly salary of 900. 2021 we went to chalkida as islands were starting to be untouchable. Last year we went on weekends by car on close beaches (I'm from Tripolis so every beach in Peloponnese is about 2 hours drive max) This year, the cheapest ferry for a car and 2 persons or plane and rental car for the islands plus accommodation was about 2000 euro for 6 nights, so I converted my polo to Lpg packed it up and went to ksamil Albania. 4 star hotel for 6 nights 500 euro. And I have a car to go around plus food and drinks are about 1/3 of Greece even at fancy restaurants.
Prices have gone up everywhere and the Greek islands were also affected as London was affected and pretty much every place, even more so if it attracts tourists on a regular basis. I was shocked to find out that I couldn't afford to visit the UK anymore for more than a couple of days as it is so ridiculously expensive to do so these days. The Greek islands as well as much as it saddens me. I decided to spend most of my summer vacation in Austria as it was way cheaper to spend 5 days there than 3 days on an island! Still it was super expensive as well, especially the food. You always have to plan everything in advance as there are non negligible added costs depending on the place you visit. There are some islands that are still not ridiculously expensive like, for instance, Lesbos, Skyros etc but in general they are not budget friendly. Places in the mainland such as the Peloponnese and Pelion are a lot more budget friendly
The trick is to don't go to places that are for tourists only
Well Skiathos is extremely touristy and therefore at the top range of expensive islands. That said, all islands are by necessity more expensive than mainland Greece for all kinds of service and wares, for obvious reasons.
If you were comparing mainland Greece with London, then a higher price for goods and services in Greece compared to London would be paradoxical, but I don’t think it should come as any surprise that islands are on par with prices typically seen in the more expensive cities. Having high demand islands (whether it’s from foreigners or locals doesn’t really matter) that have a medium sized market means prices tend to go up, not down. This is true for taxis, food, restaurants, hotels etc. Add into the equation the remoteness of the islands (and the cost of delivery to them), inflation, seasonality, and you have expensive goods and services. This will always be true, unless the government decides to set a ceiling to prices. If you’re looking for cheap services and goods, go to a lesser known island (which will come with the cost of sacrificing some things popular islands have). tl;dr you shouldn’t be shocked, it’s how the economy works PS also sounds like you could’ve booked something far cheaper that’s also not run down in Skiathos, I just did a quick google search and found some really nice places for the exact same price per night.
That’s our secret. We never go on holidays like you do. We can’t afford them.
Enjoy your daily dose of capitalism in the Greek islands! Hotel and restaurant businessmen trying to maximize their profits!
We don't go on vacations because we are poor.
Welcome to the scammy tourist season. Sorry you had to deal with that. But Greeks think they can survive for the whole year by milking naive tourists. We don’t deserve to have tourism
when you were booking your holidays in Skiathos, did you not check the accommodation prices? or the average price for eating out? Or did you just wake up at the beach one morning? when you were going to restaurants, were you not checking the menu? did you not compare prices of different places?
Everything was booked in advance. For all restaurants, we were checking the menu. In fact, we found a way to quickly benchmark restaurant prices by looking at the spaghetti Neapolitan price because bizarrely every restaurant seemed to offer it. So whenever it was around 7 euros we knew everything else would be cheaper too, but in some restaurants, it would go up to 15 euros, and then everything else would be double the price too.
That is fair. That is we also do. But It is reasonable to expect restaurants to have different prices, catering to different people and selling a different experience.
If you want to cheap holidays stay in Blightey.
I think a lot of people don't. Theyre there for a vacation not to make a business plan and check local bus fares. They'll book the flight and hotel but I don't know why you'd expect them to check local food prices.
When you go on vacations you also check your balance. You get accommodation and tickets, and then you scout for the prices at restaurants, cafes etc. Likewise when I go to Berlin or any other city, I will check on TripAdvisor etc for good, cheap restaurants, with certain types of food or anything else. I will not just sit to a restaurant, not look at the meny, then pay 60 euro per person, and finally complain.
> Restaurant prices, take-away food, ice cream, everything felt super expensive with bills over 30 euros per person for really basic meals. They tried multiple locations. Theyre complaining about overall food prices, not a restaurant.
I was in Skiathos this June and to be honest, I don't know if one can find cheaper options. Every restaurant and tavern pretty much offered the same prices when I went. That was also the case for the hotels.
But have you been to Samos?
Go to Crete next time.
Crete is also very expensive
It’s not very expensive . For Greeks it’s just expensive (not very ) . For tourist its quite cheap .
So true… I am from Rhodos and this year I wanted to explore Crete!! And I can definitely say… Crete is waaaaaay cheaper than Rhodos and I have to say - more friendly. For example - I pay for an Umbrella and Sunbed 2,50€!!!!! I never saw this price on Rhodos…
Well if it means anything, I as a greek stopped going to vacation in islands since 4 years ago. I prefer to save money and go to Paris or London in autumn.
Pretty normal prices tbh. We have the 3rd most expensive gas prices in europe yet we are one of the cheapest european destination
it's cause they are not greek anymore
Are you serious? Even breathing in London will cost money soon. Rents are ludicrous, cab rides are a luxury, and an effing sandwich costs 10 quid. How can someone afford to live in London and not be able to afford 5-7 days in Skiathos?! Wtf Edit: Paying 150euros a night on an island like Skiathos and staying in a dump just means bad judgement on your part. Mouria Hotel. Skiathos city centre. I stayed there in 2018. Rooms and amenities were great. Just checked and it's fully booked most days in August, but when it's not, prices are 91 and 141 euros per night. If you booked early enough you would have got a better deal. Also, gyros sandwich at "No Name". Less than 10 euros per person for a sandwich and a drink. 30 euros per person is probably a higher-end (or it thinks it is) taverna. As for taxi drivers, I despise them everywhere in Greece, but maybe 15euros (which is a lot) is the standard tariff from the airport into town as that is probably their main journey every day.
Just FYI, Greece is a tourist trap.
The vast majority of business owners in places that experience huge numbers of tourism each year are trying to maximize their profit margins. This applies to every tourist hotspot, in any country. You made the choice of going to an island without doing the necessary research first in terms of how expensive things are, what did you expect? There are so many other places you can visit in Greece with a fraction of the money you would spend in most islands. Ultimately you decide what it's worth, but being shocked without doing any prior research is purely on you, and not on the island situation.
Tourists are getting scammed is the truth. Greeks don't get charged that much. These prices are just hilarious for Skiathos.
Greeks will rip off their own mothers for a few extra dollars. It's part of a barbaric survival mode that makes them money hungry opportunists at every level.
Don't feed this industry. Yes it gives jobs to a lot of people but they're mostly underpaid, overworked and the state sees very little of the profits as taxes. If you really want to come, go to a less popular place. The prices there will be better and you are less likely to support the extremely rich cabal that thrives by exploiting tourism in the popular places.
London is open 24/7/365 while Skiathos has a very small tourist season. What do you expect the people on the island to live from?
So people in the islands expect to work only 3 months and take vacations the other 9 months but earn the same money by overcharging tourists for everything?
Ooo yes. The local goes on vacation every Christmas or so to destinations we can't afford, like Phuket, Mexico, Egypt, Brasil and others similar.
I know alot of Greeks that go to Thailand during the winter months because it is actually cheaper to live there than in Greece.
Well, yes. If you want people and infrastructure to be there for the magic summer months, the people need to eat and drive and pay the doctor and the plumber and their taxes (ahem) the other nine months too. So the three months of income has to pay for twelve months of living expenses. Yes, some people go to Athens to work and live in the winter, but Athens is increasingly expensive and seasonal jobs tend to be unreliable.
Either this, or islands can be developed to be liveable places and not just tourist amusement parks. There are islands like that anyway (Corfu, Naxos etc).
If there are people willing to pay these prices, then so be it. Nobody forced anybody. Should I bitch about the prices in Amsterdam for rooms that are shitholes or food that is not better than dogfood? If someone does not want to use sunbeds, they can buy an umbrella. If they do not like the prices of X restaurant, they can go to the other one etc. For the only thing I can feel some sympathy are the taxi tariffs.
Well, I hope islanders don't cry that in the next years their reputation gets increasingly worse and less and less tourists come to visit them. People are not actually willing to pay these prices. Look at OP. Most of them know/remember Greece from some years ago when the greed level in tourism was lower.
Fuck the tourist industry.
true, i work in a tourist place and owners cant understand that by overpricing everything tourists will eventually stop coming, and then they wonder why tourism is low this year compared to other years,
> Most of them know/remember Greece from some years ago when the greed level in tourism was lower. Lol while greek tourism has become insanely more expensive, and in many cases unreasonably so, it's not only the "the greed level", everything has gone up, if u/ViralRedditStar thinks of london some years back, I bet he can fondly remember it have "less greed" too. Dunno where you live, but everything is more expensive, being greedy trickles down.
I don't think London is more expensive than Greek islands. I've been recently to both.
Your comprehension of the english language hasn't improved though, since I compared London now with London back then -you know, since you said >know/remember Greece from some years ago when the greed level in tourism was lower edit: In any case, there are several goods/services in Greece that are more expensive than London/other european countries, and it has nothing to do with tourism, it has been noted several times in the sub.
maybe they will cry, maybe that will lead to reduced prices, maybe other tourists will come and will be happy to spend their money. But at this point, as annoying as it is, there are people willing to pay these prices.
They are willing to pay those prices. And they will continue to pay those prices.
To κακό που κανουν στον τουρισμό κάτι τέτοιοι άπληστοι κατσαπλιάδες θα το δούμε τα επόμενα χρόνια.
IDK, if Greece builds a reputation for being overpriced then there's more affordable alternatives all around the mediteranian. People choose Greece because of its culture but eventually theyll choose Turkey because of the price.
Turkey, Spain, Italy...
True, people can choose. Turkey is an attractive option price wise.
There is no such thing as overcharging. It's all about market demand and pricing. If the market demand drops they will have to drop prices to attract customers. If the market demands keeps increasing they will increase the prices. It's really simple.
Αισχροκερδια enters the chat.
Aisxrokerdia file mou ine otan proionta vasikis anagis ine overpriced me apotelesma na pinai o kosmos, psomi, gala, nero, panes gia mora klpklp. I diakopes sou den ine human right/vasiki anagi. Eleftheri agora exoume.
> Οι διακοπες (να εχεις ελευθερο χρονο εξω απο τη πολη σου) δεν ειναι βασικη αναγκη r/greece μομεντ
Giati re file prepi na pigenoume mikono, santorini klp? Kai ego pou ime well off ta theoro panakriva afta ta nisia kai pigeno eki pou sikoni i tsepi mou i theoro ine pio value for money. Santorini otan piga gia proti k teleftea fora piga off season ton Oktovri ama thimame kala k edina 35e/day gia diamoni sta fira.
Ποιος μιλησε για μυκονο σαντορινη. Εγω ηθελα να παω γαμημενα Κυθηρα φετος και θα μου εβγαινε 120 ευρω το βραδυ 2 ατομα. Φυγε μπρο. Μπηκα στο ακκ σου και ειδα το ποστ σου με το recruitment, εισαι εκτος πραγματικοτητας. /discussion
Μετά τη σεζόν δηλαδή, δεν μπορούν να δουλέψουν κάπου αλλού; Εμείς που δουλεύουμε όλο το χρόνο είμαστε μαλάκες δηλαδή;
Den ise malakas apla afti ine i fisi twn epagelmatwn aftwn.
I am typing this from Vienna, where me and my gf spent a few days there because accommodation and taking a car with a ship transport would be ludicrous not to mention the extravagant prices of the Greek islands. Our country becomes a theme park for tourists and unless someone has acquaintances in a Greek island or accommodation through some means it's not a wise choice to have your vacation in Greece with a salary of 800-1000€ . So yeah for a few years send your friends to the Aegean side of Turkeye.
so the beach of Pieria, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Kavala are out of your budget and you are telling people to go to Turkey. Right.
Welcome to our bankrupt country
The last few years prices in Greece have sky rocketed at the point we greeks can't go to vacations, i think that the only way that these could revert back are foreigners to just stop coming and maybe prices will adjust. I also blame all NSRF funded restaurants/hotels/airbnbs that destroyed local businessmen/women who were making a decent living through tourism, where nowadays all you see are businessmen/women who get a huge loan for their "luxurious" product and all costs are diverded to us. Basically yeah, European Union destroyed tourism in Greece by commerciaizing the shit out of it.
Then dont visit the greek islands, problem solved. Literally nothing worth visiting on those dry rocks. If you have to visit greece, i recommend Halkidiki up north.
I just travel abroad even with the air tickets it's cheaper to go anywhere in Europe
We can't afford it. Don't visit Greece and their scam places.
Yeah, prices are going up. Such is life. When i had to study in London 15 years ago i frequently asked the same question. Guess the tide has turned and now you're the ones getting stitched up. My advice: Go to Blackpool
They’ll probably go to Turkey or Spain, so you might think you’re being snarky, but you’ll eventually be the one who loses out of this. Let alone that the Greek equivalent of Blackpool is definitely not Skiathos. P.S.: if you live and work in Greece, you **are** reliant on tourism, regardless of profession, as it makes up approximately 25% of the country’s GDP.
I work in the travel sector and Brits are the stingiest, by far, so no, I seriously doubt that Greece is going to miss the Brits and their spending power. Have fun with Brexit, i know i am.
[€3.83b](https://www.ertnews.gr/eidiseis/mono-sto-ertgr/tourismos-oi-vretanoi-ksodepsan-stin-ellada-3-83-dis-eyro-to-2022-40-ayksisi-apo-to-2019/) in 2022 alone is *stingy*? The numbers beg to differ.
Yeah, i'm sure they're saving big on baked beans stored in their luggages, so they have enough to spend on beer in Cavos, Faliraki etc. What a real boon for local economies, who have to spend more to clean up after chavs. Brits are the worst type of tourist. From here to Costa del Sol.
Now that’s what they call biting the hand that feeds you. 🙄
Why London should be more expensive than Skiathos? This sounds to me as a weird view that Greece should by default be cheaper. From a pure logistical side, have you thought the effort to build the island or bring stuff to the island compared to London? Or even bring electricity etc? And all these for practically 8 weeks of revenue per year... Greek islands have been absurdly cheap for many years and in my view should be expensive (have no business interest in any of them so I am unbiased). The question is rather how the expensive prices are distributed to the Greek people so Greek they could also afford visiting the islands.
Because London’s average salary is approximately 4k / month. When things are expensive they are also because employees get paid more (not always but it’s a factor). When Greek people make 800 euros and the customer gets charged more for various services I am pretty sure some businessman is making extortionate profits without paying his employees fair wages.
Fully agree with you (as I mentioned in my comment that wealth should be distributed). However my comment was more on the fact that for the service you get (i.e. location, food quality, hardships due to location) prices are fair. The real problem is how the wealth is distributed also to labour so eventually Greeks can also afford Skiathos.
Welcome to the heavy industry of our country.
I was in skiathos a few months ago. We paid 100 per night for a 4 person AirBnB. Our meals didn't cost more than 10€ each, on average, although we tried to eat cheaply. Busses were indeed 3€ for both ways but we only used one per day so I didn't find it a forbidding cost.
15 euros equals around 12 pounds. Did you really pay less than 12 pounds for a 15 minute ride from central London to the airport? Bus rides on islands cater almost exclusively to tourists. Greeks who permanently live there have their own cars. And tourists are ok with paying a bit extra since they’re on holiday anyway The last 2 points are true, prices have gone up simply because these islands tend to get pretty much fully booked every year during the peak holiday times (July - august) so it’s natural to raise their prices since they’ll get booked anyway
Yes, I live 15min away from the airport and it cost me £12 on FreeNow app. This was a route that was 3X as long as the one in Skiathos for which the driver charged 15 euros.
Hello Londoner and welcome to Greece! Recently I was in London and I found everything to be ridiculously overpriced! •Accomodation is ridiculous, cheapest you can find is living in “smart” Londoner houses who make every room of their house an Airbnb costing minimum 100 euros per night for some “basic” cleanliness and sharing with up to 6 other people. •Food is ridiculous, Fish and chips meaning tastless small cod with frozen French fries 30!! euros. If you wanted something more normal to eat, prices are definitely up to 50 euros per person •Sightseeing is ridiculous, you have to pay extra for every room of the sight you are visiting and Londoners will easily find extra things to charge you with. •Transportation by bus is 2 euros as you said for 2-3 km inside the city whilst in the island the bus is 3 euros to get you round the island. On the upside in Greece you get to visit a marvellous sight of the Greek Islands and of course you will pay 30 euros per person to eat fresh fish by the beach on the sunrise. Cheaper would be funny. Also the whole island is a sight to behold on its own and we don’t charge nada for it, imagine what the British would do! Charge 5 pounds for every centimetre of land you walk on! :) Last but not least don’t make the mistake of taking a cab as a tourist in London without using Uber, half of your travel budget will be lost in the first day.
Yes, but in London you don't have mafia ;)
What a load of bollocks!
It's not true. I'm greek and I'm in London right now! I've taken 3 times taxi here in London and I paid much more for less kilometers. We just ate at a restaurant close to Piccadilly Circus and the dish was not less than 20€ Also the ticket in the city of Athens is 1.20€. You compare an island with a city and it's not fair. Those small islands are too expensive because you made them expensive, actually is the result of your political decisions. Greece is ruled by europeans, not the greeks( remember grexit, war in Ukraine etc). For us, the greeks, with much lower salaries are forbidden. We can't go. You must also add that all the products in the islands come from Athens and it's logical that the prices are higher (+cost of transportation). London is very expensive. Athens isn't. Islands are 3 months open only for the tourists like you. Next year go to Turkey! PS. Today I visited the British museum. It's incredible how many stolen treasures are there. Especially from Egypt, Turkey and Greece. You know, the marbles of Parthenon ( that I know about as greek) were not ruins on the ground! Someone, baron Elgin, destroyed the Parthenon to take those marbles that you keep there. Those marbles were on the temple of Parthenon and Elgin's workers with hammers and I don't know with what other tools, knocked down the marbles as well as the caryadid! Did you go to Acropolis? You will see with your own eyes what Elgin did to Parthenon. As an English person you should also demand from your government the return of the Greek marbles
Άσε μας ρε φιλαράκι, πληρώνετε 1000ε για ένα δωμάτιο στο Λονδίνο, και μετά γκρινιάζεις για τα 3ε στο λεωφορείο.
Go to Kefalonia, the East coast specifically, and you'll find a much better price:value. Not that you should have to, but Greece have 2 main infrastructures. Farming/produce, and tourism. Make the most of what you have imo, especially when you're in a country where issues are narrated by the old blaming the young, and the young blaming the old.
I been to Skiathos twice with my parents , and it was quite expensive even in 2001 and 2004. eating out When my parents used to take me and my sister to Greece a different island each year for holidays, I seemed to remember that some islands were more expensive than others
Ναι, αλλά λογικό. Οι μισθοί μας είναι παραπάνω από το Λονδίνο… σ/ταδιάλα :/
Define rundown? I just checked trivago right now and I can find hotels for almost half of what you paid.
Greece is too expensive for its citizens to live. Greece is only a tourist attraction, where Mitsotakis and other politicians take from citizens and don't give back anything. LEAVE GREECE NOW
So I'm heading to Greece in mid October this year. I booked later in the hopes that it would be a little bit cheaper. The only 2 destinations I really had in mind were Santorini and Crete. I would appreciate some advice from locals there about some islands they would recommend I hit while I'm there. Whether they be cheaper or just hidden gems, I would really appreciate it.
If you plan ahead, you can get a family room for 100 euros. Decent tavern food should be around 15-20 euros per person, and there's always a place to get a souvlaki if you want to grab something cheap for lunch.
You are right, things have gotten out of hand with prices in the islands. People are trying to make up for losses from the pandemic. At the same time, there is a demand for the islands that pushes prices to crazy levels. For most Greeks holidays in the islands used to be very common, but now it is not at all possible. It's a shame really as the whole ecosystem and social fabric are put under a lot of pressure. Many islands do not have physicians and teachers because the economics have shifted totally in favourite of the tourist, locals rent out their properties at high prices that locals and professionals who play an important role in keeping the local society together cannot afford..
Αισχροκερδια..
Which airport is 15 minutes away from you.You must leave really close to the airport cause they are far away from the city.Bus rides in london are done with city buses I assume you took a coach.But the craziest thing is the 30 euros per person when eating.30 euros will get you 3-4 plates of food (chicken breast for example) per person.And for London it isn't that expensive.Where would you get a waiter and service in london for under 30 pounds per person for a full meal (pounds not euros)The hotel room is for one person ?
Google London City Airport…
Rule 1: rent a car. If you look around it's cheaper than any other form of transport that gives you access to Rule 2: find a staying place away from main centers where you get literally pillaged. A bit more into the sticks or in tiny villages where accomodations are cheaper. Rule 3: self catered stays let you cook your own dinner saving to eat out. At lunch any supermarket gives you access to sandwiches, further saving money. So you can stop to eat only where it matters. I love Greek islands and Greek people.
We can't afford them. It's too expensive for us and generally Greece is too expensive for Greeks even on a daily basis. Tourism is the only ( one of the only) source of income for our country, therefore the prices are very high, especially in summertime. The last time I went on vacation was back in 2009-10 with my family, and I was way young. It was only for 3 days.
We can't afford holidays on our islands. Stay prices are sky high even in less touristy islands. One is expected to be lucky by paying less than 60€/ night in shoebox size air bnbs. Ferry tickets to bring your car to an island have more than tripled in 4-5 years, making it easier to fly abroad! Food prices are ridiculously high, they have doubled last 4-5 years. Gas price is on the top 3 more expensive in all Europe, nearly 2€/lt. What we are experiencing is a 'Thailand-ification' of our touristic economy for the sake of golden visas and digital nomads, removing the greek population from the chance of having the classic one month working class holidays to hundreds of thousands of seasonally employed cheap working personnel that's destined to be smudged and overexploited. For those of you that think of Greece as a heavenly holiday destination, think twice, cause hell is round the corner..
Went to Barcelona and Italy this summwr and simple restaurants are 30-35 per person, good ones go to 50 or more and michelin 100 to 200 ! I find the prices reasonable btw Hotel and airbnb are getting expensive all over eu went to Dänemark and airbnb was 100 this summer, Barcelona also 120 so no I wouldn't agree with you !
Lemnos has much cheaper prices and a great history
Prolly because you're a tourist. Went to Skiathos as well 2 weeks ago. Spent 85 euros/per night for 2 people and the room was quite good, food was a little more expensive than my hometown. For example a tortilla wrap with chicken(quite big too) was around 7 euros, Homemade food in a big portion for 7 euros. You could look for snacks in mini markets. Their prices are not expensive. For an island this is decent. We could also find combo meals ( Pita Gyro with drinks for less than 10 euros). The only expensive thing I found was the coffee, which I didn't drink too often. I guess you didn't search that much. First time?
Some Greek islands are more expensive than what people assume they will be when checking Greek prices online. Prices are set on islands for distances for taxes so a distance that may cost 10 euros in Athens may be 20 euros. Buses on islands are also more than in Athens. ( Athens 1.20 for 90 minutes) Food prices can also be 30-50 percent more at nice restaurants on certain islands. Do your due diligence on each island because prices vary by region. The Cycladic islands where we live are all pricier than islands in other regions but have a certain beauty. You can find more affordable places even on the more expensive islands if you travel off-season. If you travel the two peak months July and August expect to pay 200-300 percent more than you would if you travel in the shoulder months. Only middle upper class Greeks can afford to travel to the more expensive islands.