How Much Does a Trip to Greece Really Cost from the UAE?

By, amani

• 56 Views
• 14 Min Read
• (0) Comment

Dreaming of exploring Greece from the UAE? 🇬🇷✈️ From the ancient streets of Athens and the iconic blue-domed churches of Santorini to beautiful beaches, delicious Greek food, and unforgettable sunsets, Greece is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for travelers from the UAE.

But before you start planning your Greek getaway, there is one important question:

How much does a trip to Greece really cost from the UAE?

The answer depends on several factors, including your travel dates, flight tickets, hotel category, destinations, activities, and whether you choose to visit expensive islands such as Santorini and Mykonos.

For a typical 7-day Greece holiday from the UAE, a realistic mid-range budget can range from around AED 5,500 to AED 9,000 per person, including international flights, accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other common travel expenses. A budget trip can cost less, while a luxury holiday—especially one focused on Santorini or Mykonos—can easily exceed AED 12,000–15,000 per person.

In this guide, Rio Travels breaks down the main costs so you can understand exactly where your money goes and how to plan your Greece holiday wisely.

🇬🇷 Quick Answer: How Much Does Greece Cost from the UAE?

For a 7-day trip to Greece, you can use the following as a general planning guide:

These estimates are intended as planning ranges rather than fixed package prices. Your final cost can change considerably depending on the season, hotel availability, flight dates, exchange rates, island selection, and activities.

If you’re traveling as a couple and sharing a hotel room, your accommodation cost per person can also be significantly lower.

✈️ 1. How Much Are Flights from the UAE to Greece?

For most travelers from the UAE, flights will be one of the biggest expenses of the trip.

The main gateway is Athens International Airport, although travelers visiting the Greek islands may also take domestic flights or ferries after arriving in Athens.

Flights from the UAE to Greece vary depending on:

• Your departure city
• Airline
• Travel dates
• Whether you choose direct or connecting flights
• Baggage allowance
• How early you book

A reasonable planning budget for a return flight from the UAE to Athens is approximately:

AED 1,200–2,500+ per person

During popular travel periods, particularly summer, prices can be considerably higher.

💡 Rio Travels Tip

If your dates are flexible, compare different departure dates instead of automatically choosing a weekend. Flying midweek can sometimes give you better fares.

It’s also worth checking the total price rather than only the advertised base fare. Baggage, seat selection, meals, and other extras can increase the final ticket price.

🏨 2. How Much Does Accommodation Cost in Greece?

Accommodation is another major part of your Greece travel budget.

The price difference between Athens and the famous islands can be significant.

Athens generally offers a wider selection of affordable hotels, while popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos can become much more expensive, particularly during July and August.

Approximate accommodation prices

Budget accommodation:

AED 100–250 per room per night

Mid-range hotels:

AED 275–600 per room per night

Comfortable 4-star hotels:

AED 500–1,000+ per room per night

Luxury and premium island hotels:

AED 1,000–3,000+ per room per night

Santorini is especially known for its premium accommodation, particularly properties with caldera views.

In 2026, mid-range accommodation in Greece can often fall around €70–150 per room per night, while Santorini and Mykonos can rise substantially higher during peak season.

🏝️ Athens vs Santorini

For example, the same hotel standard that might be reasonably priced in Athens can cost significantly more in Santorini.

If your priority is experiencing Greece without overspending, consider combining Athens with a less expensive island rather than spending your entire trip on Santorini.

🍽️ 3. How Much Should You Budget for Food in Greece?

One of the good things about Greece is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well.

You can find everything from inexpensive gyros and souvlaki to traditional tavernas and high-end restaurants.

A simple gyros or souvlaki meal can cost around €3.50–€5, while a traditional taverna meal can be considerably more depending on the restaurant and location.

Typical daily food budget

Budget traveler:
€20–30 per day

Mid-range traveler:
€35–60 per day

Comfortable traveler:
€60–100+ per day

For a 7-day holiday, you could therefore budget approximately:

AED 550–1,600+ per person for food

Your actual spending will depend on how often you eat at restaurants, whether breakfast is included in your hotel, and whether you visit more expensive islands.

🍴 Don’t Leave Greece Without Trying:

• Moussaka
• Souvlaki
• Gyros
• Greek salad
• Tzatziki
• Fresh seafood
• Baklava
• Greek yogurt with honey
• Local Greek cheeses

🚢 4. How Much Does Transportation Cost?

Your transportation budget depends heavily on your itinerary.

If you’re staying mainly in Athens, public transportation can keep your costs relatively low.

If you visit multiple islands, however, you’ll need to budget for ferries or domestic flights.

Within Athens

You can use:

• Metro
• Buses
• Trams
• Taxis
• Airport transfers

Between Greek Islands

Ferries are one of the most popular ways to travel between destinations.

For example, a conventional ferry between Athens/Piraeus and Santorini can cost roughly €42–58, while high-speed services can be around €70–98, depending on the service and booking conditions.

Domestic flights can also make sense if you’re short on time.

💡 Rio Travels Tip

Don’t try to squeeze too many islands into a 7-day holiday.

A route such as:

Athens + Santorini

is usually much more comfortable than trying to visit Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and another island all in one week.

🏛️ 5. How Much Do Activities and Sightseeing Cost?

Greece offers plenty of experiences, from ancient archaeological sites to boat cruises and island tours.

Your sightseeing budget could include:

• Acropolis and archaeological sites
• Museums
• Walking tours
• Sunset cruises
• Island boat trips
• Wine tasting
• Beach activities
• Guided excursions

For a typical 7-day trip, a reasonable starting budget is around:

AED 300–1,000+ per person

You can spend less if you focus on sightseeing and beaches, or considerably more if you add private tours, cruises, water activities, and premium experiences.

🛂 6. What About the Greece Schengen Visa?

For UAE residents who require a visa, Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so you need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling if you are not visa-exempt.

The Greek Embassy in Abu Dhabi lists requirements including a completed and signed visa application, a passport meeting validity requirements, and a UAE residence permit where applicable.

Your travel budget should therefore also account for:

• Visa application fees
• Travel insurance
• Visa-center/service charges where applicable
• Required documentation
• Transportation to the application center

📌 Important

Visa requirements can vary according to nationality and individual circumstances. Always check the latest requirements before submitting an application.

If you’re planning a Greece holiday from the UAE and need assistance with your visa and travel arrangements, Rio Travels can help you plan your trip from start to finish.

💰 7. Sample 7-Day Greece Budget from the UAE

Let’s put everything together.

Imagine you’re planning a 7-day Athens + Santorini holiday from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

✈️ Return flights

AED 1,500–2,500

🏨 Hotels

AED 1,500–3,000 per person when sharing a room

🍽️ Food

AED 600–1,200

🚢 Internal transportation

AED 300–700

🏛️ Activities and sightseeing

AED 300–800

🛂 Visa, insurance and related expenses

Budget separately depending on your nationality and application requirements.

Estimated total:

AED 5,500–9,000+ per person

This is a useful mid-range planning estimate, but the actual price can be lower or significantly higher.

For example, current 2026 Greece budget research puts a mid-range week on the ground at around €1,085 per person excluding international flights, while Santorini and Mykonos during peak season can push the cost much higher.

🏝️ Is Santorini Really That Expensive?

It can be.

Santorini is one of Greece’s most famous destinations, and you’re paying a premium for the scenery, location, and demand.

The biggest difference is often the hotel location and view.

A basic hotel away from the caldera can be relatively affordable, while a luxury cave suite overlooking the caldera can cost several times more.

In 2026, Santorini hotel prices can range from roughly €110–170 for budget guesthouses in July to €450–750+ for some 4-star caldera-view properties, with luxury cave suites going even higher.

Want the Santorini experience without the Santorini price?

Consider:

• Staying outside Oia
• Choosing Fira or nearby areas
• Traveling during shoulder season
• Booking early
• Choosing a hotel without a caldera view
• Using public transportation

You can still enjoy Santorini’s famous scenery without paying for the most expensive room category.

🌊 What About Mykonos?

Mykonos is another popular Greek island known for its beaches, nightlife, restaurants, and luxury resorts.

However, it can also significantly increase your holiday budget.

If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, consider destinations such as:

• Naxos
• Paros
• Crete
• Corfu
• Rhodes

These destinations can offer excellent beaches, Greek culture, food, and beautiful scenery while potentially providing better value than the most expensive islands.

📅 8. What Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Greece from the UAE?

Timing can make a huge difference.

☀️ Peak Season: July–August

Expect:

• Higher hotel prices
• Higher demand
• Busy attractions
• More expensive flights
• Crowded islands

This is ideal if you want the classic summer-island experience, but it’s generally not the best time for a tight budget.

🌸 Shoulder Season: May–June & September–October

This can be one of the best periods to visit.

You can potentially enjoy:

• Pleasant weather
• Fewer crowds
• Better hotel availability
• More manageable prices
• Excellent conditions for sightseeing

❄️ Low Season: November–April

Prices can be much lower, particularly for accommodation, but some island businesses and seasonal services may operate on reduced schedules.

If your priority is Athens, history, food, museums, and culture rather than swimming and beach clubs, the cooler months can still be an interesting option.

Greece has also been seeing strong tourism growth, with 2025 inbound traveler numbers increasing and average spending per overnight stay rising, making advance planning particularly useful for popular destinations.

💡 9. How to Save Money on a Greece Trip from the UAE

You don’t have to sacrifice the experience to reduce your budget.

Here are some practical ways to save:

1. Book flights early

Airfares can increase as your travel date gets closer, especially during peak periods.

2. Travel during shoulder season

May, June, September, and October can offer a good balance between weather, crowds, and prices.

3. Stay outside the most expensive areas

Instead of staying directly in Oia, consider nearby areas in Santorini.

4. Use public transportation

Athens has a useful public transportation network, and many Greek islands have local buses.

5. Eat where locals eat

Traditional tavernas and neighborhood restaurants can provide excellent food without the premium charged by tourist-focused restaurants.

6. Limit island hopping

Every additional island means another ferry, transfer, hotel check-in, and potentially additional transportation costs.

7. Compare package vs. DIY travel

Sometimes booking flights and hotels separately is cheaper. Other times, a professionally arranged package can offer better value when transfers, accommodation, insurance, and other services are included.

🧳 10. Is Greece Worth the Money for UAE Travelers?

Absolutely.

Greece offers an unusual combination of:

🏛️ History
Explore ancient landmarks and archaeological treasures.

🏖️ Beaches
From famous island beaches to quiet coastal escapes.

🌅 Scenery
Enjoy unforgettable sunsets, whitewashed villages, and Aegean Sea views.

🍽️ Food
Greek cuisine offers excellent options for almost every budget.

🏝️ Variety
You can build a trip around history, beaches, nightlife, romance, food, or island hopping.

And because Greece offers such a wide range of accommodation and travel styles, you can create a holiday that fits your budget rather than having to spend a fixed amount.

🇬🇷 Example 7-Day Greece Itinerary from the UAE

If this is your first trip to Greece, a simple itinerary could look like this:

Day 1 – UAE ✈️ Athens

Arrive in Athens, check into your hotel, and spend the evening exploring the city.

Day 2 – Athens

Visit the Acropolis, explore Plaka, enjoy Greek food, and discover the historic center.

Day 3 – Athens

Explore museums, markets, Syntagma Square, and other attractions.

Day 4 – Athens 🚢 Santorini

Travel to Santorini by ferry or domestic flight.

Spend the evening exploring Fira and watching the sunset.

Day 5 – Santorini

Explore Oia, the famous blue-domed churches, local villages, and scenic viewpoints.

Day 6 – Santorini

Enjoy a boat cruise, wine experience, beach day, or relaxed island exploration.

Day 7 – Santorini ✈️ UAE

Travel back to Athens if required for your international flight and return to the UAE.

This itinerary gives first-time visitors a taste of both mainland Greece and the Greek islands without trying to fit too much into one week.

💶 How Much Money Should You Take to Greece?

For a 7-day mid-range holiday, you might want to budget around:

AED 100–250 per person per day for food, local transportation, small purchases, and activities, depending on what has already been included in your hotel or travel package.

If you’re staying at hotels with breakfast included and have major transfers already arranged, your daily spending may be lower.

If you plan to enjoy nightlife, shopping, private tours, beach clubs, or expensive restaurants, increase your daily budget.

📊 Greece Trip Cost at a Glance

Prices are approximate planning ranges for 2026 and can change based on season, availability, destination, exchange rates, airline, hotel category, and booking date.

✈️ Planning a Greece Holiday from the UAE?

A Greece trip doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly Athens getaway, a romantic Santorini escape, a family holiday, or a complete Greece island-hopping adventure, the key is planning your flights, hotels, transportation, and activities around your budget.

At Rio Travels, we can help you organize your Greece holiday from the UAE, including flights, accommodation, travel arrangements, and visa assistance where applicable.

🇬🇷 Ready to turn your Greece dream into a real holiday?

Contact Rio Travels and let us help you plan your next Greek adventure.

📩 Get in touch with Rio Travels today and start planning your journey from the UAE to Greece.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 7-day trip to Greece cost from the UAE?

A realistic mid-range budget is approximately AED 5,500–9,000 per person, including flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing. The final price depends heavily on your travel dates and destinations.

Is Greece expensive for UAE travelers?

Greece can be affordable compared with many European destinations, but costs rise significantly on popular islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, particularly during July and August.

How much are flights from Dubai to Greece?

Return flights can vary widely, but a planning range of around AED 1,200–2,500+ per person is reasonable. Prices depend on airline, dates, baggage, and availability.

How much does a hotel in Greece cost?

Budget hotels can start around AED 100–250 per room per night, while mid-range and 4-star hotels can cost AED 275–1,000+ per night. Santorini and Mykonos can be considerably more expensive during peak season.

Do UAE residents need a visa for Greece?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel-document status. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, and travelers who require a visa should obtain the appropriate Schengen visa before traveling.

Is Santorini expensive?

Santorini can be one of the more expensive destinations in Greece, especially for caldera-view hotels and peak-season travel. However, choosing accommodation away from the most premium areas and traveling during shoulder season can reduce the cost significantly.

What is the best time to visit Greece?

For a balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and potentially better prices, May, June, September, and October are excellent periods to consider. July and August are ideal for peak summer but generally come with higher prices.

Can I visit Athens and Santorini in one week?

Yes. A 7-day itinerary combining Athens and Santorini is one of the easiest ways for first-time visitors to experience both Greek history and island scenery without spending too much time moving between destinations.

Is Greece good for a honeymoon from the UAE?

Absolutely. Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and other Greek destinations offer romantic hotels, beautiful sunsets, cruises, beaches, and memorable dining experiences. Your budget can range from a comfortable getaway to a luxury honeymoon depending on your hotel and experiences.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a trip to Greece really cost from the UAE?

For a comfortable 7-day Greece holiday, plan around AED 5,500–9,000 per person as a useful starting point.

But remember: there is no single Greece travel budget.

You could spend less by choosing budget accommodation, traveling during shoulder season, eating locally, and using public transportation. Or you could spend considerably more on luxury hotels, private tours, premium flights, and caldera-view accommodation in Santorini.

The best Greece trip is the one that matches your budget, travel style, and dream itinerary.

🇬🇷✨ From Athens to Santorini, let Rio Travels help you plan your perfect Greek escape from the UAE.