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How to Book a Trip to the Greek Islands

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to the Greek Islands

A plan to see Santorini and Milos in the shoulder season without paying for it all at once.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $5,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $277.78/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $5,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Greece is better when you aren't fighting crowds for a sunset view in Oia. In May or September, the water is warm enough for a swim but the ferry tickets aren't sold out. You get the white-washed villages and the blue domes without the August heat or the cruise ship swarms.

A solid two-week trip usually runs about $5,000. Instead of waiting years to save that up, we can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening to pay it off slowly.

The 0% interest period is a tool, not a gift. If you still have a balance after those 18 months, the interest kicks in at the regular rate on whatever is left.

The steps

  1. 01

    Aim for the shoulder season

    Go in May or September. Prices for boutique hotels in Crete or Naxos drop significantly. You will save money and your sanity by avoiding the mid-summer peak.

  2. 02

    Map out your island hopping

    Fly into Athens and take a ferry or a quick local flight to the islands. Stick to one group, like the Cyclades, so you do not spend your whole vacation on a boat.

  3. 03

    Use the 18-month window

    Put the $5,000 trip cost on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). This card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you divide the cost, it comes out to $277.78 per month.

  4. 04

    Book the small spots early

    Greek guesthouses are often family-run and fill up fast. Look for places with kitchenettes so you aren't eating every single meal at a tourist taverna.

  5. 05

    Pack light for the ferries

    Dragging a massive suitcase onto a crowded ferry ramp is a headache. Use a sturdy carry-on to make moving between islands easier and to avoid extra baggage fees on regional flights.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is September a good time for Greece?

It is often the best month. The Aegean Sea is at its warmest and the summer crowds have mostly headed home.

How much should I budget for food?

You can eat well for $50 a day if you stick to gyros and local bakeries. Sit-down dinners at the waterfront will cost more.

Do I need a car on the islands?

It depends on the island. In Milos or Naxos, an ATV or small car is great for finding hidden beaches, but in Hydra, cars are banned.

What happens if I do not pay it off in 18 months?

The interest rate will jump to the standard APR once the intro period ends. You want that balance at zero before the 18 months are up to avoid those extra costs.