Information about prices in Crete is very useful when setting your own budget for a trip to this very popular island. Therefore, we will try to give you approximate prices that you can expect in Crete. Mainly in terms of accommodation, getting around the island, shopping in groceries and of course eating in restaurants and pubs.
Currency in Greece
In Greece, the currency is the euro, which means higher prices. However, the good news is that Hellada is a Mediterranean country with one of the lowest prices, compared to other Mediterranean countries.
Let’s now check the current prices on the island of Crete.
Prices for accommodation in Crete
The main branches of the economy in Crete are agriculture and of course tourism. For this reason, there are no problems finding accommodation on the island. You can choose from cheap hostels, private lodgings, apartments and a chain of hotels of various standards.
Prices of accommodation in Crete mainly depend on the date when we will come here. Both before and after the season it will certainly be a little cheaper. Apparently, with a bit of self-denial, and above all luck, you can find accommodation for 8 euro per night. Then, however, you cannot count on any convenience.
And here are the average prices in a slightly better standard:
- accommodation in a hostel costs around 16 euro
- renting an apartment with a kitchenette costs an average of 80 euro per night
- a night in a 2-star hotel costs around 40 euro per night
- accommodation in a three-star facility will already cost an average of 70 euro per night
- in turn a hotel boasting four stars per night will cost over 120 euro
- while accommodation in these most luxurious facilities will cost around 150 euro
Prices of car hire in Crete
It is most convenient to travel around the island by car. That’s why car rentals are so popular in Crete. Although gasoline is not the cheapest, because for a liter of fuel you have to pay around 1.60 – 1.80 euro.
Here are the rental prices for different car models:
- a small economical car costs around 40 euro per night
- a small mid-range car costs around 75 euro per night
- a convertible or SUV costs around 110 euro per night
- a multi-person van costs around 200 euro a day
- another luxury car is around 350 euro per night
Prices of transport in Crete
Crete’s public transport network is well developed. However, despite this, buses don’t reach all places of interest to tourists. An example are some of the known beaches on the island. Then you have to either rent a car or use the services of taxi drivers. The prices of the most popular taxi rides are listed on the taxi stands. It’s a way to avoid unpleasant situations with inflated fares.
It is better to determine or confirm the amount in advance for the selected course.
- public transport ticket from 1.70 to 3.60 for a one-way trip (depending on the destination)
- a ticket from the airport to the center of Chania costs around 2.5 euro
- we will pay 2.30 euro for entering the taxi
- for each kilometer driven by taxi we will pay 1.20 euro
- an hour’s stop / wait for a taxi costs 11-15 euro here
Prices of food in stores in Crete
As for stores in Crete, their selection is large, from small convenience stores to chain supermarkets (e.g. Carrefour) and discount stores (e.g. Lidl), which usually offer the lowest prices. To save a little more on grocery shopping, go to the local market. Especially in the season, when there is no shortage of fresh vegetables and fruits, their prices are then really low. In addition, on the stalls you can also buy cheese, spices, meat and clothes, tablecloths and footwear, and even souvenirs from Crete. It’s always worth a look there.
Average prices of food in stores are at this level:
- milk 1.10 euro per liter
- bread 1.70 euro for a loaf
- eggs 2.70 euro for 12
- white cheese 5.80 euro per kilo
- feta cheese from 2.50 euro per serving
- local cheese 9 euro per kilo
- yoghurts 1.90 – 2.50 euro
- butter 3 euro per cube
- sliced ham 1.40 – 4 euro per packet
- sausage 9 euro per kilo
- chicken breast fillet 4.50 euro per kilo
- beef 8 euro per kilo
- pasta from 0.60 euro per package
- rice 0.80 euro per kilo
- potatoes 0.70 euro per kilogram
- lettuce 0.50 euro
- cucumbers 0.45 euro per kilo
- tomatoes 0.80 euro per kilo
- orange 0.60 euro per kilo
- bananas 1.20 euro per kilo
- pears 1.70 euro per kilo
- olives 2.50-3.50 euro per jar
- olive oil 7 euro per bottle
- water 0.20 – 0.80 euro for 1.5 liters
- soda 0.70 euro for half a liter
- local beer 1 euro for half a liter
- imported beer 1.60 euro for 0.33l
- Crete wine from 3 euro per bottle
- whiskey 15 euro per bottle
- vodka 13 euro per bottle
- gin 14 euro per bottle
- a pack of decent cigarettes 4.40 euro
Food prices in restaurants and bars
In Crete, as well as throughout Greece, the prices of meals will be slightly different due to whether we choose a restaurant or eat in a tavern. The first of course have higher prices, professional waiter service and material tablecloths. In taverns it is more familiar, sometimes a paper product is used as a tablecloth and the owner often serves us. When it comes to food prices in restaurants, it will be cheaper in smaller towns and everywhere where local residents hang out. On Crete the starters are a full meal by themselves, so it’s enough to order a set. You must also remember that the prices for meals are charged separately for the water and bread, which are served at the very beginning (about 1-2 euro for table). However, refreshments at the end of the meal (fruit, yogurt with honey, a piece of cake or local alcohol) are already a free thank you from the owner. A meal in a cheap restaurant should not cost more than 10 euro per person. However, in a higher class premises, it will be around 15-20 euro for dinner. It is also worth adding that the prices on popular beaches slightly distant from civilization (Balo, Elafonisi) will certainly be on the high side.
- Greek salad 3-4 euro
- gyros pita 3-4 euro
- gyros on a plate from 6-7 euro per serving
- tzatziki 2.5-3.50 euro per serving
- fries 3-4 euro per serving
- stuffed grape leaves 4-5 euro per serving
- grilled cheese from 4-5 euro per serving
- moussaka from 5-6 euro per serving
- souvlaki from 6 euro per serving
- risotto from 8-9 euro per serving
- paste from 8-9 euro per serving
- a dish with a portion of meat from 9-10 euro
- seafood from 7-8 euro per serving
- water 0.80 euro for 0.33l
- cola 1.50 euro for 0.33l
- coffee 1.40-2.40 euro
- cappuccino / frappe 2-3.50 euro
- tea from 2 euro
- draft beer 4-5 euro for half a liter
- imported beer 5 euro for 0.33 l
- drink from 4 euro
- a glass of wine 1.5-2 euro
- homemade wine from 5 euro per bottle
Souvenir prices in Crete
It is worth bringing from Crete local products strongly associated with the place where we spent the holidays.
- handmade magnet 2-3 euro
- natural sponge from 2-3 euro (depending on the size)
- olive oil soap from 1-2 euro each
- bookmark from 0.80 euro
- local honey from 2-3 euro for a small jar
- Greek sweets – baklava or lokum from 2-3 euro per packaging
- olives vacuum-packed from 3-3.50 euro per package
- Crete wine from 3 euro per bottle
- rakija from 4-5 euro per bottle
- kitchen towel with a Crete theme, 2-4 euro per item
- embroidered tablecloth from 4 euro up
- sun protection hat from 8 euro
- beach towel with a Crete theme from 5-6 euro
- Greek style beach bag from 8 euro up
Prices of tourist attractions in Crete
In addition to accommodation, eating and drinking, it’s also worth seeing and visiting in Crete. The prices of optional trips are various, certainly everyone will find something for themselves. Entrance to virtually all monuments is paid, but at moderate prices. Like all other attractions intended for tourists.
- beach chairs and umbrella rental on the beach 8-10 euro per set per day
- admission ticket to Knossos 15 euro per person
- ticket for the fortress in Rethymno 4 euro per person
- Frangokastello castle ticket 2 euro per person
- ticket to the Moni Arkadi monastery 3 euro per person
- cruise to Gramvousa beach 55 euro per person
- Kissamos – Gramvousa – Balos cruise 28 euro per person
- cruise to Santorini around 130 euro + port fees
- trip to Samaria Gorge 45-60 euro per person (plus additional fees e.g. for lunch)
- trip to the Aqua Park 32 euro per person (with a ticket)
- trip to Knossos and Heraklion around 40 euro (+ admission ticket to the Minoan palace)
- trip to Agios Nikolaos and to the leper island Spinalonga 50 euro per person
- Greek evening with performances in the Cretan edition of 40-45 euro per person
To get to know the island of Crete better, not only from current prices but also from practical information, visit the island’s website where you can find out other important information.