Looking for a Greek island home that won’t stretch your budget? Skip the price tags of Mykonos and Santorini and discover the lesser-known islands offering traditional charm, a warm welcome and excellent value. These under-the-radar gems serve up sea views, space to breathe and traditional Greek life – all for a fraction of the cost.
Cheaper alternatives to the popular Greek islands are often just an island hop away. Mykonos and Santorini may offer picturesque luxury, but there are many other amazing Greek islands that offer a cheaper alternative. They also have stunning scenery, clear blue seas and are less crowded with tourists. Often, these islands are overlooked by house buyers simply because they are further from Athens or don’t have direct international flights. In some cases, they do have popular tourist towns with luxury villas and apartments, but if you drive inland or around the coast, you will discover charming village houses and countryside villas at a fraction of the price.
When looking at any location, don’t be steered into buying a property in a place where estate agents think foreign buyers want to all holiday together. Always explore other areas too, as you might be amazed at how much more property you can get for your money. Even eating out can be cheaper. Plus, you will experience the friendly atmosphere created by an authentic Greek community who stop in the street for a chat and welcome returning tourists like family. To witness craftsmen, fishmen and farmers at work and people coming together for cultural events is what makes Greece special.
Six islands with cheaper property than the most popular Greek Islands
1. Amorgos, Cyclades
Amorgos is the easternmost island of the popular Cyclades and the nearest to the Dodecanese. Santorini and Mykonos get all the limelight in this area, but if you’d rather be away from the crowds and get more house for your money, Amorgos is a great alternative. This beautiful island is a haven of tranquillity, where you can enjoy diving, swimming or snorkelling in crystal clear waters that are exceptionally blue. There are also some lovely beaches, scenic bays and ancient paths that offer incredible sea views.
The main town is very picturesque, with traditional whitewashed houses and a venetian castle. As you wander the alleyways, you are sure to happen across a friendly café owner, just when you are in need of a cool drink. The local people are welcoming and are happy to share their traditional celebrations with visitors, especially those newcomers that take an interest in their local customs and are mindful of the natural environment.
How to get to Amorgos
Fly to Athens, get a bus to the port of Pereaus then catch a ferry to Amorgos. The faster ferries take about five hours 45 minutes. Ferries arrive at either the port of Katapola or Aegiali. Alternatively, you could get a flight to Santorini and then a ferry from there.
Property on Amorgos
The population on Amorgos is well under the 3,100 mark, therefore you have the potential of getting a golden visa with a property purchase at the lower investment threshold of €250,000 (unlike in higher-demand areas such as Mykonos or Santorini, where the minimum investment is now €500,000). Plus, you can still find traditional stone houses with panoramic views that need restoration. With €250,000 to spend you could buy a three bedroom house on Amorgos, whereas on Mykonos you could only get an apartment.
2. Andros, Cyclades
Andros offers a relaxed pace of life
Just a two-and-a-half-hour trip from Athens, by bus and ferry, Andros is only two islands up from Mykonos. So, you may wonder why it is one of the cheapest islands in the Cyclades to buy property. Probably because it hasn’t received the publicity from holiday companies that other islands have, resulting in it being overlooked by foreign house buyers. Most people’s first visit to the Cyclades is likely to be to one of the islands that has an international airport and developed tourist facilities, such as Santorini, Mykonos and Paros.
However, it can be worth hopping across to a less touristy island, to find lower property prices and less crowds. With a population of less than 10,000 and a strong cultural heritage, Andros offers a relaxed pace of life. The locals are known for their hospitality, and as Andros isn’t totally reliant on tourism, the islands cultural events are authentically Greek. The island has a varied landscape, where you can walk through fertile valleys and green forests, to see waterfalls and flora and fauna unique to the island.
How to get to Andros
Fly to Athens airport, then take a bus or taxi to Rafina port, which only takes about 30 minutes. From Rafina, the ferry to Andros takes approximately two hours.
Property on Andros
As well as the properties in the main town of Chora, there are picturesque villages and houses dotted around the countryside. The most affordable homes on Andros can be found outside of the towns.
Tip: When looking online for Andros property also search “South Aegean”.
3. Naxos, Cyclades
Naxos is the largest of the islands in the Cyclades. Although often overshadowed by nearby Mykonos, Naxos offers Greek charm and beautiful beaches. It’s not the cheapest Greek island, but property prices are comparatively lower than Mykonos. Here you can live a calm lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty in a fertile land full of vineyards.
Buildings on the island include traditional whitewashed Cycladic houses, Venetian-style castles and towers, plus luxurious old mansion houses once owned by noble families. It also has one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Cyclades, with alleyways and stone arches. As well as having lovely houses, there are Byzantine churches and ancient monuments to explore. The most recognisable being the Portara and the temple of Demeter.
Naxos has around 19,000 inhabitants, who keep alive the cultural traditions of the island. They are well used to receiving tourists. Indeed, in 2024 over 600,000 visitors arrived by ferry and air; a new record for the island. In fact, the number of arrivals by plane was up 29 percent on the year before. Newcomers that understand the importance of taking care of the natural surroundings are particularly welcomed. In fact, the authorities on Naxos are actively promoting the island to tourists and are trying to extend the length of the tourist season. Their aim is to highlight the natural and sustainable aspect of the island, as well as its gastronomic delights.
How to get to Naxos
Naxos has an airport that receives flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. Therefore, you could look for a connecting flight or catch the ferry from either Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio. The airport is located close to Agios Prokopios and the main ferry port is at Chora, also known as Naxos town. The flight from Athens to Naxos takes just 40 minutes, while the ferry crossing from Piraeus takes over three and a half hours, if you get a high-speed ferry.
Property on Naxos
While there are parts of the island with high property prices, there are also areas that offer much cheaper homes. A two-bedroom inland village house can start at around €160,000 – even less for a renovation project. Near the coast at Kastraki and above Naxos town you can find new two-bed holiday homes from €380,000.
Find a selection of properties on Naxos here.
4. Kos, Dodecanese
Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese islands, behind Rhodes and Karpathos. Although it’s not the cheapest island for property, you can find some bargains outside of the popular holiday hotspots. Apartments in Kos town start at around €80,000 and there are some very affordable options in the inland villages. There are various styles of property, from whitewashed stone houses to modern villas and apartments.
Although Kos does get busy with tourists in the summer, out of season the local inhabitants can enjoy the island’s delights all to themselves. With a population of over 37,000 to cater for, you will still find shops, pharmacies, bakeries, grocers etc. open year-round. While the tourist resorts may close or have reduced hours, many places in Kos town will still be open.
As well as abundant sandy beaches, the island boasts Greek and Roman landmarks, particularly in and around Kos Town. Dominating the town is a 15th-century Castle and to the south of this there are Ancient Agora ruins, with a temple.
How to get to Kos
The good news is that Kos has an international airport. Therefore, many European cities fly direct there in the summer, and it can work out quicker and cheaper than having to do a change at Athens. For example, EasyJet flies from six UK airports, with prices as little as £113 return in July. Other options via Athens include a flight from Athens to Kos, which takes about an hour, or the fast ferry which takes about nine and a half hours. But there are ferries with cabins that travel at night.
Property on Kos
According to Indomio, the average price of residential property on Kos in May 2025 was €1,849 per square metre, an increase of 16.29% compared to May 2024 (1,590 €/m²). But still nowhere near the average price on Mykonos, which was €7,574 per square metre.
See a selection of Kos properties here.
5. Chios, North Aegean
Chios is located on the northeast side of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast. It’s a large island with a population of over 51,000. A major industry around the island’s villages is the production of mastic. This resin is taken from the mastic tree, to be used in various foods, such as chewing gum and baked goods. Some villages offer tours showing how mastic is produced. Local people also make a living from fishing, farming and working on the sea. As a result, the restaurants serve very fresh seafood and dishes using local produce, such as figs and olives.
Your time on Chios will feel like a leisurely stroll back in time. The villages are full of character and bougainvillea flowers adorn many a balcony. Pyrgi village is particularly unique, due to the facades of the houses being painted with decorative shapes. Around the coast you’ll find great beaches, holiday resorts, places to walk and charming fishing villages. It’s a great island for sightseeing by car. You’ll discover castles, windmills, museums, watch towers, caves and monasteries.
How to get to Chios
Chios National Airport receives domestic flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Lemnos, Mytilene, Rhodes and Samos. The airport is located near Kampos village, three kilometres from Chios Town. You can also catch a ferry from Pireaus port or the islands of Lesvos, Mykonos, Syros, Ikaria and Samos. In addition, you can catch a ferry from Cesme in Turkey.
Property on Chios
Property prices on Chios vary a lot depending on location and condition. But you can find apartments from €70,000, stone houses to renovate from €125,000 and two-bedroom stone houses ready to move into from €220,000. Some stone houses are very grand indeed, with large arched gateways. If you want a sea view, look around Pyrgi, Anavatos, Volissos, Avgonyma, Agia Ermioni, Mesta and Vrondados.
You can see a selection of property in the North Aegean here.
Stone house for sale on Chios with spectacular sunsets and sea views (€290,000)
6. Lesvos, North Aegean
Lesvos is an island you’ll want to return to year after year. Located close to the coast of Turkey, in the northeastern Aegean sea, the island is known for its rich history, varied landscape and cultural heritage. The cuisine is superb, with cheese and olive oil produced on the island to accompany zucchini flowers, chickpeas and meatballs.
While tourists enjoy the beaches, the island’s 370-kilometre-long coastline also provides plenty of space for local life to carry on as normal. Being able to see fishermen fixing nets and a donkey carrying the shopping home from market certainly adds to the charm of the place. Wildlife is well represented too. In fact, Lesbos is considered to be one of the best destinations in Europe to go bird watching, due to its various habitats and 90 recorded bird species. The natural surroundings are great for cycling and hiking. Other highlights include medieval fortress towns, historic sites, hot springs and a world-famous petrified forest.
How to get to Lesvos
Lesvos has an airport and a ferry port located at Mytilene. You can fly or catch a ferry from either Athens or Thessaloniki. Plus, over the peak holiday season there are direct flights from various European cities. There is also the possibility to island hop from Chios, Limnos, Mykonos and Syros in Greece, or from Ayvalik in Turkey.
Property on Lesvos
Property prices on Lesvos are very reasonable compared to more touristy Aegean islands. You can find small village houses needing total restoration from €15,000. You can even come across renovation projects with sea views. Location and style are a big factor in the pricing. There are beautiful houses in the Neoclassical style around Mytilene that cost over €500,000. Some even have frescoed ceilings.
Greek Island appeal
When considering where to buy, the living costs and transport costs should be taken into consideration, alongside the property price. According to our cost of living survey, covering 13 countries, Greece came out as one of the five cheapest countries to live in.
You can also get some great flight prices to the Greek islands. EasyJet flies from the UK to nine Greek islands, and at the time of writing there were return flights to Kos for as little as £118 in July. A benefit of owning a property in Greece is being able to be more flexible on dates and getting the best flight prices.
When planning a trip to any of the Greek islands, compare the different travel options carefully. You might not always have to go via Athens, especially in the summer months. In some cases, you might even be able to get a direct flight to a nearby island, then catch a ferry. There are 12 Greek islands with direct flights.
Sun and sea, combined with a relaxed island life style continue to make Greece one of the most attractive places in Europe to buy property. You can find more tips on buying affordable property in Greece here.
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