How much does a trip to Athens & islands cost from South Africa?
About R42 200 for 7 days, solo
Or R34 220 each for two people sharing a room. Saving for a trip a year from now means about R3 520 a month.
Estimates from Johannesburg, booked 3 to 6 months ahead, including a 20% buffer and the visa fee. Prices checked Sep 2026.
Join the waitlistAncient Athens, whitewashed islands and very blue water. Shoulder season keeps both prices and crowds manageable.
Cost by trip length and style (solo)
| Length | Tourist | Blend | Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | R35 600 | R36 131 | R36 020 |
| 7 days | R42 200 | R42 310 | R41 732 |
| 14 days | R65 300 | R63 936 | R61 724 |
Tourist covers the famous sights. Niche swaps them for places locals love, usually with cheaper stays but more travel between them. Blend mixes both. Two people sharing pay less each, because the room is split.
Where the money goes (7 days, Tourist, solo)
| Return flight from Johannesburg | R14 000 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, 7 nights | R13 300 |
| Food, local transport and activities | R5 950 |
| 20% buffer for surprises | R6 650 |
| Visa and entry fees | R2 300 |
| Total | R42 200 |
Visa for South Africans
Visa required Yes. South Africans need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Greece.
Apply 4–6 weeks ahead (up to 6 months early).
When to go
| Best time | May–Jun, Sep |
|---|---|
| Cheapest time | Apr–May, Oct |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Book 3–4 months out; island ferries add up in peak summer.
Know before you go
| Getting there | About 14 to 16 hours with one stop; there are no direct flights. Route via Istanbul, Addis Ababa, a European hub or a Gulf hub. Then ferries or short flights to the islands. |
|---|---|
| Health | No malaria. |
| Money | Hotels add a per-night climate resilience fee; carry cash on small islands. |
A 7-day plan that mixes both
- Day 1 Arrive, check in and find dinner nearby
- Day 2 Acropolis and the Parthenon
- Day 3 Naxos villages and the Portara
- Day 4 Plaka and Anafiotika
- Day 5 Sarakiniko's moonscape on Milos
- Day 6 Ferry to Santorini
- Day 7 Final morning, then fly home
The classics
- Acropolis and the Parthenon
- Plaka and Anafiotika
- Ferry to Santorini
- Sunset in Oia
- Santorini wine tasting
- Mykonos town and beaches
- Acropolis Museum
- Sunset at Cape Sounion
Where locals go
- Naxos villages and the Portara
- Sarakiniko's moonscape on Milos
- Zagori's stone villages and the Vikos Gorge
- Day trip to Nafplio
- Tavernas in Koukaki
- Naoussa harbour on Paros
- Car-free Hydra
- Meteora's cliff-top monasteries
Hidden gems near Athens & islands
Milos
A volcanic island of lunar white rock, sea caves and some of Greece's best beaches.
About R2 000 extra to get there
Zagori
Forty-six stone villages in the northern mountains above the Vikos Gorge.
About R2 500 extra to get there
Ready to book?
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Quick answers
How much does a trip to Athens & islands cost from South Africa?
About R42 200 per person for 7 days travelling solo, or R34 220 each for two people sharing a room, booked 3 to 6 months ahead. That includes return flights from Johannesburg, mid-range accommodation, daily spending, the visa fee and a 20% buffer. These are estimates checked in Sep 2026.
Do South Africans need a visa for Greece?
Yes. South Africans need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Greece. Apply 4–6 weeks ahead (up to 6 months early).
When is the best time to visit Athens & islands?
The best time is May–Jun, Sep. The cheapest time is usually Apr–May, Oct.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg?
About 14 to 16 hours with one stop; there are no direct flights. Route via Istanbul, Addis Ababa, a European hub or a Gulf hub. Then ferries or short flights to the islands.
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.