Everyone pictures Santorini and Mykonos, but the cheap way to Greece runs through Athens. Get there for less, then reach the islands locally for a fraction of what a direct island fare costs. Here is the plan.
How to find cheap flights to Greece
Athens is the gateway with the most competition and the lowest fares, especially from East Coast hubs like New York and Newark. Direct fares to the islands are expensive and seasonal; instead, fly to Athens and take a cheap budget-carrier hop or a ferry to Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete.
Find your cheapest Greece fare
FareFinderAI compares fares to Athens across airlines at once so the cheapest dates and routings stand out. Free, no account.
Search Cheap Flights Free →The cheapest time to fly to Greece
Late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to October) are the value sweet spots: warm weather, open islands, lower fares, and thinner crowds. Peak summer (July to August) is the most expensive and most crowded, and 2026 European fares are up about 20%. Winter is cheap for Athens itself, though many island services slow down.
How to book it cheap
- Fly into Athens from an East Coast hub, then island-hop locally.
- Book summer trips 4 to 6 months out; see how far ahead to book international flights.
- Consider an open-jaw or a cheap connection through another European city; see open-jaw flights.
- Fly midweek per the cheapest days to fly, and set an alert.
Comparing Mediterranean options? See cheap flights to Italy and cheap flights to Europe in 2026.