Visit Santorini with a 200 Euros budget

The island of Santorini is probably the most intriguing island of Greece. Simply its name is more than enough to unfold in mind stunning sunsets and scenery, white, red and black sand beaches, impressive traditional houses, balconies with view to the volcano and a lively night life. All the above, along with the remains of the antiquity and the myth of the lost Atlantis justify the words which the tourists determine this wonderful island.

Santorini is also called Thira and its capital is the town of Fira. It is a very touristy island  especially between the month of June and September. Some may think that travelling here might be too expensive but let me show you how to explore this beautiful island on a tight budget.

Getting there:

 We’d been planning on island hopping Greece by ferry, but it turns out. Ferry tickets are very expensive plus time consuming. So instead of losing time and money we decided to pick the best 2 places in Greece. We travelled first in Athens and booked Ryan Air flights from Athens to Santorini a few weeks advance and it cost only for 40 Euros roundtrip. The flight just took about 1 hour. The island is a lot bigger than expected and the towns are pretty scattered across the island luckily the hostel owner picked us up from the airport.

Accomodation:

Our strategy for cheaper accommodation was to sleep on a cheaper area which happens to be along Perissa Beach. Yes it is very cheap! Santorini Breeze Studios was only around 13 Euros average per night but we already have our own terrace, kitchen and private a bathroom.  They also have outdoor swimming pool where you can meet new friends from all over the world, a 24 hour reception, 24 hour Security, free city maps,  free Internet access, luggage storage and free airport transfer. Don’t worry if you are hungry and thirsty because bar, café, tea and coffee making facilities are also available. This hostel is located 6.2km from city center but they are very near from the beach so I think it might be an advantage for some who really like getting a sun kissed skin after vacation. You may booked your hostel in this site hostelworld.com.

Getting around:

there are several options getting around the island. First you can rent a car but make sure you have a valid driver’s license (EXPENSIVE!), Second rent an ATV OR motorbike (Around 20-40euros per day) but for the best and cheaper price you can just simply go around with a bus. From Perissa beach to Fira you will have to pay 2.30 Euros for a one way ticket.

Tours and Activities:

1. Full day boat tour for only 25 Euros to Nea Kameni volcano, the hot springs, Therasia island and Oia for sunset turns out to be very touristy but for 25 Euros it was very affordable to see a lot of Santorini.

2. Walk and hike the Caldera Path.

3. check out the Santorini Brewing Company.

 

Beautiful places you shouldn’t miss!

Fira

Pyrgos Village

Perissa Beach

Red Beach

OIA

 

 

 

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Halkidiki, Greece

Turquoise water, dense pine forest, olive trees, dreamy hotel, eat all you can 3x per day, beach bar, archaeological sites, home of the famous monastic state, Mount Athos, cool Monks – Chalkidiki, Greece I will definitely miss you!

Endless hours in the sea, with a nice blue horizon as a background and sky full of stars in the night time. In the morning a cup of coffee as a company, countless dives in a cold pool and turquiose water. Just you and your love at isolated coves that most people do not even know their existence, yet so close to the most popular place MT. ATHOS the home of the ancient monasteries.

 

Hallstatt: the Hidden Gem of Austria

Lake Hallstatt

Hallstatt is located in Austria’s Salzkammergut lake district, a scenic wonder that has enthralled nature lovers for centuries. Before  there was Rome, there is Hallstatt. One of Europe’s oldest town, Hallstatt originated as a salt mining center and it’s name means “Place of Salt”.

How to get there:

From Salzburg to Hallstatt

the fastest and cheapest option is to ride bus no. 150 10.60 euros > train 4.30 euros > ferry 2.50 euros

From Salzburg city center ride a bus no. 150 until Bad Ischl. If you wanted to visit this place for one day I suggest buying a “Tageskarte” (worth 21.20 Euros) from the bus driver. Bad Ischl is a small beautiful country side town of Salzburg, so we spent 1 hour getting around the town and we tried the carriage for 10 Euros.

In Bad Ischl board a train going to Hallstatt. The train station is actually not in Hallstatt, you’ll still have to make a trip across the lake on a ferry named Stefanie before you can set a foot on the old town. Crossing the lake on the Stefanie ship is perhaps the best part of the journey!

Accomodation:

We didn’t stayed in Hallstatt because we can go around the old town for a day trip but since I’m interested to know about hotels and cheap accommodation I asked the locals and some backpackers around the old town. They suggested that the nearest and cheapest accommodation that you can find in Hallstatt is W&S Executive Apartment  and Authentic Hallstatt. The room for two will cost between 40 to 50 Euros per night. It’s impossible to find cheap hostels near the old town so the only option is to find a hotel. The best website for room reservation is booking.com.

Top Things To Do:

1. Hallstatt Lahn Viewpoint – The main Hallstatt bus stop is the perfect place to start our free walking tour. This is also a great spot to get up close and personal with the swan’s of Hallstatt.
2. Visit Salt Mine
3. Panorama Funicular
4. Rudolph’s tower and skywalk
5. Lake Hallstatt Stroll
6. ride a boat
7. Eat in Bräugasthof Restaurant and Guesthouse
8. Archaeological Excavations
9. Hallstatt City Museum
10. Chill at the Market Square

Beautiful places in Hallstatt that you shouldn’t miss!