There's a moment on the ferry from Athens to Santorini — about two hours in, when the Cycladic islands start appearing on the horizon like white sugar cubes dropped into an impossibly blue sea — where you think: I can't believe this is real.
And then there's a second moment, if you've planned it right, where you think: I can't believe this barely cost anything.
Greece is one of those destinations that feels like it should be expensive. The whitewashed villages overlooking caldera sunsets. The seafood tavernas perched on cliff edges. But here's what most people don't realize: Greece is remarkably affordable once you get there — and getting there on points is easier than you'd think.
Getting There: Flights to Athens on Points
Economy Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC → Athens | United MileagePlus | 60,000 | $800–$1,300 |
| NYC → Athens | Emirates Skywards | 67,500 | $900–$1,400 |
| East Coast → Athens | American AAdvantage | 60,000 | $800–$1,200 |
| Any US City | Capital One Miles (portal) | 80,000–130,000 | $800–$1,300 |
The WanderWise move: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to United MileagePlus and book a Saver award on Lufthansa or Swiss Air. At 30,000 points each way, this is one of the best-value economy flights to the Mediterranean. For more on international flight booking strategy, see our guide to booking international flights on points.
Business Class Options
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC → Athens | Aeroplan | 115,000 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| East Coast → Athens | Air Canada Aeroplan | 120,000 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| NYC → Athens | Virgin Atlantic (via Chase) | 100,000–120,000 | $5,000–$7,000 |
Transfer Chase points to Aeroplan and book Lufthansa business class through Athens. Fully flat seats, excellent German wines, and impeccable service.
Athens: Worth More Than You Think
Many travelers treat Athens as a box to check on the way to the islands. That's a mistake. Athens deserves at least two full days.
Where to Stay in Athens on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Grande Bretagne | Marriott Bonvoy | 60,000–70,000 | $400–$700 |
| Grand Hyatt Athens | World of Hyatt | 15,000–21,000 | $200–$350 |
| Hilton Athens | Hilton Honors | 50,000–70,000 | $200–$350 |
The WanderWise move: The Grand Hyatt Athens is a steal at 15,000–21,000 Hyatt points per night. Two nights costs about 35,000 points for a room that sells for $400–$700. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer 1:1 to Hyatt, making the Chase Sapphire Preferred an excellent choice for accumulating hotel points.
What to Do in Athens
- The Acropolis and Parthenon — go early morning or late afternoon
- The Acropolis Museum — world-class, allow two hours
- Plaka neighborhood — winding streets below the Acropolis
- Sunset at Philopappos Hill — panoramic views, far less crowded
Where to Eat (On a Budget)
Greek food in Athens is absurdly affordable — a full taverna meal for two with wine runs €30–€50.
Island Hopping: The Greek Islands on Points
Getting to the Islands
Ferries (our recommendation):
- Santorini: 5 hours on Blue Star (€40–€60) or 2 hours high-speed (€70–€90)
- Mykonos: 3–5 hours (€40–€75)
- Crete: 9 hours overnight (from €35 for a seat)
Book through FerryHopper.com — the Kayak of Greek ferries.
Take the ferry at least once. Watching the islands emerge from the sea, feeling the salt air — that's the Greece experience.
Santorini on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mystique (Luxury Collection) | Marriott Bonvoy | 70,000–85,000 | $600–$1,200 |
| Santo Maris Oia | Hyatt (SLH) | 25,000–30,000 | $400–$700 |
Santo Maris Oia at 25,000–30,000 Hyatt points per night is the move — luxury suites with plunge pools that sell for $400–$700 in peak season.
Mykonos on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Marina Resort | Marriott (Luxury Collection) | 60,000–80,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Mykonos Grand Hotel | Hyatt (SLH) | 20,000–25,000 | $300–$600 |
Mykonos in September brings warm seas, thinner crowds, lower prices, and beautiful light.
Crete on Points
| Hotel | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Palace Elounda | Hyatt (SLH) | 25,000–35,000 | $350–$700 |
| Domes Noruz Chania | Marriott (Autograph) | 40,000–55,000 | $250–$450 |
Blue Palace Elounda on Hyatt points is an absurd value — a five-star resort for 25,000–35,000 points versus $500+ cash in summer.
Sample 7-Day Greece Itinerary
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athens | Arrive, evening walk through Plaka |
| 2 | Athens | Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, rooftop dinner |
| 3 | Santorini | Morning ferry, sunset in Oia |
| 4 | Santorini | Caldera walk, Red Beach, dinner in Oia |
| 5 | Mykonos | Morning ferry, explore Chora, harbor dinner |
| 6 | Mykonos | Beach day, day trip to Delos Island |
| 7 | Athens → Home | Morning swim, flight home |
The Points Budget (Two People, Economy)
| Expense | Points | Cash Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights to Athens | 120,000 United | $2,000 |
| 2 nights Grand Hyatt Athens | 35,000 Hyatt | $500 |
| 2 nights Santo Maris Santorini | 55,000 Hyatt | $1,000 |
| 2 nights Mykonos (portal) | 50,000 Capital One | $500 |
| Points Total | 260,000 | $4,000 saved |
| Cash Expenses | Cost |
|---|---|
| Taxes & fees | $80 |
| Ferries | $230 |
| Mykonos–Athens flight | $160 |
| Meals (7 days) | $600 |
| Museums & sites | $150 |
| Cash Total | ~$1,320 |
Total: ~260,000 points + $1,320 cash vs. ~$5,320 all-cash
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time to visit?
Late May through June and September through mid-October. The weather is warm, crowds manageable, and award availability better than peak summer.
Is Greece accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
Athens has improved significantly. The islands are more challenging — Santorini's cliff paths can be difficult. Crete tends to be the most accessible island.
Should I rent a car?
In Athens and Mykonos: no. On Santorini: optional but helpful. On Crete: absolutely yes.
Kalό taxídi — have a good journey. 🇬🇷
📚 Related Reading:
- Mediterranean on Points: Complete Guide
- Croatia & Dalmatian Coast on Points Guide
- Best Time to Book International Flights on Points