Is Zante Expensive? The Ultimate Budget Guide for Young Travelers in 2026

Zante is Surprisingly Affordable

Short answer: No, Zante is not expensive. Once you arrive on this stunning Greek island, you'll discover that your money stretches much further than other popular party destinations. With good meals from €20 per person, club drinks starting at €5, and reasonably priced event packages, Zante offers incredible value for 18-23 year olds looking for the perfect holiday experience.

How Much Does Everything Actually Cost in Zante?

Food and Dining Costs in Zante

One of the biggest surprises for visitors is how affordable eating out can be in Zante. Here's what you can expect:

Restaurant Meals:

• Quality dinner with drinks: €20-25 per person

• Casual taverna meal: €12-18 per person

• Street food and gyros: €3-6

• Breakfast at cafes: €5-8

The Greek hospitality shines through in generous portion sizes, meaning you'll never leave a restaurant feeling hungry. Traditional tavernas offer authentic local dishes at prices that would shock visitors coming from London, Paris, or other major European cities.

Nightlife and Drinks: Where Zante Really Shines

Zante's nightlife scene is legendary, and the prices make it accessible for young travelers on any budget:

Club and Bar Prices:

• Club entry with drink: €10-15

• Cocktails in popular venues: €5-8

• Beer in bars: €3-5

• VIP booth packages: €150-300 (split between groups)

• Event tickets: €15-25

Event Packages and Experiences:

• Boat party tickets: £50

• Event tickets: £25-50

• Pool party entry: €15-20

• Bar crawl packages: €20-30

• Beach club day passes: €10-15

These prices include access to world-class DJs, stunning venues, and experiences that would cost double or triple in other European party destinations. For the best deals on Zante events and boat parties, check out ZanteBible's events page for exclusive packages and up-to-date pricing.

Zante vs. Other Party Destinations: The Cost Comparison

Zante vs. Ibiza: Half the Price, Double the Fun

Ibiza has long been considered the ultimate party destination, but the costs can be shocking:

Ibiza Average Costs:

• Club entry: €30-80

• Cocktails: €15-20

• Dinner: €40-60 per person

• VIP experiences: €500-1000+

Why Zante Wins: You get the same high-energy party atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and world-class music scene at a fraction of Ibiza's inflated prices. For a group of friends, the savings can easily reach €200-300 per person over a week-long trip.

Zante vs. Marbella: Luxury Vibes Without the Premium Price Tag

Marbella attracts a wealthy crowd, and the prices reflect this:

Marbella Average Costs:

• Beachfront dining: €35-50 per person

• Premium club entry: €25-50

• Cocktails in Puerto Banús: €12-18

• Beach club day passes: €30-50

The Zante Advantage: While Marbella caters to an older, more affluent crowd, Zante offers the perfect balance of affordability and quality for young travelers. You'll experience the same Mediterranean luxury – crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife – without the pretentious atmosphere or wallet-draining prices.

Why Zante is Perfect for 18-23 Year Olds

Budget-Friendly Without Compromising Experience

Young travelers often face a dilemma: amazing experiences or staying within budget. Zante eliminates this choice entirely. The island's affordable prices mean you can:

• Try every restaurant that catches your eye

• Join multiple boat parties and events

• Upgrade your accommodation without breaking the bank

• Bring home souvenirs and memories instead of debt

Authentic Greek Culture Meets Modern Party Scene

Unlike some commercialized party destinations, Zante maintains its authentic Greek character. You'll experience:

• Traditional Greek hospitality and warmth

• Authentic local cuisine alongside international options

• Rich history and culture to explore during the day

• A party scene that feels genuine, not manufactured for tourists

Safety and Accessibility

Zante offers a safe environment for young travelers, with:

• Well-organized transport between venues

• English-speaking staff in most tourist areas

• A compact island layout that's easy to navigate

• A strong community of fellow young travelers

Smart Money-Saving Tips for Zante

Accommodation Strategies

• Book apartments or hotels slightly outside Laganas for 30-40% savings

• Consider sharing accommodations with friends

• Look for packages that include breakfast

Dining and Entertainment Hacks

• Take advantage of happy hour specials (usually 5-7 PM)

• Try local tavernas away from the main strip for authentic meals at lower prices

• Join group events and split VIP packages with new friends

Transportation Tips

• Rent scooters or quads for island exploration (€15-25 per day)

• Use local buses for longer distances (€2-4 per trip)

• Walk between nearby venues in the main party areas

Planning Your Budget: What to Expect

Daily Budget Breakdown for Young Travelers

Budget Option (€40-50 per day):

• Accommodation: €15-20

• Meals: €15-20

• Drinks and entertainment: €10-15

Mid-Range Option (€60-80 per day):

• Accommodation: €25-35

• Meals: €20-25

• Drinks and entertainment: €15-25

Comfort Option (€80-100 per day):

• Better accommodation: €35-45

• Restaurant meals: €25-30

• Premium experiences: €25-35

Weekly Budget Estimates

• Budget traveler: €300-400

• Mid-range traveler: €450-600

• Comfort traveler: €600-750

Compare this to Ibiza (€800-1200) or Marbella (€700-1000), and the value becomes crystal clear.

The Bottom Line: Zante Delivers Exceptional Value

Zante proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to have the time of your life. The island offers everything young travelers want – incredible nightlife, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences – at prices that won't max out your credit cards.

For 18-23 year olds choosing between Mediterranean party destinations, Zante stands out as the smart choice. You'll get more bang for your buck, meet like-minded travelers, and create memories that last a lifetime without the financial hangover that comes with more expensive alternatives.

Ready to experience Zante for yourself? Start planning your trip knowing that your budget will stretch further, your experiences will be authentic, and your Instagram feed will be filled with envy-inducing content – all without breaking the bank.

Planning a trip to Zante? Share this guide with your friends and start saving money before you even arrive on the island!