Under $100: Crete

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is famous for its ancient ruins and present-day culture. One of the highlights here is the Minoan Palace of Knossos, which sits not far from the port city of Heraklion. Here, you can tour the massive remains of the palace, which dates to 1900 BC.

The entry fee is low: It’s only €6 per person; if you throw in the excellent Heraklion Archaeological Museum back in town, it jumps to €10 — still a steal, and very much worth your while.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum © Anna Pakutina | Dreamstime

Next, head to Chania, where the charming old town and its lovely Venetian quarter await. You can spend a few hours wandering around, and lunch will only cost you around €15. Should you wish to add a tour of Chania with an expert, budget about three hours and €33. The tours are a great way to see Chania’s highlights, like the Mosque of Hassan Pasha, a replica Minoan ship, the Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Chania Cathedral and more.

You can spend the rest of the afternoon revisiting spots in town that appealed to you or relaxing on one of the island’s many lovely beaches. For dinner, Chania is your best bet, and your remaining budget of €58 is more than enough.

Chania Market © Cmarkou | Dreamstime