We are currently in the Greek islands and have sailed from the northern part to Crete so far.

The exchange rate is more favorable now than in the past and here in Crete, even though it is high season, the stores are having sales!

Restaurant prices for a meal for 2 persons is around 30 Euros including appetizers, main course and a glass of wine or beer at the more expensive places. Lunch consists of Gyros that cost 2.5 Euros each.

The beaches are doing a good business because of the summer weather but always have chairs available. Rental cars are having some sales like renting for 5 days and getting 7 days.

We went to two pharmacies in a small town to get some prescriptions since you don't need anything written from a doctor and they stocked everything we needed. The hospitals that we have walked by don't seem in any dire straights as far as we could tell and we would be very comfortable with their services.

Greece is definitely cheaper than either France or Germany and in Greece the tourist is very well liked and crime in the Greek islands is pretty much zero, as opposed to the mainland. At least that is what we have found.

So we would recommend Greece if you would like to go there.