BACKPACKING IN GREECE: THE ULTIMATE 2024 TRAVEL GUIDE

With thousands of Greek islands to explore, it can be difficult to decide where to visit in Greece, especially if you’re on a backpacker’s limited budget and itinerary. To make it easy, we’ve hunted down the best places to visit in Greece that showcase the country’s natural beauty, combined with incredible historical sites that are unlike anywhere else in the world.

Known around the world as the birthplace of democracy Athens is the capital of Greece and vibrant enough to be an entire country of its own. It’s here that backpackers can spot the incredible Acropolis, as well as the ancient Agora, and soak up the history at the National Archaeological Museum.

Plus, Athens is home to some dazzlingly colourful streets, such as those in Plaka and Monastiraki. While exploring the vivid alleys you can also stop into some of the best places to visit in Athens, like the Parthenon and the Museum of Cycladic Art. 

While visiting Athens, we’d recommend joining a street food tour that will take you to the best eateries in the city. You can indulge in savoury street food and learn about the cultural significance of Greece’s culinary traditions.

A beautiful seaside city tucked away on the coast of Greece, Thessaloniki was first named after the half-sister of Alexander the Great and was built as early as 316 B.C. A fairly sleepy town compared to other cities in Greece, it’s nevertheless full of incredible historical sites like Roman and Byzantine ruins. 

Thessaloniki was also the very place where the Apostle Paul brought the first message of Christianity. A town full of restaurants and cafes with a fun, bubbly atmosphere, it’s well worth adding to your Italy itinerary.

Otherwise known as Greece’s honeymoon island, Milos was once home to the famous Venus de Milo statue that now sits in the Louvre museum. The island was created by a volcanic explosion, much like Santorini, which means it’s lucky to feature a similar white landscape – just with none of the crowds. Plus, it’s home to a number of stunning beaches thanks to its unique geology.

From Milos, you can take a thrilling kayaking tour to other islands and beaches. As you glide along the azure waves you will uncover more of the island’s astounding natural beauty. It’s a great way to explore more of Milos and gives you a different perspective of the gorgeous island.

If you’re looking for a cheap place to go in Greece, Paros is simultaneously glamorous and affordable. Found just south of Mykonos, Paros is often overlooked for the more famous party island which means it’s a favoured vacation spot for Greek locals. This also makes it one of the best islands in Greece for those who want to avoid tourist crowds. 

As a result, you can guarantee great food, a great atmosphere, and a proper local experience. Visit Naoussa on the island for some of the best seafood in the whole of Greece. While staying on Paros, you can also enjoy a range of water activities like boat trips and snorkelling, which is a great way to visit more islands and explore the breathtaking waters.

Crete has a reputation for being more of a family holiday spot than a backpacker’s spot, but it’s actually great for both. Being the largest of the Greek islands there is always a lot going on, whether you enjoy culture, history, hiking, or admiring incredibly Venetian architecture – Crete has it all. Crete is also very safe and welcoming, so you can let your hair down and rub shoulders with the locals. 

Head north to visit interesting cities such as Heraklion with the famous Minoan ruins of Knossos just nearby, as well as Chania and Rethymno. You can also get tickets for the CRETAquarium which is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and showcases a variety of local marine life.

The region outside Athens is always overlooked for, well, Athens itself, but it’s so much more than just the spot where the planes land (the airport). Attica is home to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, which is a great place to visit on a day trip as you can catch the sunset as it caresses the top of the ruins. 

The entire peninsula is known for being a favourite of local Athenians; you know the beaches here are to die for if they pass the locals’ test. It’s one of the best places in Greece to enjoy some lazy swimming in the sea or to spend an afternoon exploring hidden coves along the coast.

Corfu is perfect for backpackers who want to travel to neighbouring countries like Albania while visiting Greece. But upon arriving in Corfu, the serenity and ambience will make you want to stay awhile. Corfu has been influenced by a variety of cultures like the Venetians, British and French which has resulted in a unique blend of architecture and atmosphere. 

Some of the best places to visit in Corfu include the dazzling Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the charming fishing village of Kalami. Activities in Corfu include watersports, hiking and olive oil tasting. It’s a great starting point for island hopping in Greece as it is close to other Greek gems like Paxos and Antipaxos.

Greece is known for having some of the best historical sites in the world, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. From the famous Acropolis to the UNESCO site of Delphi and Mount Olympus, there are so many things to do in Greece that will suit any preferences.

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do in Greece that are perfect for a backpacking itinerary. With ancient sites, charming Greek towns and natural wonders, every day in Greece promises a new adventure. 

One of the most famous monuments in the world, the Acropolis dominates the skyline of Athens and is pretty much the number one attraction that you don’t want to miss. Made completely from marble, it was once home to the famous statue of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

It is one of the most popular landmarks in Athens and gets very busy during the peak season. By booking your ticket in advance you can avoid waiting in long queues and dive straight into the intriguing history.

With a combo ticket, you can visit the Acropolis as well as other attractions in Athens such as the Agora, the temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Library, which is a great way to stay on budget while travelling around Athens.

If hiking is your thing, then don’t miss the chance to hike to the gods at Mount Olympus. Taking a day trip to this mythical mountain is the perfect outdoor activity for anyone backpacking in Greece. Olympus stands as a stark symbol of Greek mythology, it was the home of the gods and was where the throne of Zeus was believed to reside. 

If you fancy taking the hike, travel to Litochoro first where you can trek as far up the mountain as you want. You can also visit Mount Olympus on a day trip from Thessaloniki, which includes a trip to Enipeas Gorge and lunch in a local village.

One of the most Instagrammed places in the world, the architecture in Santorini is nothing short of iconic. Every part of the island is postcard-perfect, with traditional Cycladic white homes contrasting with the deep blue ocean. You can marvel at the beautiful buildings on a guided tour with a local family to gain more insight ans knowledge about the idyllic island town. 

Originally formed by a volcanic crater, Santorini is also the best place to witness some fantastic sunsets thanks to the varying levels of land. Avid adventurers can even take a tour of the volcano and marvel at the unique landscapes. If you eager to learn more about the history of Santorini, be sure to get tickets for the Akrotiri Archaeological Site as well.

If you’re enthralled by Greek mythology then a trip to Delphi is in order. This amazing archaeological site was very important to the ancient Greeks. It was a temple dedicated to Apollo, the god of light, music and prophecy. It was here that the Oracle of Delphi resided, a venerated priestess who held the gift of prophecy and would inform pilgrims of their future. 

Today, people still pay homage to this hallowed ground, but the site is visited more to see the delightful ancient ruins of temples and an impressive stadium. It’s one of the best things to do while backpacking in Greece since it is so accessible. You can opt for a guided tour of Delphi or hop on a bus from Athens and explore the historic grounds independently.

Found on the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is the place to go in Greece if you love nature. Spanning an impressive 16 kilometres, it’s one of the longest gorges in Europe. There are several different treks which will take you through the unique landscape but a high level of fitness is required to complete the whole route which can take up to 7 hours. 

You can visit the gorge on a guided tour where you’re expert guide will share details about the local flora and fauna. The trip will last a full day and finishes at the Libyan Sea where you can plunge into the soothing waters after such a long trek.

The monasteries of Meteora are known for sitting on top of towering rock formations, created over thousands of years as the weather eroded the stone and cliffs surrounding them. First built to accommodate the monks who fled the Eastern Orthodox after the invasion of the Turkish army, it’s one of the most incredible religious sites in the country. 

Here, travellers will see ancient boulders, monolithic pillars, and more. It is best visited as a day trip from Athens as you will want plenty of time to explore the miraculous site. After taking in the inspiring architecture, you can wander through the nearby town of Kalambaka and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Organising an itinerary for a backpacking trip is always challenging and over-planning can actually cause you more grief. To give you an idea of what backpacking in Greece can look like we’ve provided two itineraries for you. Feel free to personalise them to your preferences and visit the top sights in Greece that really capture your attention. 

Backpacker accommodation in Greece comes in all shapes and sizes. The most popular one, as in many countries, is the safe hostel which is a great way to meet other travellers as well as having a number of double rooms perfect for couples. Some of the best hostels in Greece can be found on the mainland and they are extremely cheap, meaning you won’t have to worry about blowing your budget on a place to stay.

A traditional Greek style accommodation is known as a Pension, which is essentially a guest house and offers really cheap rooms. However, typically Pensions won’t advertise their rooms online, so it’s best to drop by and see if they’ve got anything available – although they do get booked up quickly during the high season.

For the cheapest accommodation, try couch surfing. Not only will you meet great people, but it’s a great way to hop around the islands – although bear in mind some islands don’t have a great offering for couch surfing, so check it out beforehand.

Below we have some amazing recommendations for backpacker accommodation in Greece. We’ve included budget and midrange options which are cheap hostels in Greece. We have also included options for luxury accommodation in Greece if you feel like treating yourself for a night or two. 

Public transport is the easiest and cheapest way to travel around mainland Greece. In most of the larger cities, the transport system is excellent, with subways in Athens starting at just €1.40 for a ride. There are also plenty of buses which cost less than €2 a ride, as well as an efficient tram system which you can use to navigate the city.

While you’re travelling around the smaller cities, such as Thessaloniki, buses are the easiest way to get around. It’s one of the most inexpensive ways to explore sights in Greece. This is the same for a number of the more popular islands, such as Santorini.

When island hopping in Greece you’ll need to catch a ferry. Inter-island ferries in Greece are very reliable with prices starting as low as €17.26. Once you arrive on the shores of your chosen island, you can hire a scooter or moped to get you around for between €22.40 and €44.80 a day.

If you’re trying to cut costs while backpacking in the Greek Islands, a great option is an overnight ferry which is about half the price of a normal ferry. This also gives you the added bonus of saving you money for accommodation for the night and you can take in the views of the night sky as you traverse the lapping waves.

With an inviting Mediterranean climate and golden beachfronts, summer is the optimal time to visit Greece to get the best experience. However, this is also the busiest time of year to visit Greece, with attractions and landmarks feeling very crowded. To help you decide when to visit Greece we will explain the best time to visit for good weather, the cheapest time to visit and some annual festivals in Greece that you may wish to attend. 

The Best Time to Visit Greece for Good Weather

Greece’s peak tourist season is during the summer months of June to August, so while this means there’s the most going on, it’s also the most expensive time to visit. This is when temperatures in Greece reach peaks of 33°C, and the overall atmosphere across the country is fantastic.

This is the best time to visit the beaches in Greece and go island hopping. The Greek islands tend to be a bit cooler during the summer as the northern Meltemi winds provide some natural air conditioning. Likewise, larger islands in Greece that have mountainous interiors will have milder climates, so this is a great time to explore the outdoors. 

The Cheapest Time to Visit Greece

That said, the best time to visit for a backpacking trip is probably the shoulder seasons: March through to May, and then September to October. The weather in Greece during these periods is still sublime, with average daytime highs of 18-21°C. As an added bonus, transport and accommodation will be much cheaper and there are also fewer crowds, meaning you can sightsee without having to worry about rushing. 

It is worth noting that some of the Greek islands might not be accessible during the shoulder and winter seasons. Ferry services to islands like Naxos and Hydra will be less frequent so be sure to factor this into your travel plans. 

Festivals and Events in Greece 

When it comes to events and festivals in Greece, Easter takes the cake. This holiday is widely celebrated across Greece and is marked by religious festivities and processions. Of all the places to visit in Greece for Easter, Corfu stands above the rest with a week-long program of activities and the inviting scent of baked foyátsa in the air. 

One of the most varied events in Greece is the Athens and Epidaurus Festival which takes place every summer in the spirited capital. This festival showcases a range of performances that encompass theatre, music, dance and visual arts. It is held in different venues across Athens, such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, allowing visitors to experience astounding dramatics in a historic setting.

If you find yourself in Aegina in September then you should make a point of attending the annual Fistiki Fest. This 4-day festival celebrates the tasty green fistiki, which is a local variety of pistachio. The festival is an absolute must for foodies as you can try a fine array of delicious Greek dishes that contain pistachios, from savoury pastries to decadent desserts.

You can find a more extensive breakdown of backpacking costs in Greece below:

There are literally thousands of different ways to keep costs down while backpacking through Greece. With some strategic planning and some restraint, you can stick to your budget and enjoy a cheap backpacking experience. From shopping at local markets to staying off the beaten track, we’ve got some helpful tips to make your trip to Greece an affordable treat. 

First off, make sure you eat traditional Greek street food. Not only is it incredible, but it’s also very cheap, with a few Euros being enough to keep you full all day. Stay on the lookout for gyros, a Greek delicacy made from meat cooked on a rotisserie grill.

We’d also recommend shopping at local markets and preparing your own meals when possible. This gives you the opportunity to get a taste of local living and also allows you to taste the culinary delights of Greece. If you’d prefer to eat out, follow the locals and dine in tavernas where you can get a taste of authentic Greece without overspending. 

Another great tip is to stay off the beaten track – and that means avoiding Mykonos. Sure, Mykonos is a fantastic place to visit, and it definitely deserves the hype it gets, but It’s by far the most expensive area in Greece with no cheap accommodation, and even a simple drink will set you back €12.

If you want to stay connected to friends and family back home while exploring the delights of Greece, consider getting a local SIM card. This will give you plenty of data to keep in touch with loved ones and will also come in handy while looking for places to eat or checking directions.

Greece is in the middle of the Mediterranean, which means scorching sun and a humid climate during the peak summer months. As such, you’ll want to make sure that you pack breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts and summer dresses. A variety of swimsuits is also a good idea as you’ll be spending plenty of time in the water while hopping around the Greek islands.

If you plan on diving or snorkelling in Greece you might want to pack your own gear where possible. This will save you a lot of money as you won’t have to rent diving equipment. You should also pack a towel and first aid kit if you plan on doing a lot of water sports. 

Evenings in Greece tend to be quite casual so you should be alright in a T-shirt and shorts, but maybe pack a nice button-down or dress if you want to go somewhere a bit upmarket. 

We also suggest packing some tech essentials like a portable power bank and an adapter to charge your devices. Greece uses Type F plug sockets so you’ll want an adapter that is compatible. We also suggest bringing a camera or go-pro if you want to get take high-quality pictures of your travels.

Maybe we’re biased but Greek food is some of the best in Europe and there are so many delicious dishes that you have to try. From heart Moussaka to crispy Spanakopita, Greece offers a journey of flavour alongside historical discovery. If you’re a foodie headed to Greece, make sure to try some of our suggestions for the best food and drink in Greece. 

The first of these is taramasalata. You’ve probably heard of it before as it’s made its way across the continent, but it is essentially a fish roe dip with either a potato or bread base, and it’s used as a dip for appetisers, typically served with warm bread.

Another classic Greek dish is moussaka, an iconic meal made up of layers of sautéed aubergine, minced lamb, fried pureed tomato, onion, garlic, various different spices – notably cinnamon – some potato, all topped with bechamel and cheese. To die for.

Other good dishes include souvlaki, which is marinated and grilled meat on a skewer, and dolmades, which is rice and herbs stuffed inside a grape leaf. While you’re out and about, make sure you try a traditional Greek coffee; thicker than a typical English coffee, it’s made by heating finely ground coffee beans with water very slowly over a stove.

Of course, no trip to Greece is complete without sampling Ouzo. This anise-flavoured aperitif is popular throughout the country and is typically served alongside appetisers.

Greece is in Europe, which means that for the most part, the cultural norms are similar to the rest of the countries in the continent. However, things can change when it comes to the more rural areas of the country, with the traditional Greek culture outshining the tourist mentality.

Here are a few things to bear in mind when backpacking through Greece:

• It’s customary to greet people with two kisses on the cheek, rather than shaking hands
• Politeness is highly valued in Greek society, so always use ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ – (parakaló and efharistó) 
• There is no norm for tipping, but it’s expected to tip in coffee houses, restaurants, taverns, and room service if you enjoyed the service
• People in Greece enjoy a drink or two, but it’s not common to get very drunk
• It’s considered offensive and rude to hold your hand up with the palm out
• Greece is a very orthodox country with a strong connection to its religious traditions, so dress modestly when visiting churches and cathedrals as a sign of respect. 
• Greeks are some of the heaviest smokers in Europe (27.2% of the population smoke), and the no-smoking inside rule is pretty much completely disregarded, so expect most places to be full of smoke

The Greek alphabet is notoriously tricky, which means a lot of people will travel to Greece without having learnt any phrases at all to get them through. While this is fine for the touristy areas, if you’re planning on backpacking off the beaten track you’re going to need some phrases to get you through.

You’ll find that locals really appreciate the effort and may offer you better prices and deals at markets if you throw out some Greek phrases. Plus, it’s polite to try and converse with people in their native language.

If you’re an EU citizen, then the only thing you need to enter the country is a valid passport. Anyone from Australia, Israel, the USA, New Zealand, Poland, Canada, Japan or Switzerland will have their passport stamped on arrival, so there’s no need to apply for a visa. However, this is set to change in 2025 with the introduction of ETIAS. 

ETIAS is a travel document that is linked to your passport and will grant you entry to 30 different European countries. Your ETIAS remains valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires and allows you to travel between countries for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. You can apply for an ETIAS online or with the mobile app, it will usually be processed within minutes but in some cases, you may need to provide further documentation for a successful application.

For more information about visa requirements for UK, US and AU travellers, follow the links below. 

UK Nationals

US Nationals

AU Nationals

A lot of Greece is made up of sleepy villages and picturesque countryside, so by and large it’s mostly safe – safe enough to leave the doors unlocked at night even, not that we’d recommend that of course.

As with anywhere you go, it’s not going to be the safest in the middle of the night, so if you’re out partying or just back late from an exhibition, then don’t walk around alone if you can help it – especially if you’re in an unknown area.

Travel advisories highlight some risks in visiting Greece, but this is mainly due to petty crimes like scams and theft. There are some concerns regarding political demonstrations as well which tend to have a higher police presence. We would strongly advise that you avoid any protests in Greek cities and always be aware of your surroundings. 

The most popular tourist areas in Greece – such as Athens – are likely to suffer from pickpocketers, so make sure you keep an eye out and keep valuables in front pockets or cross-body bags where possible. Better still: leave things in your hotel room, either in a locked bag or in a safe, if the room comes with one.

Greece is an incredibly old country, with a history that can be traced back to the Stone Age. From a farming country to being inhabited by the Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations, wars, and invasions from the Dorians, it wasn’t until roughly 300 B.C. when the ancient Greek classical and Hellenistic eras came into play – arguably the most famous, and most beautiful.

The classical and Hellenistic eras left behind the fundamental ideas, concepts, and beliefs that we still have today in Western civilisation. During this time, the Greek language spread across the Mediterranean until at one point it was more common than Latin – even in Rome.

During the 4th century, the Roman Empire was divided into two halves: the eastern half centred on the Greek Byzantium (renamed Constantinople), and when the western half collapsed during the fifth century, Constantinople became the centre of the Roman Empire (which would later be called the Byzantine empire).

Eventually, the Byzantine Empire collapsed, and Greece was under Ottoman control for nearly 400 years. In 1821, the country declared its independence, and in 1944 it was occupied by the Germans during WWII. Following a complicated civil war, a Greek government was instated that favoured the West, but in 1967 a military junta against this overthrew the government and ended the monarchy.

In 1974, this regime disintegrated, and so the country became a democratic republic in 1975 – which it remains to this day. Greece then joined the EU in 1981 and adopted the euro in 2001.

• Greece is often considered to be the world’s first democracy, with the Athenian Democracy having first been created in the 5th century B.C.
• 98% of the total population are ethnic Greeks
• The country is made up of more than 200 islands, but only 170 are populated
• At traditional Greek weddings, everyone will dance and throw plates
• Greek is the oldest written language still in existence
• There’s an ancient Greek legend that talks of how when God created the world he sifted all the soil onto the earth in a strainer, giving every country good soil. He then took the stones left in the strainer, threw them over his shoulder, and made Greece.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide for backpacking in Greece, may it serve you well on your journey. Backpacking is a great way to see more of a country and form a connection with a culture outside your own, but it’s always good to be prepared. Below you will find some helpful links and information about Greece to prepare you for your trip. 

https://www.hostelworld.com/blog/backpacking-greece/

https://www.skyscanner.net/routes/lond/ath/london-to-athens-international.html

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/destinations/greece/best-hidden-gems-in-greece/

https://www.allianz-assistance.co.uk/travel-insurance/destinations/greece-travel-insurance.html

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/world/greece