Backpacking Greece Travel Guide

Do you want to go on an epic backpacking adventure in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries? If you answered yes, well, I’m going to guide you through every step of planning your backpacking trip to Greece. This is the only travel guide for backpacking Greece you’ll ever need because here you will top things to do in Greece, suggested Greece itineraries, and next-level travel tips so you can travel Greece like a pro.

Welcome to the land of endless Aegean and the Ionian Islands, thriving coastal cities, postcard-worthy white houses, stunning stretches of sand, and enough delicious gyros to make your mouth water for days!

It doesn’t matter what you want to do, whether it’s exploring the island of Delos, hunting down graffiti artwork in Athens, or simply soaking up some sun in Crete. This in-depth Greece travel guide offers tips and honest advice on where to go backpacking in Greece, backpacker accommodation, daily travel costs, and other necessary bits and pieces that make up the art of traveling in Greece on a budget.

As Greeks say: Καλώς Ορίσατε!

Where to go Backpacking in Greece

Obviously, no trip to Greece is complete without visiting the Greek Islands. The Greek islands are grouped into the following clusters: the Saronic Gulf Islands are the closest group to Athens and a popular weekend getaway for Athenians. The Cyclades occupy the central part of the Aegean Sea and are the most visited.

The Dodecanese and Northeastern Aegean Islands are closer to Turkey than Greece. These islands have a long history and rich cultural traditions that trace their origins to classical Greece.

The Ionian Islands on the west coast of Greece facing Sicily provide exceptional sailing opportunities. There are some sandy beaches, several pebbly coves, and limestone cliffs and grottoes. Italianate style of architecture, narrow paths, tiled roofs and stone houses framed with cypresses. The Ionian Islands were part of the Venetian empire for 400 years and have retained the charm that is unlike the rest of Greece.

Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Zakynthos, Mykonos… everyone knows these islands. Greek Islands are a popular destination for a reason – and you should most definitely visit them – but backpacking Greece is all about getting out there and seeing the entire country. While the Greek Islands have been attracting tourists en masse for decades, there’s so much more to Greece than island hopping and you absolutely should explore the mainland too. Athens, Delphi, Gytheio, Meteora (Kalambaka), Nafplio, Thessaloniki, and Monemvasia have a lot to offer!

Take your time, explore one group of islands at a time and don’t try to cram in too much! The section below includes several different Greece travel itineraries ranging from one week to one month. Take a quick look at them before planning your Greece backpacking route!

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Greece

Combine the itineraries below to create a larger backpacking route. Or simply use any of them as they are to make your backpacking experience in Greece even more fun!

Greek Islands Itinerary 10 Days: Ionian Islands

Patras (Day 1)

Hop on a plane in Athens to take a 50-minute flight to Patras. Capital of the Achaia prefecture, Patras is a major seaport and a nice jumping-off point for the Ionian Islands. Get there as early as you can to get the most out of your visit. If you only do one thing, visit Archaeological Museum with its enormous metallic dome.

Ithaca, Greece (Day 2-3)

While Ithaca doesn’t seem to be on most tourists’ itineraries in Greece, this Ionian Island attracts everyone who just wants a laid-back holiday in beautiful surroundings. According to Homer, Ithaca was the home of Odysseus and the legend has it the Palace of Odysseus used to be in the area between Exogi and Platrithias, which is now an archaeological site. Spend some time here exploring the ruins, check out Vathi and Kioni before heading to a beach.

Kefalonia (Day 4-6)

I suggest you stay for 3 awesome days in Kefalonia, the largest of the Greek islands in the Ionian island chain. Kefalonia is a lush green island with hidden beaches and caves. It was occupied by the Venetians, and reunited with Greece after a period of British rule. The island offers a bit of everything – authentic culture, historic sites, incredible beaches, and friendly people. Kefalonia is a great place, which is why it’s worth spending a full week there. Myrtos Beach and Melissani Lake are my favorite places to visit in Kefalonia.

Zakynthos (Day 7-9)

Blessed with scenic landscapes, incredibly rich underwater world and fantastic local cuisine, Zakynthos is a must for those who like to snorkel in turquoise and crystal clear waters. Along with Santorini, Navagio Beach is Greece’s most recognizable spot because of its beauty and the remains of a ship laying down on the beach. Visit museums such as the Byzantine, and the historically important Roma Mansion or take a day trip to the Blue Caves or the tiny mountainous village of Volimes. Head back to Athens on day 10.

Back To Athens (Day 10)

Hop on a ferry over to Kyllini in the Peloponnese. If you have some extra time, visit Sparta or ancient Olympia. Then, it’s the long drive back to Athens.

Greek Itinerary 14 Days: Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades and Crete

This is the perfect itinerary if you want to soak up quintessential Greece views, as well as experience the beauty and culture. If you have more time, you can combine this itinerary with the one above, but it may involve a bit more planning.

Backpacking Athens (Day 1)

Start your backpacking adventure in Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis, Plaka Neighbourhood and Lycabettus Hill. The city offers plenty of things to do. Every neighborhood here takes you through a journey back in time as you walk the same streets Sophocles used to walk in and be in the same places Socrates used to teach.

Visit Acropolis (Day 2)

Spend your entire day exploring the mighty ruins of the Acropolis and the area around it. This fascinating 5th-century BCE complex can be seen from pretty much anywhere in Athens. Visit the city’s main religious center with a guided tour. Otherwise, check out the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Hephaistos, and the highlight of any trip – the Parthenon, on your own. Oh, and don’t miss out on visiting Anafiotika neighborhood – it’s charming!

Day Trip to Delphi (Day 3)

On your third day in Greece take a day trip to Delphi. The city is a must-see for history, archaeology and Greek Mythology buffs! Once known as the navel of the world and home to the Oracle, Delphi boasts some impressive attractions like the Delphi Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, The Delphi Museum and The Temple of Athena Pronaia. You can visit Delphi with a guided tour or by bus. Buses from Athens to Delphi make the trip in about 3 hours thus go with the earliest bus.

Athens to Mykonos (Day 4)

When it comes to island-hopping in Greece, the idyllic city of Mykonos is one of the top places to visit. Known for its whitewashed and blue-roofed houses and traditional windmills of Chora, Mykonos is arguably the most popular Greek island. It is a mecca for solo travelers, party animals, couples, windsurfers, and families with many things to do. I have been to the island twice and each time I had a blast!

Day Trip to Delos (Day 5)

Delos Island is even smaller than Mykonos but is’s said to be one of ancient Greece’s most sacred sites. Delos was the center of the Cyclades during the Classical era and the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Once you’re there, head over to the House of Cleopatra, see the Agora of the Italians and explore the Lions’ Terrace. You can arrange a tour through any hotel or get your ticket from a booth at the Old Harbour.

Backpacking Santorini (Day 6)

Catch an early ferry over to Santorini. With its dramatic cliff views, its whitewashed villages and beautiful beaches of black sand, Santorini is the most instagrammable place in Greece. This volcanic island boasts 12 scenic walking routes. Walks range in distance from two to eight miles each. In the evening, enjoy baked Santorini white eggplant with feta and bread crumb at one of the local restaurants. Keep in mind, the town Kamari offers mouthwatering seafood at very affordable prices, lower than anywhere else on the island!

Explore Akrotiri. Take a Ferry to Crete (Day 7)

Take a guided tour to the ancient site of Akrotiri. This is one of the most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean Sea and definitely one of the island’s best places to visit. An ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri is often compared to Pompeii, in Italy. It was buried by a volcanic eruption in 1,613 B.C. but rediscovered in 1967. While the excavations are still ongoing here, you can admire the ancient buildings, the streets and many ceramics. Once you’ve soaked up enough history, hop on a ferry to Crete.

Backpacking around Heraklion, Knossos, and Chania (Day 8)

The 3,500-year-old Knossos Palace with a sprawling maze of royal chambers, storerooms, workshops and its upside-down columns was the center of Minoan civilization. Even though the palace was badly damaged by fire and earthquake during the ancient times it retains images on the walls that provide insight into Cretan life in the late Bronze Age. The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur revolves around the Knossos Palace, which is only a stone’s throw away from Heraklion.

The city of Heraklion is home to some impressive Venetian architecture, a maze of crooked, narrow streets and amazing Archaeological Museum. In the evening, head over to Chania, a city on the northwest coast of Crete influenced by past Ottoman and Egyptian cultures.

Hike the Samaria Gorge (Day 9)

Spend this incredible day hiking through Samaria Gorge. This is my favorite trek in Crete as it passes through a tranquil forest, and the scenery is so stunning. To make things much easier, consider joining a tour group. Otherwise, you can hop on a bus from Chania to the Xyloskalo trailhead. You have to be physically fit to hike Samaria Gorge because it usually takes up to hike the 16 kilometers from the Xyloskalo trailhead to Agia Roumeli. If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, you may want to explore the ruins of ancient Aptera in Chania.

Head Back to Athens (Day 10)

Hop on an early ferry to Athens to continue your explorations on the mainland. Then take a 30-minute bus ride to Eleusis and its vast archaeological site. These ruins were the site of one the most enthralling rituals of ancient Athens. The huge annual festival attracted thousands of pilgrims seeking initiation into the cult of Demeter. The ritual is so intriguing yet often unknown that it’s still referred to as the Eleusinian Mysteries. Spend the day in Eleusis and see what you can find out.

Backpacking Mycenae and Nafplio (Day 11)

Depart from Athens in the morning to reach the Corinth Canal in about one hour. Then head over to the archaeological site of Mycenae. Once a mighty citadel and the most powerful town of the Mycenaean civilization, now home to the Lion Gate, the Treasury of Atreus and the Cyclopean walls, whose construction method is still a mystery.

Once you quenched your thirst for history set off to the picturesque town of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece. Spend the rest of the day exploring narrow streets, elegant Venetian houses and neoclassical mansions. I recommend climbing up 900 plus steps to the top of Palamidi fortress for stunning views.

Day Trip to Olympia from Nafplio (Day 12)

Situated on the western side of the Peloponnese, Olympia is an iconic place to visit in Greece. This ancient town is known to be the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games. While the Lightning Ceremony of the Olympic flame still takes place in Olympia before every opening of the Modern Olympic Games, there’s a lot to cover aside from it. Here you’ll find the ruins of Zeus Sanctuary, as well as the ancient stadium and the Archaeological Museum. If you have enough time check out the castle of Acronafplia once you return to Nafplio later in the day.

Return to Athens (Day 13)

On your last day in Greece, you can either explore the Athenian Riviera or see some other attractions in Athens. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square that takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument at 11 am daily. Wander around the Agora, take a seat at the theatre of Dionysus or climb to the Philopappos Monument. In the evening hop on a bus to enjoy a sunset at Cape Sounion. Alternatively, head over to the Mnisikleous Street stairs. A great place to socialize, mingle with locals and feel the vibes of the city.

Entry Requirements for Greece

EU citizens will only need to show their ID or passport on arrival. Greece is part of the Schengen zone and therefore travelers from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United States can enter for 3 months without a visa, provided they have 3 months validity remaining on their passport from the day they leave. Check the official Schengen country list for more info.

Citizens of other countries will need to apply for a Schengen Visa beforehand to visit Greece and Schengen zoned countries. If you travel overland, keep in mind that Greece shares land borders with Albania, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Check with relevant embassies about the status of borders and make sure all of your travel documents are in order.

Backpacker Accommodation in Greece

While backpacking Greece, I used pretty much all accommodation options. Naturally, the glorious city of Athens has a lot of amazing hostels, and it can be a great way to meet fellow travelers. But when it comes to visiting Greek islands you’ll generally find only a handful of options (if any at all). Fret not, though.

If you plan to do some island hopping, there are many locals offering domatia or rooms to rent. Some time ago, these rooms would have been in private homes. However, tourism is growing in Greece, these rooms tend to be in separate, more upscale buildings refurbished specifically for frugal travelers who need private bathrooms and cooking facilities.

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In general, domatia rooms are quite a deal compared to Central Europe and offer personalized service and hospitality. Very often, the rooms are located within walking distance of old town center beaches and tourist hotspots. Be sure to see the room before you begin negotiating with the owner. Prices depend on the region and season, but you should expect to pay around €12-20 for a single (€25 for a double bed) in the more remote areas, and €15-22 for a single (€25-35 for a double) on the islands.

Pro Tip – a lot of domatia rooms and local hotels aren’t listed on booking sites, so if you are not backpacking Greece during high season, you can figure out accommodation when you get there. Also, try CouchSurfing as the cheapest way to go.

While wild camping is illegal in Greece, you still can pitch your tent for free in some remote and desolate areas. Keep in mind though, once you get caught on someone’s territory, you might need to have a long talk with the owner or police. However, if you keep a low profile and pitch discreetly, you’ll be fine.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to take risks there are campgrounds throughout Greece. They offer a cheaper and more adventurous alternative to hostels, yet they are generally in marvelous condition. You can also meet a lot of great folks camping there that can help you explore the surroundings even better.

Where to stay in Greece

Below are a few of my favorite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Greece:

City Circus Athens
Meteora Central Hostel
Stay Hybrid Hostel, Thessaloniki
So Young Hostel, Crete
Cocoon City Hostel, Crete Island
STAY Hostel Rhodes, Rhodes
Bedspot Hostel, Santorini
MyCocoon Hostel, Mykonos
Bedbox Hostel, Athens
Artemoula’s Studios, Mykonos

When to Backpack Greece

The question that backpackers must ask themselves is this: “What is the best time to visit Greece?”

Weather plays an important role in the visitor experience and will certainly affect everything from where you want to go, your weekly budget, and what’s in your backpack.

Situated in the Mediterranean, Greece has distinct “high” and “low” seasons. Summer brings dry cloudless weather with hot days. The high season lasts from late June through August when thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to the country. Bigger crowds mean that the prices of hotels, flights, trains, and even ferries will be higher.

During high demands hotels, property owners and restaurants increase their rates. It could be seen more clearly on the islands due to their mass popularity. At the same time, festivals and island parties are in full swing in summer, while the country’s extensive coastline has a plethora of beaches that seduce everyone. Plus, archaeological sites and museums are open for everyone willing historical immersion.

In contrast, travelling off-season gives you a break from the relentless crowds and prices are lower on everything from flights to food. You can find great hotel deals and book tours at a fraction of the cost. Backpacking popular hotspots, like Oia, becomes much cheaper. However, most of attractions may be closed down until April and May.

The shoulder season is all about maintaining a balance. May, June, September, and October see relatively fewer tourists compared to peak season, the weather is great and the public transport is running consistently. The shoulder season is definitely my favorite time to backpack Greece. Many restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds are reopening (or still open), prices are relatively low and you can still find incredible deals.

How to Travel around Greece

If you’re flying to Greece or plan to take short flights within the country, I recommend using a few different airfare search engines. Google Flights and Ticket Finder are my favorite tools for scoring the cheapest flights to Greece.

Naturally, it is always worth checking Skyscanner to guarantee you’re getting the best deal. These search engines offer great flexible search options, allowing you to search the entire country or particular region to find the cheapest airport to fly into. They also show prices for a full month if you’re flexible with travel dates.

Remember, some of the Greek islands do not have airports. That said, airline tickets to some islands tend to be more expensive than ferries. Know your options. While ferries are usually slow, you may want to take flights all the time. And it doesn’t have to be that expensive.

If you’re in April or October chances are you’ll score bargain-basement tickets to popular islands such as Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes. These are short flights but long ferry journeys. I’ve paid as little as €10 for flights when flying during the low season. Depending on when you go, book your flight as early as possible (usually around one month). The closer you get to your departure date the more expensive the tickets become.

Greece Travel Guide to Getting Around

As you have probably guessed, ferries and planes are the only two options when island hopping in Greece. Below you’ll find some other means of transportation you can use while backpacking Greece on a budget.

Traveling by Ferry in Greece

There are different types of ferries available for island-hopping in Greece. Ferries with closed vehicle deck are the biggest and cheapest. These can be your best bet if you suffer from some type of seasickness. They often have a canteen, cabins and even restaurants on board. Hi-speed catamaran and hydrofoil are fast enough to get you anywhere but they are prone to cancellation and delays in bad weather.

Train Travel in Greece

The railway service in Greece is run by the Hellenic Railways Organisation or OSE and, frankly speaking, it is quite poor by European standards. In fact, there are only a few main lines: from Athens to Alexandroupoli through Thessaloniki and the Peloponnese meter-gauge network.

There is no service at all on the Greek Islands. However, you can use a few international rail connections from Greece. International trains connect the country with Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey from Athens or Thessaloniki.

When it comes to taking train rides in Greece, remember, you must have a reservation to board the train. Book your seat a few days in advance because trains can get very crowded. You don’t want to end up standing up for a couple of hours on a train. Greece is also a part of the Eurail network. However, I don’t recommend getting one here if you don’t plan on visiting other European countries.

Bus Travel in Greece

All long-distance buses, on the mainland and the islands, are known as KTEL buses (Koino Tamio Eispraxeon Leoforion). Every region has its own KTEL bus company, which operates local services within the given region and to other regions. KTEL buses are safe, convenient, have air-con on major routes. Larger cities usually have more than one bus station (there are Liossion and Kifissos bus stations in Athens, for example).

Make sure you know which of the two bus terminals you are departing from. Buses for the Peloponnese (e.g. Nafplio or Mycenae), Northern Greece (e.g. Thessaloniki) and Western Greece (e.g. the Ionian islands) depart from Kifissos. Buses for central Greece (e.g. Delphi or Thebes) depart from Liossion station.

Large bus network connects major cities on the mainland with Athens. Prices are generally cheaper than taking the train and you won’t normally have to book in advance unless it is the height of the busy season. You can reach Corfu, Kefallonia, and Zakynthos by bus when traveling from Athens; the fares include the price of the ferry ticket.

Be aware the bus timetables on the islands are prone to change depending on the season. I wouldn’t rely on them much if you need to reach some distant area or beach.

Driving in Greece

If you want to explore some secluded spots in Greece at your own pace, in my opinion, the best way is to rent a car. Pre-book a car before you arrive in the country to reduce stress levels and save money. Google Maps works great overall. Download the offline maps of the areas you are planning to go and hit the road. Some car hire companies also offer add-ons like GPS units if you prefer.

While driving in Greece can be an interesting experience, I would advise against driving in the bigger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Particularly because of the crazy traffic. Strangely, but manuals are by far the most common vehicles driven in Greece. So, if you are only used to driving an automatic, you should make this preference absolutely clear when booking.

Ensure your driving license ins valid for Greece. The European driving license works fine, but folks from Canada, Australia or the United States may have to apply for an International Driving Permit.

Food in Greece

For me, the best part of visiting Greece is, by far, the food. It’s honestly hard to have a really bad meal in this amazing country. Please do yourself a favor and just throw the diet out the window while you’re in Greece! Some of your best memories in Greece will come from eating and rest assured, you will burn it off with all the swimming, hiking and walking along the narrow streets of the old towns!

Every time I go to Greece, I end up leaving feeling super healthy. I don’t know if it’s the waking up in beautiful settings breathing fresh clean air or the abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish or WHAT, but Greek food just makes me happy!

Greece is famous for its mouth-watering, simple, yet diverse food. Greek cuisine makes a wide use of various vegetables, tomatoes, onions, strong spices, seasonings and ample aromatic herbs. From ancient times, Greeks were big fans of seafood, lamb, feta cheese and eggplants.

Greek food spreads its culinary influence throughout Europe, while culinary traditions have been greatly influenced by both Eastern and Western flavors. Of course, flavors of Greek food depend on the season and particular region.

Gyros are really cheap and come for less than €4. Tavernas (informal, traditional restaurants) offer nice local wine to pair home-style dishes for around €8-16 per bottle. The average bill in the tavern is €17 without booze. Expect to a bit more on popular islands like Mykonos.

Another staple to try in Greece is souvlaki. It is basically pieces of meat on a skewer, roasted alongside some veggies (especially onions), and served in pita bread along with sliced tomatoes, onions and tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber and garlic sauce). These meat skewers have infinite variations and rich history and are very popular in Greece.

Food in Greece is quite affordable, while street food and corner gyros will fill you up and are easy on the wallet. Some tavernas and estiatorio (more formal restaurants) might offer you complimentary fruits, olives and bread.

How to Travel Greece on a Budget

It is no secret that the overall cost of your backpacking trip depends on where you go and when. If you are backpacking the Greek Islands in the height of the busy season, chances are you’ll encounter some hefty bills. But fret not! There are ways to backpack Greece on a budget:

Bring Your Own Water Bottle

Greece can get very hot! And you’ll be drinking at least a few liters of water a day. Stop buying bottled water and reduce your plastic footprint by carrying your own water bottle. Trust me, it will save you a ton of money in the long run. Although it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in major cities, in most of the Greek Islands like Mykonos and Santorini you cannot drink water from the tap. Consider buying a Lifestraw to make your life safer and easier.

Split Cost

Make some friends and split the price of everything from taxis, mopeds or car rentals, hotels, apartments, and groceries. This will drastically reduce the cost of backpacking Greece. Smaller islands are often more affordable so you can pitch your tent for free or find cheap campgrounds. From personal experience, the most affordable islands I’ve been to are Kimolos, Sifnos, and Ikaria.

Student Discounts

Bring your ISIC card. If you are a student you get discounts on sights, accommodation, food, and transportation. Note that some of the state-run museums and archaeological sites offer free admission to all visitors on certain days throughout the year. Be sure to check their websites for detailed information about special discounts and free admission days.

What Does a Backpacking Trip to Greece Cost?

I spent an average of €45 a day by sharing the expenses, Couchsurfing, cooking my own food and booking things early. These are the basics of making your backpacking trip to Greece more affordable. If you want to splurge without actually splurging, then I recommend budgeting at least €60 a day. This will allow you to eat out like a local, to rent a car during high season, and to take the occasional boat cruise.

Places to visit in Greece

Backpacking Thessaloniki

The second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki has lively festivals and buzzing nightlife that make this city a welcoming spot for party animals. Having both the historic center and commercial district, Thessaloniki offers numerous attractions like the Byzantine walls, the White Tower and Turkish baths, colorful food markets, museums, and art galleries.

The contrast of Thessaloniki is manifested in the luxurious hotels of the Nikis embankment and the intricate alleys of the Old City, fanciful Ottoman buildings and the Greek architecture, immodest magnificence of the Agia Sofia and Agios Demetrios temples, and cozy little churches in quaint neighborhoods.

Backpacking Corfu

Corfu is a beloved island of many European writers. It was repeatedly depicted in numerous literary works, while the writers took a fancy to its picturesque villages. Along with beautiful beaches and secluded rocky coves, the city of Kerkyra is one of the best places to visit here.

Being the northernmost of the Ionian islands, Corfu is immersed in Greek mythology and reflects the diverse cultural and architectural influences of Roman and Venetian empires that have ruled it for centuries.

Backpacking Rhodes

Arguably the most popular island to visit in Greece. Rhodes features great beaches, nightlife, and so much history. Located in the Aegean Sea near the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the dominant island of the Dodecanese archipelago that is usually referred to as one of the most beautiful Greek islands. With lush pine forests and countless flowers, such as bougainvillea and hibiscus, one can easily agree with this statement.

Today the island is home to the Rhodes Fortress, which served as a safe haven for the Knights-Hospitallers during the Middle Ages. The fortress is perfectly preserved and looks very impressive. I also recommend visiting the Temple of Aphrodite and The Windmills of Mandraki.

Backpacking Meteora

The phrase “suspended in the air” aptly describes the Byzantine monasteries of Meteora that sit on top of sheer rock mountains in northern Greece. By following the winding mountain paths you can climb up to the top of the pillars to enjoy the spectacular views of Kalambaka and the river of Pinos.

It is hard to imagine how much work was involved in building these monasteries in that extreme environment. The monasteries were not available to outsiders before 1920. The hermits lived in seclusion from society and used ropes and baskets to deliver food to the monastery. There once were 24 monasteries at Meteora, but six of them are still there sitting on top. Meteora is one of my favorite sites in Greece.

Backpacking Sparta

A tiny town in the southeast of Peloponnese, Sparta was once known as a city-state and home to mighty warriors. It was considered an honor to face death on the battlefield, so all young boys were involved in a rigorous training program called Agoge. Modern Sparta is located in a Eurotas river valley, very close to the spot where antique Sparta initially was.

There are ruins, museums, the Tomb of King Leonidas and the Koumantareios Art Gallery. Though underrated as a destination for history lovers, Sparta has a lot to offer. So if you’re history buff and want to escape the crowds, Sparta is an amazing place to add to your bucket list right away.

Backpacking Santorini

One of the most beautiful volcanic islands among the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea. Start your day in the city of Thira and then to go for a hike near the volcano’s caldera to reach the neighboring Imerovigli. Needless to say, Imerovigli offers some of the most spectacular views of the island

Kamari and Perissa beaches with black volcanic sand, red and white beaches are also worth visiting. On Santorini, you can go camping, scuba diving, and take a wine-tasting excursion. You can end your day in Oia watching the sunset among the gorgeous blue-domed churches.