Backpacking In Greece: Top 5 Cool Spots To Visit

Greece is an amazing destination for backpacking due to the fact that it has an abundance of diversity, as well as bordering Bulgaria and Turkey of course. I first visited Greece way back in 1990 on a family holiday to Rhodes, where we toured Afandou, Faliraki and Rhodes Town. It is advisable to rent a car when in Greece, you can simply check online for a Cheap Santorini Rent a car option and that will ensure you can explore the country at your leisure. Let’s look at 5 of the key places to go backpacking when in Greece.

1. Santorini

To tour the islands such as Santorini, car is your best option. There are quite a few ways to book it, try online at Santorini rent a car for example and get ready to explore.

• Oia & Fira – Stunning cliffside villages with blue-domed churches and sunset views.
• Red Beach & Perissa Beach – Unique volcanic sand beaches.
• Ancient Thera – Ruins with panoramic island views.
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site – Minoan ruins preserved in volcanic ash.
• Santorini Caldera Hike – A scenic 10 km hike from Fira to Oia.

2. Athens

The capital should not be missed, of course the Acropolis is here…

• Acropolis & Parthenon – The heart of ancient Greece.
• Ancient Agora – Explore where Socrates once walked.
• Plaka & Monastiraki – Charming old neighborhoods with great street food.
• Mount Lycabettus – Hike up for the best view of Athens.
• National Archaeological Museum – Home to Greece’s best ancient artifacts.

3. Rhodes

Rhodes conjures up magical memories of my first ever time in Greece. I was here with Mum, Dad, Marko and Cafe and we hung out at Edelweis bar and pool in Afandou. We also met a load of Sunderland fans in Faliraki.

• Rhodes Old Town – A UNESCO-listed medieval city.
• Palace of the Grand Master – A grand castle from the Knights of St. John.
• Lindos Acropolis – Stunning ruins overlooking the sea.
• Anthony Quinn Bay – A beautiful snorkeling spot.
• Seven Springs (Epta Piges) – A lush, scenic nature escape.

4. Corfu

Another epic island is of course Corfu, a classic backpacking spot.

• Corfu Old Town – Venetian-style streets and fortresses.
• Paleokastritsa – Gorgeous beaches and the famous monastery.
• Angelokastro – A Byzantine castle with epic views.
• Canal d’Amour – A romantic swimming spot with rock formations.
• Mount Pantokrator – The highest peak on Corfu with sweeping views.

5. Thessaloniki

On the Greek mainland, Thessaloniki is well worth a jaunt. History and beauty all around in this charmer.

• White Tower of Thessaloniki – The city’s iconic landmark.
• Ano Poli (Upper Town) – A historic area with Ottoman-era charm.
• Rotunda & Arch of Galerius – Impressive Roman-era monuments.
• Aristotelous Square – The city’s lively center.
• Mount Olympus (day trip) – Hike the mythical home of the gods.

Those are just 5 places you can visit when backpacking in Greece. Of course there are others like Mykonos, Crete and the magical island of Leonhard Cohen. I was last in Greece in 2019 just before COVID so I am definitely long to go back soon for an Ouzo and a Greek salad!