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!
