Just added Greece to our six-week backpacking trip - so excited! I'm getting a little overwhelmed by all the choices in Greece, so I really need some sound advice to help narrow it all down. I know we'll want to see Athens, but where to go from there? Which islands are most worth seeing? Santorini looks AMAZING, but I don't know if it's feasible with our time restraints. ALSO, this is all on a backpackers budget - any budget-savvy tips for Greece?
Thanks!
Just what ARE your time constraints for Greece? How much time have you allotted?
Hostels are cheap. http://www.hostelworld.com/countries/greecehostels.html
Buying food from markets instead of eating in restaurants will stretch your budget significantly.
You are right- Athens is more of an in and out place. I like the city, but LOVE the islands. Really, if you are looking for a "mini vacation" then you could just do 1 day in Athens- hit the acropolis, Agora, old town and then get out! With more time, there are of course other worthwhile sights, but even one day will be a nice look at the old city.
Well, wuth 5 days, I assume:
Day 1- Arrive Athens
Day 2- Athens
Day 3- Open
Day 4- Open
Day 5- Leave Greece
If this is correct, then you really only have two free days. Santorini is amazing, but you are right, you would hardly have any time there after you take the ferries, really just one day. So, I would pick a closer island. Consider Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Salamina. All are close to Athens, and are fun trips.
Some people would recommend staying on the mainland, but I have not done that myself.
Thanks for the replies! And yes, we will definitely be utilizing hostels with full kitchens! :)
Not counting the day we arrive by ferry from Italy, or the day we fly from Athens to Rome (to fly back to Canada), we have four full days to spend in Greece. I get the impression that Athens is worth seeing, but kind of in an in-and-out fashion. Also, this being the end of a long, jam-packed backpacking trip, I think we both are looking for a relaxing, laid back Greek mini-vacation. Should we spend the 5 nights in Athens and do day trips, or would any of the nearby islands (like the ones Mike mentioned) be worth spending some nights on? I like the idea of getting out of a big city.
If you're on a tight budget and can't afford to fly, if the ferry system would be your mode of transportation, the islands Mike mentioned are the closest to Athens and can be reached in just a couple of hours for daytrips or overnighters.
Wow 5 days is ambitious. I'm backpacking Europe this summer also and allocated 2+ weeks for Greece. I'd probably do Athens, Nafplio, and Meteora, but that's just me. If you find a little extra time I'd add on Santorini for sure and Delphi.
