Backpacking Adventure: 7-Day Itinerary in Greece

Greece is not just a mere postcard magnified by its white-domed islands and shimmering blue seas. It's a country where every street corner breathes history, mythology, and a rich culture rooted for millennia. As a backpacker, the advantage of Greece is that it offers extremely varied experiences; from rugged mountain landscapes to idyllic shores, from the urban hustle and bustle of Athens to quaint villages nestled on isolated islands.

Are you ready to embark on an adventure, backpack on your shoulders? Here is a 7-day itinerary in Greece designed for backpackers wishing to explore the region's gems while keeping a free and light atmosphere!

Highlights of this trip for backpackers:

• Immersion in Greek history and mythology.
• Breath-taking hikes in the Greek mountains.
• Exploring islands like a local, with affordable ferry rides.
• Reduced budget thanks to hostel accommodations and bus and ferry rides.
• Relaxing moments on secret beaches, away from the crowds.

Top 10 activities/destinations for this trip:

• Visit the Acropolis of Athens.
• Explore the alleys of Pláka, the old district of Athens.
• Hike in Meteora (surreal landscape with perched monasteries).
• Take a ferry to the island of Paros or Naxos.
• Swim at Agios Prokopios beach (Naxos).
• Enjoy the spectacular sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion.
• Visit the Agia Triada Monastery in Naxos.
• Discover traditional mountain villages, like Apiranthos in Naxos.
• Enjoy the nightlife in Thessaloniki (for spontaneous evenings with other backpackers).
• Walk in the Vikos Gorge (Epirus region).

Day 1: Arrival in Athens – Dive into Ancient History

Main destination: Athens

City Overview
Athens, a city as venerable as its Acropolis, is a regulator of civilization and a true open-air museum. It is also a lively capital and the ideal starting point for your adventure in Greece. Its neighborhoods offer incredible variety, from the ancient alleys of Pláka to modern avenues lined with cafes.

• Morning:Visit the Acropolis
  There's nothing like starting your journey with the very symbol of ancient Greece. The Acropolis and its Parthenon will immediately transport you to another era. Walk in the footsteps of philosophers and emperors while admiring the panoramic view of the entire city from this high point.
  (Entrance fee: About €20, free for EU students.)
• Afternoon:Explore the alleys of Pláka
  After this historical immersion, it's in the Pláka district that you can get lost in the maze of colorful alleys. Between cheap hostels, small taverns, and artisan shops, it's a perfect place to taste local life. This vibrant neighborhood promises you great encounters and friendly atmospheres.
• Recommended Restaurant:Taverna Saita
  In the heart of Pláka, try a homemade moussaka, a traditional Greek specialty. It's simple, cheap, and downright delicious! (Dishes around €8-10)
• Optional Activities:
  • Explore the Acropolis Museum to deepen your visit to the site.
  • Stroll through the lively Monastiraki district.

Transportation for the next day:
Take an early bus the next day to Kalambaka towards Meteora (about 4-5 hours journey, cost €20).

Day 2: Meteora – Hiking Among the Suspended Monasteries

Main destination: Meteora

Region Overview
Meteora is an absolutely unique geological formation in the world, where almost miraculously, monasteries literally float on giant rock pillars.

• Morning:Hiking in Meteora
  Kalambaka, the town at the foot of Meteora, is your base camp for a hike through this landscape. Follow the well-marked trails to reach spectacular viewpoints. Monasteries like the Great Meteoron or Varlaam are accessible on foot or by bike. It's a perfect experience for backpackers seeking adventure!
  (Monastery entrance fee: About €3 each)
• Afternoon:Visit several monasteries
  Visit in-depth some of the most important monasteries and let yourself be amazed by the Byzantine frescoes. You will be awed by the serenity of these places suspended in the sky.
• Recommended Restaurant:Taverna Paramithi
  Try a delicious gyros served with tzatziki in this cheap and well-appreciated restaurant by locals. (Dishes around €7)
• Optional Activities:
  • Visit all open monasteries for a total immersion.
  • Rent a bike to explore the region more easily.

Transportation for the next day:
Take a night bus to Thessaloniki (about 3 hours, cost €15).

Day 3: Thessaloniki – Urban Energy and Nightlife

Main destination: Thessaloniki

City Overview
The second-largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere to backpackers. This maritime city, with its mix of Roman, Byzantine, and modern remains, animates its many trendy neighborhoods day and night.

• Morning:Stroll around the ruins of the Rotunda and the White Tower
  Start your day in a cultural mode with a walk through the city's historical remains, including the Rotunda, an impressive Roman monument, and the White Tower, a symbol of the Ottoman imprint on the city.
• Afternoon:Relax by the water and explore alternative neighborhoods
  Walk along the promenade lined with cafes overlooking the Aegean Sea, and end the day with an immersion in the alternative district of Ladadika, filled with street art, eclectic bars, and street musicians.
• Recommended Restaurant:Frutti di Mare
  Enjoy Greek seafood in an authentic setting. Try the grilled calamari with a touch of fresh lemon, exceptional! (Dishes from €12)
• Optional Activities:
  • Taste bougatsa, a famous local pastry.
  • Explore more of the Byzantine and archaeological museums.

Transportation for the next day:
Take an early bus to Volos for the coast (3 hours journey, €15).

Day 4: Mount Pelion - Between Sea and Mountains

Main destination: Mount Pelion and Volos

Region Overview
Mount Pelion is a sublime destination, renowned for its picturesque villages clinging to the slopes offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. This mountain, according to Greek mythology, was the refuge of the centaurs, creatures half-men, half-horses. A day here is a complete immersion in Greek nature, away from major tourist flows.

• Morning:Hiking on Mount Pelion trails
  Early morning wake-up for a hike through lush forests and traditional villages such as Makrinitsa or Portaria. Numerous hiking trails cross the verdant hills and offer incredible viewpoints over the Aegean Sea. As a backpacker, enjoy this unique connection to nature, off the beaten path.
  (Tips: Bring comfortable walking shoes and carry enough water. The hikes are free and accessible to all, with marked trails to avoid getting lost.)
• Afternoon:Relax at Damouchari beach
  After exploring the heights, you can descend to Damouchari beach, located on the east coast of Pelion. Fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and absolute calm. This beach, famous for being a filming location for some scenes of the movie Mamma Mia!, is a true hidden gem, perfect for resting after a sporty morning.
• Recommended Restaurant:Taverna Akti
  Located near the sea, Akti offers traditional Greek cuisine. Ask for the shrimp saganaki, a typical dish, to taste the local marine delights! (Dishes from €12)
• Optional Activities:
  • Visit the traditional villages of Tsagarada and Kissos, with their ancient houses and unchanged atmosphere.
  • Dive into a tavern serving homemade raki, a locally produced alcoholic specialty.

Transportation for the next day:
Return to Volos to take an early morning ferry to the island of Skiathos (about 1h15 journey, cost €25).

Day 5: Sporades Islands – On the Way to Skiathos!

Main destination: Skiathos

Island Overview
Skiathos is a magical island of the Sporades archipelago, renowned for its kilometers of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for backpackers seeking tranquility and nature, it's the ideal place to get away from the large summer crowds. Certainly less touristy than Mykonos or Santorini, it allows for a more authentic and cost-effective exploration.

• Morning:Explore the town of Skiathos
  Skiathos Town, with its narrow, whitewashed alleys, is full of charm. Start with a stroll through its lively little streets. Visit the old Venetian fortress of Bourtzi, which juts out into the sea, and take the time to enjoy a Greek coffee while watching the ferries dock.
• Afternoon:Relax at Koukounaries beach
  Koukounaries Beach is reputed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. As a backpacker, you'll find discreet spots to lay your towel without being too surrounded. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a magnificent sunset while marveling at the pink and orange hues of the sky.
• Recommended Restaurant:Infinity Blue
  By the sea, this restaurant offers reasonably priced dishes to please your palate while respecting your backpacker budget. Try specialties like grilled octopus or an ultra-fresh Greek salad! (Dishes around €10)
• Optional Activities:
  • Kayak or paddle at Vromolimnos beach (rentals from €10).
  • Visit the old Evangelistria monastery, hidden in the heights of the island.

Transportation for the next day:
Take a ferry in the late afternoon to the neighboring island of Skopelos (about 1-hour journey, cost €10).

Day 6: Skopelos – Verdant Island with Wild Charm

Main destination: Skopelos

Island Overview
Skopelos is a preserved island of the Sporades. Known for its lush nature – it is one of the greenest Greek islands –, Skopelos combines wooded mountains and tranquil beaches. For backpackers, it's ideal since it is less frequented than other islands in the archipelago, offering a more solitary experience, and therefore, a more flexible budget.

• Morning:Hiking around Skopelos Bay
  Set off for a hike on the heights of Skopelos to discover viewpoints over the sea that seem endless. The summit of Mount Palouki is an excellent spot for those seeking a nature and exotic activity at the same time.
  (Practical tips: Bring water, suitable shoes, and don't forget to stay hydrated! Free and perfect for a backpacker budget.)
• Afternoon:Hovolo Beach
  Hovolo Beach, with its white sand and pebbles bathing in turquoise waters, is a true hidden gem. Backpackers will find tranquility and raw beauty there. You can also do some snorkeling to explore the richness of the Mediterranean seabed.
• Recommended Restaurant:Anna's Restaurant
  For those who love homemade cuisine, this restaurant offers an incredible moussaka and other traditional Greek dishes at very affordable prices. (Dishes between €8 and €12)
• Optional Activities:
  • Rent a scooter to explore even more hidden beaches around (from €15 for the day).
  • Boat expedition to the small islands around Skopelos.

Transportation for the return:
Take a ferry in the late afternoon to return to Volos (about 3-hour journey, cost €25).

Day 7: Return to Athens – Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon

Main destination: Cape Sounion

Region Overview
After a morning return to Athens (by bus or train from Volos), end your trip by heading to Cape Sounion, about an hour south of the city. Here stands the Temple of Poseidon, at the tip of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. It's the ideal place to say goodbye to Greece, and nothing beats a sunset there to conclude your backpacking journey.

• Main Activities:
  Temple of Poseidon: This ancient site offers an incredible view, especially at sunset, when the sky is ablaze with colors. Take the time to meditate here on all the fabulous adventures you've experienced. (Entrance: about €10)
• Recommended Restaurant:
  Taverna Sounion: To savor your last meal in Greece, this tavern offers grilled calamari accompanied by fresh lemon or succulent Greek salads. All with a view of the sea!

Return to Athens in the evening:
Take either a bus or a taxi to return to the capital, where you can end your evening strolling through Plaka or Monastiraki before your departure.

Conclusion

Traveling to Greece as a backpacker means discovering a historic, adventurous, and deeply welcoming country, in total freedom. The different destinations of this itinerary, from the majestic Meteora to the insular tranquility of Skiathos and Skopelos, promise unforgettable encounters and enriching experiences on a budget. Remember; as a backpacker, the important thing is not luxury, but the authenticity and intensity of the moments lived.

Ready to pack your bag and set off on an adventure? Greece awaits you with its secret trails, preserved beaches, and ancient beauty!