Broke Backpacking In Greece: The Ultimate Guide

Imagine immersing yourself in the cradle of Western civilization, surrounded by turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture – all without draining your bank account. Welcome to Broke Backpacking Greece, your ultimate guide to exploring this incredible country on a budget.

We know that traveling can be costly, but we believe that adventure shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. That’s why we’ve curated the best tips, tricks, and secrets for experiencing Greece like a local, without sacrificing the quality of your journey.

From Athens’ iconic Acropolis to the picturesque villages of Santorini, and from mouth-watering street food to hidden beaches, we’ll show you how to make the most of your Greek adventure without breaking the bank.

How to get there:

From Albania

  1. By Bus: Take a bus from Tirana to Athens or Thessaloniki via KTEL Bus Company (approx. 10-12 hours, €20-€30).
  2. By Ferry: Board a ferry from Vlorë or Saranda to Patras or Igoumenitsa (approx. 8-12 hours, €20-€50).

From Bulgaria

  1. By Bus: Travel from Sofia to Thessaloniki or Athens via MATPU 96 Bus Company (approx. 4-6 hours, €10-€20).
  2. By Train: Take a train from Sofia to Thessaloniki via Bulgarian State Railways (approx. 5-7 hours, €10-€30).

From Macedonia (FYROM)

  1. By Bus: Ride from Skopje to Thessaloniki or Athens via KTEL Bus Company (approx. 4-6 hours, €10-€20).
  2. By Taxi: Hire a taxi from Skopje to the Greek border (approx. 1-2 hours, €20-€30).

From Turkey

  1. By Ferry: Sail from Istanbul or Çanakkale to Thessaloniki, Athens, or islands like Lesbos or Chios (approx. 10-20 hours, €20-€100).
  2. By Bus: Travel from Istanbul to Thessaloniki or Athens via Turkish bus companies (approx. 12-20 hours, €20-€40).

WHEN TO GO:

From my experience, the cheapest time to visit Greece is during the Winter (November to March). Prices for accommodations, food, and tourist attractions drop significantly during this period, making it an ideal time for a broke traveler. I saved up to 50% on hostel stays and enjoyed discounted menus at local tavernas. Although some tourist infrastructure might be closed or operate on reduced hours, the authentic local experience and festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations make up for it.

Spring (April to May)

  • Pros:
    • Mild weather, perfect for hiking and exploring
    • Fewer crowds, lower prices for accommodations and tourist attractions
    • Beautiful wildflowers in spring
  • Cons:
    • Some tourist infrastructure might still be closed after the winter
    • Limited ferry connections to the islands

Summer (June to August)

  • Pros:
    • Warm weather, perfect for island-hopping and beach relaxation
    • Longer opening hours for tourist attractions and a lively atmosphere
    • Festivals and events like the Athens Festival and the Patras Carnival
  • Cons:
    • Higher prices for everything, including accommodations, food, and tourist attractions
    • Crowds and long queues at popular destinations

Winter (November to March)

  • Pros:
    • Rock-bottom prices for accommodations and tourist attractions
    • A more authentic, local experience, away from the crowds
    • Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in a festive atmosphere
  • Cons:
    • Some tourist infrastructure might be closed or operate on reduced hours
    • Cooler weather, potential rain, and shorter days

BEST ITINERARIES:

1 Week

  • Day 1-2: Athens
    • Explore the Acropolis, Parthenon, and National Archaeological Museum
    • Wander through Monastiraki Flea Market and Psirri neighborhood
    • Enjoy street food and traditional tavernas
  • Day 3-4: Mycenae and Nafplio
    • Visit ancient ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus
    • Explore Nafplio’s old town, harbor, and Palamidi Castle
    • Relax on nearby beaches like Tolo and Kiveri
  • Day 5-7: Crete (Chania and Heraklion)
    • Explore Chania’s old town, harbor, and Ottoman-era architecture
    • Visit Heraklion’s Archaeological Museum and Knossos Palace
    • Relax on beaches like Elafonisi and Balos

2 Weeks

  • Day 1-3: Athens
    • Explore the city, visit the National Archaeological Museum, and enjoy nightlife
  • Day 4-6: Peloponnese (Nafplio, Mycenae, Olympia, and Kalamata)
    • Visit ancient ruins, beaches, and charming towns
    • Hike in the Taygetus Mountains and explore the Mani Peninsula
  • Day 7-10: Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and Elafonisi)
    • Relax on beaches, explore old towns, and enjoy local cuisine
    • Visit the Dikteon Cave and explore the scenic villages of Matala and Sisi
  • Day 11-14: Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Delos, and Ios)
    • Enjoy island-hopping, beaches, and vibrant nightlife
    • Visit ancient ruins like Delos and Paros’s Butterfly Valley

1 Month

  • Week 1: Athens and Peloponnese (Nafplio, Mycenae, Olympia, Kalamata, and Mani Peninsula)
    • Explore the city, visit ancient ruins, and enjoy local cuisine
  • Week 2: Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Elafonisi, Matala, and Sisi)
    • Relax on beaches, explore old towns, and enjoy local cuisine
  • Week 3: Cyclades (Mykonos, Paros, Delos, Ios, and Santorini)
    • Enjoy island-hopping, beaches, and vibrant nightlife
    • Visit ancient ruins like Delos and Akrotiri
  • Week 4: Northern Greece (Thessaloniki, Vergina, Meteora, and Halkidiki)
    • Explore the city, visit ancient ruins, and enjoy local cuisine
    • Hike in the Olympus Mountains and relax on Halkidiki’s beaches

TRANSPORTATION:

Buses (KTEL)

Trains (OSE)

  • Connect major cities, including Athens and Thessaloniki
  • Scenic routes, like the Athens-Kalambaka line
  • Affordable fares (€10-€30 per trip)
  • Book tickets online at www.trainose.gr

Ferries

  • Connect mainland Greece to islands and vice versa
  • Various ferry types, including high-speed and conventional
  • Fares vary depending on route and ferry type (€20-€100 per trip)
  • Book tickets online at www.ferries.gr, www.greekislands.gr, and other ferry operator websites

Metro and Suburban Rail (Athens and Thessaloniki)

  • Efficient way to navigate cities
  • Affordable fares (€1-€5 per trip)
  • Book tickets online at www.stasy.gr (Athens) and www.oasth.gr (Thessaloniki)

Taxis

  • Widely available, but more expensive than public transportation
  • Fares vary depending on distance and traffic (€5-€20 per trip)
  • Book taxis online at www.athens-taxi.gr and other local taxi websites

FOOD:

Greek cuisine represents a combination of flavors and aromas, structured by a long history, Mediterranean climate, and intercultural exchange. Delicious food very often conveys the warmth of Greek hospitality, turning every meal into a pleasure.
Greek cuisine is based on fresh ingredients, including fleshy tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, grown largely in local gardens and farms. The ultimate ingredient, Greece’s liquid gold, is olive oil, supplementing a variety of dishes with depth and richness. Grilled meats, especially souvlaki and gyros, are staples, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce.
The diversity of the cuisine varies from traditional Greek dishes, which include moussaka-a layered masterwork of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce-to spanakopita, a spinach and feta cheese pastry. Refreshing and very satisfying, Greek salads combine tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, and olives.
Seafood plays a significant role, especially in the regions by the sea where catches of fish and seafood are well-grilled. Octopus and calamari, and fish are usually grilled and served with lemon squeezed over them, sprinkled with oregano.
Baklava, galaktoboureko, Greek yogurt with honey-are the desserts. Traditional coffee shops or kafeneia brew strong coffee and serve it with sweet and savory pastries.
With regional specialties and local ingredients giving unique twists, there is the Cretan dakos: fried bread topped with feta, tomatoes, and herbs; the Peloponnese kleftiko, lamb that is slow-cooked to perfection. Traditional tavernas are warm, hospitable, and where locals go to share stories and enjoy good food. From bustling city markets to quaint village restaurants, Greece has something for every palate-one that promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
The Greeks consider mealtimes a bit like sacred hours; lunch can easily last several hours. Meal sharing, laughter, and commiserations create unforgettable scenes of Greek hospitality.
For the travelers on tighter budgets, there are plenty of affordable dining options. Street food vendors serve delicious souvlaki, gyro, and loukoumades-don’t pass up a fried dough ball or two-reasonably for €3-€5 or less. More traditional markets, such as Athens’ Varvakios Agora, offer fresh produce and regional specialties. Supermarkets like Lidl and Carrefour will sell groceries at reasonable prices. Most tavernas and restaurants will have a mid-day menu for €10-€15 that is a very good value. It’s also very reasonable to stop at traditional kafeneia for a cup of coffee or beer at €2-€5 or so.
Rich flavors, enticing aromas, and cultural gravity make Greek cuisine something one can hardly ever forget. Greek cuisine is a real culinary experience, bound to leave any visitor wanting more from Greece in gastronomical terms. A traveler will taste the welcoming heart of this country, its very rich heritage, and love for delectable food in every single bite.
Food in Greece is not just sustenance; it epitomizes community, tradition, and pleasure. Savoring Greek food gives the tourist a guarantee of meeting the locals and making lasting memories of their gastronomic tour to this land of magic.

TOP THINGS TO DO:

Ancient Ruins:

  • Acropolis of Athens (Athens)
  • Ancient Agora of Athens (Athens)
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens)
  • Delphi Archaeological Site (Delphi)
  • Ancient city of Rhodes (Rhodes)
  • Knossos Palace in Crete (Heraklion, Crete)
  • Mycenae Archaeological Site (Mycenae)
  • Epidaurus Theater (Epidaurus)
  • Vergina Archaeological Site (Vergina)
  • Olympia Archaeological Site (Olympia)

Islands:

  • Santorini
  • Mykonos
  • Crete
  • Rhodes
  • Corfu
  • Zakynthos
  • Kefalonia
  • Ithaca
  • Paros
  • Naxos

Beaches:

  • Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) in Zakynthos
  • Elafonisi Beach in Crete
  • Balos Beach in Crete
  • Koukounaries Beach in Skiathos
  • Lalaria Beach in Skiathos
  • Vasiliki Beach in Lefkada
  • Egremni Beach in Lefkada
  • Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada
  • Agios Ioannis Beach in Mykonos
  • Ornos Beach in Mykonos

Cities:

  • Athens
  • Thessaloniki
  • Heraklion in Crete
  • Rhodes Town
  • Corfu Town
  • Mykonos Town
  • Santorini Town
  • Volos
  • Kavala
  • Larissa

Natural Wonders:

  • Santorini Caldera
  • Samaria Gorge in Crete
  • Vikos Gorge in Epirus
  • Meteora Rock Formations
  • Mount Olympus
  • Navagio Bay (Shipwreck Bay) in Zakynthos
  • Blue Caves in Kefalonia
  • Melissani Cave in Kefalonia
  • Dikteon Cave in Crete
  • Petralona Cave in Halkidiki

Museums:

  • National Archaeological Museum in Athens
  • Acropolis Museum in Athens
  • Ancient Agora Museum in Athens
  • Delphi Archaeological Museum
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete
  • Rhodes Archaeological Museum
  • Corfu Museum of Asian Art
  • Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum
  • Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens
  • Benaki Museum in Athens

Festivals and Events:

  • Epiphany – January 6, nationwide
  • Apokries (Greek Carnival) – February, nationwide
  • Orthodox Easter – April 24, 2024, nationwide
  • Labor Day/May Day – May 1, nationwide
  • The Epidaurus Festival – July to August, Athens and Epidaurus
  • The Ascension of the Virgin Mary – August 15, nationwide
  • Thessaloniki International Film Festival – November, Thessaloniki
  • Ohi Day – October 28, nationwide
  • All Saints’ Day – November 1, nationwide
  • Athens Marathon – November 10-11, Athens
  • Carnival of Corfu – March 4-13, Corfu

Culture:

Greek culture, a rich tapestry woven from ancient traditions, vibrant spirituality and resilient people, has captivated hearts for millennia. The cradle of Western civilization, Greece’s heritage spans millennia, from the majestic Parthenon to the timeless works of Homer and Sophocles.

Philosophy, theater and democracy were born in ancient Greece, shaping Western thought and values. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle’s ideas continue to influence contemporary philosophy, while Greek tragedy’s themes echo through literature and art. The works of Euripides, Aristophanes and Menander remain relevant.

Family and community ties are paramount, reflecting Greece’s strong social fabric. Traditional values like “philoxenia” (hospitality) and “meraki” (love and care) define interpersonal relationships. Greeks proudly share their culture, warmth and generosity with visitors.

Orthodox Christianity significantly influences Greek culture, with ornate churches and monasteries dotting the landscape. Iconography, hymns and liturgies enrich spiritual life, while festivals like Easter and Dormition of the Theotokos bring communities together.

Nature’s beauty shapes Greek culture, from idyllic islands to majestic mountains. The Aegean’s crystal waters inspire maritime traditions, while olive groves symbolize peace and prosperity.

Greek creativity flourishes in various art forms. Traditional folk music and dance, like syrtaki and zeibekiko, express passion and joy. Contemporary artists like Kazantzakis and Theodorakis contribute to Greece’s literary and musical heritage.

Cuisine embodies Greek hospitality, with delicious dishes like moussaka, souvlaki and Greek salad sharing flavors and love. Coffee culture, particularly in traditional kafeneia, fosters social bonding.

Resilience and adaptability define Greek spirit. Historical struggles against occupation and hardship have forged resourceful, determined people. Today, Greeks pioneer innovations in technology, entrepreneurship and social justice.

Greece’s cultural landscape is a vibrant mosaic, blending tradition and modernity. From ancient ruins to contemporary art, Greece’s rich heritage and warm hospitality invite exploration, inspiration and connection.

Regional traditions add unique flavors. Crete’s bold spirit, Peloponnese’s rich history and Aegean’s maritime culture showcase diversity. Local customs, folklore and festivals celebrate Greece’s rich tapestry.

Greek culture’s profound impact on daily life emphasizes community, family and celebration. Greeks cherish life’s simple pleasures – good food, warm company and traditional music – reflecting the concept of “kefi” (joy and contentment).

Traditional celebrations, like weddings and name-day ceremonies, demonstrate Greece’s love for life and community. Vibrant festivals, such as Patras Carnival and Athens Festival, showcase music, dance and theatrical performances.

Greece’s cultural exchange with neighboring countries has shaped its heritage. Ottoman, Byzantine and Mediterranean influences blend seamlessly.

In Greece, tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist, creating a captivating narrative that inspires and enriches all who experience it. Greek culture is a testament to human resilience, creativity and community.

Greek identity extends beyond borders, with diaspora communities sharing heritage worldwide. Despite dispersion, Greeks remain connected through language, customs and love for their homeland.

The country’s history, marked by struggles and triumphs, has forged a resilient nation. From ancient city-states to modern democracy, Greece’s spirit remains unwavering.

As a cultural haven, Greece welcomes visitors to explore its treasures, from Delphi’s oracle to Santorini’s sunsets. Immersing oneself in Greek culture ensures unforgettable experiences.

Greek culture’s timeless allure stems from its warmth, authenticity and richness. It invites exploration, inspires creativity and nurtures connection, ensuring Greece remains etched in hearts forever.

Accommodations:

These scenes of hostels in Greece offer a wealth of unique experiences for the ultimate adventure to the broke backpacker. Discard your thoughts of luxurious amenities and polished decor; it’s often the most inexpensive that opens the door to some of the most incredible experiences. One embraces the unknown while booking budget-friendly hostels to travelers’ faces steeped deep in Greek culture. These modest homes develop friendships among fellow travelers that tend to last a lifetime.
The hostel owners, eager to share their heritage, regale them with local legends and hidden gems. It’s over homemade breakfasts or midnight conversations under the influence of ouzo that travelers get insider knowledge. The budget hostels then become dynamic communal spaces, hosting impromptu jam sessions, cookery classes, or spirited debates. A melting pot of guests from different walks of life merges to create a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere.
It’s in these humble retreats that travelers find the real heart and soul of Greece: the warmth of authentic hospitality, enriching traditions, and an unrestrained expression of joie de vivre. Ditch the travel books and five-star resorts; instead, stay in the cheapest and most unusual hostels Greece has to offer. The Greek hostel experience is all about the unknown. Will dinner tonight be homemade moussaka or an impromptu beachside BBQ? Perhaps you’ll learn some traditional folk dances or the best local hiking trails from a fellow traveler.
And so, each hostel becomes a small Greece-the same resilience, resourcefulness, and love for life. All of a sudden, poor backpackers are immersed in a completely unplanned yet thrilling adventure. Hostels being on the budget means travelers come to participate in everyday Greek life: share meals with locals, attend local traditional festivals, or simply join in with the sparkling night at tavernas. Indeed, many owners of hostels invite guests for family gatherings or village celebrations, not a bad way to guarantee access to real cultural experiences.
These are the moments that create eternal bonds among the voyagers and the Greek community. Budget hostels come in many guises: intimate pensions, rustic villas, and offbeat city spaces. All have their unique ambiance, reflecting varied parts of Greece and its culture. From huts by the sea with breathtaking views to mountain refuges set amidst primeval forests, they guarantee an experience that will absorb one completely.
As travelers wander into the nooks and crannies of Greece, they’re let in on secrets known to locals only. Find hidden beaches, ruins, and local markets with insider tips from hostel owners and fellow travelers. Greek hospitality ushers visitors into the fold as one of the family with warm sincerity.
For extremely poor backpackers who want the ultimate Greek adventure, skip the luxurious resorts and experience the cheapest and weirdest hotels. Step into the void, absorb the culture, and find the real Greece. In simple hostels, they find lifelong friends, moments etched in the memory book of life, and Greece in its most sincere avatar: warm hospitality, rich traditions, and gay abandon.
Greek hostels turn into temporary homes, full of laughter, shared stories, and memories. As travelers go their separate ways, they will always take part of Greece with them, connected with those people and places. Come, therefore, and find the hostel treasures of Greece, where every day promises unforgettable adventure in a taste of authentic Greek life.

NIGHTLIFE:

The nights in Greece are interwoven with pulsating cities, idyllic islands, and vibrant tavernas. As the sun dips and gives away to total darkness, Greek cities become the hub of entertainment, promising nocturnal experiences that are indelibly etched in one’s memory. Be it pulsating clubs or picturesque water-facing bars, Greek nights are geared towards varied tastes, ensuring that no night is just a repeat of another.
These more traditional tavernas and ouzerias, with their quintessential Greek lifestyle, allow locals and visitors alike to mix in and enjoy local cuisine, wine, and live music. Cozy settings and warm hospitality make for an inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxed evenings. Meanwhile, beach parties and island clubs beckon partygoers to come and spend an epic night under the starry skies. Music, dance, and theater nights dot Greek summer festivals and further round out the nightlife landscape.
Greek nightlife is a continuation of life, just as the love for festivity and community is part of their culture. Take evening walks with the locals, have coffee or drinks in traditional cafes, and find something new to love in every region. From laid-back island vibes to city center dynamism, Greek nightlife is an adventure that you will never forget. Whether you are after lively dance floors or nights of star-gazing serenity, Greece’s nocturnal landscape has something for all tastes.

Athens:

  • Monastiraki: Bars and clubs in a lively neighborhood
  • Gazi: Athens’ gay village with bars and clubs
  • Psirri: Trendy bars and restaurants
  • Plaka: Traditional tavernas and bars
  • Roxallenes: Upscale bars and clubs

Mykonos:

  • Paradise Beach: Beach parties and bars
  • Super Paradise Beach: More beach parties and bars
  • Mykonos Town: Bars and clubs in the narrow streets
  • Little Venice: Bars and restaurants with sea views
  • Cavo Paradiso: Club with international DJs

Santorini:

  • Fira: Bars and clubs with caldera views
  • Oia: Romantic bars and restaurants
  • Imerovigli: Bars and restaurants with views
  • Kamari: Beach bars and clubs
  • Perissa: Beach bars and clubs

Thessaloniki:

  • Ladadika: Bars and clubs in a former red-light district
  • Valaoritou: Bars and clubs in a trendy neighborhood
  • Aristotelous: Bars and restaurants with sea views
  • Navarinou: Bars and clubs in a lively neighborhood
  • Mylos: Club with live music and events

Other islands:

  • Ios: Bars and clubs in the main village
  • Rhodes: Bars and clubs in the old town
  • Corfu: Bars and clubs in the old town
  • Zakynthos: Bars and clubs in the main town
  • Kefalonia: Bars and clubs in the main town

Clubs:

  • Athens: Clubbing scene with international DJs
  • Mykonos: Beach parties and clubbing
  • Santorini: Romantic bars and restaurants
  • Thessaloniki: Clubbing scene with live music
  • Other islands: More relaxed bar scenes

Backpacking Greece costs:

Daily Budget: $10-$25

Accommodation: $5-$15 (hostel dorms, camping)
Food: $3-$10 (supermarket food, street eats)
Transportation: $2-$10 (public buses, hitchhiking)
Attractions: $0-$5 (free historical sites, beaches)

Weekly Budget: $70-$175

Budget Tips

Prioritize free attractions, cook own meals and camp. Utilize public transportation and hitchhike. Explore local markets for affordable shopping.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Hostel dorms ($10-$20/night), camping ($5-$10/night)

Affordable Food Options

Supermarket food ($3-$6/meal), street eats ($5-$10/meal), cooking own meals ($2-$4/meal)

Transportation

Public buses ($2-$10/ride), hitchhiking (free)

Free Attractions

Historical sites, beaches, hiking trails, local festivals

Conclusion:

As you come to the end of your poor backpacker adventure in Greece, memories of vibrant cities, idyllic islands, and warm hospitality still linger. Whatever the meager price was, Greece’s rich culture, awesome landscapes, and infectious energy, it all stroke your senses.
You had uncovered treasures venturing into the unknown, created friendships that will be etched in your memory forever, and assimilated yourself into real Greek culture. From impromptu barbecues on the beach to rowdy nights in the tavernas, every moment spoke volumes about Greece’s zest for life.
Backpacking in Greece, poor, made me learn the art that travel is all about connection, resilience, and embracing the unpredictable, without a notion of luxury. Leaving behind its rude beauty, resilient spirit, and warm heart, Greece will be etched in memory forever.
Take a little bit of Greece with you, the vivid culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm people-inspiring further journeys. Until next time, Greece stands as a timeless haven for the free-spirited traveler.