Island hopping in Greece – it’s the ideal vacation, right? Overnighting in adorable blue and white houses, blissful naps on beautiful sand beaches interspersed with dips in what must be the bluest water in the world, gorging on fresh seafood and olives, backpacking cheaply from Greek island to island, and ferry rides off into the Mediterranean sunset.
At least that’s what I kept telling myself. But frankly? Oh my God, I was so bored.
It seems ridiculous to admit, and I’m even scolding myself as I write this – I mean, how spoiled do you have to be not to love a trip to Greece? When my family took a trip to Samos when I was ten, I had promptly declared that Greece was the most beautiful, most perfect place in the world.
So what changed?
I guess my travel priorities have shifted a little. Don’t get me wrong, the Greek islands are breathtaking and absolutely deserve all the hype, and all the tourists. Backpacking Greece is a thing for a reason – it can be a really great trip, especially for beginner backpackers.
Greece is set up to be the perfect tourist destination – beautiful places to stay along well-maintained beaches and sparkling white villages with fun activities like renting an ATV or sailing trips.
For me though, it was all a little too perfect, to the point of feeling bland. I missed having to struggle across language barriers to order food, having my hair awkwardly pulled by a woman who’s not used to seeing blondes, and somehow finding myself in terrible scrapes.
But the most painful part was probably the high prices. I had averaged $17/day in Albania and $13/day in Macedonia, but in Greece? I spent a whopping $53/day, eek! That wouldn’t have been so bad, considering this was a beach holiday, had I not a mere week earlier been swimming in just as beautiful waters and eating just as delicious food while in Albania.
Okay to be fair, Danielle and I had chosen two of the most popular and most touristed islands in Greece: Santorini and Paros. We had figured that if we were going to do the Greek island thing, we might as well do the big ones. I guess that might have been a bit of a mistake…
Still, all my whining aside, I had a pretty great time in Greece. I ate some delicious food, worked on my sunburn, and finally had time to finish reading Zorba the Greek (highly recommended read!), in Greece no less! And Greece really is stunning.
Backpacking in Santorini
When we stopped at this small food shop we were shocked and delighted when the owners brought out a huge tray of food and drinks for us to sample. Trying to backpack Greece cheaply? Eat the samples!
We rented an ATV to get around the island. Don’t worry, parents, I know we might still be your little girls, but we are old enough to drive!
Best Hostel on Santorini
Villa Manos is a bit outside of Fira (a 20 minute walk) so it’s most convenient if you have a car/ATV, but for the price it would be worth staying here even if you have to walk. It has a big pool and the vibe is really great. Check current prices and availability here
Backpacking in Paros
With most restaurant meals being a little out of our small backpacker budgets (Danielle and I had to share the plate of grilled sardines), we ate a lot of 2 euro gyros while in Greece!
Best hotel/hostel in Paros
If you’re visiting Greece on a budget, you should totally stay at Hotel Livadia. In fact, stay there even if you aren’t on a budget. The owners are really nice, and the balcony views are amazing. Check current rates and availability here
Okay just while going through these photos my heart has once again warmed to Greece. I’m sorry for complaining, Greece, you really are something special!
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Katie @ Second-Hand Hedgehog says
Gorgeous photos! The light is really something special.
Haven’t been to Greece since I was a child and I can’t really remember it too well, so would love to visit again. I know what you mean though. Sometimes, a place with such a massive tourist reputation can be a little disappointing. I visited Marmaris in Turkey on my only ever girly holiday a few years ago, and I’d love to go back to Turkey sometime and explore the less night-life-dependent areas.
Silvia says
Yeah, I think if I returned I’d have to visit some less popular areas of Greece. And of Turkey! I’ve only been to Istanbul, but I’ve heard so many amazing things about other areas of Turkey from backpackers I’ve met.
Katie @ Second-Hand Hedgehog says
Yes, me too! I’d love to go to Istanbul as well. There’s just so much world to explore!
Silvia says
Agreed!
Georgie says
Hi Silvia!
Can I recommend a visit to Kavala and its oppposite island, Thassos? They are in northern Greece and are absolute gems with a lot of Turkish history surrounding them!
Silvia says
Thanks so much for the tips – it’s so hard to know where to visit!
gail says
Thassos is a must……………. i am hoping to go back again soon
Silvia says
Thanks for the tip!
Corinne says
Silvia, Of course you had fun! You are one of those people that has fun no matter where you are…such a talent! I love your photos…so blue! I completely understand you, though, when you say it’s too easy…I like it a little rough when I travel, too!
Silvia says
Ha, thanks Corinne, though it probably doesn’t take too much talent to enjoy Greece! But in the future I think I will try to stick a little off the beaten path.
Will Zhong says
Hi,Silvia,I’m glad to read your new post,It’s a good way to let me learn about the world~
GREECE is a faraway dream for me!I’ve heard about it many times but still too faraway!
Great pictures,the color of the sea is so blue, looks like unreal!
I guess I understand how you feel, I like the travel to be challenging too~and also don’t like to to to places flooded with tourists.
Silvia says
You’re right, it really does seem a little unreal how beautiful Greece is! So I guess it’s no surprise so many tourists go there. I guess it’s fine to go to touristy places sometimes, but I don’t think I would like that all the time.
Karisa says
It looks so beautiful but I can see how the high prices are a turn off.
Silvia says
Yeah, I think if I hadn’t just been traveling in much cheaper countries I could have appreciated Greece a little more. It was still beautiful, though!
racheal morgan says
This really has me wondering if Greece should be on my list! Im also something of an of the beaten trail lover. Sure i go touristy too but i tend to enjoy it less than the small village in China. At least if the trail is well travelled it should also be a challenge!
Silvia says
I think if I were to do it again, and had more time to plan things, I would have chosen to visit a couple of less touristy islands instead. Santorini and Paros are beautiful so I can see why so many people go there, but I think they were just too touristy for me.
Sarah says
My fiance and I were seriously contemplating the Greek Islands for our honeymoon but decided on somewhere in the Caribbean instead because it’s so much cheaper. The content in your post confirmed we made the right choice, but your photos are making me really reconsider!
Courtney says
Oh no! I’m sorry you found it to be a bit too boring! But your photos are absolutely stunning. What kind of camera do you use?
Silvia says
Thanks, Courtney! I guess I was a little grumpy when I wrote this post – really I had nothing to complain about being surrounded by such gorgeous views! I use a Canon Rebel T3, both with the kit lens and with a 50mm f/1.8 lens (which I LOVE). And I think I edited most of these photos on Picmonkey .
Yosemite says
Shoulda gone to Syros! Ask Alicia. Just kids. Actually Santorini was scary crowded but Paros was pretty empty when we went, maybe because it was the last week of Aug. Also had a Greek friend in the group. Also was law job burnt out and spent most of my time sleeping. Okay basically if you were me last summer you would’ve loved it hahah.
Silvia says
Haha I was just whining – I actually really enjoyed both islands (and napped on the beach most of the time). Paros wasn’t crowded at all when we were there, and all of the restaurants gave us free wine! Because we asked them to…
Andrew says
I agree, you visited two of the most post card perfect islands which is why we avoided them together with party island Mykonos. We travelled around Corfu and before that around islands like Thassos Chios, Samos which have a rich inland away from popular sea resorts and provide nice adventures and encounters because there are fewer tourists. It was also magic travelling by ship (not hovercrafts) and living the life on deck with new friends who played music. Good to read your view on Albania since we popped over from Corfu and really hated the experience. Perhaps we should have stayed longer.
Silvia says
I went to Samos with my family when I was younger and really loved it! It would have been great to travel by ship. I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy Albania, though. Maybe we were lucky to be there a little before tourist season…
Jay Crew says
Your website is awesome and I especially like your Greece post. Did you do the 9 KM hike Oia and Fira? It seems we did a lot of the same things. Our pics of Santorini and Crete – http://battlemountain.co/
Silvia says
I didn’t do the 9 km hike, but I did some shorter ones. Santorini was so beautiful!
clementine says
I read your blog for I’m planning i trip at the -stan countries and you helped me a lot!! You seemed to have fun and adventure and you are so brave! Im from Greece and its such a pity you went to those two overcrowded islands. If you ever come back visit some of the small dodecanisse islands and the south of Crete. Oh! Gavdos as well. if you like mountains more than sea, the mainland is full of tiny little villages with nice people. I ll be glad to help, as you also helped me planning my trip.
Silvia says
Yeah, I definitely should have gone to different islands! Next time when I have more time to plan a trip I will have to follow your advice 🙂 I’m excited that you’re going to the Stans! I hope you have a wonderful time!
Kokino says
I live in Macedonia so Greece is my neighbourhood country…almost every year i go in greece for summer holiday…and for weekends because is close and must say that it has the most beautiful beaches *.* perfect!
Rachel says
Hello! Where did you stay in Santorini?
Silvia says
Sorry, I really can’t remember. It was a hostel near the beach, but honestly it wasn’t very good, so if I remembered the name I couldn’t really recommend it anyway!
Andrew Darwitan says
Your photos are amazing! Santorini is kinda too crowded, but I suppose it’s that one place you can’t leave Greece without visiting or you’ll regret for life haha. Despite the popularity though, I think Santorini and Paros are gorgeous. And the superstar neighboring island of Mykonos too. The Cyclades islands are really something. =)
Silvia says
Right? Even with the crowds they’re so pretty!
Hostelbay says
Hello Silvia! Just stumbled upon your post… Your photos are superb! Island hopping around the Greek Islands is the best option if you want to feel a bit more adventurous. There are plenty of hidden gems in Greece though… Frankly, the last few years more and more visitors choose alternative destinations like: Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Donousa, Astypalaia, Kastellorizo, Kimolos, Nisyros, Folegandros, Amorgos, Gavdos,Kythnos, Tilos, Chalki, Arkioi, Sikinos etc 😉 Would you consider returning to Greece sometime?
tourismkish says
Thanks for sharing
Maria Anagnostopoulou says
I think you are a little bit unfair, you just visited two of the most popular islands. Greece has unbelevably beautiful places everywhere where you can find all the adventure you seek but you have to do a little research before. For example the islands of Ikaria, Nisiros, Koufonissia, Serifos, Amorgos, Sikinos etc.etc. and then the mainland (where shall I begin?)
John says
You should go back and hike in the Pindus mountains. That will change your mind.