If you are looking to travel around Greece but not sure where to begin, this 2-week backpacking itinerary for Greece is just what you need. From the beautiful whitewashed houses of Santorini and Naxos to the vivid and lively Greek cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, this itinerary will take you all over Greece and visit some of the prettiest sights in Europe, all without breaking the bank.
From a comprehensive list of things to do and places to visit, to how to get around, where best to stay, and more, all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Greece is in this itinerary. Without further ado, here's a complete 2 weeks backpacking itinerary for Greece for solo travelers.
- 2 Weeks Greece Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Backpacking Greece Itinerary
- When to Visit Greece?
- How to Get to Greece?
- How to Get Around Greece?
- How Much Money Do I Need for 2 weeks in Greece?
- Is it Safe in Greece?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Greece?
- What to Pack for Greece?
- Further Reading for Greece
2 Weeks Greece Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1-2: | Athens |
| ☀️ Day 3: | Delphi |
| ☀️ Day 4-6: | Naxos |
| ☀️ Day 7: | Delos and Mykonos |
| ☀️ Day 8-9: | Santorini |
| ☀️ Day 10-11: | Meteora |
| ☀️ Day 12-13: | Thessaloniki |
| ☀️ Day 14: | Mt. Olympus and Dion Archaeological Site |
2 Weeks Backpacking Greece Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Athens (3 nights)
Our itinerary begins in Athens, Greece's most populous city, the birthplace of democracy, home to some of the best well-preserved ruins as well as one of the liveliest food and nightlife scenes in Europe. On the day of your arrival, spend the first evening getting your bearings before we begin the first day with a full-on exploration.
One of the first places I recommend you check out on your first day in Athens is the Parthenon, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The temple was built over 2,000 years ago in the 5th century BC as a dedication to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos, who was regarded as the protector of Athens.
Other than all the beautiful ruins and statues you can see up here, you will also be rewarded with an incredible panoramic view of Athens's cityscape and its surroundings, thanks to its location being right at the top of the Acropolis Hill.
- Classical Greece (9 destinations) (8 days)
- Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 4-Night Cruise (13 days)
- Classical Greece with Iconic Aegean 3-Night Cruise (12 days)
Due to the popularity of the acropolis, expect the place to be overrun by tourists at all times. I went there in the morning and it was incredibly crowded right from the get-go, especially at the staircase leading up to the acropolis.
Although, the crowd dissipated after passing through the entrance as people fan out around the temple ground so it isn't as bad as it seems. Also, the crowd control is done quite well here with people continuously flowing through the temple from one entrance which was then funneled through another exit.
You can buy the ticket online from here which will also include tickets to the Acropolis Museum and the Archeological Museum or you can buy it at the entrance of the park right at the entrance on the south slope of the acropolis for around 20 EUR.
As you enter the Acropolis hill from the south slope, you will also encounter another awesome structure from the Ancient world, the Theatre of Dionysus, an ancient Greek theatre built in the 5th Century BC, named after the Greek god of wine, Dionysus, who was also the patron of the theatre.
This theatre was the birthplace of Greek drama, where famous playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides staged their plays during the classical period of Athens. The theatre could seat up to 17,000 spectators and was considered the largest theatre in Greece at the time.
Another impressive structure you should check out while you make your way up to the Parthenon from the southern slope is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a historic amphitheater built in the 2nd century AD by the wealthy Roman politician Herodes Atticus.
The place is so extremely well-designed that it remains a prominent cultural landmark and is still in use to this day by the Athenians to host numerous concerts, operas, and other performances. The place is even larger than the Theatre of Dionysus and in a way better well-preserved condition than I expected.
After you are done with the Parthenon, you will be ushered down the northern slope as you exit the park. Right after the exit, be sure to check out the Areopagus Hill, a prominent rock outcropping named after the Greek god of war, Ares, which offers a nice viewpoint of the Parthenon and the Acropolis Hill from below.
While you are around the Acropolis Hill, you can also spend some time and explore the Roman Forum, located just below the Parthenon. Although, not on the same scale as the one found in Rome, the one in Athens is still a nice place to stroll around as you dive even deeper into the history of Athens.
Other notable attractions in Athens you should check out while you are in Anafiotika, a nice charming little neighborhood with narrow streets and colorful houses, Acropolis Museum, a vast collection of artifacts excavated from the acropolis over the centuries, on full display, and the Panathenaic Stadium, an ancient stadium considered to be the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games we all know and love to this day.
Now, if you are looking for the ultimate viewpoint of Athens to experience sunset over the city from above, there is no better place to be than Philopappos Hill.
The hill is around 147 meters (482 feet) high which offers an incredible vantage point over the city as well as the Acropolis Hill without obstruction making it the best viewpoint to witness the incredible sunset over Athens. The hill is also home to several important archaeological sites, including the Philopappos Monument, a 2nd-century AD marble tomb built in honor of Philopappos that you can check out.
From up here, you can see Athens in its entirety from both sides of the hill but for the best view over the Acropolis Hill, I highly recommend you find a nice spot around this area and wait it out until the golden and blue hours which is when the light is best for photography.
To get to the top of Philopappos Hill, you are going to have to hike up from one of the many entrances around the hill and you should be able to follow the unpaved track all the way to the top, taking about 15 - 20 minutes.
The trail gradually climbs until you are almost at the top before it becomes a little steep but not too much. Any able body should be able to reach the top without problems. Just make sure you align your visit in time for the sunset. Be there a little earlier to secure a spot as the place does attract quite a bit of people.
After sunset, you can come back down to Koukaki, a vibrant neighborhood full of awesome hipster cafes and restaurants for you to indulge yourself throughout the night.
For a nice cheap restaurant and bars to hang out, I highly recommend Sfika, a small hipster bar and restaurant decorated with colorful murals and furniture with tables outside on the street which is perfect if you wish to dine while enjoying the lively vibe of the city.
If you don't mind paying a little more, you can also check out Koukatsi, a local restaurant in Koukaki that serves Cretan cuisine, a local cuisine that originated from the Cyclades island of Crete in the south, known for its healthy, simple, and flavorful dishes, using fresh and seasonal ingredients that are grown on the island.
After spending the entire day exploring Athens, it is time to retreat for the night and prepare for a day trip to visit Delphi the next day. Do not forget to book the tour for the next day before you sleep.
Getting from Athens to Delphi
To get from Athens to Delphi and back as a day trip, we are going to have to rely on an organized tour. This is the best and easiest way to visit Delphi without having to worry about the logistics.
Day 3: Delphi (Day Trip)
One of the best day trips you can make from Athens is to go visit Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary located on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, only a few hours away from Athens. The place was one of the most important religious and cultural centers in ancient Greece and was believed to be the center of the world by the ancient Greeks.
Delphi was dedicated to the god Apollo and was home to the famous oracle of Delphi, where visitors from all over the ancient world would come to seek advice and guidance from the god. The oracle was known for its cryptic and ambiguous responses, which were interpreted by the priests of the temple.
This story and the legends surrounding this ancient town should be enough of a reason for you to want to visit Delphi and see all the important landmarks that are considered to be some of the most well-preserved landmarks in the country.
One of the most impressive features of Delphi is the amphitheater, which is carved into the side of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The scale of the amphitheater is best appreciated from above so be sure to hike a little further up the trail to see it from up there.
If you hike further up the mountain enough, you will find the ruins of the ancient stadium and the gymnasium, which were used for athletic competitions during the ancient Olympic Games. You can just imagine all the fanfare the place must have gotten from the audience during Delphi's sports competitions.
Since there is no train access to Delphi, the best way to visit Delphi from Athens is via an organized tour that will take you there and back without having to worry about the logistics.
The tour usually lasts around 10 hours and they will also take you to places like Arachova, a charming village nestled in the foothills of Mt. Parnassus, Delphi's Archaeological Museum, and stop at all the awesome viewpoints along the way.
After spending the second day exploring Delphi and its neighbors, it is time to head back to Athens and prepare for a seafaring journey to the beautiful Cyclades, home to some of the most iconic islands in the world like Santorini and Mykonos.
Getting from Athens to Naxos
To get from Athens to Naxos, you are going to have to make your way to Port of Pireas where most of the ferries to the Cyclades leave from. You should be able to reach the mort via the metros from anywhere in Athens.
From the Port of Pireas, you can catch the ferry operated by Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, or Hellenic Seaways that runs from Athens to Naxos between 7 AM and 5:30 PM every day.
Seajets and Hellenic Seaways are speed ferries that are faster, taking only around 4 hours to reach Naxos, although it is also more expensive at 70 EUR per person.
Blue Star Ferries, on the other hand, is a slow ferry service that offers a cheaper ticket costing around 50 EUR but the journey can take almost 6 hours and can often be delayed. If you want to go with this route, you will be asked if you want to book a seat for an additional cost. I highly recommend you get the reserved seat so that you can sit comfortably for the entire 6-hour trip.
You can book the ferry ticket here for your trip from Athens to Naxos and vice versa. If you are traveling during the summer months, I highly recommend you book the ferry in advance to get the best seats.
Day 4 - 6: Naxos (4 nights)
And we have finally arrived in Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades and it is located right in the middle of the Aegean Sea. One of the first things you have to do when you arrive in Naxos is to visit the Temple of Apollo or Portara, a beautiful ancient temple located atop a small hill off the coast of Naxos. If you arrive on the island before sunset, I highly recommend you go and check out the temple after you have settled in your accommodation.
Portara is more than 2,500 years old and it was constructed with a massive marble that stands alone on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is believed to be the entrance to a never-completed temple dedicated to the god Apollo.
From the Temple of Apollo, you will be able to see Naxos Old Town and the town's coastline in its entirety making it one of the most popular places to visit at sunset.
Sunset is also when the temple attracts the most people and it can get quite crowded up there. If you want the best condition for photography, about 30 minutes before sunset and find a place to sit and enjoy the golden hour.
If you arrive late at night, you can check out the temple early in the morning for sunrise, although the light won't be as dramatic as sunset and not great for photography since most of Naxos town is under shade.
One of the greatest charms of Naxos is being able to explore the beautiful Old Town, also known as Chora, without having to wade through crowds of people like in other islands in the Cyclades like Santorini and Mykonos which can get pretty extreme at times, so be sure to spend some time getting lost in Naxos after you are done at the temple.
The history of this town is believed to have been dated all the way back to the 9th century BC when it was established and was initially inhabited by the Mycenaean Greeks. Throughout the centuries, Naxos was invaded and ruled by various civilizations, including the Venetians, hence why you will find the Venetian Castle of Naxos located right at the top of the Old Town.
Since Naxos Old Town is not overwhelmingly commercialized like on the other islands in Greece, you will still find people living in the all-white traditional houses that the Greek Islands are famous for.
Strolling around the narrow crisscrossing streets of Naxos Old Town will allow you to get a glimpse of what it is like to live on this idyllic island. One particular street that I love is the cat staircase where you will find a ton of cats chilling out under the shade as the ladies in the houses nearby often come out and feed them. It is magical.
In the afternoon, you can spend your time and relax at one of the many beaches in Naxos. There are several beaches you can enjoy in Naxos like Agios Georgios Beach which is located not too far from Naxos Old Town.
If you want more remote beaches, you can also explore the coastline up north where you will find plenty of hidden beaches behind cliffs and rocks like Paralia Grota or Agios Prokopios Beach if you don't mind renting an ATV or a car to get to.
If you are looking for something more active that will reward you with an incredible view of the island, I highly recommend you spend your afternoon hiking to the Chapel of Agios Ioannis Theologos located northeast of Naxos Old Town.
This tiny temple is located atop a rocky hill near Naxos and can easily be reached on foot in about 30 minutes from Naxos Old Town. All you have to do is follow the road up north and you will see the temple embedded in the mountain from afar. That's where you will be heading.
Since the heat can get pretty brutal here and there is no shade along the way, be sure to pack a few liters of water and wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
After sunset, you can make your way back to Naxos and stroll along Protopapadaki Street, the main shopping street of the island that becomes the liveliest place in Naxos after sundown.
The street is lined with restaurants ranging from expensive seafood restaurants to small kiosks selling delicious and affordable gyros and kebabs which goes to show the true beauty of Naxos which doesn't cater to only premium tourists with big pockets like Santorini or Mykonos.
For the second day, I can either spend the day relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze at the beach or you can spend the day exploring the highlight of Naxos Island with a bus tour that will take you all over the island and visit some of the best attractions the island has to offer.
Notable attractions on Naxos Island are the Temple of Demeter, a 6th Century BC ancient sanctuary, the marble neighborhood of Apiranthos, the idyllic village of Apollonas Bay, and so much more.
Take it easy on your second day in Naxos as you will be spending the next day visiting Delos and Mykonos from early in the morning all the way to the evening on a 12-hour ferry trip across the Cyclades.
Getting from Naxos to Delos and Mykonos
For this leg of the journey, we are going to rely on an organized tour to take us from Naxos and Delos and Mykonos all in about 10 hours before you are dropped back in Naxos in the evening. Keep in mind that the tour from Naxos to Delos and Mykonos runs every day except on Fridays so be sure to plan accordingly.
Day 7: Delos and Mykonos (Day Trip)
On our third day in Naxos, we are going to go on a day trip to explore Delos and Mykonos via an organized tour that runs every day from Naxos except on Fridays. The tour will take you to Delos first and then Mykonos before taking you back to Naxos in about 10 hours, in total.
In ancient times, Delos was considered a sacred island and a major center for commerce, religion, and culture. It was believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and was home to one of the most significant sanctuaries of ancient Greece.
Today, you can explore the ancient city of Delos and the island's many archaeological sites, including the ruins of temples, theaters, houses, and public buildings. The most famous of these is the Terrace of the Lions, a row of statues that once guarded the Sacred Way, the main street of the city.
There are also other notable attractions in Delos that you should visit while you are here like the Ancient Theatre of Delos, the House of Cleopatra, and the Archaeological Museum of Delos.
With the organized tour, you will have around 2 hours to explore the island which will allow you to see most of the sites here as well as hike to the highest point of the island where you will be able to see the whole Delos island and all of its beautiful ruins as well as the coastline and even Mykonos island.
The hike is extremely steep towards the top and since there are no shades along the way, be sure to carry enough water to complete the hike. It should take about 15 minutes to hike from the bottom to the top.
Despite the effort, you are going to appreciate the view you get from up here. You can spend a few minutes taking photos and resting at the top before you make your way back down to the ferry and the tour will take you to Mykonos next.
With the tour, you will be taken to Mykonos which is one of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades and is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Greece like the Windmills of Mykonos and more.
In Mykonos, you should have around 3 hours to explore the island which is enough time to see all the highlights Mykonos has to offer before you have to catch the ferry back to Naxos.
While you are here, you can visit the town's boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, which lined the picturesque streets as well as tourist attractions like the iconic Panagia Paraportiani Church, the Little Venice, and all the windmills scattered throughout the town.
The duration of the tour is around 10 hours including Delos so be sure to prepare for the long journey and get pack some snacks with you. Water is given for free with the tour but you can also buy drinks and snacks from the bar on the ferry, although, expect the price to be outrageously expensive.
After you are done in Mykonos, you should be back in Naxos in time for sunset. Be sure to catch the last glimpse of the incredible sunset over the Aegean Sea before we continue our journey. The next day, you will be catching the ferry to the idyllic island of Santorini.
Getting from Naxos to Santorini
From Naxos to Santorini, there are 6 daily ferries operated by Blue Star Delos, and Seajets between 10:30 AM to 2:15 PM you can catch although I recommend you catch either the 10:30 AM, 12 PM, or 12:50 PM so that you will arrive in Santorini in time for the last bus to take you from the port to Fira, the capital city of Santorini. The journey should take about 2 hours and costs around 31 EUR. You can book the ferry ticket here.
Once you arrive in Santorini Port, you should arrive in time to catch the last bus at 3:15 PM which will take you to Fira in about 20 minutes. There are 3 buses per day at 12 PM, 12:30 PM, and 3:15 PM every day so you can also catch the 12:30 PM one if you arrive earlier. The bus ticket should cost about 2.5 EUR.
Day 8 - 9: Santorini (2 Nights)
For this itinerary, we will be basing ourselves in Fira as we explore the island and all its tourist attractions while witnessing the incredible sunset over Oia, one of the most photogenic towns in Greece.
Our journey in Santorini begins at the Candlemas Holy Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, a large Greek Orthodox cathedral known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture, stunning frescoes, and intricate mosaics, located right on the main square of Fira.
The cathedral is completely painted white from the outside, fitting in perfectly with all the whitewashed houses and structures of Santorini. It is located right in the pedestrian area which makes it a great place to begin our journey in the city.
While there, be sure to check the interior of the church which is also covered in colorful frescoes depicting stories from the bible which are typically found in most Eastern Orthodox churches and it is worth checking out while you are in Fira.
After you are done, make your way up the caldera heading north and visit one of the most iconic places in Fira, the Three Bells of Fira.
This is the place where people get that iconic photos of three blue-domed bell towers set against the beautiful blue Aegean Sea and a volcano looming behind. The place is so popular for photos, it has turned into the symbol of Fira and is a great place to start your exploration of this city.
While you make your way to the Three Bells of Fira, you will be walking on the caldera walkway that hugs along the cliffside, passing through all the beautiful whitewashed houses of Santorini as the walkway climbs up and over the caldera.
Be sure to turn back and admire the view of Fira and all the cliffside houses you will see from the walkway as you ascend up to the Three Bells of Fira.
From here, you can see all the domed churches and whitewashed houses of Fira as well as all the other towns and the surroundings of the southern part of Santorini in its entirety. It really is quite a sight to behold so don't forget to snap some photos from here.
On your way back down to the city center, you will be passing the Catholic Church of Saint Stylianos which is one of the most iconic structures in Fira that you can see across town with its striking dome-shaped roof towering over most of Fira.
The church, as well as its clock tower, are painted in a mix of yellow, white, and greyish blue, which make for an incredibly eye-catching exterior. The interior is also beautifully decorated with frescoes that are unique to Santorini. Spend a few minutes here to escape from the heat of Santorini before continuing on our journey to explore Fira.
While you are exploring Fira, be sure to check out some of the souvenir shops along Ipapantis Street which is a pedestrian street lined with shops selling all kinds of unique souvenirs you can only get here.
From handmade trinkets and handicrafts to paintings by local artists and figurines of locals wearing traditional dresses, there are a ton of awesome-looking items you can buy here.
For lunch, you can check out Fira Main Square, a bustling town square surrounded by all kinds of restaurants and cafes you can indulge yourself in.
It is probably one of the liveliest and most vibrant spots in the city, with a variety of street performers and artists giving their all as people gather around the square to socialize and hang out with one another. If you are looking for a nice place to hang out for lunch or dinner, be sure to check out Fira Main Square.
After you are done, you can spend a few hours and relax in Fira before we take the bus to Oia from the main bus station that runs between 6:50 AM to 9:20 PM every day, essentially running every 30 minutes to 1 hour. You should be in Oia in about 25 minutes. Be sure to arrive there well in advance to save a great spot to watch the incredible sunset of Santorini.
Oia is probably the most famous town in Santorini. This is where you will see the highest concentration of white-washed houses, windmills, and domed churches built along the cliffside that Santorini is famous for.
This is why Oia is so extremely crowded all the time and there is just no way to avoid it unless you are willing to visit early in the morning. For the best viewpoint for sunset, I highly recommend you power through the crowd and get yourself Oia Lookout Viewpoint on the tip of the peninsula.
This is where you will have the best view over the whitewashed houses as well as the Oia coastline. There are also fewer people here, outside of sunset time, as most of them are still stuck in the crowded streets of Oia.
After you are done with the sunset, head back to Fira and retreat for the night or spend the rest of the night, strolling around town, and indulging yourself in wine and fine dining before ending our trip in Santorini and the Greek islands.
Getting from Santorini to Meteora
To get from Santorini to Meteora in one day, we are going to have to rely on flights to shorten the travel time. From Santorini, I highly recommend you fly to Athens as early as you can so that we will have time to catch a train to Kalabaka, the closest town to Meteora, located in central Greece.
The flight should take about 1 hour and costs around 70 - 100 EUR. It is a little pricey but it is way more convenient and will likely be cheaper than taking a 6-hour ferry back and spending a night in Athens unnecessary. You can book a flight here.
Once you arrive in Athens, you can take the Airport train from this train station and drop off at the central train station in about 20 minutes. It should cost no more than 2 EUR for the trip.
After you get to Athens Train Station, you can catch one of the many trains running between 9:22 AM to 3:22 PM that transit through Palaeofarsalos. The whole journey should take about 5 hours and cost 36 EUR per person. You can book the train ticket here.
Day 10 - 11: Meteora (2 nights)
Meteora, with its incredible towering rock formations and stunning monasteries perched atop, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that I considered to be one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in the world. In fact, this is my favorite place out of all of Greece, and yes I even prefer this over the Greek islands!
One of the best ways to get around Meteora is to rent an e-bike and ride around the rock formation. You will be able to stop and take photos anywhere you like, whenever you like, and you can stay as long as you like.
The best place to rent an e-bike is from Meteora E-Bike Shop which has a ton of bikes you can choose from. They will also provide you with a map, and a suggested itinerary, and will teach you how to operate the bike. The e-bike costs around 20 EUR for 4 hours or 25 EUR for an entire day. Rent it for the entire day as we will be relying on it to get around Kalabaka and the Meteora rock formation for the entire trip here.
Before we start exploring the beautiful rock formation of Meteora, we first have to explore Kalabaka first and there is no better place to start your journey than at the Holy Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, one of the oldest still-standing churches in town.
The church is rich in history and you can see just how old the place is from all the imperfections of the frescoes and decors of the church you will find inside which give the church its unique charm.
After you are done with the church, it is time to explore some of the monasteries perched atop the beautiful rock formation of Meteora, starting with the Monastery of the Holy Trinity from the eastern side of the loop. The Eastern Orthodox monastery was constructed in the 14th Century and is situated at the top of a rocky precipice over 400 meters high and forms part of the 6 remaining active monasteries in Meteora.
Inside the monastery, you will find a beautifully renovated church with the typical colorful eastern orthodox frescoes covering the entire interior and a quiet courtyard offering an incredible view over Kalabaka and the surroundings.
As you continue east, you will find the Monastery of St. Stephan, a monastery perched atop a rock that is believed to have been built between the 16th - 18th century AD and you can access the church easily by a connecting footbridge.
The monastery consists of a museum, a beautiful courtyard, and a garden with an incredible view of the surroundings, and hands down the best part of the monastery, is the colorful frescoes inside.
Next up, we ride to the Great Meteoron Holy Monastery the biggest and oldest monastery out of the 6 remaining monasteries in Meteora and a great place to witness how the monks lived on these rock formations for centuries.
Inside, you will find a museum containing religious icons and historical codices on display while the main monastery boasts incredibly well-decorated 16th-century colorful frescoes. It is probably the most lavishly decorated monastery out here which is to be expected given how important the monastery is to the region.
Another monastery I highly recommend you visit is the Monastery of Varlaam, a mid-14th Century monastery located atop another rock featuring a chapel with beautiful frescos and a museum just like the Monastery of St. Stephan.
Although, the inside is alright, what I really love about this place is the view it offers from the viewpoint nearby. Just off the road heading towards the monastery, you will find a parking space at a collection of rocks perching off the cliff.
At these rocks, due to how high it is, you will have an incredible vantage point over the entire Meteora rock formation as well as the monasteries you have just visited, set against the formidable cliffs surrounding it.
Come to this viewpoint about an hour before sunset which should give you ample time to take photos of Meteora when the light is best before we head over to the sunset spot.
And now comes the ultimate highlight of visiting Meteora. It is time to witness the incredible sunset at this popular Sunset Viewpoint. Since the viewpoint is so popular, expect to see a lot of people waiting to crowd the whole area during the golden hour.
Even though the area may be crowded, it is still spacious enough for you to find a place to sit and admire the gorgeous sunset without having to push through a crowd. However, if you want the prime spot, I strongly suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before sunset to secure an excellent vantage point.
For the best spot, go as close to the cliff as you can and stay there until sunset. That way, there won't be any people in front of you if you choose to take photos of yourself and the view during the golden hour.
Sit, relax, and experience the best sunset you will ever have in your life before heading back down to Kalabaka. Since it will get dark pretty fast and you will be sharing the road with many cars, be sure to make your way back down before it is completely dark. Retreat for the day and prepare for our journey up north to Thessaloniki the next day.
Getting from Meteora to Thessaloniki
From Meteora to Thessaloniki, you can catch one of the 6 trains running between 8:05 AM to 5:40 PM that transit through Palaeofarsalos. The journey should take about 3 - 4 hours and cost 27 EUR.
You can book the train ticket online from the train's official website. On there, be sure to type in KALAMBAKA as your origin instead of Kalabaka because, I believe, that is the actual way of pronouncing the name. Once you paid for the ticket, you will get a PDF of the ticket in your email and you just have to show the conductor the QR code on the PDF and that is it.
Day 12 - 13: Thessaloniki (3 nights)
And we have finally arrived in Thessaloniki, our last destination of this itinerary. Thessaloniki is probably one of my favorite cities in Greece. The city doesn't get as much attention as Athens or the Greek islands which means that the city is left untouched by overtourism, retaining its unique identity as a well-lived second-largest city in the country. It doesn't get any more authentic than this!
One of the most recognizable landmarks in Thessaloniki, the White Tower is a cylindrical tower with six floors and a height of approximately 34 meters located right at the heart of Thessaloniki overlooking the Aegean Sea. This is where I recommend you visit first thing when you arrive in Thessaloniki.
At the White Tower, you can learn about its history through the museum exhibits housed inside the tower as well as climb up to the top floor and be blown away by the stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea.
From up here, you can see the Aegean Sea as well as the city of Thessaloniki stretching along the coastline all across the hills around it. You can even see Ano Poli, the hillside old town we will be exploring after, and the Acropolis of Thessaloniki, a byzantine fortress built atop the hill.
One of the best times to visit go up the White Tower is around sunset as the tower offers you a great vantage point to watch the sun as it dips behind the Aegean sea.
After sunset, you can make your way to Aristotelous Square which is a perfect place to be if you are looking for a nice place to hang out on your first night in Thessaloniki. It is a large public square named after the famous philosopher Aristotle and a popular place for the locals to hang out.
The square is surrounded by beautiful neoclassical architecture, fountains, and statues, as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops, you can indulge yourself in, making it a great place to visit after sunset.
Throughout the year, the Square is often used to host a variety of cultural events, concerts, and festivals, including the annual Thessaloniki International Film Festival and occasionally some concerts for people to visit for free. Who knows, you might stumble upon a free orchestral concert as I did when I was there.
After spending your first night in Thessaloniki, it is time to learn a little bit more about the history of this city. One of the best places to begin is the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, a great museum to visit for those who are interested in learning the history of Thessaloniki and the region as a whole.
The museum is considered to be one of the largest museums in the country and its collection includes artifacts and exhibits from prehistoric times to the late Roman period that covers a wide range of topics such as ancient Greek art, Macedonian history, and the Roman Empire.
Some of the highlights of the museum's collection include the Derveni Krater, a large ancient Greek vase that is considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century, and the Vergina Sun, a symbol of the ancient Macedonian kingdom.
Another great museum you should also visit while you are in Thessaloniki is the Museum of Byzantine Culture, perfect for those who want to learn more about the Byzantine period of this part of the world.
Considered one of the best museums in the country, the Museum of Byzantine Culture's extensive collection includes artifacts and exhibits from the early Christian period to the Ottoman Empire, with a focus on the Byzantine era from the 4th to the 15th centuries.
The highlights of visiting the museum are seeing the famous 6th-century mosaics from the ancient city of Thessaloniki, as well as the stunning collection of Byzantine icons, and a ton of artifacts, artworks, and frescoes from that period.
Another great museum to visit is the Atatürk Museum, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Atatürk, run exclusively by the Republic of Turkey itself inside the territory of Greece.
The museum is housed inside the actual home of the founder of modern-day Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, or Ataturk for short, where he was born when the city was part of the Ottoman Empire before he went to found Turkey.
Once inside, you will be able to learn more about Ataturk and his accomplishments throughout his life. Each room is equipped with boards explaining its function while providing more information on his humble beginnings.
Once you are done with the museums, you can continue on to explore the other iconic landmark of Thessaloniki, the Arch of Galerius, a beautiful ancient monument built in the early 4th Century to celebrate the victory of the Roman Emperor Galerius over the Persians.
While you are in Thessaloniki, be sure to also spend some time and explore Ano Poli, or the Upper Town, a historic district of Thessaloniki known for its winding cobbled streets, traditional architecture, and stunning views of the city and the Thermaic Gulf.
One of the most notable attractions in Ano Poli you should definitely drop by as you explore the neighborhood is the Church of Prophet Elijah, a beautiful Greek Orthodox church, known for its striking red dome and intricate frescoes.
Other attractions you should drop by in Ano Poli are the Byzantine Bath of Thessaloniki, an old bath house built in the 12th Century, the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Orphanos, a small but beautiful stone church with some of the most beautiful frescoes you will see in Thessaloniki, and Vlatadon Monastery, a hilltop Byzantine Temple with an amazing view over Thessaloniki.
While you are up at the top of Ano Poli, be sure to check out the view from Trigonion Tower, a 15th Century tower, one of the few remaining remnants of the city's old Byzantine fortifications.
The Trigonion Tower is a triangular-shaped tower that once served as an important defensive position for the city. The tower features three levels, with the top level offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area as well as a small exhibition that offers a glimpse into Thessaloniki's rich history and architectural heritage.
Even if you don't go inside the tower, you will still be able to appreciate the stunning view of Thessaloniki from above as well as its coastline and mountainous surroundings as far as the eyes can see.
Other notable attractions in Thessaloniki you should check out while you are here are the Rotunda, a massive ancient Roman building originally built in the 4th century AD as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Galerius, the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest surviving churches in the city, and all the Roman ruins scattered throughout the city.
After spending the entire day exploring Thessaloniki, after sunset, you can check out Egiptou Street, a street filled with all kinds of restaurants and bars, along both sides, making it the perfect place to hang out in the evening and at night before retreating for the day.
Day 14: Mt. Olympus and Dion Archaeological Site (Day Trip)
On our second day in Thessaloniki, we are going to visit Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece where the 12 gods of ancient Greece lived, and the archaeological site of Dion, an ancient city located on the foothills of Mt. Olympus.
With an organized tour, you will be spending around 8 hours visiting these 2 places which are not so easy to do independently, and you will be able to learn more about the myths behind Mt. Olympus and its gods from a local English-speaking guide.
At Dion, there are a ton of notable structures you can check out like the Hellenistic Theater, the Roman Theatre, the Great Thermae, and more as you will have around 2 hours to explore freely here.
After the archeological, you will be transported to a museum where you will be able to learn more about the history of Dion and see one of the largest, most well-preserved mosaics you will see in this region.
After exploring Dion, you will then be taken to Býthos where you will be able to hike to a gorge nearby as Mt. Olympus towers over you before we stop for lunch and head back to Thessaloniki.
The Mt. Olympus tour is a great way to get out of the city, go on a full-day excursion, and explore the rich history of this remote part of Greece. After you are done with the tour, you will be dropped off in Thessaloniki where you can retreat for the night, completing our 2 weeks itinerary for Greece. Congratulations!
To get out of Thessaloniki, you can catch the X1 bus from this bus stop to get to the airport and you can catch one of the many flights out of the city back home. The bus should take about 45 minutes and costs around 2 EUR. You can buy the ticket on the bus but be sure to carry some coins for the ticket machine. Also, keep in mind that the bus does not run as often and the bus schedule is rather unreliable so make sure to get to the bus stop a few hours in advance.
When to Visit Greece?
The best time to visit Greece is between late April to early September when the weather is nice and warm, perfect for outdoor activities while also increasing the chance of clear days which is a must for places like Meteora and the Greek Islands as these are some of the best places to watch the sunset in the world.
If you can't handle the European summer heat, you can stick to the shoulder seasons in April or September when the weather is a little milder, crowds a little thinner, and things get a little cheaper as they settle for the low season. Either way, if you stick to the recommended period, you should be fine.
How to Get to Greece?
From the US, there are several direct flights from the US to Athens, the capital city of Greece, operated by airlines like Delta and Emirates from big cities like New York but you can also find plenty of transit flights that will take you to Greece at a cheaper price. You can browse through great direct flights from here.
From Europe, you can find plenty of flights flying from major European hubs to Athens International Airport (ATH) via either Aegean Airlines or low-cost airlines like Ryanair that will take you to Athens in no more than 4 hours.
From Asia, you can either fly into Europe via local airlines and then fly to Athens via low-cost airlines or you go with Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar, Turkish, and Emirates and transit in their countries before heading to Greece. The journey can take between 16 - 20 hours depending on the transit time.
To find a cheap flight to Greece, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get Around Greece?
By Trains: Most places we will be visiting on the Greek mainland like Athens, Meteora, and Thessaloniki can be easily reached via trains which is the main mode of transportation we will be relying on for this portion of our itinerary.
Just don't expect the Greek trains to be very reliable and functional like their western counterparts. Most electric sign boards do not work, even in places like Athens, and so you might have to ask around to find the platform you have to get on. Most train stations in Greece have Tourist information centers so be sure to consult them to find the correct platform number.
To get the train ticket, I highly recommend you book it online prior to your arrival, especially if you are planning to visit Greece during the summer months which is considered peak season.
By Ferries: To visit the Greek islands, you are going to have to rely on ferries to take you between the islands and the mainland. They are pretty well operated with plenty of trips a day.
Here's a reserved seating area on the Blue Star Ferries.
Here's a tip for you, if you are traveling in the evening, say the 5:30 PM ferry, you do not need to book a seat as not many people are traveling at that time. On the other hand, if you choose the morning ferry, reserve a seat or you will be scrambling, trying to find a place to sit which is not fun for a 6 hours trip like this. I ended up sitting on the stairway as the airplane-style seats were all occupied. Don't cheap out like me and get a reserved seat with your ticket!
Here's a non-reserved seating area on the Blue Star Ferries.
You can book the ferry ticket here for your trip from Athens to Naxos and vice versa. If you are traveling during the summer months, I highly recommend you book the ferry in advance to get the best seats.
By Tours: For some cases, you might have to rely on tours to get to remote places like Delphi or in case you want to save time and visit some of the Cyclades islands on a day trip instead. There are plenty of tours you can check out for Greece, available here.
By Rental Cars: You can also rent a car straight from Athens Airport and drive around Greece but for this itinerary, you won't need it. If you insist, hit the link below to rent a car in Greece:
How Much Money Do I Need for 2 weeks in Greece?
From this 14 days itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:
Accommodation: For 14 nights in Greece, you can expect to pay around 350 EUR for accommodation minimum considering you are staying in hostels.
Food: For 14 days, 3 meals a day in Greece, you can expect to pay around 294 EUR for food considering you eat out every meal. It will be cheaper if you cook it yourself.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay around 200 EUR for ferries, trains, and metros.
Activities: Depending on how much you want to follow my itinerary, you can expect to pay approximately 130 EUR for all the day trips we will make including Delphi, Delos, and Mykonos.
Total Budget for 2 weeks in Greece: 974 EUR
Is it Safe in Greece?
In most places outside of big cities in Greece, it's pretty safe but it's always a good idea to exercise precautions by not leaving your belongings unattended, especially when in crowded places, and ALWAYS keep an eye out on your belongings at all times. Keep your hands in your pockets when entering or exiting crowded places to secure your phone and wallet.
Other than that, you should be fine traveling around Santorini. I didn't have any problems in Greece when I was there for about 2 weeks. Keep your wits with you and you will be fine.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Greece?
There are 3 major carriers in Greece, Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind, that offer prepaid sim cards tourists can buy while they are traveling in Greece. Unfortunately, with the rise of esims, having to be in the country to buy a sim card at a store is quite inconvenient and not ideal.
If you have a smartphone that supports esims, I highly recommend you take a look at these esims. They have a variety of data packages, price points, and durations for you to choose from.
The setup is fast and instant and you can buy it prior to your trip so you don't have to scramble your way to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is also equivalent to what you get with a local sim card with 4G speed across the entire country.
Or if you are traveling to Greece as part of a bigger Europe trip, I highly recommend you get the regional Eurolink esim which will give you access to data from over 39 countries across Europe. I have personally used this esim on my 3-months trip around Europe and it has worked wonders.
For more information on esims in Greece, click here: Check Greece's Available eSim.
What to Pack for Greece?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Greece:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Greece in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Greece
I hope you found this Greece travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Greece, here is a selection of articles you might like:
- Most journeys in Greece begin in Athens. For a complete travel guide to the capital city of Greece, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Athens.
- Here is a complete 3 days itinerary for Athens: 3 Days In Athens: An Itinerary For First Timers.
- One of the best day trips you can make from Athens is to go visit Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary that was considered to be the center of the world by the ancient Greeks. To visit this historical site, check out our Complete Guide to Backpacking Delphi.
- Have 3 days but want to see the Greek Islands? Check out this itinerary: 3 Days Backpacking Greek Islands Itinerary.
- Looking for things to do in Thessaloniki? Check out: 16 Best Things To Do In Thessaloniki.
- My favorite place out of all of Greece is Meteora, with its incredible towering rock formations and stunning monasteries perched atop. If you plan to visit Meteora, be sure to check out: A Complete Guide to Backpacking Meteora.
- Want to explore the Greek Islands but not sure where to base yourself? Naxos is the best island for that. Here are the 10 Best Things To Do In Naxos.
- Santorini, despite the crowd, is a place you have to see once in your life. If you plan to visit Santorini, the best place to base yourself is Fira, the capital of the island. For a complete travel guide, check out 10 Best Things To Do In Fira, Santorini.
- Renowned for its picturesque streets and crystal-clear water, Mykonos is another great island to visit in Greece. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Mykonos.
- One of the most interesting islands in the Cyclades that you shouldn't miss is Delos, home to stunning ruins of an ancient Greek city of Commerce. Want to visit Delos? Check out the Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Delos.
- Want to visit Santorini but not sure where to begin? Check out our 3-Day Backpacking Santorini Itinerary.
- Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
- To see all the articles about Greece, visit the Greece Travel Guide page.
- Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
- Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
- Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
4 Comments
Hi, Peter, thank you for providing such a detailed guide of Greece. I will go to Greece and Albania in October, and it seems there are two kinds of plugs used in this two countries, one is 4mm, another is 4.8mm, do you know which one is the kind mainly used in these two countries?
Thank you for replying!
JIANG
Hi Jiang,
I believe they both use the European outlet so should be able to visit those 2 places with a single travel adapter. Any universal travel adapter with an EU plug should be fine. Hope this helps!
How did you get to the airport in Santorini by 5am for the 7.30am flight? Taxi? How much was it?
Yes, you can take a taxi to the airport. It should be around 40 - 55 EUR and takes about 40 minutes. If you don't want to risk hailing an unlicensed taxi (licensed ones are usually yellow and have a taxi sign at the top), you can also use Uber Taxi to hail one. It will be a bit more expensive but way more convenient.