Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for Greece, especially if you plan on exploring rural areas or staying for an extended period. Consider a tetanus booster if you’re due. Rabies vaccination is only necessary if you plan to have significant interaction with animals. No special vaccines are required. Always check current health advisories before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Greece, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for GreeceCulture & Customs
Respect local customs like greeting with a handshake and maintaining eye contact. Dress modestly, especially in churches. Always offer your seat to the elderly on public transport. Greeks appreciate straightforwardness; avoid being overly indirect.
If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift, like sweets or wine. Tipping is common but not mandatory; round up the bill or leave small change.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Athens and Mykonos are generally welcoming, but discretion is advised in rural areas. Women travelers should feel safe, but it’s wise to remain aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Greece.
- Moussaka: A hearty casserole layered with eggplant, minced meat, and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s comfort food with deep roots in Greek family dining.
- Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled meat, often served with pita, tomatoes, and onions. It’s a street food staple, perfect for a quick and satisfying bite.
- Tzatziki: A refreshing yogurt dip mixed with cucumber, garlic, and dill. It’s a must-have side for cooling down those rich, meaty flavors.
- Spanakopita: Spinach and feta cheese wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry. A popular snack or appetizer that showcases Greece’s love for savory pies.
- Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. These are common at family gatherings and are a nod to Greece’s Ottoman past.
- Baklava: Sweet layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey. This dessert ties into Greece’s vibrant dessert culture and is a favorite across the region.
Tap water in Greece is generally safe to drink, especially in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, and locals do drink it. However, on some islands and rural areas, the taste might be off due to mineral content, so many tourists opt for bottled or filtered water. When in doubt, grab bottled water, which is cheap and widely available.
The main language in Greece is
Greek. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Greek skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Greece includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Greece,
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, major cities, and islands frequented by travelers. Many Greeks, particularly those in the hospitality sector—such as hotel staff, restaurant workers, and tour guides—have a good command of English, making it easier for visitors to communicate. Additionally, younger generations and students often learn English as a second language, enhancing overall proficiency.
In less touristy regions or rural areas, English may not be as commonly spoken, and communication could be more challenging. However, gestures and basic phrases can often bridge the gap. It’s advisable for travelers to learn a few basic Greek phrases, as locals appreciate the effort and it can enhance the travel experience.
Overall, while English is not the official language, its prevalence in Greece makes it relatively easy for English-speaking tourists to navigate and enjoy their visit.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Greece is EUR (€).
In Greece, euros are your go-to currency. While ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns, smaller islands and rural areas might be a bit trickier. Always have some cash on you, especially when heading off the beaten path.
Forget about dollars; they’re not widely accepted, and exchanging them can be a hassle. Stick to euros, and you’ll be golden. When using ATMs, opt for those at banks to avoid extra fees. Watch out for ATMs that offer to convert your withdrawal to your home currency—it’s usually a pricier option.
Cards are generally accepted in cities and tourist areas, but some small businesses and family-run tavernas prefer cash. Keep a stash of small bills and coins for these situations.
Need to exchange currency? Banks and official exchange offices are your best bet. Avoid airport exchange counters unless it’s an emergency; their rates tend to be less favorable.
In Greece, tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated; leaving around 5-10% at restaurants is common if service was good. Taxi drivers and hotel staff might also expect small tips, like rounding up the fare or leaving a couple of euros. For cafés and bars, just leaving some change is perfectly fine.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.