Useful Information for Backpacking Greece: Island Hopping

We have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to join the tour. Group members aged 16-17 years old are welcome to join the tour but only with a family member that will act as their guardian whilst on tour. Aside from that, no age requirements at all! While our target age is 20-45, what matters most is mindset. If you’re looking for a backpacking-style experience, with hostel-style stays, local transport, and optional evening activities - you’re welcome to join us.

We highly recommend that you travel with insurance for complete peace of mind. Please click here.

Can’t convince your mates? No worries! Most of our travellers come solo, and it’s one of the best ways to experience a new destination.

You’ll join an instant crew, meet amazing people, and make new friends from day one. Plus, you can keep your travel plans flexible and fully your own.

Ready to roll solo? You won’t be alone for long.

Yes! Travel insurance is a must for all our trips. You’ll need to show proof (on your phone or printed) to your group leader when you arrive.

Need to grab a policy? Get a quote and buy travel insurance here.

We recommend using a Wise travel card. It works in most places and supports Apple Pay and Google Pay. ATMs are widely available, but some places may accept cash only, so it’s good to carry some local currency.

Absolutely. Your payment is secure. Backpacking Tours is a licensed tour operator in Thailand (TAT Licence No.11/12642), and we use trusted international payment providers. Your booking is safe, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Your passport must have at least six months’ validity and two blank pages. You should also have proof of onward travel.

Yes! One week before the trip, you’ll get a welcome email from us, including a WhatsApp group QR code and all the info you need. You can also join our Facebook group in the meantime.

Greece uses the euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere in Athens and on the islands, including most bars and beach clubs.

It is still worth carrying some cash for small tavernas, kiosks, bakeries and tips, which are usually left in cash. There are cash machines in every town, though they can have queues on busy summer evenings. Standalone machines in tourist areas often charge high fees, so use a bank's own machine where you can, and always choose to be charged in euros rather than your home currency.

Late May to September is the best time for the islands: long sunny days, a warm sea and everything open. July and August are the hottest months, often above 30°C, and the busiest and priciest, with the liveliest nightlife.

June and September are the sweet spot, with warm swimming, fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing in Athens. From late October many island bars and hotels close for the winter. Our guide Greece weather: best time to visit goes month by month.

Tipping is not compulsory in Greece, but it is appreciated. In tavernas and restaurants, leave around 5 to 10% for good service, or round up the bill. In cafés and bars, leaving your loose change is normal.

Card machines rarely add a tip, so leave it in cash on the table. Tipping guides, drivers or boat crews at the end of a trip is up to you.

In Athens and on the mainland, yes: tap water is treated to EU standards and is fine to drink. On many of the Cycladic islands, including Mykonos, Ios and Santorini, tap water comes from desalination plants. It is treated, but it often tastes salty and most locals drink bottled water, so it is best to do the same there.

Bring a refillable bottle, as many hotels and cafés will top it up with filtered water, and drink plenty in the summer heat.

Yes, mobile coverage is good in Athens and on the islands. Greece is in the EU, so a SIM from any EU country roams at home prices. UK networks no longer have to offer free EU roaming and many charge a daily fee, so check your plan before you go.

A travel eSIM for Europe or a prepaid SIM from Cosmote, Vodafone or Nova is a cheap alternative. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés and bars.

Yes, Greece is a safe and welcoming place to travel. The main issue is petty theft: pickpockets work the Athens metro and crowded tourist spots, so keep your phone and wallet secure.

On nights out, keep an eye on each other's drinks and use licensed taxis or taxi apps to get home. Do not dive into water you do not know, and follow beach flags. Wildfire risk is high from April to October, so turn on emergency alerts on your phone. Drug penalties are severe. For the latest advice, see gov.uk's Greece travel advice or your own government's.

No. Greek is the official language and uses its own alphabet, but English is widely spoken in Athens and on the islands, especially in hotels, bars and restaurants, and most signs and menus are in English as well.

Locals appreciate a few words: yiá sas (hello), efcharistó (thank you), parakaló (please, or you're welcome) and yiá mas (cheers).

We cannot give medical advice, so speak to your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you travel, and check the Greece page on TravelHealthPro for the latest recommendations. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.

If you live in the UK, bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which covers state healthcare in Greece. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.