Forget backpacking in Asia, why not go island hopping in Greece? Beautiful weather, friendly people and the beaches can be compared to the Maldives. Why Greece is the perfect destination to go backpacking (especially for women only!), I tell you in this blog.

Safety

Surely one of the most important reasons these days is whether a country is safe, especially for women traveling alone. Greece is perfect in that! It is really very safe there. Although Greece is not in the top 10 safest countries in the world (what exactly it is based on, I don’t know), I feel safer in Greece than in the Netherlands.

Hospitality

Greeks are an incredibly hospitable people. They are only too happy to help where needed, are grateful and generous. I can really enjoy the Greek hospitality, as it is very different from that in Holland, where we become less and less hospitable as the years go by.

Relatively inexpensive

Okay Asia is probably cheaper and you can skip Santorini, but Greece is a relatively cheap country. Where in the Netherlands I can dine for € 25,-, in Greece you can get by with € 10,- to € 15,-.

Islands

Greece has some 6,000 islands of which +/- 227 are inhabited. Although the country is not very large, because of the many different islands there is plenty to see. Greece offers nature, beaches, nightlife and a lot of history. Each island has its own characteristics and with all these different islands you never get bored!

Greek food

Greece has so many different dishes and drinks. For example, Greece is known for ouzo, raki and rakoumelo, among others. Globally, moussaka, souvlaki and pita gyros are among the most famous Greek dishes.

Close by

Why spend hours on an airplane when you can do some great backpacking close to home? For Greece you don’t have to spend hours in an airplane and you usually don’t have to change planes. From the Netherlands you fly there in about 3 to 3.5 hours. Ideal right? 🙂