Backpackers Greece: How Santorini Fits into a Europe Backpacking Trip
Planning your 2026 Europe backpacking trip? Don’t hesitate to include Santorini. Many travellers skip it, assuming it is only for luxury trips. In reality, it can fit very well into a longer backpacking route through Greece.
Here is how this small Cycladic island works naturally within your itinerary.
Getting to Santorini
The Eurail pass is valid on Greek domestic ferries, which makes island travel easy and affordable. Santorini sits in the southern Aegean and has daily ferry connections from Athens.
Athens’ main port is Piraeus. You can reach it easily from the city centre by metro, and there is also a direct metro line from the airport. Ferries run year-round. Blue Star Ferries operate daily and take around eight hours. Hellenic Seaways offers faster routes at a higher price. Slower ferries by ANEK Lines are also available if you prefer a relaxed journey.
Choosing the Right Island Group
Greece has six island groups, plus two large islands: Crete and Evia. To keep travel simple, choose one island group and explore it slowly.
Santorini belongs to the Cyclades, which makes it easy to combine with other islands in the same region.
Combining Mainland Greece and the Islands
If you want to see both the mainland and the islands, plan around 10 to 14 days in Greece.
Start with at least two nights in Athens. Visit the Acropolis and its museum, then walk through the historic centre. If time allows, explore neighbourhoods beyond downtown. Add one more day for a trip to Delphi, the ancient oracle. On the way, stop in Arachova to experience the Greek mountains. We recommend it as an organised day trip from Athens.
Cycladic Stops Before Santorini
After Athens, travel south to the Cyclades. Mykonos offers beaches and nightlife, while Ios attracts younger travellers with a more budget-friendly party scene. If you prefer nature and hiking, Andros and Naxos are better options.
Spending two or three nights on one of these islands breaks up the journey. It also makes Santorini feel like a natural stop rather than a final destination.
Adding Crete to Your Route
You can easily add Crete to your itinerary. Ferries connect Santorini with Heraklion daily and take just over two hours.
Heraklion is a good starting point, but it should not be your only stop. After visiting Knossos, travel west to Chania for its old town and beaches. You can also hike the Samaria Gorge or explore Rethymno. Plan at least three days to experience Crete properly.
Flying to Santorini
Flying is another way to reach Santorini. If you book early, flights with Aegean Air or Sky Express can be reasonably priced. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Volotea also operate seasonal routes.
From April to October, Santorini has direct flights to most major European cities. This option works well if you want to save time or combine island travel with city breaks.
How Long to Stay in Santorini
Plan a minimum of three nights in Santorini. This gives you time to visit Oia and Fira without rushing. You can hike the scenic trail between the two villages, relax on the black sand beaches, and explore nearby towns.
A catamaran cruise offers swimming near the volcano and unique beaches such as the White Beach. If you enjoy history, visit the prehistoric site of Akrotiri.
Greece in a Longer Europe Trip
Greece combines well with Italy, Croatia, Albania, or Turkey. Italy offers culture and iconic cities. Greece adds beaches, history, and a slower pace of life. Turkey brings a different atmosphere with landscapes such as Cappadocia or Pamukkale.
Flights from cities like London, Paris, or Germany make Greece an easy addition to a wider European journey.
Final Thoughts
Santorini may look like a luxury destination, but it can work well on a backpacking trip. With good planning and enough time, it fits naturally into a route that includes Athens, the Cyclades, and even Crete.
If you are planning a backpacking trip through Europe in 2026, Santorini can be more than a photo stop. It can be a calm and memorable part of your journey.