I just got dumped and I graduate college in 10 months. I want to solo backpack around Greece in the summer of '24. I have a Greek last name and droves of family members out there I have never met before, and apparently a family tract of land I want to step foot on. I don't know a lick of the language but that's what duolingo is for. This would be the first solo backpacking trip I've ever taken, and I want some advice I won't get from generic travel websites.
are you black?
No
thank Allah, good luck on your journey
Go to Mt Athos
how do I sign up to get in?
Go to the website of the Mount Athos Pilgrims' Bureau, book well in advance. They only let 10 non-Orthodox in daily, with permits being for up to four days. 100 Orthodox can be granted the same permits. If you're Orthodox, it might also help to speak with your parish priest and ask them to assist.
I've never backpacked a country before. I intend on taking the clothes on my back, spares, boots and my camera. I know about hostels and such, but what about doing laundry? I don't care about visiting all the tourist traps especially in the heat of the summer, but I do want to travel the expanse of the country, maybe only a day or two in one spot. What car/bike rentals like?
>what about doing laundry?
Laundry can be stupid-cheap. I paid 7 euros for full-service laundry, where they wash/dry/fold for you & you pick it up in a couple of hours.
This is cheaper than self-service laundry in other European countries, where you pay more but do everything yourself.
2 months is too much bro. It's cool you have family there and all but once you've spent time in Athens (cool city but a total dump) and head out to the islands it's so much of the same. There's a few cool spots like meteora which are worth hitting up but realistically you could do a nice itinerary of 3 or 4 countries in that area on 2 months. One ferry from one island to another is all very similar, do yourself a favour and go check out some other places
Perhaps, maybe I'll think about only a month. I really just want a new experience now that I'm on my own again. Honestly the 2 months was advocated to me by an eccentric greek restaurant owner:
>"I'm serious, go for 2 months. You'll end up with a wife, 6 acres, and a mule"
Who'd wanna miss that?
Two donkeys and 6 acres doesn't seem like enough reason to go
OP, if youre feeling a little wishful, go for two. maybe you will end up with a wife
Mt. Olympus was a fun to hike
Yiasou file mou
Book it for the whole two months. Grow a beard and trim it as close as you can, then you’ll fit in perfectly
Learn a few Greek words, like explaining where your family is from and where you are planning to visit
For backpacking, I recommend Mt Olympus, the Cyklades and Crete. On Crete you can take the bus around conveniently and stay in hostels while exploring the island. Do your laundry in hostels/laundrymats
Pack light, but have a few nice button up shirts that you can wear for evening dinners and drinks
Download Tinder, make friends and explore together
See your family, bring them gifts and drink and eat together
If you have questions about specific places, let me know