Top Backpacking Trips around Europe

Picking an Itinerary

Backpacking around Europe is a once in a lifetime experience. But with so many cultures to immerse yourself in, it can be difficult to know exactly where to stop on your trip.

Before picking an itinerary, it’s important you consider factors such as the time of your visit, your budget, and the length of your stay. These can all affect the type of trip you take, and how expensive it is. Once you’ve thought about this, it’s time to pick an itinerary. We’ve put together 3 different European backpacking trip ideas to inspire you to start planning.

First-Timers Western Europe Itinerary

Western Europe is a great region for first time travellers. Covering all of Europe’s essentials, it’s perfect for an easy trip as it has plenty of transport, accommodation, and year-round attractions on offer.

Day 1- 3 London, England

Great international flight connections and easy transport systems make London a great place to start your travels and get your bearings. Check out some world-famous museums and art galleries, hit up local markets, and vintage shop in East London.

Day 4-6 Paris, France

Take the 2 hour trip on the Eurostar Chunnel Train to France’s capital, Paris. Get lost in the Marais, eat one too many croissants, marvel at priceless masterpieces in the Louvre, and see some of the world's most famous architecture. For more to do in France, check out our France Travel Guide.

Day 7-9 Barcelona, Spain

Once you’re done backpacking around the city of love, catch a 2 hour flight to Barcelona. Sample authentic tapas and sangria, and enjoy the unique architectural landscape at Parc Güell and the Sagrada Familia. Wander the streets of the Raval, and even hit the beach. For more to do in Spain, check out our Spain Travel Guide.

Day 10- 12 Rome, Italy

Jump on an easy 1.5 hour flight to Rome. Steep yourself in Ancient Roman culture at sites like the Pantheon and Colosseum. Make a wish in the Trevi Fountain whilst discovering the historic centre by foot. Eat on the cheap with the locals in Trastevere.

Day 13 - 15 Amsterdam, Netherlands

The final leg of your backpacking journey will see you take a 2.5 hour flight to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Famous for its canals, coffee shops, and bicycle culture - you can easily spend a few days cycling its narrow streets admiring typical Dutch architecture.

Mediterranean Island Hopping Itinerary

With amazing food and wine, rugged coastal landscapes, and decent prices - an island hopping trip in the Mediterranean is a must-do for backpackers.

Day 1- 3 Catania, Sicily

Start off in the ancient port town of Catania. Visit castles and take a day trip to the Mount Etna region and the beach resort of Taormina.

Day 4-7 Siracusa, Giardini Naxos, Celafú, Sicily

Hire a car and spend a few days driving south. Stay a few nights in the resort town of Siracusa. Explore the romantic hillside town of Giardini Naxos, and visit the medieval coastal town of Celafú.

Day 8 Catania, Sicily

Finishing back up in Catania, you can either continue your journey by ferry to the Island of Malta, or fly direct to Athens.

Day 9 Athens, Greece

Use Athens as a gateway to the world famous Greek Islands. Travel options from Athens to the Cyclades Islands include a quick flight, or an 8 hour ferry trip for the more adventurous.

Day 10-15 Cyclades Islands, Greece

Spend a week island hopping through Greece’s famed Cyclades islands. Some highlights include Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and lesser known islands like Andros. Sample Greek cuisine, check out the local nightlife, hike, and explore world-famous beaches. Travel between islands by ferry at your own pace.

Off the Beaten Track in the Balkans Itinerary

This relatively undiscovered part of Europe is perfect for those wanting to save some cash on their backpacking trip without scrimping on idyllic beaches, culture, food, and history. Hiring a car or using a bus service is your best bet in the Balkans.

Day 1 Lake Bled, Slovenia

Start your Balkan adventure just past the Austrian border with Slovenia, at the spectacular Lake Bled. Explore the peaks of the Julian Alps in this picturesque Slovenian resort.

Day 2-3 Zagreb, Croatia

Cross the border into Croatia and at only a 2 hour drive you’ll arrive in the capital, Zagreb. Enjoy walking tours, farmers markets, or cycling Jarun Lake.

Day 4 Banja Luka, Bosnia

To break up an otherwise long trip, stop off in the second biggest town of Bosnia for lunch. Take a dip in the Krupa Waterfalls before hitting the road again.

Day 5-6 Sarajevo, Bosnia

The drive from Zagreb to Sarajevo in Bosnia takes around 5 hours. You can also choose to fly, which takes around an hour. Discover the history of the town through a walking tour, and learn more about the civil war through visiting sites like the Kovači Memorial Cemetery.

Day 7-8 Mostar, Bosnia

Spend a night in this medieval Bosnian town. Enjoy shopping and dining around the UNESCO world heritage old bridge area.

Day 8-10 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Drive or take a low cost bus for 2.5 hours back into Croatia, to the capital of Dubrovnik. Spend a few days soaking up the atmosphere of this majestic medieval town, made famous by Game of Thrones.

Day 11-15, Montenegro

Spend a few days exploring the 250 km stretch of breathtaking beaches in Montenegro. Be sure to visit beaches like Sveti Stefan, and Jaz Beach.

Day 16 Belgrade, Serbia

Finish your journey on one of the most spectacular train rides in The Balkans, from Montenegro to Belgrade. Experience authentic Balkan culture and pristine natural sites first hand on this famed 12 hour train trip.

What next?

If you’re inspired to take one of these backpacking trips, make sure you check out our Travel Checklist for Europe for information on ways to get around, what you need to do before you get there, and more!

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