A Guide to the Best Backpacker Hubs in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is filled with coastal gems, historic monuments, bustling cities, and small, rural towns with tons of character. As a backpacker, it’s hard to pick where to go and how to decide which route to take when traveling through the Mediterranean. From Spain to Malta, we’ve created a guide to the best backpacker hubs in the Mediterranean.
Split, Croatia
One of the lesser-traveled countries, Croatia is filled with spectacular beaches, fantastic cuisine, fun hostels, and historical sites. It’s also on the cheaper side of things, compared to similar destinations like the Amalfi Coast. Split, which sits as a port city on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, was originally founded as a Greek colony back in the 2nd or 3rd century. Having been settled by several civilizations since then, the city is Croatia’s second largest and is a major cultural hub in Croatia.
Part of what makes Split so entrancing as a backpacker is its accessibility on foot and by public transit. The city itself is very walkable, and there are cheap buses that will get you around town at a low cost. Whether that’s hitting up the beaches, exploring the historic Old Town, grabbing something fresh and local from one of the markets, hanging out at Marjan Forest Park, or visiting the Roman Palace of Emperor Diocletian, there are countless ways to spend a few days while backpacking through one of Croatia’s most popular cities.
Thessaloniki, Greece
While Athens, Greece, gets a lot of attention for being a major hub for backpackers and solo travelers looking for a mix of historical sites and a vibrant urban scene, Thessaloniki is certainly worth a spot on this list. The port town, which has loads of historical context and cultural significance, has a lively atmosphere, with its wide range of buzzing cafes and restaurants, as well as the local university, which attracts a younger crowd during the school year. Thessaloniki is known for its food, while its beaches and historical sites provide plenty of ways to spend several days eating and exploring the historical town. The city is also a great destination for backpackers because it is affordable to eat, get around, and stay, and there are several awesome hostels in the city. Thessaloniki is also walkable and can be accessed by buses or city taxis.
Lecce, Italy
Like its counterparts on this list, Lecce is filled with historical relics and home to fantastic food. With its iconic Baroque architecture, Lecce is great for meandering and wandering around on foot, taking in all of the classic buildings and street snacks. The Lecce stone, which is a soft limestone, is an iconic feature of the town, and simply strolling around at dusk is a pleasure in and of itself. Hanging out at the Piazza del Duomo is a popular activity throughout the day and is a place where locals meet up and socialize. In Lecce, you’ll find great pastries (pasticciotto), puccia, and their signature caffe Leccese. The fare is simple, but affordable and full of flavor. What makes Lecce a great hub for backpackers in the Mediterranean is its proximity to cultural hubs like Matera and the seaside town of Bari. There are also several great hostels in Lecce, and many ways to access the town via public transportation.
Porto, Portugal
Home of the famous desert wine, Porto is a prime hub for backpackers exploring the Mediterranean. Nicknamed ‘the undefeated city’, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest travel destinations and today has a vibrant urban scene with colorful architecture and stunning natural beauty. Set on the Douro River, Porto is very walkable and well-connected to other major towns and cities in Portugal. From walking across the Dom Luis I Bridge, which is a double-decker bridge that crosses the Douro River, to walking the colorful streets and wandering around Ribeira, which is Porto’s historic waterfront, there’s plenty to see on foot. There’s also the option of hopping on a Duoro River cruise to get different vantage points of Porto. For people-watching, Ribeira Square is a popular place to hang out and enjoy the town come to life. Hostels in Porto are abundant, and affordable, making it a great stopover for backpackers.
