Thinking of heading to Greece? With stunning beach locations, lots of rich history, and great food everywhere you turn, it is one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations, attracting 36 million inbound tourists in 2023 alone. If you are planning to travel alone rather than with friends or family, it has everything you could want for a solo adventure whether you are planning to take a cruise or join a tour group with fellow solo travellers.
Whilst the mainland is an excellent choice, the 227 inhabited islands provide even more opportunities to explore this wonderful part of the world – so, where should you head to first?
How to Choose the Right Island For You
Greece is exactly where you want to be for a holiday where you can experience island life, but with so many different locations, it’s difficult to decide between them. Any island will provide the perfect opportunity to escape for a week or two, so it really depends on what type of holiday you want and how active you want to be.
Crete – for a trip full of history, Crete offers the perfect place to see ancient ruins and learn more about Greek mythology. As the largest island in Greece, you could spend your whole time here exploring without it feeling crowded.
Santorini – famous for its dramatic cliffside views, white-painted buildings and stunning sunsets, Santorini offers breathtaking views and plenty of cultural highlights to enjoy. It’s a magical place but can be very popular, especially during peak season.
Naxos & Paros – For a more laid-back and authentic experience, consider Naxos or Paros, known for their charming villages and friendly locals. Part of the Cyclades island group, they are both picturesque locations with long beaches, with Paros having a good tourist infrastructure. It’s also where some of Greece’s most famous sculptors, painters and poets come from.
Corfu – Nature lovers will find plenty to like in the lush landscapes of Corfu away from the tourist hotspots that are incredibly busy each Summer. It’s one of the most cosmopolitan destinations and enjoys great weather all year round. The Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site and well worth your time exploring too.
Milos – you’re spoilt for choice when looking for dramatic landscapes in Greece, with the volcanic backdrop of Milos definitely a highlight. It’s another island that offers a quieter alternative with lots of natural beauty to explore.
These are just a handful of the stunning destinations to discover across the Greek islands, so if you have the opportunity to see more than one in a single trip, you should do so. You’ll be able to find solo tours and singles holidays that can help make it easy to explore and do some island-hopping.
Getting There and Around the Islands
Travelling to and around the Greek Islands can be an adventure in itself, but is made easier by multiple convenient options. You can fly into Athens and then connect to the smaller islands either by flying or taking a ferry. You could also book yourself on a cruise that takes you there, whichever way to travel you prefer. There is an extensive ferry network that keeps the islands connected, and which offers scenic sea routes to your island of choice. However, you can fly directly to some of the islands such as Crete, Santorini, Corfu, and Rhodes to name a few for easier access.
Once on the islands, buses and taxis are readily available, and for more freedom, renting a car can enhance your travel experience so that you can explore hidden gems at your own pace. If you are part of a tour, you may get around via coach or minibus too. Many islands also offer bike rentals, which are perfect for exploring coastal paths and local villages. Getting around the Greek Islands is easy once you know which routes to take, but if you are unsure when travelling alone, it can be best to join a tour to make this more straightforward.
Tips on Accommodation
With various islands to see, you may want to plan places to stay in each location on your trip. If you are travelling as part of a tour, most packages will already have this covered or if you are on a Mediterranean cruise, but keep in mind you may have to pay a single supplement for your own room – this will vary between providers, so be sure to research this before booking.
Many types of accommodation can cater specifically to solo travellers, offering single rooms without a single supplement. If you can find them and book early enough, this will make your trip more affordable. You’ll be able to find plenty of boutique hotels or guesthouses that provide a charming and more private option throughout Greece, with the added benefit of local insights from friendly hosts. This will depend on your budget, of course, so be sure to research your planned destinations to find safe options in good locations.
Staying centrally allows for easier access to transportation, restaurants, and attractions, reducing the need to walk unfamiliar streets late at night. Always read reviews from previous visitors to understand the quality and suitability of the accommodation before you book. With a bit of research and planning before you book, you can ensure a stay that is both enjoyable and secure.
Meeting People and Staying Safety
Meeting new people is one of the joys of solo travel, and the Greek Islands, with their friendly locals and fellow travellers, provide plenty of opportunities for this. Participating in group tours, whether it’s a historical walking tour in Rhodes or a sailing excursion around the Cyclades, can be great ways to connect and enhance your trip further.
When it comes to safety, the Greek Islands are generally safe for solo travellers. However, it’s always important to take precautions. Keep your belongings secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas late at night. If exploring alone, be sure you are familiar with the route back to your accommodation too so that you don’t get lost. By staying vigilant, you can safely enjoy the richness of solo travel in the Greek Islands.
Before you book your solo adventure, make sure to check the Greece foreign travel advice page on the Gov.UK website too. This will give you up-to-date information regarding entry requirements and more.
Having Peace of Mind On Your Greek Adventure
No matter whether you travel alone or with a group, you’ll want to be prepared for the unexpected. This means making sure you have suitable travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, travel delays and disruptions throughout your holiday. If you are planning on enjoying activities such as exploring the scenic countryside by foot, hiking or even adventurous water sports whilst away, having a comprehensive policy can ensure you’re not out of pocket when having to cover costs if something unfortunate happens.
The peace of mind that comes with knowing you can access medical care, especially in more remote islands or unexpected situations, is invaluable when travelling alone. Look for policies that offer 24-hour support and comprehensive coverage tailored to the needs of solo travellers too.
Keep in mind that whichever insurance you choose, you’ll need to select a level of excess you’re comfortable to pay. As per insurance provider Staysure, you may want to look at policies with an excess waiver which covers the cost of any excess you’re asked to pay. This can mean a higher premium, but you won’t have to pay this fee if you have to claim.
Lots to Look Forward to in Greece
Ready to start planning your solo trip to Greece and its many islands? There’s so much to do that it may take a bit of time planning everything, especially if you are visiting multiple islands. Remember if you are unsure where to start with a solo holiday, seek out solo travel advice from reputable online forums and get advice from those who have made the trip before. This can be insightful and help you find good accommodation tips and more.
With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your solo trip to the Greek Islands can be a profoundly rewarding experience, leaving you with memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
