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The Greek islands are some of the safest and best places on Earth for solo travel! Big words, I know, but the Greek islands are really something special. They’re the best place in Greece for solo travellers!
I spent two weeks solo travelling in Greece this September, and, let me tell you, I had the time of my life. I’m already planning my trip back to see even more of them!
Having travelled to over 35 countries, most of them as a solo female traveller, I know what I’m talking about when it comes to the solo female travel experience.
From sun-kissed beaches to epic coastal hikes, towering bowls of Greek salad to ancient temples, the Greek islands have it all.
The best part about travelling solo here? You can cater your itinerary to your own needs. No need to trudge around a museum you’re not interested in or go to a boring bar just to please your travel partner!
So, whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or a total solo travel newbie, you’re probably wondering what the best Greek islands for solo travel are. Here are my top picks!
Table of Contents
Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel
1. Naxos
For a laid-back solo trip, head straight for the island of Naxos. This is the largest island in the Cyclades, so there’s plenty of room for you to get off the beaten path and have a solo adventure.
The Cyclades Islands are the best Greek islands to visit in September, which is when I visited, because things stay open there until October. Some other Greek islands start shutting down by mid-September.
Want to know where to start with planning your solo trip to Naxos? You can find (and steal!) my 2-day Naxos itinerary here.
If you’re into history, archaeology, or Greek food (or all three!) you’re going to love Naxos. Naxos cheese is out of this world, and the island is littered with awe-inspiring ancient ruins.
Oh, and did I mention the beaches?
There’s so much to see and do on Naxos that you won’t even notice that you’re travelling solo!
There isn’t a hostel in Naxos, but I came across plenty of other solo travellers at the budget hotel I stayed at, so I can recommend it!
It’s located in Naxos Town, the perfect place to stay on Naxos if you want to be close to beaches, bars, restaurants and ruins all at once.
From Naxos Town you can join this full-day tour that takes you to tiny hilltop villages untouched by time, secret beaches, and some of the island’s top archaeological sites, such as the Temple of Demeter.
I also met another solo female traveller on this tour who I hung out with for the rest of my stay on Naxos.
Another great way to meet other travellers on Naxos is on a Naxos boat tour. I’ve written a full guide to Naxos boat tours, weighing up the pros and cons, but I’ll let you in on a little secret – it’s this one!
2. Rhodes
The fascinating island of Rhodes is a treasure trove of epic ancient Greek sights. If you’re a history buff, head straight to Rhodes on your solo trip!
Rhodes Town has a couple of epic hostels that have very high standards – perfect for flashpackers who don’t want to rough it but still want to socialise.
In Rhodes Town, head straight to the Old Town to wander the mediaeval Street of the Knights of Rhodes, a remnant of the time the island was occupied by the Knights of St John during the Crusades.
Another top attraction in Rhodes is the impressive 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters, which is now a local history museum.
Hopping over to the village of Lindos, you can’t miss the Lindos Acropolis, the ruins of a 4th-century BC temple to the goddess Athena Lindia. If you’re an avid solo hiker, head out on the popular hike up to the ruins from the village, which is a 2.2-mile round trip.
Want to get out on the water? There are a tonne of relaxing boat trips around Rhodes’ coastline, but you’re also able to take a day trip via boat to the neighbouring island of Symi.
3. Santorini
Nope, the jaw-dropping Greek island of Santorini isn’t just for couples. In fact, in my experience, Santorini is easily one of the best Greek islands for solo travel, and it’s definitely worth visiting! It’s a popular Greek island for a reason.
I was concerned that as a solo traveller I would stick out like a sore thumb amongst all of Santorini’s honeymooning couples, but to my delight that wasn’t the case at all!
It’s very easy to get around Santorini by yourself using public transport, it feels very safe to walk around here (even in the dark), and I had no problem getting a table for one at restaurants. Even with all of the couples. It’s my top pick for best Greek island for solo female travel.
Base yourself in the town of Thira to be central to all the action and have the rest of the island at your fingertips.
Thira’s bus station is the main bus terminal on the island and can get you pretty much anywhere on the island promptly, safely, and for just a couple of Euros.
I highly recommend this island to solo travellers because it’s much easier to visit Santorini on a budget when you’re travelling alone.
There are a couple of different hostels in Santorini in case you want to meet other solo travellers, but I stayed here and HIGHLY recommend it!
4. Paros
One of my favourite Greek islands for solo travel is Paros, in the Cyclades Islands. If you’re looking to get social and hang out with other solo travellers, you’ll have no problem meeting people on Paros!
From the buzzing port town of Parikia to the glamorous party scene of Naoussa, this island packs a punch and there’s something to do no matter what you’re interested in!
Fill your Paros itinerary with time spent wandering the beautiful Old Towns, lounging on the beach and hiking the Byzantine Road to see the highlights of this wondrous island.
Since there’s a backpacker hostel on Paros this Greek island attracts many solo budget travellers. I stayed at the hostel in Paros and its social vibe meant that it was suuuuper easy to get chatting with others.
If you stay at the hostel, you automatically have a group of friends to hang out with, and there are plenty of events run by the hostel that you can join.
Even if you’re not interested in staying at a hostel you’ll have a fabulous time in Paros. There are tonnes of great boat tours like this one that’ll take you around Paros’ coastline. You’ll easily get chatting to others!
5. Corfu
Corfu’s Pink Palace Hostel has been home to partying solo travellers since what feels like the beginning of time, making Corfu one of the very best Greek islands for solo travel if you’re looking to dance the night away.
Located in the Ionian Island group, up in the north-western corner of Greece, Corfu is actually super close to Albania. You can catch a ferry from Corfu to the Albanian beach town of Saranda in just 30 minutes!
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try out solo travel in Albania for the day, Corfu is the island for you!
Aside from partying and taking a day trip to Albania, there are plenty of fun things to do for solo travellers to Corfu.
Start your solo trip with a stroll around Corfu’s world-class Old Town and then explore the Venetian Fortress, which is located on a tiny island at the base of the Old Town.
Feeling adventurous? Then explore the Blue Caves surrounding the island or go snorkelling in Corfu’s crystal clear waters. This island is full of unforgettable experiences!
6. Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island of them all, and it’s crammed full of incredible scenery and memories just waiting to be made!
There are numerous towns in Crete and numerous airports, but I recommend staying in Chania, the most beautiful town (in my opinion!) in Crete.
Whilst in Chania be sure to explore the Venetian Harbour at Chania’s Old Town and check out the Firka Venetian Fortress before taking time to sunbathe on the blissful Nea Chora Beach and the dreamy Koum Kapi Beach!
Over in the other main town of Crete, Heraklion, don’t miss the ancient Palace of Knossos. You can take a day trip here from Chania by taking the public bus, and the journey takes around 2 hours.
It’s totally safe to use public transportation in Crete as a solo female traveller. Hooray!
Another one of the top places to visit in Crete is Rethymno, a town filled with ancient history and archaeological sites. A highlight is the Fortress Citadel, which costs just a few Euros to enter and is ideal to walk around by yourself to explore.
The bus from Chania to Rethymno takes around 90 minutes.
7. Milos
The upscale island of Milos is one of the best Greek islands for those looking to solo travel without roughing it in a hostel. That’s mainly because there aren’t any hostels here!
Instead, Milos is the place you visit if you’re looking to treat yourself to a private room and spend some time relaxing.
The main selling point of a solo trip to Milos is the otherworldly beauty of its beaches.
They’re absolutely spectacular! Kleftiko Beach, Sarakiniko Beach and Paliochori Beach are some of the best in the Greek islands, and exploring these by yourself means you get to linger there for as long as you like.
To escape the heat in Milos don’t miss the Mining Museum, a small but fascinating museum highlighting Milos’ rich mining history and heritage, which dates back to 7,000 BC! Entry to the museum costs €5.
In the main towns of Plaka and Adamas there is a range of local taverns to choose from for mouth-watering Greek food.
It’s also not unusual to see solo diners here, so there’s no need to fear going to a restaurant alone.
8. Hydra
The charming island of Hydra is close enough to Athens that you can visit it on a day trip. This makes it one of the best places to dip your toes into solo travel on the Greek islands!
Hydra is the type of place where it feels like time has stood still for hundreds of years. There are no vehicles allowed on Hydra. That’s right – no cars, buses or motorbikes. Your only methods of transportation are walking or taking a donkey ride.
If you’re looking to get away from it all, Hydra is the place to do it.
There are no hostels on Hydra, meaning it’s best to visit on a day trip if you’re on a tight budget. During your time on the island, head out on a solo hike to admire some of the best views and check out a few beaches.
If you’re into history, never fear – there are a couple of brilliant historical attractions for you on Hydra island.
Kountouriotis Mansion is the former home of a wealthy shipowner and is well worth a visit, as is the Archives Museum, which has artefacts from the Greek Revolution amongst other historical events.
9. Paxos
If getting away to an unspoilt paradise sounds good to you, Paxos is the place to go! Paxos was once almost completely unknown to tourists, and although it’s now growing in popularity it’s still very quaint and unspoilt.
If you think of paradise, chances are it looks just like Paxos.
Paxos is one of the best Greek islands for singles if you’re looking for alone time. That’s because there aren’t a whole load of other tourists on the island, so you’re able to take time to yourself guilt-free.
The most popular way to visit Paxos is on a day trip from Parga or Kerkyra, but for a relaxing getaway it’s worth lingering here for a few days.
Spend your time hunting for secluded coves and hidden beaches, devour authentic local food and trek to Tripitos Arch, the most famous natural landmark on the island.
A solo trip to Paxos is all about relaxing and enjoying time truly solo. I therefore think it’s the best Greek island for older singles. It’s one of the best untouched Greek islands!
10. Ios
Ios is one of the best Greek islands for backpackers, and its party scene is famous amongst young Europeans, who flock here every summer!
There’s only one place to stay on Ios if you’re a young solo traveller looking for a good time – the beloved Francesco’s.
It’s important to know that although Ios does have a few tourist attractions worth visiting, the main reason to visit Ios is to party.
Sure, it has beautiful beaches and stunning natural landscapes, but most other islands also have that.
The parties are what put Ios on the map.
Although Ios is a party island, it’s certainly not been ruined by the partying. As I said, Ios is still totally beautiful!
For this reason, Ios is one of the best Greek islands for young travellers and those solo travellers who are looking to balance partying with lounging on world-class beaches to sleep off the hangover.
11. Mykonos
Like Santorini, Mykonos has a reputation for being saturated with honeymooning couples, but, provided you’re not recovering from heartbreak (the couples are pretty inescapable), you can have an incredible time alone in Mykonos!
Since Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands in the world it attracts solo travellers from lots of different countries.
After all, people refuse to travel thousands of miles to see Greece just miss out on one of the best Greek islands because they’re travelling solo!
This means it’s really easy to meet other people travelling alone here, and you’ll find yourself a group of travel friends in no time.
Mykonos is world-famous for its windmills, which you’ll find scattered around the island just beckoning you to whip out your camera!
Aside from the windmills, Mykonos is also home to some of the wildest parties on the Greek islands, and luxury accommodation.
Even as a backpacker staying in one of Mykonos’ hostels, you’re going to end up spending a lot of money here. Mykonos is probably the most expensive Greek island to visit!
There are still plenty of free things to do on Mykonos, though – hit the beaches, watch the world-famous sunset from Little Venice, and wander the stunning streets of Mykonos Chora (for a postcard-perfect view of Greece!).
12. Kos
If you’re looking to go on your first solo trip, Kos is a great place to start.
The island isn’t overrun by any one type of traveller (unlike Mykonos with the honeymooners and Ios with the young partygoers) so you’ll blend in seamlessly and be welcomed with open arms by the locals in Kos.
Sure, if you’re looking to party, you can certainly do that in Kos, but during the daytime you can easily find peace and quiet – it’s not a 24/7 party.
For this reason, Kos is the perfect place to get used to travelling alone whilst exploring a new destination.
Base yourself in Kos Town to be close to all of the iconic Greek and Roman landmarks, and be sure to explore the Neratzia Castle during your trip.
This 15th-century castle sits just to the north of the Ancient Agora ruins, which date back to the 3rd century BC. There’s just so much history here!
Kos has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the Greek islands, with the 10-kilometre Tigaki Beach taking the star position. Want to find a beach with something unusual to do?
Then head straight to Agios Fokas, where you’ll find a sea pool that has natural hot springs. It’s one of the coolest natural landmarks on the island!
FAQs about Solo Travel in the Greek Islands
Which Greek Island is Best for Solo Travellers?
In my opinion, Santorini is the best Greek island for solo travellers. It’s super easy and safe to get around the island with public transport, it’s possible to visit Santorini on a budget, it’s downright BEAUTIFUL and there are plenty of other solo travellers there to hang out with. What’s not to like?
How Many Greek Islands Should I Visit?
As many as you can! Each Greek island has its own unique feel, and the best way to delve into Greek Island culture is by visiting a few of them. In my experience, you should visit three Greek Islands plus Athens for a two week trip to Greece. If you’re pressed for time, though, even one Greek island is better than none!
Best Time to Solo Travel on the Greek Islands
The best time to visit the Greek islands as a solo traveller is the shoulder season months of April and September. At this time of year the weather on the Greek islands is still fabulous but without the extreme crowding of the summer months. You’re also less likely to be surrounded by families with kids at this time of year.
By travelling to the Greek islands in the shoulder months you’ll find it easier to get a table for one at restaurants and get a bed at a hostel without having to book months in advance. Lots of people like to solo travel to the Greek islands in April and September!
Is It Safe to Solo Travel in the Greek Islands?
The Greek Islands are very safe to travel solo. In fact, this was one of the destinations I have felt safest whilst solo travelling, and I have been to over 30 countries!
I have heard that catcalling or unwanted attention from local men (not in a threatening way, just an irritating way) can be a problem for solo female travellers in Greece, but this was not something I ever personally experienced. Yay!
The biggest danger to you on the Greek Islands is heatstroke and dehydration, so be sure to cover up, wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and stay out of the sun between 12 and 3pm in the summer months when it gets very strong!
Which is the Safest Greek Island to Visit?
This is a tricky one: to be honest, pretty much every Greek island that people go to on vacation is safe. My top picks for the safest Greek Islands to visit, though, would be Santorini, Paros and Rhodes.
By picking the smaller islands without huge party scenes, you’re likely to avoid pretty much any trouble out there – whether that’s political protests or just unruly clubgoers.
Of course, though, even the larger islands and party islands are still very safe to visit for solo travellers. All of the Greek Islands on this list are safe for solo travel. There are no obvious Greek islands to avoid.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay in a Hostel in Greece?
Expect to pay around €25 per night, on average, for a bed in a dorm room at a Greek island hostel. On notoriously expensive islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, expect this to be more like €40+! Hostel prices on the Greek islands are far more expensive during July and August than at other times of the year.
Is Greece Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Yes! Greece is very safe for solo female travel, and it’s one of my top recommendations for first-time solo travellers. It’s been rated one of the safest countries in Europe for tourism, according to a 2022 study by Forbes Advisor.
You can read my comprehensive guide to solo female travel in Greece for more information, but rest assured: you’ll feel very safe as a solo female traveller in Greece.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Solo Travel in Greece?
The Greek Islands are very safe for solo travel, but that doesn’t mean you should visit without travel insurance. You can be as careful as possible, but sometimes just plain old bad luck happens to us.
From the airline losing your luggage, to catching a sickness bug and needing to visit the doctor, travel insurance has got you covered.
For my readers I recommend SafetyWing. This is probably the most popular insurance in the world for adventurous solo travellers. It also covers a ton of fun activities so you can go hiking or snorkelling with no worries.