I am literally obsessed with solo travel. I’m equally obsessed with Greece, so you already know this ultimate guide to solo travel in Greece is about to be everything and more.
I’ve spent so much time hopping around the Cyclades and taking in all of the Greek history and culture that I feel like an honorary Greek at this point. (I don’t think they would consider me that, but I do, so whatever.)
Solo travel is all about doing exactly what you want when you want. If you want to spend your time wandering around museums or eating every single Greek dish possible, you can. And it’s the perfect opportunity to meet other travelers, make some new friends, and possibly fall in love with a Greek God—If you’re one of the lucky ones.
And Greece is the perfect destination for solo travelers. While so many people consider it for their honeymoon, I personally would rather head to the country solo.
How else am I supposed to party on a yacht (for free), sip on ouzo with locals, and enjoy all the little surprises traveling solo brings? And I want the same for you, which is why I’ve put together this epic solo travel guide to Greece. Let’s get to it.
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7 Things to Do in Greece When Traveling Solo
The best part about solo travel in Greece is all of the options you have. You can spend weeks on the islands or make your way through Greek history on the mainland.
Either way, there are loads of activities for solo travelers backpacking in Greece. Here are a few of my favorites.
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1. Join a Walking Tour in Athens
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Athens is basically the gateway to anywhere in Greece, and it offers so much for solo travelers. Whether you just have a quick layover or a few days to stay in Athens, the best way to get introduced to the city is on a walking tour.
Join a tour to be led through the ancient sites in Athens. Your guide will make sure you see all the highlights and have a warm welcome into the city, stopping by the Acropolis and Parthenon.
I love tours because you’ll be joined by other travelers, so you don’t have to explore all on your own. It’s a great way to make friends and enjoy the old city.
2. Island Hop in the Cyclades
Over the past few years, the Greek Islands have become one of the hottest destinations for European Summer. And you know what that means?
Not only are families and honeymooners exploring the islands, but so are backpackers, which is great for us. Now, we can go and not be surrounded by screaming kids or couples making out. (ew.)
The Cyclades are some of the most beautiful places in Greece. We’ve all heard of Santorini and Mykonos, but if you have more than a few days, spend some time hopping around the smaller Cycladic islands. Naxos, Paros, and Ios are all great options for solo travelers. (Ios goes wild with gap years, so if you’re over 25, you might wanna skip this one.)
You can take ferries between the islands or even join a sailing trip if you want to make friends along the way.
3. Take a Grecian Cooking Class
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Greek food is literally sent from the heavens. And what better way to experience the delicious cuisine than by taking a Grecian cooking class?
This is the perfect way to get familiar with the Mediterranean diet and get to know the locals. It’s also great for meeting some friends who are also into cooking.
You can pretty much take a cooking class in any Greek city, but this one in Athens is the perfect experience for solo travelers in Greece. You’ll get to stop by the market and try a huge range of Greek dishes. Ugh, I’m drooling thinking about all the feta.
4. Go on a Wine-Tasting Tour
If you’re a big wino like me, then a wine-tasting tour in Santorini is an absolute must for any solo traveler. Maybe it makes me sound like a bit of an alcoholic, but having a little bit of wine in my system really helps to make friends with others on the tour. Just loosens you up a bit, yeah?
And Greek wine is absolutely fantastic. This tour will take you to three different wineries in Santorini, which just happens to have some of the best wines in all of Greece. The volcanic wines tend to be a little lighter and sweeter making it perfect for a hot summer day on the island.
5. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Delphi
Greece has the perfect balance of enjoyment and history. This will give you the perfect opportunity to meet all kinds of travelers in all different types of places. And taking a day trip to the Ancient Ruins of Delphi is a must for any solo traveler in Athens.
The Ancient Ruins are full of mystery and mythology, which is super cool, especially if you were ever into Percy Jackson like me. In this tour you’ll get to see the famous Oracle shrine, the temple of Apollo, and your guide will give you a glimpse into the way Greeks used to live.
6. Relax on the Gorgeous Beaches
Photo: @harveypike_
Beach days in Greece are an absolute must. Even though a lot of them are a lot rockier on the shores than what I’m used to, Greece has some of the bluest waters I’ve ever seen in my life.
And what better way to spend a solo day in Greece than with a book, an umbrella, and maybe a glimpse or two of some Greek gods and goddesses? (Jk, I don’t want to mislead you, the beaches are usually full of big-bellied men and older women, ha.)
But, if you make some friends at your hostel and can talk them into joining you for an all-day beach hopping tour, you can find some of the best beaches around the island and have them all to yourself.
7. Go Bar Hopping
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Bar crawls used to be my jam when I was younger, and I could still get out and explore the next day. Now I have to nurse a two-day hangover after just one too many glasses of wine. But solo traveling through Greece—well, I’ll make the exception.
If you’re staying at a hostel, most of the time, they’ll have bar crawls with free shots (they won’t be good, but hey… free.) and groups of travelers making their way out into the Greek nightlife. This is the perfect way to meet some travel friends and have a hell of a time in Greece.
The bar crawl in Ios is definitely one of the most wild bar crawls in Greece. Make sure to camel up with all the water you can find, and a late-night souvlaki will definitely have your name on it.
5 Best Solo Destinations in Greece
With so many options, how do you choose where to go? Don’t worry, I’ve narrowed it down to the five best solo destinations in Greece.
These will give you some options for checking out more than one destination or giving you a spot to really settle in for a few days.
Athens
Athens is a great backpacking destination and the perfect place to start for any solo trip around Greece, and not just because it’s the most popular airport to fly into.
The city is a great two to three-day destination to get acquainted with the country and culture. And if you’re a history nerd, you’re absolutely going to froth as you take in the ancient ruins.
Traveling solo is also super easy in Athens; you’ll find loads of hostels, and for the most part, you’ll be busy from morning until evening.
You can join different walking or eating tours, so you won’t be wandering around alone. Or, if you prefer solo time, the museums are the perfect escape to go at your own pace and learn about the Greek Empire.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Some stops in Greece are the Parthenon, The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. But if you join your hostel on an outing, I’m almost positive you’ll swing by all the popular sites.
This hostel is my favorite in Athens for solo travelers. Their rooftop bar has some epic views, and it’s perfect for meeting others. And it has capsule beds, which, if you don’t know, are the absolute best way to sleep in a dorm. You’ll feel like you have your own private room without the price.
Mykonos
If you’re a bit of a boujee solo traveler, then Mykonos might be calling your name. The island is one of the most gorgeous islands in Greece and during the summer, the island is poppin’ with tourists. Doesn’t matter if they’re young, old, solo, together, or family. Literally, any kind of traveler there is, you will find them in Mykonos during their Greek Holiday.
Mykonos is famous for its wild nights out, and it’s not uncommon for solo travelers to get swept up in the party scene. (Especially the girlies.) Going the Mykonos as a female solo traveler is the cream of the crop when it comes to going out.
Within minutes, free drinks will be coming your way from all directions. And if you’re a guy… well, prepare to spend some money. But trust me, it’s worth it. The clubs are absolutely insane.
And after some nights out, spend your days relaxing on the beaches, soaking in the cool Mediterranean water. (It truly is the best hangover remedy.)
The best Mykonos hostel for solo travelers is Mycocoon. It has a perfect location for exploring, and the common areas are always filled with travelers.
Santorini
I don’t think it’s possible to travel to Greece and not go to Santorini. (And trust me, everyone else is thinking the same thing.)
During July and August, Santorini is wall-to-wall with tourists, and it can honestly be a bit unpleasant. But if you can plan your solo travel to Greece in early summer, then Santorini absolutely has to be on your itinerary.
The Island is breathtaking with its famous white-washed walls and blue domes. It’s a paradise for solo travelers looking to explore, relax on the beaches, and, of course, take all of the Instagram-worthy photos of your liking. The sunset every night is an event in itself, and even with all of the people gathering around to watch, it’s still one of the top five sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Take a walking tour around Oia, go on a wine-tasting tour, or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, take a quad bike tour around the island. The island is full of great activities for solo travelers in Santorini.
But if you want to go with some friends, you can stay at Caveland. It’s one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed at, and it gives you a sense of local life while also helping you meet other travelers.
Ios
Calling all gap years. Ios Island is a perfect location for solo travelers who are looking to drink some absinthe and get a little (or a lot) wild. Think Cancun—on steroids!
Ios is a gorgeous island, but it definitely attracts a much younger crowd. Which is perfect if you’re in your early twenties and looking to meet people from around the world to party with.
The island is between Naxos and Santorini, making it an easy stop for a few nights if you’re island-hopping the Cyclades. It’s a bit more of a hilly island with some stunning beaches. It’s definitely not an island for culture or history, but if you’re looking for a good time and some stunning views, Ios is the place to be.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Days are spent at the beach, curing your hangover, and once you feel better, nights become dedicated to feeling like shit again the next day. But hey, that’s what backpacking is about.
For the most epic solo travel in Ios, you gotta stay at Far Out Beach Club. It’s exactly what it sounds like and more.
Paros
Personally, I think Paros is all around the best island in Greece for solo travel. It has a little bit of everything and will have you wishing you had more time to spend there.
It’s a little bit like Mykonos with its beautiful turquoise beaches, and omg you can’t imagine how good the food is here. It’s unreal.
The villages are so quaint and cute, making it fun to explore on your own. You can head down to the water and watch fishermen reeling in the day’s catch, grab a coffee at one of the local cafes, and people-watch. And while it might sound really laidback, when the sun goes down, the nightlife is actually pretty great.
And it’s not overcrowded yet. I imagine in the next year or two, everyone who is sick of fighting the crowds in Mykonos and Santorini will be making their way to Paros. But until that happens, we enjoy!
The best hostel in Paros for solo travelers is Paros Backpackers. They have everything you need for a relaxing stay, and their rooftop has some sick views of the sunset.
The Best Travel Apps for Solo Travel in Greece
Here are a handful of the best travel apps I used when solo traveling in Greece that made life a while lot easier for me.
- Google Maps – The best way to get around.
- Google Translate – Don’t know Greek? No problem!
- Booking.com – The easiest way to book your stay as a solo traveler.
- Hostelworld – A great alternative to booking.com.
- Tinder – Great for meeting friends, not just looking for some action.
- GetYourGuide – Book tours and meet other travelers.
- Whatsapp – I’m looking at you, Americans.
- Ferryhopper – The best way to book ferrys when island hopping..
- Jetpac – An e-SIM application that allows you to download a data-only SIM card without installing a physical card
You can also check out facebook groups such as ‘Women in Athens’ to meet other female travelers.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Greece
Greece has your typical European safety concerns when it comes to traveling. Pickpocketing and tourist scamming are the most common. Just make sure to keep your wits about you, hold on to your belongings, and don’t get in a cab without confirming the price.
Photo: @freeborn_aiden
Greece really depends on their tourism, so making sure it continues to be a top destination is important to them. So I’m not saying things don’t happen, but you should feel at ease traveling solo in Greece.
If you’re exploring the nightlife in Greece (which you should), just make sure not to drink too much, and try to find a group to go out with. Girls, don’t walk along at night. Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean men are any less creepy.
Ya, feel me? Be smart, and you’ll be safe.
Tips for Solo Travelling in Greece
You aren’t first, and you won’t be the last person to travel solo in Greece, so here are some of the best travel tips to make sure you’re trip will go smoothly.
- Stay in a hostel – This is one of the best ways to meet other travelers and join different group activities.
- Book Tours – It’s one of the best ways to experience a country. Plus, it’s a great way to meet others traveling solo.
- Join Facebook groups – Not only will you find useful information but you can also connect with other travelers.
- Be flexible – Keeping a few days open for spontaneity is super important. It allows you to meet people and go with the flow.
- Bring a portable charger – Trust me, you’ll use your phone more than you think for maps, translations, and, of course, taking photos. Having a charged phone is always important for safety and convenience.
- Learn some basic Greek phrases. The locals will appreciate the effort, and it can help in certain situations where English may not be widely spoken.
- Do the touristy things… there is a reason they’re popular.
- With that being said, don’t do an activity you don’t want to do. Just because a group of people are going to hike Mount Olympus doesn’t mean you have to if it’s not your thing.
- Dine alone!!! Don’t be afraid to sit by yourself and indulge in a delicious Greek meal. I’ve eaten way too many shitty meals because I didn’t have anyone to go with.
- Book travel insurance. I don’t care what your aunt Susan says. Things happen, and your safety is the number one concern.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Words for Your Solo Greece Trip
Woo hoo—and I’m out!! Greece is one of my favorite destinations, and I’m pumped for you to be done waiting on someone to join you and, instead, book that freakin plane ticket and go solo.
After that first bite of Gyro, you’ll be in heaven, and all will be right in the world. And I promise you’ll meet people. The country is crawling with solo travelers who will want to be your friend just as badly as you want them to be yours.
And the best part of all—you can’t go wrong. Whether you spend a few days in Athens or Santorini, or even if you skip my advice completely and go to Crete or Macedonia, solo travel in Greece is full of epic surprises. You know, the kind of suprises that will have you wondering why you didn’t go any sooner.
But never mind that you’re here now. You’re about to have the most epic Greek adventure! Enjoy it.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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