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Considering a solo adventure? Embarking on a solo holiday to the Greek islands opens the door to a diverse range of locations, with plenty to see, do and explore.
From why Greece is an excellent choice to the best Greek islands for solo travellers, here’s everything you need to know.
Why go on a solo trip to Greece?
The Greek islands are an excellent choice for a solo trip. Greece is a popular tourist destination well equipped for all kinds of travellers, including solo. There are a variety of beautiful destinations to explore, whether you want to settle in one location or head out island hopping.
Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider Greece for your next solo trip:
Scenic views and landscapes
Much of Greece is packed with unspoiled towns and villages and gorgeous coastlines, but there are scenic views to be found in the bustling towns and cities, too. Whether you’re looking for historic ruins and lush countryside or picturesque beaches and towns, there’s an awe-inspiring view around every corner in Greece.
Excellent food and drink
If you’re interested in sampling local cuisine, Greece is a must-visit! Greece is excellent for foodies, with dishes packed with fresh ingredients and great flavours. Visit traditional tavernas and tucked-away harbourside restaurants for a true taste of Greece.
Traveller friendly
As a common tourist destination, Greece is well known for its warm hospitality. You’ll find plenty of friendly locals and traveller-oriented destinations, helping to create a safe, sociable atmosphere on a solo trip.
Diverse things to do
Solo travelling is a great time to do exactly what you want, whether that’s exploring history and culture, food and drink, beach relaxation or socialising – or a combination of all! Greece offers an excellent mix of everything, so you can tailor your trip to your tastes.
Warm climate
If you want sun during your solo adventure, look no further than Greece. Greece has an incredibly long summer season, meaning there’s plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun. If you’re into beaches and watersports, the Greek islands are packed with diverse coastlines, too, with the pleasant temperatures adding to the holiday experience.
Popular with solo travellers
Due to all these reasons, the Greek islands are a popular choice with other solo travellers – so you’re in luck if you want to meet like-minded people! If you want to socialise during your trip, sign up for group tours and participate in group activities. There are plenty of new connections waiting!
Where are the best Greek islands for a solo holiday?
If you’re sold on a solo holiday to the Greek islands, here are just some of the stunning locations you should consider…
1. Crete
As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete offers a good mix of things to see and do. It’s a large island, leaving a solo traveller plenty to discover – which means you can explore multiple locations across one island if you don’t want to commit to island hopping.
From visiting the Ancient Ruins of Knossos and hiking the beautiful Samaria Gorge to exploring charming villages and beaches, Crete offers various environments for solo travellers wanting a rich cultural experience.
2. Paros
Paros is a Greek island that combines the traditional and the cosmopolitan – making an excellent blend for solo travellers wanting a well-rounded trip.
For history and culture, you can visit the Panagia Ekatontapiliani church (also known as the Church of a Hundred Doors), with its beautiful Byzantine-era interior. This is one of Greece’s oldest and most significant Christian monuments, said to be founded by Saint Constantine the Great in the 4th century. If beaches are more your thing, Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) is a popular spot for sunbathing and watersports, while Monastiri Beach is better known for its relaxed, secluded atmosphere.
3. Naxos
If you’re a solo traveller looking for less touristy and more local vibes, Naxos offers a good option for a relaxed solo trip. Here, you can find traditional villages and ancient ruins offering plenty to explore.
Visit Portara, or Apollo’s Gate, an ancient marble gate dedicated to Apollo, or the Archaeological Museum to learn about the area’s history. Naxos has a varied landscape, too, meaning you can dedicate your time to relaxing on the sandy beaches or hiking and exploring the luscious countryside.
4. Patmos
Patmos is a small, religiously significant island, also referred to as “Jerusalem of the Aegon.” On Patmos, you can find two stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse – making the island perfect for solo travellers who want to immerse themselves in a rich, spiritual history.
Alongside the history, the tranquil atmosphere of Patmos means it’s an excellent spot to visit alone. You can explore peaceful villages, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and natural beauty – all exuding small island charm.
5. Sifnos
If you’re a solo traveller to the Greek islands wanting a varied experience, head to Sifnos. On this beautiful island, you’ll discover cosy, quiet cafes and restaurants perfect for sitting alone and soaking in the atmosphere as well as livelier clubs and bars if you want to socialise.
Sifnos is renowned for its food, with local specialities like mastelo, an aromatic braised lamb dish cooked with red wine, and amygdalota, an almond pastry, well worth a try. Alongside food and drink, there are picturesque villages and a rich culture and history. Head to The Church of Seven Martyrs in Kastro or keep an eye out for local festivals where you can immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture.
Greek island hopping: A great way for solo travellers to explore
If you’re planning a solo holiday to the Greek islands and can’t settle on a destination, an island hopping adventure means you can see as much of this stunning location as possible!
Island hopping doesn’t have to be just you and a backpack – it can be fully planned as part of a multi-centre trip, allowing you to visit two or three standout locations and see all that Greece has to offer in one holiday.
If you’re considering planning a Greek island hopping holiday, here are some of our top suggestions.
Dodecanese Islands
Island hopping around the historic Dodecanese Islands is perfect for solo travellers who love to explore. This island hopping trip combines three popular holiday locations, offering various options to suit any tastes.
Begin in Rhodes, the largest and sunniest island in the Mediterranean, and explore wooded valleys and mountains alongside stunning beaches and clear waters. From the charismatic Old Town to nightlife and fascinating history, Rhodes offers a diverse environment and a memorable holiday experience.
From Rhodes, you can head to Symi. This small mountainous island is peaceful and unspoiled, perfect for the ultimate relaxation. Visit the harbour town of Gialos with its beautiful neoclassical colourful houses or take a boat trip around the island to explore secluded coves and beautiful bays.
To end your Dodecanese island hopping holiday, you can visit Kos. Kos caters to every traveller, whether you’re looking for a laid-back end to your trip or something a little livelier. Hike Mount Dikeos for stunning views of the island, visit the northern beaches for watersports, head into Kos Town for upmarket cocktails and food, or explore the historic Old Town.
Learn more about Dodecanese island hopping holidays with eShores.
Thessaloniki & The Sporades
For a good mix of cosmopolitan and historic adventures, a solo island hopping holiday around Thessaloniki and The Sporades islands is a must. Begin in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. You can explore all this bustling city has to offer before taking off to relax in quieter locations around The Sporades – a group of unspoiled islands in the Aegean Sea.
In Alonnisos, you can visit the charming port town of Patitiri, with its charming traditional tavernas and beautiful waterfront views. With lush greenery and hills, hidden coves and stunning bays, this location offers a slow pace and natural beauty – ideal for solo travellers to Greece who want to sit back and unwind.
For more natural beauty, you can then visit Skopelos. This picturesque island offers a stunning coastline with whitewashed houses and was also the location for the first Mamma Mia film – so film and musical buffs can enjoy discovering iconic views from the big screen. The town has winding streets, perfect for exploring solo on foot. For those wanting a longer walk, you can head to the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri. Fans of Mamma Mia will recognise this iconic church that sits perched on the edge of a cliff, but it’s well worth the climb whether you’re a fan of the film or not.
You can end your island hopping holiday in Skiathos, where you’ll find some of the best beaches in Greece. Lalaria, which is only accessible by boat, is a must-see. Then, explore historic sites like the Bourtzi Fortress. Located in the harbour, this fortress was built back in the 13th century to protect Skiathos from pirates!
Learn more about Thessaloniki & The Sporades island hopping with eShores.
Cyclades islands
One of the best things about solo travel is getting to do exactly what you want, and, for many, this means ticking as many diverse locations off the list as possible. For that, try a Cyclades island hopping holiday. Located in the southern Aegean Sea, this collection of islands is great for solo travellers who want a diverse mix of experiences, with nightlife, exploration, history, shopping and culture all in abundance.
You can begin your adventure in Santorini. While this iconic location is often associated with romance, there are breathtaking views, diverse activities and cultural exploration that are perfect for enjoying solo – as well as a great social atmosphere for those who want to mingle and meet like-minded travellers.
Next, visit Ios. This vibrant island boasts hilltop villages and a rich history, and the beaches are a must-visit. Mylopotas Beach is a vibrant area with plenty of dining and drinking options. For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, the southern side of the island and Manganari Beach is a must.
From Ios, it’s just a short trip to Naxos, where you’ll find unique countryside, atmospheric mountain villages, ruined monasteries and excellent walking trails, alongside plenty of spots where you can sit back, relax and take in the island’s natural beauty.
Finally, you can finish your Greek solo island hopping holiday with a visit to the prestigious Mykonos. Mykonos is famed for its nightlife, which is perfect if you want to socialise and meet new people, however, the charming Mykonos Town, with its Cycladic architecture and iconic windmills, is excellent for solo travellers looking to explore alone. This stylish island is one of the most cosmopolitan in Greece; you’ll find plenty of boutiques and shopping opportunities dotted around the labyrinthine streets and colourful harbour.
With bustling bars, lively towns, secluded countryside and ancient history combined, the Cyclades islands offer a taste of everything Greece has to offer.
Learn more about Cyclades island hopping holidays with eShores.
Whether you’re set on one Greek island or interested in exploring multiple islands, Greece is an excellent location for solo travellers wanting a combination of history, culture, sun and sand.
If you’d like help planning your next solo adventure, just get in touch with our friendly team, who can help you plan your dream itinerary.
