Solo Travel in Greece: The Ultimate Guide (2025)

Containing 6,000 islands, a solo trip to Greece offers everything travellers could want. From Santorini's unique beaches to Zakynthos' jaw-dropping beauty, Greece is a gem for solo travel. The sheer diversity across the islands unites history, amiable locals, delicious cuisine, and a charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. I have adored every second of my Greek adventures, visiting many times over the years and I always find leaving such an exquisite part of the world difficult– even after 10 years of solo travelling!

In a dream world without Brexit restrictions and Schengen area regulations, my wandering soul could easily settle in Greece. I feel like Greece has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with abundant travellers heading to islands like Rhodes and Corfu. However it's still very possible to head off the beaten track and find lesser known gems such as the quiet, laid-back, non-touristic feel of Hydra offered serenity and peace like nowhere else. 

A solo Greece trip can be whatever you want it to be. If you’re a hardcore party-goer hoping to rave the night away, Mykonos and Zante in the peak of the summer may be the perfect fit. I prefer to dabble with a little nightlife but spend most of my time hiking, exploring national parks, eating at local restaurants, and enjoying an authentic solo trip. I was in my element strolling down flower-adored streets, stroking cats, eating moussaka, and venturing into coves and caves. 

Planning a solo trip to Greece? Here's where you'll find:

1. Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Greece
2. How To Get To Greece As A Solo Traveller
3. Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Greece
4. Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Greece?
5. How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Greece?
6. How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Greece
7. Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Greece
8. SIM Cards in Greece
9. Is Greece a Good Place to Travel Solo?
10. How Much Does A Solo Trip To Greece Cost?
11. Is Greece Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?
12. Best Places For Solo Travel In Greece
13. How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Greece?

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Greece

So, what is there to know before you solo travel Greece? The climate brings plenty of sun year-round but extremely high temperatures at the peak of summer. For comfortable weather conditions and fewer tourists, heading to Greek islands off-peak is wise. As a solo female traveller, I loved my visits to Greece and found it an amazing country for women travelling by themselves. If you're dreaming of living your Mamma Mia fantasy this summer – this solo travel in Greece guide will help you plan every detail!

Locals were incredibly receptive and warm, smiling in the street and trying to chat in bars and restaurants, but I need to learn more Greek to have better interactions! Along with Greek, you’ll likely hear Albanian, Turkish, Arumanian, and Bulgarian, adding another layer of diversity to the country. English is also spoken, but mostly in tourist areas and some restaurants. If I could magic a wand and make it possible to stay in Greece for a year or two I would do so in a heartbeat. Take me back to the crystal waters of Paxos, now, please!

How To Get To Greece As A Solo Traveller

Taking a flight from the UK to Greece only takes a few hours and costs aren’t scarily high. Flight prices can be such a slap in the face, but travelling so much over the last 10 years has taught me how to find the best deals for flights, accommodation, and entire trips! Ferries are the best way to island-hop around Greece, so remember to carve out some of your budget for additional travel when you’re ready to explore other islands than the one you initially landed in. 

Flight prices across Greek islands can vary a lot. The flights above only have around a £100 difference, but this is money that could be spent elsewhere on ferries or activities. When arranging your Greek adventure, it’s a good idea to choose an island with cheaper flights, start your trip there and head to other islands via ferries to cut costs. Ferries are affordable, especially for foot passengers, so you can venture far and wide in the 90-day limit! 

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Greece

Sourcing cheap flights to Greece means saving money before even setting off! Flights can make a big dent in your budget, so I created a money-saving flight guide with all my tips. But here are a few of the ways I regularly save money on flights to Europe and beyond:

Travel Off Peak

If I could suggest just one piece of advice for travelling, it’s to book your trip out of peak season! Not only does this mean cheaper flight and accommodation prices, but it also means a far quieter time at the airport, with fewer people and queues to deal with. 

Use Comparison Websites

Comparison websites are my absolute saviour. When I first began solo travelling, hours, days, and weeks would go by as I hunted the best deals from every corner of the internet. Thankfully, this hasn’t been the case over the last few years. Instead of wasting countless hours, I put my faith in Skyscanner– a comparison website that makes it effortless to see the best flight deals for a range of locations, dates, prices, and lengths. 

Book With A VPN

Flight prices displayed online depend on where you are, so they can vary… a lot! Using a VPN means you can ping your location elsewhere and explore the same flights for a cheaper cost. It’s only over the last few years that I started to do this, and it’s astonishing how much price variation exists simply because of a location change. My top VPN recommendation is Surfshark – I've used it for 5+ years and have saved thousands on booking trips!

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Greece?

Greece is in the Schengen area, so visitors from the UK can only stay as tourists for 90 days in any 180 days. Holding a valid passport is essential with validity for 3 months after you plan to depart from Greece. If you want to stay longer in Greece you’ll need to obtain a visa from the Greek authorities. For more information about Greek entry requirements, explore the UK GOV website here.

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Greece?

What do you plan on getting out of your solo trip to Greece? Are you looking to dive into a fully planned and organised trip, or meet other backpackers on a group tour? Maybe the idea of planning feels too regimented, so you only want to book flights? Whatever your plans are for Greece, there’s a trip waiting to fill your soul and feed your love for travel.

Entire Planned Trip

Organising your entire trip means there’s no guesswork on the ground. With a structured itinerary, you can arrange flights, places to stay, and activities so there’s not much to think about when you land. This can be perfect for beginner travellers with little solo experience. And to find the best deals? Jet2 offers package holidays designed for solo travellers at affordable prices for a trip filled with epic adventures. Make sure you use the code SOLO30 when booking to save money on your solo trips!

Group Trip

Part of the reason I love travelling so much is the epic people I meet on the way. Group trips aren’t for everyone, but if you’re thinking about getting social on your Greek holiday, adventuring with others is the perfect opportunity. By meeting other travellers on a group tour or activity, you can bond over something new and exciting, breaking the ice in moments.

G Adventures have some amazing Greece group tours that are perfect for solo travellers and travellers craving adventure!

Flight and One Night Accommodation  

I haven’t always been a spontaneous person, but travelling for the past decade has taught me to lean into the unknown and trust myself. If you feel like pushing yourself and have some solo travel experience to back you, why not just book your flight and first night’s accommodation? You’ll feel incredible and proud to plan parts of your trip as you go along, seeing where the salty Greek air takes you next with little to no planning. 

How To Book Hostels And Hotels In Greece

Endless white and blue painted buildings are scattered across Greece and many are accommodation for tourists. Whether you plan on staying in the heart of towns or prefer serenity at beachside hotels, you won’t be disappointed by Hotels.com, Booking or Hostelworld. Both websites scan the internet to find the best accommodation deals available. Users are free to set location and date ranges and read the honest reviews left by other travellers for an accurate picture of what the accommodation is like. 

I stay in a range of hostels for affordability and ideal opportunities to meet other travellers. Sometimes, however, I prefer a taste of luxury from a boutique hotel or spa retreat. Looking independently for indulgent accommodation would take hours and I’d likely only find limited expensive options, so I turn to Booking where endless accommodation opportunities exist. I’ve become an expert at cutting costs for trips and have so many tips for scoring cheap hotel deals!

How To Book Transfers And Ferries In Greece

Greek island hopping is a fun, exciting way to experience the country, and ferries are the best way to get from one to the next. Finding the best prices for ferries is a breeze using Ferryscanner. It works like other comparison websites like Skyscanner, comparing routes, prices, and various companies to uncover top deals. 

For Greece, the multi-route option is a game-changer and helps match your budget with the islands and journeys you want to visit. Results are displayed in moments, and travellers praise Ferryscanner for availability, prices, and helpful customer service. 

Currency, Plugs And The Best Ways To Get Around

Greece uses the euro, with cash favoured over cards in rural areas and smaller islands. I like to use a mixture of cash and card while travelling as it means there’s a backup payment method if one is replaced. Along with euros, you need to pack adaptors for plug types C and F and plenty of cool but shady clothing during the summer when temperatures skyrocket. Check out my packing guide for ultimate tips on packing for long-term adventures. 

What are the best ways to navigate around Greece? My favourite way to explore is on foot, it gives you the opportunity to learn your way around a new place, to chat with locals and discover hidden gems! Walking may not be feasible when travelling larger distances, so rely on buses, trains, ferries, taxis, or a vehicle rental to get around. Knowing a little Greek can help buy tickets, but it’s not essential as some Greek people speak English, and you can always use a translation app!

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Greece

Arranging plans for your solo Greece trip is an exciting time, but it can be easy to skip the important stuff. Travel insurance isn’t a must, but I can only describe the comfort and peace of mind it gives me overseas. Being covered for unexpected events like flight delays, lost baggage, and illness means I’m more relaxed and become a yes person. Read my comprehensive travel insurance guide, and find my top insurance choice below: 

I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. If you need travel insurance for a solo trip to Greece, SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance Essential provides coverage in 175+ countries, and you have complete control over when your policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong its great to have back-up in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes, so it's good to know that when things go wrong I've got a good insurance policy in my corner.

They also cover:

• Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
• Emergency dental care up to $1000
• Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
• Coverage for lost checked luggage
• Flights home if something bad happens
• Continued coverage for visits back home
• Coverage for motor accidents
• Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

If you need coverage for a longer period, you might consider looking at their Complete plan - includes all Essential features, plus comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, most countries in the world, including in your home country.

Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers

Best eSIM For Travelling To Greece

As a digital nomad, working and travelling the globe simultaneously, I need the ability to use my phone. Staying connected is a must for me for safety, navigation and keeping in touch with friends and family, but I don’t want to pay premium prices or date roaming fees! That’s why I’ve leaned on Holafly to keep me connected over the last few years. 

Holafly eSIMs are available for over 200 countries and regions, offering users competitive prices to stay connected. For Greece, eSIM plans start at just £4 and take minutes to purchase and activate from whichever glorious island you’re on!

My number one solo travel safety hack is eSIMs – they're a lifesaver for solo female travellers who want to feel confident when travelling alone. Why does this make solo travel safer? Because the second you touch down in a new destination you have access to the internet and can text/make calls. An eSIM is invaluable for solo travellers to be able to navigate & look up directions, find their hotel, book an Uber and stay connected with friends and family. Holafly are my go-to eSIM provider and I have a special discount code ABSOLUTELYLUCY for 5% off at Holafly – get yours now to prepare for first time solo travel. 

Read my full blog post on the Best eSIM For Solo Female Travellers To Beat Roaming Charges for more information.

Is Greece A Good Place To Travel Solo?

Greece may be hailed a honeymoon paradise, but why not head there on a solo trip? The climate is a dream, the sea is clean and pure, and the cuisine is fresh, delicious, and such a huge part of Greek culture. Nothing feels more blissful than soaking up rays with a Mythos in hand, listening to waves breaking softly on the shore.

Across every Greek island are numerous ways to spend your time. In Rhodes, explore the Acropolis of Lindos, the Old Town, and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes to unravel the island’s history. Experience nature like nowhere else on Paxos, where you’ll find Ermitis Bay Beach, Harami Beach, and Orkos Beach– three of the island’s treasured beaches with water so clear you can see your toes!

Hostels and hotels are easy to find, and staying in the former is the perfect plan for meeting up with other backpackers! Solo travelling Greece was simply epic. I love Greek culture, food, traditions, and festivals, and met other backpackers on my trip who couldn’t get enough of the south-eastern European jewel either!

Should I Go To Greece On My First Solo Trip?

So, you’re thinking of planning a trip to solo travel Greece, but you’ve never been away alone before… is it still a good idea? ABSOLUTELY! The sheer volume of things to do across all the habitable islands is mind-blowing and the locals are so warm and friendly. My Greek can definitely improve, and even though my phrases are limited, so many older ladies in quaint villages still wanted to chat. It's a very safe destination and easy to navigate which makes it a great one for finding your solo travel confidence.

A holiday to Greece costs a substantial amount, but being smart and cutting costs in different ways will save a lot. As a popular destination for worldwide tourists, avoid visiting in the peak of summer when prices and the volume of people are higher. Stick to spring and early autumn to get plenty of vitamin D without the swarms of crowds. Travellers explore Greece year-round so you’ll never be alone, and may find other backpackers being around a comforting confidence boost. 

Is Greece Expensive For A Solo Traveller?

When travelling solo, lots of people assume a trip will be more expensive since costs can’t be shared with a partner, friend, or group, but this isn’t always the case! Solo travel means only having to take care of yourself, so one plane, bus, or ferry ticket, and solo dining which saves a surprising amount. Islands such as Tinos, Naxos, and Andros don’t experience the same volume of tourists compared to Rhodes or Athens making them a little more affordable. 

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Greece Cost?

Estimating the cost of a solo trip to Greece depends on how you plan to spend your time. Island hopping for an entire three months, staying in hotels, and dining out at fancy restaurants costs a lot more than exploring only two or three islands and choosing hostel accommodation. Let’s break down an approximate monthly spend in Greece for solo tourists:

One Month in Greece

I’ve based the transport estimation relatively high to include ferry fares, but costs will be far lower if you’re sticking to mainland Greece. Don’t forget to explore the range of free entry sites, beaches, and hikes to bring variation to each day and stretch your budget to last the trip duration. Keeping an eye on your spending is so important if you want to make genuine savings when travelling the world – read my best moneysaving tips for travellers.

Is Greece Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

Crime rates are low in Greece and as a solo female, I felt safe the entire time. From walking the cobbled streets of Hydra to hiking the Aphrodite Nature Trail in Cyprus, every interaction was positive and painted a huge smile on my face. Practising the same precautions you would in any location is wise. Trust your gut, avoid walking alone in the dark, and save the hostel details in your phone in case you get lost and need help. 

Tourist areas may be vulnerable to pickpockets, so keep belongings close and avoid flashing cash or expensive cameras etc. Trust me when I say you’ll be able to unwind in Greece. It’s like the landscape knew what we humans would need and oh boy it delivered! Traverse mountainous terrain in search of picture-perfect sunsets and find yourself in tranquillity like never before. I know how hard it can be to dive into the world of solo female travel, so read my tips and more from my decade of exploring the globe.

Which Part Of Greece Is Best For Solo Female Travellers?

My favourite destination in Greece for solo female travellers? Santorini. It might not be a small island, but it packs an absolute spectacle with a famed volcano emerging from the sea, rugged landscape and panoramas that belong in frames on walls. Tourists visit Santorini, but less so than other Greek islands so there’s plenty of space at attractions and less time spent in queues.

Santorini

If there’s one thing you do, visit the Santorini Caldera– a mostly submerged volcano with stoney terrain and widespread views in every direction. For an in-depth experience, take a guided boat tour and learn about the volcano’s history and the geology of the dramatic landscape.

• Best Hotel: Marianna Hotel
• Best Hostel: Youth Hostel Anna
• Best things to do in Santorini

Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Greece?

Let’s be honest, every Greek island is the perfect idyllic getaway, but which ones are the best for solo travellers? I’ve selected a few locations which shone on my recent trip to Greece, kicking things off with the paradise island of Hydra.

Hydra

I fell in love with Hydra from the moment I began exploring. Hydra is a lesser-known island, so I leant into the serenity with open arms, marvelling at the exquisite architecture and picturesque scenery. I was lucky enough to stay in boutique hotels during my visit, for a peaceful but luxurious treat a 90-minute ferry away from Athens. 

• Best Hotel: Delfini Hotel
• Best things to do in Hydra

Athens

The charming island of Athens is a favourite of tourists, home to the ancient Acropolis, Parthenon, and Panathenaic Stadium, all of which simply blew my mind. Visiting Athens is like stepping back in time, and with such proximity to Hydra, why not merge both islands over a few days? 

• Best Hotel: Arethusa Hotel Athens
• Best Hostel: Safestay Athens Monastiraki
• Best things to do in Athens

Rhodes

Rhodes is a popular location for tourists, but outside peak times, visitors can walk the quaint streets and absorb the beauty of the UNESCO medieval city. With cafes, bars, and restaurants everywhere, you can sit and watch the world go by before getting adventurous and wandering the Village of Lindos, getting a sun-kissed glow at Tsambika Beach, or braving Mandomata Nudist Beach to beat tan lines!

• Best Hotel: Meliton Hotel
• Best Hostel: Rhodes Backpackers
• Best things to do in Rhodes

Crete

Greece’s biggest island is Crete– a must-visit for tavernas, abundant beaches (of course), and an impressive volume of historical sites like The Palace of Knossos, Spinalonga, and the Old Venetian Harbour. Due to Crete’s popularity, it’s best to make the effort and head to attractions early to beat the crows and get uninterrupted pictures.

• Best Hotel: Istron Homes
• Best Hostel: Matala Hostel
• Best things to do in Crete

Corfu

The underrated island of Corfu offers historic monuments, an epic mountainous landscape, and pristine waters– albeit a bit chilly out of the summer season! Olive trees bejewel the north of the island, and nature thrives wildly over the rocky coastline. The Old Town is the best place to find unique crafts and handmade items, along with tasty food like Pastitsada, Sofrito, and Sicomada. 

• Hotel: Seaside Resorts
• Hostel: Sunrock
• Best things to do in Corfu

Kefalonia

Calling the Ionian Sea home, Kefalonia offers a mixture of white sand and pebble beaches, friendly locals, and scenic, vibrant villages. Before venturing to the island, I hadn’t heard much about Kefalonia, but now it’s a destination I would return to again and again. The villages of Fiscardo and Assos are must-sees for an insight into Kefalonian culture and history.

• Best Hotel: Summer Sun
• Best things to do in Kefalonia

Paros

Captivating the hearts of every visitor is Paros, boasting cobblestone streets, blissful beaches, and ancient ruins remembering the island’s past. The Old Port of Naoussa is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever eaten, looking out at boats bobbing around on the harbour and inhaling salty sea air. 

• Best Hotel: Londos Hotel
• Best Hostel: Paros Backpackers
• Best things to do in Paros

Naxos

Simply put, Naxos has it all. It’s not a party destination, but instead somewhere to de-stress, and wind down, with average cheaper prices than Paros. Spanning 429.8 km², the island is on the bigger side, so taking a few days to explore is wise so you don’t miss anything! I recommend the Cedar Forest of Alyko, Kastraki Beach, and if you’re up for a challenge, a hike through Zas Mountain. 

• Best Hotel: Aegean Palace
• Best Hostel: Rea Sun
• Best things to do in Naxos

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling To Greece?

Making friends can feel impossible sometimes, especially when you grow accustomed to spending time alone on a solo trip to Greece! But bonding with other travellers is rewarding and great for social skills and confidence, so I’ve got you covered with an in-depth guide to travelling solo, and top tips for meeting people below:

Be Yourself

You are the only version of yourself in the world, so why try to be anything else? When you first arrive at your hostel, chatting and making friends can feel overwhelming. The easiest thing you can do is take a deep breath and introduce yourself. Keep it real and talk about where you’ve travelled from and your plans, and ask others about their journey too!

Stay In Hostels

Hostels are a simple way of being around lots of other travellers in one place. They are cheap, well-equipped, and provide the perfect opportunity for getting to know new people. Hang out in communal areas and invite others to join you for drinks or dinner to bond over something delicious. 

Join Online Travel Communities

Social media makes it effortless to make online friends and join travel communities. Travel groups can be an awesome way of learning more about a destination from people who have explored a location before, and interact with travellers heading to Greece at the same time as you! If it’s your first solo overseas adventure, why not suggest meeting up with others travelling to the same area so you’ll have a familiar face to look forward to when you land?

I've just launched a new solo female travel community – why not join us?