Looking to visit the best Greek islands for solo travel?
Then you’re in the right place!
Everyone traveling to Greece has heard of the tourist hotspots of Mykonos and Santorini, but as a Greek-American raised between Greece and the United States, it pains me that people often don’t explore any of Greece’s other 227 inhabited islands.
From calm oases with sparkling turquoise waters to foodie capitals and cosmopolitan destinations, the Greek islands offer jaw-dropping beauty and a wide variety of experiences.
Best of all, if you want to travel solo, they tend to be safe and very easy to navigate.
I’ve explored over 40 of them at this point, and I’m excited to share some of my favorite Greek islands for solo travel. Additionally, I polled some of my Greek friends to create a well-rounded guide for those traveling alone to Greece!
Short on time? Here are some quick tips for solo travel in the Greek islands:
Athens Airport Transfer: Book that here
Safety: I never leave home without my TSA-approved She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments, and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves.
Accommodation: This map can help you choose top-rated accommodation in the Greek islands. It is currently set to Syntagma Square in Athens, but you can easily change it to your intended destination in Greece.
Travel Insurance: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (robust)
Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM
Best Greek Islands for Solo Travel
No trip to Greece would be complete without visiting the Greek islands, especially the following options that are great for solo travel:
1. Syros
Syros’ main town, Ermoupolis (also known as Ermoupoli and Hermoupolis), is the capital of the Cyclades, the island chain that includes Mykonos and Paros. Thanks to its stunning neoclassical architecture and classy atmosphere, the island of Syros is known as “The Lady of the Aegean.”
On this safe and easy-to-navigate island, you can experience fine Greek dining, elegant cocktail bars, and lovely walks down picturesque streets. This makes it a top destination for solo female travel in the Greek islands.
If you like walking and don’t mind going up and down some steps, you can explore the main towns of Ermoupolis and Ano Syros without a car.
Ermoupolis is the main town with cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique shops, lovely churches, and miles of pedestrian alleys weaving through beautiful neoclassical housing.
While here, explore the area around Miaouli Square, wander the charming pedestrian alleys of the Vaporia Quarter, try restaurants like To Tsipouradiko Tis Mirsinis and Avant Garden, and spend an afternoon swimming and sipping cocktails paired with waterfront views at Ciel.
From Ermoupolis you can walk 30 minutes or take a free bus to Ano Syros, a smaller medieval hilltop village with its own stores, eateries, and churches. While here, admire the beauty of St. George’s Cathedral, get a cocktail at Theosis, and enjoy panoramic views over Ermoupolis and the Aegean Sea.
While on Syros, you should also book a taxi to check out the beautiful beaches outside town, like Agathopes and Kini. Call ahead during the high season of August!
For an extra special treat, book a tasting at Chatzakis Winery on the north side of the island.
Where to stay: To truly experience all of Syros, book a stay in one of the many neoclassical mansions-turned-boutique hotels. These include the Arion Hotel, Villa Selena, and Aristide Hotel.
Getting to Syros: During summer, multiple ferries leave daily from Piraeus Port in Athens for Syros. Though there is an airport, flights are less frequent.
2. Sifnos
International tourists are often unfamiliar with this foodie island capital in Greece. Sifnos is known for its beautiful castle town, pottery tradition, and best of all, delicious local dishes.
An extraordinarily safe destination for solo travelers, Sifnos’ main town of Apollonia is easily walkable. Explore the smaller, lovely connecting village of Artemonas on foot as well.
The great thing about Sifnos is you can enjoy a solo beach trip to beautiful Mediterranean beaches like Platis Gialos without feeling isolated or overly crowded.
Visit the ancient cliffside town of Kastro (Castle), where narrow, winding streets lead you past whitewashed houses and Venetian ruins, before descending a scenic path to the iconic Church of the Seven Martyrs and taking in panoramic views from its dramatic perch over the Aegean Sea.
Near these sites, you can dine at delicious restaurants like Astro, which offers tasty Sifnian cuisine with stunning sea views, and Kafeneio Drakakis, known for its local dishes and relaxed ambiance.
When you go out for dinner, try local dishes like kaparosalata (caper salad), manoura (a local cheese), or melopita (a type of honey pie). Your tastebuds will thank you!
Where to stay: I recommend booking a hotel in the main town of Apollonia, such as the lovely Nival Hotel. If you prefer the beach, book a room on the popular Platis Gialos Beach at a highly-rated property like Niriedes Hotel and Irini Pension.
Getting to Sifnos: Daily ferries to Sifnos depart from Athens’ Piraeus port throughout the summer season.
3. Kimolos
Kimolos is a favorite solo beach destination for both tourists and locals looking for a traditional, relaxing, old-school island vibe.
This isn’t the island for beach bars and nightlife. Instead, visit for turquoise waters and idyllic beaches without a lounge chair in sight.
Kimolos’ beaches, relaxing atmosphere, and incredible hospitality make it one of the best Greek islands to visit solo. The locals here are known to be extra welcoming to visitors.
The best way to enjoy the island is to do very little. Take a dip at the beach, eat fresh seafood at a local taverna, and admire traditional architecture as you walk through the streets of Chorio—the island’s main (and only) village.
When you want sun and sea, visit Goupa Kara Beach and Aliki, or check out Prassa Beach for one of the more organized beaches with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and bar/cafe service.
If you have time, book a day trip by boat to Polyaigos, an uninhabited island across the sea. You can book the trip through a local agency once you arrive.
Where to stay: Most hotels are clustered in the town of Chorio, or by the beaches of Aliki and Bonatsa—like the beautiful beachfront Alisea Resort. If you have some money to splurge, rent a small house by the beach so you can start your day with a refreshing dip. Click here to view top-rated Kimolos hotels.
Getting to Kimolos: The best way to get to Kimolos is to take the ferry (3 hours) or plane (30 minutes) to nearby Milos, then take a half-hour ferry from the port of Apollonia, Milos to Kimolos Island.
4. Karpathos
Known for its incredible water, traditional Greek villages, lunar landscapes, great windsurfing, and epic hiking trails, Karpathos has been surging in popularity as a travel destination.
Karpathos is a great island for solo travelers who want to experience more of an adventure on the Greek islands—if you don’t mind driving a fair amount, that is.
Drive up to Olympos, the most famous and ancient of the island’s villages. On the way back, go for a swim at Kyra Panagia or Apella Beach.
You can also wake up early to explore one of the many hiking trails on the island while avoiding the hot midday sun. Then explore the unique offerings of villages like Menetes, Aperi, and Mesochori.
While Menetes features vibrant houses stacked on a hillside and the beautiful Church of the Assumption, Aperi charms with its lush surroundings and traditional architecture. Then there is Mesochori, known for its whitewashed alleys, stunning sea views, and authentic tavernas.
The island fills with Greek-Americans during the summer, so you’ll be surrounded by English-speaking visitors looking to meet new people.
Where to stay: Most visitors stay in the main town of Pigadia (Karpathos Town) at a property like the Atlantis Hotel or Alimounda Mare. It’s recommended for solo travelers, as staying too far from the main town can feel isolating. Click here for top-rated hotels in Pigadia, though I recommend
Getting to Karpathos: Since ships take almost 12 hours to reach Karpathos from Athens, I recommend hopping on a 1-hour flight from Athens instead.
5. Koufonisia
Koufonisia is made up of two different islands. Kato (Lower) Koufonisi is a camping-only island, while Ano (Upper) Koufonisi has plenty of hotels.
Despite being close to major destinations like Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos, they have retained their traditional Greek charm, laid-back vibe, and welcoming ambiance.
Another reason solo travelers should visit Koufonisia is the stunning beaches showcasing water so vibrantly blue it looks like an Instagram filter. Hop on a boat from Chora, the main town in Ano Koufonisi, and travel around the island. You can hop off and back on whenever, and at whichever beaches you like.
Some favorites include Pori Beach on Upper Koufonisi, a very long, white sand beach with clear blue water, and Nero Beach on Lower Koufonisi, which looks like a tropical paradise.
When it’s time to eat, opt for one of the many traditional Greek restaurants by the coast, like Kalofego on Pori Beach or Armira Kai Pioto in Upper Koufonisi Town.
Where to stay: Assuming you don’t want to camp on the island of Kato Koufonisi, the best place to stay in Ano Koufonisi is Chora, which also gives you easy access to restaurants and the ferry. Some recommended properties include Aeris Suites, Koufonisi Villas, and Nysis Koufonisia.
Getting to Koufonisia: The easiest way to reach Koufonisia is by first taking a 3-hour ferry from Athens to nearby Naxos, then catching a 30-60 minute ferry from Naxos to Ano Koufonisi.
6. Hydra
Hydra is a haven for artists in the winter and a favorite getaway for richer Athenians in the summer. It’s one of the best—and closest—island escapes from Athens.
Additionally, the island is rich in history, having played a major role in the Greek War of Independence, and features plenty of fine dining and boutique shopping options. It is also a very safe and walkable island, making it a perfect place for solo travel in the Greek islands.
Hydra Town (Idra)—the island’s main town—is easily navigable on foot, and the beaches are accessible via many small tour operators that leave from the port.
Take the ferry to Bisti Beach during the day. In the evening, head back to Hydra Town to watch the sunset from Spilia Beach Bar before having a delicious meal at Techne Restaurant followed by a nightcap at Amalour.
Spend the rest of the time walking around and admiring the town’s unique architecture, and make sure to visit the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra and Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion.
Where to stay: Pick lodging anywhere within Hydra Town. For an extra touch of authenticity, stay in one of the many old remodeled captains’ mansions like Cotommatae Hydra 1810 or Keresbino Hydra Manor House.
Getting to Hydra: Hydra is only a 2-hour ferry ride from Athens’ Piraeus port, with several departures daily.
7. Anafi
This tiny island near Santorini attracts those looking to experience total peace and quiet. Though it has become more popular with younger crowds, you’ll still find tranquility among the traditional blue and white houses and cobblestone streets of Anafi.
Solo travelers will love relaxing on this island, without much to distract them from enjoying the Mediterranean sun and sea.
The relatively small size of Anafi also makes it easy to get around. Head to Roukouna Beach, Livoskopos Beach, and Agioi Anargyroi to enjoy the island’s sandy beaches in the daytime.
If you want to do something active, hike up to the Church of Panagia Kalamiotissa. It takes just over an hour, as you are climbing the second-highest rock in Europe after Gibraltar. The view of the Anafi coastline and the water below is magnificent.
Where to stay: Most of the island’s hotels are in Chora, the main town of Anafi, just above the port. Ypseli Anafi’s Hive and Boreas Stone House are highly recommended hotels in Anafi.
Getting to Anafi: The ferry from Athens to Anafi takes between 9 and 11 hours. To save time, most people instead fly 30 minutes to nearby Santorini and then take a 1.5-hour ferry ride from there to Anafi.
8. Corfu
Best known as a group or romantic vacation destination, Corfu is also great for solo travel to the Greek islands. Kérkyra, Corfu’s Old Town, is beautifully preserved, and the island is full of natural attractions and quaint Greek villages.
Those traveling alone will love the variety of entertainment, dining, and nightlife options available in the lively main town, known as Corfu Town. As with most Greek islands, the main city is named after the island.
The gorgeous nature found throughout Corfu is something to behold. The island has beautiful beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, and sea caves.
Other memorable Corfu experiences include walking through Kérkyra (Old Town), taking a dip at Paleokastritsa Beach (where the sea caves are also located), trying a locally-made drink like kumquat liqueur, getting a glimpse into local history at the Old Fortress of Corfu and the Achilleion Palace, and taking a short trip to the nearby Pontikonisi Island.
Where to stay: If you aren’t particularly attracted to the city, Corfu has plenty of resorts along its coast. That being said, I highly recommend booking one of the many boutique hotels in Corfu Old Town—like the highly-rated Arcadion Hotel. That way, you can access the beaches during the day, and then wander around at night on foot.
Getting to Corfu: You can drive up to the port of Igoumenitsa, about 5 hours from Athens, and take a 1-hour ferry to Corfu; however, most people prefer to fly since the flight from Athens is less than an hour.
9. Lefkada
With stunning turquoise waters, Lefkada has some of the most surreal-looking beaches in Greece. The island also has plenty of hilltop villages with traditional stone houses and stunning sunset views in addition to a thriving main town and marina.
As the beautiful water is a main highlight, solo travelers to the Greek islands should head to some of the well-known beaches on the west coast, including Porto Katsiki and Kathisma.
Then, enjoy a sunset dinner at one of Lefkada’s top-rated restaurants like Amente, which serves gourmet Mediterranean food in the hillside village of Drimonas, or Rachi for traditional Greek cuisine in the village of Exanthia.
Active travelers will also love the town of Vasiliki, one of the top windsurfing spots in Europe, or the kitesurfing opportunities around Ai Giannis Beach.
After enjoying local nature, head to the lively island center of Lefkada Town for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Lefkada is a popular Greek Island, and the crowds in the town center make it quite easy to meet people at cafes and bars.
Where to stay: If you want easy access to Lefkada Town but a quieter room or villa to retire to, stay in the nearby coastal town of Lygia, like these top-rated hotel options. The hotels in Lefkada Town are more budget-friendly, but also mostly located on noisy streets.
If you’d rather skip the main town and relax with a great sunset view and a pool, rent a room or bungalow above the island’s rugged west coast, which offers easier access to the best beaches and tranquil lodging. Serenity Boutique Hotel is one recommended property that has an amazing infinity pool.
Getting to Lefkada: One of the advantages of Lefkada is that you can drive there directly from Athens in about 4 hours, as a small bridge connects the island to the mainland. Having a car will come in handy, as Lefkada requires a car to explore it. You can use Discover Cars to compare your rental options and save up to 70%!
10. Naxos
History, ancient ruins, amazing beaches, delicious food, epic hiking: Naxos has it all. It is by far one of the best Greek islands for solo travelers thanks to the endless things to do and friendly, safe environment.
Enjoy the pristine beaches and crystal waters of Kastraki or Psili Ammos, admire the iconic Portara—an ancient marble gateway overlooking the sea—and explore Naxos’ charming Old Town, where narrow alleys lead to a hilltop Venetian castle offering panoramic views.
Naxos is best known for its food, especially its local cheeses like arseniko and graviera. Don’t miss the chance to try zamboni, a savory Naxian prosciutto, and pair it all with some Greek wine.
Where to stay: Stay in Naxos Town to get easy access to picturesque streets, the castle, restaurants, and other attractions. Cyano Suites and Hotel Grotta are both highly rated, affordable hotels in town.
Otherwise, find a coastal resort near Agios Prokopios Beach, like Villa Marandi Luxury Suites, which also offers a great pool and beautiful views.
Getting to Naxos: You can reach Naxos via one of the daily ferries from Piraeus and Rafina ports in Athens towards Naxos.
Map Of The Greek Islands
To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map with the above-mentioned islands and attractions pre-plotted:
Tips For Traveling The Greek Islands Solo
Now that we’ve gone over where to go, I want to share some important tips to help you have a safe, fun, and memorable solo trip to the Greek islands.
Choosing which island to visit
Deciding where to go during your solo holidays in the Greek islands depends mostly on your preferences. Think about what you want from your Greek Island trip—whether it’s relaxation, cuisine, adventure, history, or something else—and base your choice on that.
Getting around the Greek Islands solo
Most Greek islands on this list can be accessed by ferry. The Ionian Islands—Lefkada, Corfu, and Kefalonia—require a short road trip and then a ferry.
Some islands are best arrived at via short flights from Athens, like Corfu and Karpathos.
If you want to hit multiple destinations on your Greek islands solo travels, it’s best to pick 2 to 3 islands that are in the same geographic grouping and have the same ferry lines running to them.
For example, you don’t want to pick one of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, like Naxos, and then Lefkada on the Ionian side, as you will have to cross all of mainland Greece to arrive at your next destination.
Staying safe while Greek Island hopping solo
The Greek islands are relatively safe, even for women traveling solo, as long as you use common sense and keep general safety tips in mind. Don’t leave your valuables lying around and lock up anything expensive in your hotel room safe.
If you’re on a busy island known for nightlife on your solo trip to Greece, keep an eye on your drink. When traveling solo, consider choosing bottled or canned beverages you open yourself.
Budgeting for a solo trip to the Greek islands
Your island budget depends on which islands you’re visiting and in what season. More popular islands like Hydra and Corfu will generally cost more than places like Anafi or Koufonisia.
Between mid-July and mid-September, expect to pay almost double the price for lodging and ferry service. The shoulder season from May to mid-June and mid-September to the end of October is cheaper.
Book your ferry ahead of time to save money. If you want to rent a car, it’s better to rent it after arriving on the island. Transporting a car on the ferry to and from Athens will run at least 50 Euros each way.
Making friends while traveling the Greek islands alone
Greeks are known for their hospitality. The smaller or less touristy an island is, the more locals tend to be open and welcoming to visitors.
Many islands also attract fellow solo travelers and groups of friends open to speaking with other tourists.
If you’re on the beach, start a conversation by asking a group nearby to watch your things when you take a dip. Otherwise, chill at a cafe and if the staff seems friendly and talkative, ask them where they like to go and what they like to do on the island.
Greece Travel Insurance
When visiting Greece, it’s important to get travel insurance to protect yourself and your trip.
For this, I have two recommendations:
SafetyWing. If you’re looking for something straightforward and budget-friendly, you can’t beat SafetyWing. They offer one global policy that you can cancel at any time or continue paying for long-term coverage (making it the perfect option for digital nomads!).
Their plan includes medical coverage, trip interruptions, personal liability, unplanned overnight stays, lost luggage, and more.
World Nomads. For something more comprehensive, World Nomads is a great option. While you’ll pay a bit more, you’ll typically get higher coverage maximums as well as additional inclusions—like trip cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Islands Solo Travel
Now that we’ve gone over the best islands for Greece solo travelers, let me answer some frequently asked questions.
Q) Which Greek island is best to visit alone?
Syros is one of the best islands to visit alone. It has a great combination of a decent-sized population and a relatively small geographic area you can easily explore.
Q) Which Greek island is best for first-time visitors?
Corfu and Rhodes are great for first-time visitors. Along with having many things to do, they have a good tourist infrastructure and many English speakers working on the islands.
Q) What is the easiest Greek island to walk around?
Cars are not allowed on Hydra outside of a few exceptions, like sanitation vehicles. The main town is very walkable and boats run frequently to some of the island’s best beaches.
Q) What is the cheapest Greek island to visit?
The little-known island of Agistri has some of the lowest prices of any Greek island. This small island off the coast of Aigina is known for its relaxed beaches and traditional Greek tavernas.
Q) Which month is best for visiting the Greek islands?
I always recommend visiting the Greek islands in June or early October if you want to experience warm weather without the crowds. If you’re interested in nightlife, June is best as many places start to shut down in October.
Q) Which is the least touristy island in Greece?
The least touristy islands in Greece are generally some of the hardest to visit, but worth it if you’re willing to make the trip. They include the islands of Kasos, Nisyros, Skyros, and Fournoi.
Q) What is the prettiest Greek island?
Which Greek island is the prettiest is subjective; however, Hydra and Syros are highly praised for their beautiful architecture while Milos is beloved for its unique natural landscape.
Free Resources For Visiting Greece Solo
To help you plan your solo trip to the Greek islands, I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course.
The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.
Lessons include:
- Common solo travel fears and how to overcome them
- How to choose your perfect solo trip
- How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
- Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
- Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
- How to take amazing solo selfies
Click here to grab your seat in the free solo travel course!
Final Thoughts On The Best Greek Islands For Solo Female Travel
Traveling the Greek islands solo offers a unique experience on each one, with diverse destinations just a short ferry ride apart.
The islands’ safety and traditional Greek hospitality make them ideal for solo travelers. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, enjoying world-class dining, or relaxing by the Mediterranean, you’ll find an island that suits you.
Pack sunscreen, a few basic Greek phrases, and a relaxed pace to enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
