Greece Solo Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit Alone & More
Are you wondering if Greece is safe for solo travel? I have personal experience traveling Greece alone and I didn’t find it to be unsafe at all. Greece is a wonderful destination to travel alone. You have amazing food, blue seas, picturesque streets, and endless activities. In this Greece solo travel guide, we’ll cover the best places to go in Greece for solo travel, how to navigate traveling here, my top tips as an experienced solo traveler, and more.
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Quick Facts before visiting Greece:
💱Currency: Euros €
💶 Budget for a trip to Greece: The average daily cost for a trip to Greece is $183 a night for both food and accommodation. If you want to save money skip the touristy places like Santorini and Mykonos, and go to cheaper lesser-known Greek islands like Kimolos, Tinos, or Antiparos. For more cheap destinations in Greece, I have a post for that!
💜 Is tipping required in Greece? Tipping in customary in Greece and you should plan to tip between 10-15%.
☀️ Best time to Visit: The season for Islands in Greece typically starts after Easter at the end of April and closes in October. The most ideal time to visit is right before or after the peak season of summer. June or September would be great!
🏥 Travel Insurance in Greece: I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of trip cancellations or any accidents during your travels.
⛴️ Use Omio to book ferry tickets ahead of time.
🌐 Stop wasting money on mobile data plans and get an eSIM with Airalo to save money and stay connected.
Is Greece Safe for Solo Travel?
Yes, Greece is safe for solo travel! Of course, crime happens everywhere so be sure to use caution when traveling alone and use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings and be aware of pick-pocketing. Pick-pocketing is especially common in busy touristic areas such as the Monastiraki area in Athens. Violent crime rates in Greece are uncommon.
Greece is one of the places I’d even recommend for first-time solo travelers. There is a ton to do an see especially if you love the sea and island hopping. My favorite Greece itinerary includes Milos, Mykonos, and Kimolos!
Or if you prefer exploring mainland Greece, then check out Epirus, a hidden region known for it’s mountainous landscapes and great hiking trails.
Areas to avoid in Greece as a solo female traveler
There really aren’t any cities you should avoid as a solo female traveler in Greece as it’s quite safe. However, there are certain areas you’d want to exercise more caution.
In Athens, avoid Omonia Square as it has higher crime rates, especially at night. Exarchia and Metaxourgeio can also be a bit sketchy areas to visit. Monastiraki area is generally safe but there are many migrants in this area and it can be a pick-pocketing zone, especially at night.
In Thessaloniki, Vardaris can be a bit rough and is best avoided after dark. Ladadika has a popular nightlife and it’s always best to stay alert.
Patras is Greece’s third-largest city and some parts can be a bit unsafe, especially around the port area at night. Exercise caution and stick to well-lit and busy areas.
🤳 Best tripods for solo travel:
1. Simple, compact for mobile phones
2. DSLR tripod
What to pack for your solo trip to Greece
- Hide important things in this super cool scarf. It has a hidden zipper so you can store important things like your passport or money. A useful thing to have for a solo traveler.
- Don’t leave home without a mini first aid kit in case of any incidents.
- My favorite portable charger is this one. You don’t want to be stuck on your own without a phone as you won’t have access to google maps or translate. It’s happened to me before and I felt like I was in trouble!
- If you want to get solo travel photos get this compact tripod for mobile phones,
Travel Insurance in Greece for Solo Travelers
It’s definitely worth getting travel insurance whether you’re traveling alone or with others and I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of any accidents or hospital visits. While it’s unlikely to happen, better safe than sorry!
When is the best time to travel solo to Greece?
Peak season is July and August where you’ll find not only higher prices for accommodation but larger crowds. The most ideal time to go is right before or after the season which would be June or September.
Note: the season opens in April after Orthodox Easter and closes in October. Visiting outside these times will mean much of the islands are closed including hotels and restaurants.
Greece Solo Travel: Best Places to Visit
These are the best travel destinations in Greece for solo travelers.
1. Athens
Athens is likely where you’ll start your trip to Greece as it’s got a major airport here. I’d recommend spending at least one day in Athens as it’s full of so much history and beautiful views.
You could start your perfect day by visiting the one most famous landmarks in Europe, the Acropolis. If you’re into museums, visit the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum.
Next, explore a hidden neighborhood called Anafiotika which has charming homes and quaint streets.
The food scene is also great here. There’s so many places to choose from and one of my favorites was LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant for their mousakka. Don’t miss trying baklava, a delicious traditional dessert.
After dinner in Plaka, you can go shopping in the neighborhood as it’s full of many nice stores where you can take home a souvenir.
In the evening you can enjoy the nightlife in the trendy Psirri district or go to a rooftop bar for views of the city like A for Athens.
Athens has a few areas at night where you’ll want to use caution. That would include Monastiraki, Omonia Square, Exarchia, and Metaxourgeio.
🍽️ Best Solo Travel Activity in Athens: Athens Food Tour
🏨 Where to stay in Athens: Athens Hub Hostel is a super central area with mixed dorm-style rooms for solo travelers on a budget.
✈️ How to get there: Fly into the Athens Airport and take the metro system to Monastiraki.
🚗 Getting Around: You can walk to most places, especially if you stay in the center. There is also a great metro system and plenty of buses.
2. Paros
Paros is one of my favorite Greek Islands. It’s a less busy version of Mykonos which tends to be known for its party scene. Visiting the main towns of Naoussa and Parikia will give you the lively atmosphere you get in Mykonos but at more affordable prices.
In my opinion, I found Paros to be much more quaint and charming than Mykonos too. There are many cute little villages to explore to escape the crowds like Lefkes, Prodromos, Marmara, and Marpissa. All of these places are super photogenic too.
It is the perfect place for solo travelers as you can get a chance to enjoy both quiet and lively atmospheres.
🏊♀️ Best Solo Travel Activity in Paros: Antiparos and Despotiko Full-Day Swim Cruise
🏨 Where to stay in Paros: Villa Katerina has affordable rooms in Parikia, a great base for your solo trip to Paros.
✈️ How to get there: Fly into the Athens Airport and take a 4 hour ferry (book ferry tickets here) or fly into the Mykonos Airport and take a 1 hour ferry.
🚗 Getting Around: It is easier to get around with a car but as a solo traveler that can be expensive. That being said, taking the bus can be the more economical option. Taking the bus is easy but may require pre-planning. The main towns of Naoussa and Parikia are super walkable and have a lot going on.
3. Crete
👉 Follow @joujoutravels on Instagram for solo travel inspo!
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and one of the best places in Greece for solo travelers. That’s because it offers a mix of stunning landscapes and has much to see and do.
Some of the top things to do include exploring the ancient ruins of Knossos, hiking through the breathtaking Samaria Gorge, and having a beach day at one of the stunning beaches like Elafonissi or Balos.
For a taste of authentic Greece, wander through the charming streets of Chania’s Old Town and Rethymno.
The food in Crete is amazing so the foodies should love it here. You can try traditional dishes like dakos (barley rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, and olive oil), kalitsounia (cheese or herb-filled pastries), and the famous Cretan lamb with stamnagathi (wild greens).
🏊♀️ Best Solo Travel Activity in Crete: Sunset Sailing Trip to Dia Island
🏨 Where to stay in Crete: Kipos Boutique Hotel is a gorgeous stay in Heraklio Town for €100-1150 a night.
✈️ How to get there: Fly into the Crete Airport and take a taxi or rent a car to arrive to your hotel.
🚗 Getting Around: A car is necessary if you want to see what the island has to offer but there’s also a bus system if you pre-plan your trips and stick to the main towns. You can rent a car via Discover Cars.
4. Santorini
Yes, Santorini has a reputation to be for couples but don’t let it stop you from solo traveling here! I have traveled here myself solo and it’s on the romantic side for a good reason – the stunningly beautiful landscapes!
Also, you can do Santorini affordably too if you stay outside the hotspot areas of Oia and Fira. You could alternatively stay at the beach a bit further out of town in Perissa.
Santorini is full of photo opportunities and beautiful sunsets. In fact, one of the most popular places to watch it is Oia Castle. It will come with tons of crowds but it’s worth it!
Other fun things to do include hiking from Fira to Oia, Exploring Pyrgos, and seeing the ruins of Ancient Thera.
Best Solo Travel Activity in Santorini: Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner
🏨 Where to stay in Santorini: Villa Dilma is located in Perissa near the beach with stunning views from the property. It’s much more affordable than staying in Oia but you’ll need to plan transportation accordingly.
✈️ How to get there: Fly into the Santorini Airport and take a taxi or bus to the center.
🚗 Getting Around: You don’t really need a car as there’s a good bus system and you can explore a lot by foot especially if you stick to Oia and Fira.
5. Naxos
Naxos is another great choice in Greece for solo travelers. It’s the largest of the Cycladic Islands and has a lot to offer.
Chora is the main town of Naxos and a great base for a solo traveler especially if you don’t want to depend on a car. Here you can find many charming narrow streets with white washed homes, endless shopping, and cafes.
One of the top attractions is the Temple of Apollo, an unfinished temple facing Delos. It’s a popular place to watch the sunset too.
If you’re searching for a great view of the city, visit The Venetian Castle, which is perched on a hill in the old town.
Naxos has many beautiful beaches so spend one of your days just relaxing in the sun. You can choose from Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka Beach. All of which, have beautiful crystal-clear waters and golden sands. You can easily get there from Chora and also check out the beach bars and restaurants while you’re there.
If you love a hidden gem, head to Aliko Beach, for a quieter experience.
🏊♀️ Best Solo Travel Activity in Naxos: Naxos Town Food Tour
🏨 Where to stay in Naxos: Hotel Villa Flora is in Chora Town and is affordable for a solo traveler.
✈️ How to get there: There’s no airport in Naxos so you’ll need to fly into Athens and take a 3.5 hour ferry (book ferry tickets here).
🚗 Getting Around: If you stay in Naxos Town you can get away without a car. There’s a good bus system (bus timetable on the official site) in case you want to go to other villages. Having a car would obviously be easier if you want to do more exploring at your own pace (Rent a car via Discover Cars).
Getting around Greece
The public transport in big cities like Athens is really good with bus and metro systems. However, many of the islands require a car especially larger ones like Crete and Naxos. Smaller islands can have very limited public transport so be aware of that. Some islands are very walkable and you won’t need a car such as Santorini (Fira & Oia areas), Mykonos (if you stick to Mykonos Town), and Hydra.
If you need to rent a car, I’d recommend going through Discover Cars as it will allow you to find the best deals at affordable rates.
Is Greece expensive for solo travel?
Greece is moderately priced and can be surprisingly affordable depending on which places you choose to visit.
Be sure to read my full blog post on cheap islands to visit in Greece. Generally, smaller islands like Amorgos and Tinos will have cheaper prices for accommodation. Going to places like this would mean you could spend as little as €75 a night on food and accommodation.
If you want to save money avoid the most touristy destinations like Mykonos and Santorni as they are the most expensive islands in Greece. However, that is not to say, that you can’t travel there affordably.
To travel to these places affordably, I’d recommend staying outside of all the action. In Santorini, you can find more affordable accommodation in Kamari (instead of the famous areas of Oia and Thera) which is on the beach. In Mykonos, staying away from Mykonos Town, you’ll find cheaper accommodation.
Solo Dining in Greece
Eating out alone is often the biggest fear in traveling solo. I’d encourage you to not care at all! No one is paying you any attention, I promise.
Many people dine solo for different reasons. Whether they are traveling for business or fun. Also, it gives you a chance to pick up a conversation with someone else. Saying hello to the server or bartender. Or maybe another traveler even!
I have compiled all my tips on solo dining for you to have a deeper look at. In general, if you feel scared by it, you can ease into it by eating at souvlaki/gyro stalls which are super casual eateries or you can dine outside or in the bar area of restaurants. Another great tip is eating early (before 7 pm) as most people in Greece dine super late (9 pm or so!) and you can beat the crowd!
Top Solo Travel Tips to Be Aware of in Greece
- Learn Basic Greek Phrases: English is widely spoken especially if you visit the touristy areas but learning a few Greek phrases can go a long way.
- Stay Aware: Greece is generally safe, but like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like public transport and tourist attractions.
- Emergency Numbers: Know the local emergency numbers. In Greece, 112 is the general emergency number.
- Get Travel Insurance: It will not only protect you, but also your belongings and hospital visits. I recommend SafetyWing.
- Book in Advance: Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June to September). Opt for places with good reviews, particularly those noting safety and friendliness towards solo travelers.
- Stay in Central Locations: Staying in central locations can reduce the need for late-night transportation and provide easy access to attractions and amenities.
- Use Public Transport: Greece has a reliable public transport system. Trains, buses, and ferries are generally safe and affordable. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid traveling alone late at night.
- Renting a Car: If you plan to explore more remote areas, renting a car can be a good option. Be sure you have a valid international driving permit and understand the local driving rules.
- Join Tours and Activities: Joining group tours or activities can be a great way to meet other travelers and learn more about the local culture. My go-to for tours is GetYourGuide or Viator.
- Carry Cash: While cards are widely accepted, some small businesses and remote areas might only take cash.
- ATMs and Banks: Use ATMs affiliated with reputable banks to avoid high withdrawal fees. Always decline conversion for the best rates.
- Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leaving a small tip for good service is customary in restaurants and cafes.
- Stay Connected: Get an eSIM which is a digital SIM card to stay connected. You can download it before your flight and be connected from the moment you land.
- Share Your Itinerary: Let someone back home know your travel plans for safety reasons when traveling solo.
📸 Be sure to check out my post on the Best Camera Gear for Solo Female Travelers!
Hopefully, this Greece solo travel guide inspires you to travel to Greece and gives you some inspiration for where to go and how to navigate the amazing country!
You may also like these posts:
Greece 5 Day Itinerary
💙 Greece Solo Travel Guide
🤫 Quiet Greek Islands to Visit
🏝️ Cheap Islands in Greece to Visit
🌊 Things to Do on Antiparos Island
🏝️ The Hidden Island of Kimolos, Greece
🌊 Mykonos 1 Day Itinerary
🏛️ Athens 1 Day Itinerary
♡ Instagrammable Spots in Mykonos
💎 Best Hidden Gems in Europe
📸 Most Beautiful Cities in Europe
🤫Travel secrets & tips
