The solo traveler’s guide to Greece

The reasons to visit Greece are many: There’s the ancient history, beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and incredible food, to name a few. Those same characteristics make Greece an ideal place for solo travelers to explore, too.

Whether you crave the buzz of a big city, the slower pace of island life, or both, you can have it all while on tour in Greece. Group tours take the guesswork out of planning, and reliable public transportation, walkable villages and city centers, and warm locals make solo travel in Greece a breeze during your free time. Ready for an unforgettable trip? Follow our Greece travel guide for solo travelers.

When’s the best time to visit Greece solo?

Thanks to the thinner crowds and temperate weather, the months of May, June, September, and October are ideal for visiting Greece. But, if having more people around makes you feel secure as a solo traveler, then summertime could be the season for you—the warmer summer months are when crowds swell throughout the country.

What should I pack for Greece as a solo traveler?

Several items are essential for any traveler who’s heading to Greece. Here a few you won’t want to leave home without.

• A lightweight backpack or tote bag. Whether you spend your time hopping between historical sites in Athens or posting up at the beach on Crete, a small backpack or tote bag will help keep the day’s essentials—water, camera, hat, SPF—at the ready.
• Mesh water shoes. A pair of these lightweight, packable kicks will come in handy if you plan to visit any of Greece’s world-renowned beaches. They’re easy to slip on and off between snack bar and bathroom runs, and they’ll make walking on the islands’ rockier beaches a breeze.
• A portable phone charger. Going off the grid can be nice, but for solo travelers, the most important travel accessory is a fully charged phone. Not sure how to get back to your hotel? Call the front desk or fire up your favorite map app. Need to let friends and family know where you're headed next? Use that juice to send a check-in text or email.

Check out 5 things to do on Mykonos, Greece >

What are the best things to do in Greece as a solo traveler?

One of the best things to do in Greece while traveling solo is explore Athens, the country’s dynamic capital city. There, you’ll find can’t-miss historical sites that’ll take you from ancient to modern times. Here are a few to add to your Athens itinerary.

• The Acropolis. Located in the center of the city, the Acropolis is home to the Parthenon—the iconic, pillared temple built to honor the goddess Athena. It’s also where you’ll find the Acropolis Museum, which is filled with thousands of ancient archaeological artifacts.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus. Also known as the Olympieion, this famous temple, which is located a short walk from the Acropolis, took several hundred years to complete.
• Old Royal Palace. Located in Syntagma Square and completed in 1843, this neoclassical structure is home to the Hellenic Parliament. The highly choreographed changing of the guard is a spectacle solo travelers won’t want to miss.
• The National Gardens. You’ll find this oasis in the heart of Athens, directly behind the Parliament building in the city center. The beautiful grounds are free to enter, and there’s a small zoo, botanical museum, and even a coffee shop inside.
• Check out the street art. Athens has become well known for its colorful murals and street art. Take a walk through the neighborhoods of Psirri or Gazi, and discover Athens’ contemporary art scene from the sidewalk.

Go island—and beach—hopping

With their sun-drenched beaches, stunning sunsets, and laid-back way of life, it’s no wonder the Greek Islands are beloved by travelers from around the world. Here are a few not to miss:

• Santorini. On this volcanic island, travelers will find spectacular beaches featuring everything from volcanic black sand to red, rocky cliffs. Check out more things to do in Greece while traveling solo in our Santorini Travel Guide >

• Crete. Pink and white sand and crystal-clear water make beaches on Crete some of the most beautiful in the entire world.

• Mykonos. Chock-full of seaside restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, Mykonos is a must for social solo travelers who love making new friends from around the world.

  Check out our guide to the Greek Islands >

Fill up on local food and drink

Greece’s mild climate is ideal for growing fruits, vegetables, and grains. Add in local specialties like extra virgin olive oil and seafood and you’ll have plenty of fresh, flavorful dishes to choose from no matter where you go in Greece. As a solo traveler, you can take your pick of neighborhood cafes in Athens, or try different dishes in the islands’ seaside taverns. Here are a few things to eat and drink to get a true taste of Greece:

• Dolmades. This popular dish consists of ingredients like spiced rice, crumbled meats, and fresh herbs that are neatly wrapped in steamed vine or grape leaves. Enjoy hot or cold!
• Moussaka. This signature Greek dish—layers of sautéed eggplant, minced lamb, tomato, onion, garlic, and spices topped with béchamel sauce and cheese—is as enjoyable to eat as its name is to say.
• Feta cheese. Forget the shockingly salty, crumbly cubes on your local grocery store’s shelves. In Greece, feta is rich and creamy, and makes everything from crispy spanakopita to crunchy salads taste downright dreamy.
• Ouzo. Sip this anise-flavored aperitif like a local—at an ouzerie, or ouzo bar, alongside a selection of appetizers and small bites known as meze.
• Tsipouro. Not widely known outside of Greece, this distilled drink—a cousin of ouzo—is high in alcohol and is best enjoyed sipped slowly, ideally in-between bites of meze.
• Wine. Greece produces some world-class wines, with notes ranging from crips green apple to bright, zingy lime. Order a glass of Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, or Malagousia and toast your fun-filled solo getaway to Greece.

Ready to hit the road? Check out our solo travel tours, and let us know where you’d love to travel solo on our Facebook page!