The 5 Greek islands that are best for solo travellers

All you need is yourself and a good book (Picture: Shutterstock / Georgios Tsichlis)

Greece is one of the world’s top destinations for island hopping.

The country is blessed with over 6,000 islets, spanning the Aegean and Ionian Seas and beyond. 

Blending ancient culture, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that around 5 million Brits holiday here each year.

Alongside sun, sea and sand, Greece (especially the islands) is also incredibly safe to visit, with low crime rates and friendly locals willing to help tourists.

This is great news for solo travellers — a trend that is only increasing. 

Recent research shows that nearly a quarter of UK adults now say they prefer travelling solo and feel confident planning a trip alone. For under 25s, this rises to 40%.

Here, Metro — with the help of ferry booking platform Ferryhopper — has rounded up 5 of the best islands perfect for a solo getaway:

Amorgos

On the eastern edge of the Cyclades group — famed for Santorini and Mykonos — you’ll find the quieter Amorgos.

Literally get away from it all in Amorgos (Picture: Getty Images)

This island combines rugged beauty and history, and is a paradise for adventurers.

There’s the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, an 11th-century whitewashed church built directly into a golden cliff face.

It’s the second-oldest monastery in Greece, only accessible by 300 stone steps.

Hikers, lace up those boots, because there are more routes (all with incredible views) to enjoy.

The Vroutsi to Katapola trail takes you through southern Amorgos, where sometimes you can see the neighbouring island of Naxos.

There’s also the Ormos to Lagada to Tholaria route, where you’ll walk through mountains, valleys and the famous Araklos canyon.

If you’d rather amble at a slower pace, head to Chora, the island’s capital.

The city is defined by traditional windmills, Cycladic homes, large eucalyptus trees, and a Venetian castle.

If you’re in need of refreshments, you’ll find ample cafes and traditional tavernas.

Getting there: Amorgos is only accessible by ferry. You can take the six- to nine-hour boat from Athens, or from nearby islands like Naxos and Santorini.

Samothrace

If you’re in the market for waterfalls, natural rock pools (known as vathres) and wild landscapes, tiny Samothrace in the Aegean Sea should be on your hit list.

Trek along the Fonias River through lush green forests to find said vathres, which offer perfect swimming conditions.

In the village of Therma, therapeutic sulfur hot springs are known for their healing properties.

Samothrace is also home to Mount Saos, the tallest mountain in the Aegean islands.

Thrillseekers can take on the challenging 10-hour round-trip hike up the mountain, where panoramic sea views await.

The Odyssey fans will be intrigued to know that in Homer’s The Iliad, Poseidon sat on the mountain to watch the Trojan War.

Getting there: The closest and most popular ferry route is from Alexandroupoli, and takes around two hours.

Sifnos

Back to the Cyclades now. Specifically Sifnos, a quintessential Greek island with stunning beaches, traditional white villages, and hearty cuisine.

You can almost hear Pierce Brosnan singing ‘Our Last Summer’ (Picture: Getty Images/500px Prime)

Here, indulge in everything from slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew to rabbit stifado, roasted in wood-fired ovens.

Walk off such feasts in one of the many villages, from the 3000-year-old Kastro, the peaceful seaside fishing village of Faros, or the island capital, Apollonia, built across three hills.

Check out the Chrisopigi Monastery, a 17th-century religious site, or the iconic Church of the Seven Martyrs, perched on a rocky hilltop that gives Mamma Mia! vibes.

There are plenty of unreal beaches on Sifnos, too.

On Faros beach, rotate from sand to seaside tavernas.

In Cheronissos, get away from it all in this tiny sandy cove with turquoise waters and pristine swimming conditions.

Getting there: From Athens, there’s 2.5 hours high-speed ferry or a five hour conventional ferry. Alternatively, the nearest island with a ferry route is Serifos, with a fast crossing taking about 30 to 35 minutes.

Koufonisia

Koufonisia are a pair of small, car-free islands between Naxos and Amorgos.

Ano Koufonisi is the inhabited island, with five breathtaking beaches and around 400 residents.

Spots like Pori, Fanos, and Italida feature soft sand and shallow, bright blue water — the classic Greek beach image you have in your mind.

A classic Greek island scene (Picture: Getty Images)

Here, a slow, laidback pace of life is favoured over the party scenes of Mykonos.

Travellers spend their days swimming, sunbathing, eating fresh fish at local tavernas, and exploring the quaint villages on foot.

You can also hop over to the uninhabited island of Kato Koufonisi, where day trips via a short boat taxi consist of exploring coves and quieter beaches.

Getting there: From Athens’ port of Piraeus, a ferry takes around four to seven hours. Or, you can island hop from Naxos.

Ikaria

Ikaria, in the Aegean Sea, is known for being a Blue Zone. This is a place where people live unusually long and healthy lives, often making it to 100 or more.

This and no plans (Picture: Shutterstock / Tom Jastram)

It’s also shrouded in mythology thanks to the myths of Icarus and Dionysus.

Legend has it that when Icarus — the son of the master inventor Daedalus — flew too close to the sun, his wings melted, and he plunged to his death in the Aegean.

His body washed ashore on an unnamed island, later named Ikaria in his honour.

Meanwhile, Dionysus, the son of Zeus, was born on Ikaria.

This island is a little livelier than Koufonisia: Christos Raches is known as the ‘village that never sleeps. Shops and cafes stay open well into the night, while people rest in the day.

Throughout Ikaria, villages host ‘Panagiria,’ traditional feast days that celebrate the Saints’ name days and other religious holidays.

You can also combine history and relaxation. Take a trip to Nas Beach, an unspoiled spot by the Chalares River gorge, and the historic 2,400-year-old ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

Or, if you simply want to fly and flop, set up on the famous Seychelles Beach, a hidden cove with azure waters and brilliantly white pebbles.

Getting there: Take a seven-hour ferry from Athens. Or, jump on a one-hour boat from Samos, Ikaria’s neighbouring island.

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