8 of the Best Islands for Your Dream Trip
Dreaming of turquoise seas, sun-bleached villages, and the freedom to wander at your own pace? The Greek Islands have long been a bucket-list favorite, and for good reason. With over 200 inhabited islands, each has its own character, charm, and vibe. For solo travelers, especially women looking for a mix of beauty, safety, and adventure, the islands offer something for every style of trip, from bustling nightlife to serene hideaways.
Below, we’ll cover 8 of the most popular (and solo-friendly) Greek islands, what makes each one special, and practical tips for making the most of your trip.
1. Santorini – The Iconic Beauty
- Vibe: Romantic, photogenic, dreamy sunsets. While often thought of as a honeymoon spot, solo travelers love it for its postcard-perfect views and wine tours.
- Best way to get there: Direct flights from Athens or ferries from Piraeus (about 5–8 hours).
- Getting around: Public buses link Fira, Oia, and beaches; taxis are limited, so consider renting a small car or ATV.
- Favorite things to do: Sunset in Oia, wine tasting in Pyrgos, exploring Akrotiri’s ancient ruins, sailing around the caldera.
- Safety: Generally very safe. Be mindful of crowded areas in high season.
- Tourist levels: Extremely busy June–September; mornings are calmer.
- Best time to visit: April–early June or late September–October for good weather with fewer crowds.
2. Mykonos – The Social Butterfly
- Vibe: Glamorous, party-centric, cosmopolitan. A mix of nightlife, beaches, and boutique shopping. Great if you want a lively scene.
- Best way to get there: Flights from Athens (40 minutes) or ferries (2–5 hours).
- Getting around: Bus system connects main beaches and town; taxis are scarce. Renting a scooter is popular.
- Favorite things to do: Beach clubs at Psarou or Paradise Beach, stroll Mykonos Town’s alleys, visit Delos archaeological site.
- Safety: Safe but watch belongings in party crowds.
- Tourist levels: Very busy in July/August; packed with international visitors.
- Best time to visit: May–June and September when parties are still happening but crowds thin.
3. Crete – The Adventurer’s Playground
- Vibe: Largest island with everything — beaches, mountains, hiking, and charming towns. Great for solo travelers who want variety.
- Best way to get there: Direct flights from Athens or international hubs; ferries also available.
- Getting around: Best to rent a car; public buses cover major towns.
- Favorite things to do: Hike Samaria Gorge, explore Chania’s Venetian harbor, relax at Elafonissi Beach, tour Knossos Palace.
- Safety: Very safe, even in rural areas.
- Tourist levels: Moderate; certain beaches can get crowded but plenty of space overall.
- Best time to visit: April–June or September–October for warm weather and fewer tourists.
4. Rhodes – The History Lover’s Dream
- Vibe: Medieval history meets resort beaches. Great balance of culture and leisure.
- Best way to get there: Flights from Athens (1 hour) are by far the most efficient. Ferries are available, but from Athens they take 12–17 hours. Shorter ferry routes connect Rhodes with nearby Dodecanese islands like Kos (2–3 hours) or Symi (1 hour).
- Getting around: Car rental is ideal for exploring outside Rhodes Town.
- Favorite things to do: Stroll the medieval Old Town, visit Lindos’ Acropolis, relax on Tsambika Beach.
- Safety: Very safe, especially in tourist zones.
- Tourist levels: Busy in summer but less crowded than Santorini or Mykonos.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for milder weather.
5. Naxos – The Relaxed Explorer
- Vibe: Laid-back, authentic, with stunning beaches and mountain villages. Perfect for travelers wanting a quieter, local experience.
- Best way to get there: Ferry from Athens (4–6 hours).
- Getting around: Buses cover main beaches; renting a car or scooter gives more freedom.
- Favorite things to do: Visit Portara (Temple of Apollo), hike Mt. Zas, explore Chalki village, lounge at Agios Prokopios Beach.
- Safety: Very safe, especially for solo women.
- Tourist levels: Lively in summer but not overwhelming.
- Best time to visit: May–September for warm seas and open tavernas.
6. Paros – The Balanced Beauty
- Vibe: Trendy yet relaxed, with chic villages, great food, and beaches. A great “in between” of Mykonos and Naxos.
- Best way to get there: Ferries from Athens (3–4 hours) or direct flights (40 minutes).
- Getting around: Buses connect most areas; scooters are popular.
- Favorite things to do: Explore Naoussa harbor, Golden Beach for windsurfing, stroll Parikia town.
- Safety: Safe and walkable.
- Tourist levels: Increasingly popular but not yet overwhelming.
- Best time to visit: June or September when nightlife and beaches are lively but less crowded.
7. Corfu – The Green Escape
- Vibe: Lush landscapes, Venetian influence, and a mix of beaches and culture. Popular with history buffs and nature lovers.
- Best way to get there: Direct flights from Athens and many European cities.
- Getting around: Buses for local routes, but car rental recommended.
- Favorite things to do: Old Town UNESCO site, Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu Trail hikes, monastery visits.
- Safety: Safe and welcoming; rural areas are especially peaceful.
- Tourist levels: Busy in July/August, quieter in spring/fall.
- Best time to visit: April–June or September for mild weather and fewer crowds.
8. Ios – The Young-at-Heart Hotspot
- Vibe: Known for backpackers and nightlife, but also home to stunning beaches and relaxed villages.
- Best way to get there: Ferry from Athens (4–7 hours).
- Getting around: Local buses work well; scooters are also common.
- Favorite things to do: Mylopotas Beach, Skarkos archaeological site, sunset from Panagia Gremiotissa church.
- Safety: Safe overall; just be mindful at late-night parties.
- Tourist levels: Popular with a younger crowd in July/August.
- Best time to visit: Late May–June or September for fewer crowds and better balance of fun + calm.
Solo Travel Safety & Tips in the Greek Islands
- General Safety: Greece is considered one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers. Petty theft can happen in crowded spots, but violent crime is extremely rare.
- Getting Around: Ferries are reliable and safe. Book in advance in peak summer. On islands, buses work well, but renting a car/scooter offers more independence.
- Tourist Seasons: July and August are the busiest (and hottest). Shoulder seasons (May–June, September–October) are ideal for solo travel.
- Local Hospitality: Greeks are famously welcoming, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Which Greek Islands Are Popular Cruise Stops?
If you’re exploring Greece on a cruise, you’ll likely visit a mix of marquee destinations and a few smaller gems. Cruises can be a fun way to get a “taste” of multiple islands in one trip — just keep in mind that port days are short and tend to draw the biggest crowds.
- Santorini: Nearly every cruise itinerary includes Santorini for its iconic caldera views and famous sunsets. Expect heavy crowds when multiple ships dock at once.
- Mykonos: A staple stop for nightlife, chic shopping, and whitewashed villages. Cruise passengers often have just enough time to explore Mykonos Town or visit one beach.
- Rhodes: Known for its medieval Old Town and nearby beaches, Rhodes is a frequent cruise call that balances history and leisure.
- Crete (Heraklion or Chania): Larger ships often dock in Heraklion, where you can tour Knossos Palace, while smaller ships may call at Chania’s charming port.
- Corfu: Popular for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, lush scenery, and easy access to monasteries or beaches within a day’s trip.
- Patmos: A common stop for smaller luxury or boutique cruises, especially for travelers interested in the Monastery of St. John and sacred history.
- Smaller Cycladic Islands (like Naxos or Paros): Less frequent, but some boutique cruises include them for a more authentic and less crowded island feel.
If you fall in love with one island on a cruise stop, consider returning for a longer solo trip. The vibe is very different once the ships leave port and the pace slows back down.
Don’t feel pressure to “do it all.” If you are not seeing the Greek islands by cruise, pick one or two islands and explore deeply. Island-hopping is fun, but slowing down allows you to really savor the magic and makes travel logistics easier as a solo traveler.
