Ultimate Solo Travel in Santorini Guide for 2024
Do you have any plans to visit Santorini? I’ve been there and let me tell you, it’s an absolutely unforgettable destination. I love solo travel in Santorini, especially because you have the chance to meet many young solo travelers!
When I first started planning my Santorini itinerary, I had some reservations. I’d always seen it marketed as the perfect romantic getaway for couples. But I’m so glad I didn’t let those reservations stop me from visiting this incredible island.
The moment I landed on the island, I was blown away by Santorini’s otherworldly beauty. Those iconic cliffs seem to drop right into the brilliant blue caldera below. And have you seen the villages perched on the edge? With their lava-black beaches and lace-like whitewashed buildings, they look like they’ve popped straight out of a storybook.
But what surprised me most was how easy and enjoyable it was to explore Santorini solo. Sure, there were plenty of couples strolling arm in arm. But I also met many friendly solo travelers in my hostel, happy to check out the island’s highlights together.
I can’t wait to share all my insider tips and recommendations to help you navigate one of the best Greek islands for solo female travel! Read on for a thorough solo traveler’s guide to Santorini!
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How to Get to Santorini: By Air or Ferry
There are two main options to make your way to this paradise in the Mediterranean—fly or ferry it over from Athens.
Flying is an option if you want the quickest journey, and you’ll land right at the airport near Kamari.
But as an adventurous soul, I always recommend taking the boat. Nothing beats a leisurely ride through the sparkling Mediterranean waters while watching stunning coastal views. It’ll be a 4 to 7 hours of journey. So, if time is tighter, a 45 minute flight is probably the better option.
Once on the island, hopping on the public bus is the most affordable way to get to your hotel from the port. Schedules are frequent so you rarely wait long.
Getting Around Santorini: The Best Options
Exploring this spectacular island requires a sense of adventure. While the villages like Fira and Oia are easily walkable, don’t expect to see all Santorini has to offer without hopping on some form of transport.
If you plan to stay more than a couple of days, renting a car is the best option. Just imagine cruising those iconic caldera roads with the windows down, breeze in your hair and sun on your shoulders. And when you spot that perfect sunset vista? Pull over and claim your front row seat!
Of course, public buses are super convenient for zipping between the main towns. With their frequent service and air conditioning, the rides are comfortable on hot days. Just be sure to check timetables, as occasional delays do happen.
I’d recommend avoiding overcrowded ATV rentals. Those noisy machines jar with Santorini’s relaxed vibe. Instead, get a car and explore the destinations at your own time.
Where to Stay in Santorini When Traveling Solo
If you have money to spend, Santorini has some gorgeous properties to stay in with views of the caldera. For those on a budget, there are various hostels.
Plus there’s Airbnb, which offers rental accommodation in Santorini on a short-term basis and rooms with a local. You can stay in a private room in a local’s house or rent their whole apartment.
If you want to explore the island alone, staying in Fira (the capital of Santorni) will be the best to cover all popular spots.
1. Bedspot Hostel
The Bedspot Hostel is in the heart of lively Fira town, keeping you right in the center of the action. Feel like mingling? Just head to the spacious lounge or giant sun-drenched terrace. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with other friendly backpackers.
Sleeping options suit every budget too. Cozy dorms are good for saving money but affordable private rooms are available too.
Insider Tip: Ask the friendly staff to get top local recommendations for dining, beaches, and hidden gems.
2. Villa Anto
Villa Anto is a budget-friendly property located just outside Fira. The villa has its own swimming pool and hot tub, which are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the island. All the rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Some rooms even have nice sea views.
Being less than 2 kilometers from the beach is awesome for solo beach days. The main town is only a 15-minute walk away, so you’re close to restaurants, shops, and clubs. And the bus station is nearby if you want to explore further.
Insider Tip: You can keep your costs low by cooking some of your own meals.
3. Dream Island Hotel
If you want to splurge a bit, the Dream Island Hotel could be a great choice. Located in the center of Fira, this peaceful hotel lives up to its name with stunning caldera views from many of its rooms.
It’s a family-run place with an intimate feel. The owners and staff are friendly and attentive without being overbearing. As a solo traveler I found the hospitality and little extras, like recommendations for local hikes or restaurants, up to the mark.
Insider Tip: Book in advance to get the rooms that have private balconies with stunning sea views.
Where to Eat in Santorini
Santorini has an incredible array of culinary experiences. Let’s take a look at some of the top spots worth visiting for both authentic Greek cuisine and memorable meals.
1. Metaxi Mas
Address: Exo Gonia, Έξω Γωνία, Santorini 847 00, Greece
Located away from the crowds in the village of Exo Gonia, Metaxi Mas stands out as one of the top dining destinations in Santorini. The restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients. Its Cretan flavors and stellar service make it a beloved spot for both visitors and locals alike.
Dishes like oven-baked asparagus with creamy graviera cheese and tender grilled octopus perfectly showcase Santorini’s seafood bounty and authentic Greek cooking at its finest.
2. Lucky’s Souvlakis
Address: Dekigala, Thira 847 00, Greece
The restaurant is located beside the main road in Fira. Your Santorini food experience won’t be complete without a stop at this local eatery. It’s a favorite of mine for its insanely good souvlaki wraps and homemade tzatziki.
When I visited, the place was bustling with locals grabbing a quick lunch. I squeezed myself up to the small counter to order one of their juicy pork souvlakis. But it was the tzatziki that really blew me away. It was so rich and textured that it alone was worth the visit.
Address: Dekigala, Thira 847 00, Greece
3. Ammoudi Fish Tavern
Address: Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, Oia, Ammoudi 847 02, Greece
One of my favorite dining experiences in Santorini was watching the unparalleled sunset views from Ammoudi Fish Tavern. Perched high above the caldera in Oia, this restaurant is worth the hike for its incredible location alone.
But the food really shines. Grilled whole fish is their specialty and mine was perfectly cooked and fresh. And I cannot forget the heavenly taste of plump sun-dried octopus.
Address: Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, Oia, Ammoudi 847 02, Greece
What Are the Best Places for Drinks in Santorini?
I’ll share some of my favorite drinking places on the island. Check them out whether you want to catch the sunset while sipping local wine or go to a lively hangout where the party goes all night.
1. Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar
Address: Marinatou, Thira 847 00, Greece
Tango Champagne & Cocktail Bar is truly a special place to spend an evening in Santorini. Perched right at the edge of the breathtaking caldera cliffs, you feel like you’re floating above the Aegean Sea as you sip carefully crafted cocktails.
The talented bartenders create seasonal libations using herbs and fruits grown fresh on the island. As the vibrant music plays, you can nibble on dishes offering classic Greek flavors with an artistic twist.
With such an unbeatable ambiance, it’s no wonder this hotspot is at the top of every visitor’s list for experiencing the lively Santorini nightlife.
2. Buddha-Bar Beach
Address: Πλατεία Μαλτέζα, Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Buddha-Bar Beach is a one-of-a-kind place for drinks and dining in Santorini. Sitting high above the caldera in Imerovigli, with the iconic silhouette of the volcano below, it feels absolutely magical.
The setting alone is worthy of the experience. However, the creatively crafted cocktails and eclectic dishes somehow manage to enhance the already breathtaking views.
3. Tropical Bar
Address: Stairs, Thira 847 00, Greece
Tropical Bar is perched high above the caldera. With cocktails in hand, I loved relaxing on their sunny terrace. And they do have signature tropical cocktails that taste quite unique.
When colors splash across the cliffs at sunset, the vibe shifts into something lively—DJ beats pumping just right for dancing. And if you feel hungry after all the dancing and chatting, try their delicious Greek dishes.
The Best Things to Do in Santorini
When I visited Santorini last time, I was blown away by its beauty. And I wanted to make the most of my trip to this paradise.
Here are some of my favorite things I did in Santorini. I hope you find new activities to enjoy.
1. Take a Boat Trip
Taking a boat trip around the volcanic caldera is one thing you must do when in Santorini. The views of the iconic cliffs are absolutely breathtaking from the sea.
On my trip, we stopped to swim in the warm waters near the hot springs. I also loved exploring the tiny island of Thirassia.
2. Visit the Wineries
Santorini makes wines that perfectly capture the island’s unique landscape and culture.
On my tour, I got to sample some incredible white wines and enjoyed the panoramic views of the cliffside vineyards. I stopped at a few different spots, and had a mind blowing experience.
3. Hike from Fira to Oia
As a solo traveler, hiking from Fira to Oia was one of the most rewarding experiences I had in Santorini.
The dramatic coastal scenery and glimpses into local towns made it feel like I was discovering hidden sides of the island. The 6-mile track will take you around 5 hours to complete.
4. Watch the Sunset from Oia Castle
While watching the sunset in Oia may be one of the top things to do in Oia for couples, it absolutely should not be missed for a solo traveler either!
When I visited the Oia castle, I enjoyed hiking there in the late afternoon to watch the colors change in peaceful solitude. From up high, you look out over the caldera and see the village houses change from ochre to rose to amber under the fading light.
5. Go Diving
Going diving in Santorini was an amazing experience. As someone new to scuba, I appreciated the one-on-one attention from my instructor. It was wonderful to see the cliffs and rock formations under the surface.
Even snorkeling above was fun. I spotted schools of bright fish darting all around and lobsters hiding between rocks.
You can also explore the unique Santorni beaches, lesser-known villages, art and wine museums, and many other things. It’s a happening place!
Tips for a Wonderful Solo Travel in Santorini
Santorini is filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and wonderful people. Even though you may be traveling alone, follow these tips to enjoy your time there.
Santorini Solo Travel Guide Summary
Santorini is a truly breathtaking island full of beautiful landscapes, charming villages, delicious cuisine, and wonderful culture. While it may seem meant only for couples at first glance, I found it incredibly welcoming and easy to explore as a solo traveler. This place will steal your heart with its raw natural beauty and Greek hospitality. I know I can’t wait to return to Santorini for another solo adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Santorini is quite small, only around 35 square miles in total land area. Despite its compact size, it has beautiful landscapes, volcanic beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
How is the weather in Santorini throughout the year?
The weather is ideal for a sunny Mediterranean vacation, with long stretches of warm, dry days year-round. Summers are hot and sunny from around April through October. Winter is cold and rainy, but you’ll get some sunny days in December.
What is the best time to visit Santorini?
The best time to visit Santorini is usually May through June and September through early November. The weather is ideal—warm and sunny without being too hot. The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming.
How many days are enough for a perfect Santorini trip?
Four or five days is usually just the right amount of time to fully experience all that Santorini has to offer. Any less and you may feel rushed.
Do you need a car to get around Santorini?
While having a car can be convenient, you definitely don’t need one to get around Santorini. Buses are very frequent and inexpensive, connecting the main towns. Within towns, everything is walkable.
How is the overall safety in Santorini?
As with most Greek islands, safety isn’t usually a concern in Santorini. Crime rates are very low here. Locals are friendly and look out for visitors. However, apply your common sense and don’t leave valuables unattended on beaches or out in plain sight.
Is it easy to meet people in Santorini?
It’s very easy to meet people in Santorini. The gorgeous beaches and buzzing nightlife are perfect for socializing. Beach bars are packed with chatty travelers during the day.
