Why you should go Greek island-hopping, all by yourself

Whether you’re planning your first ever go-it-alone adventure, or you’re a seasoned solo traveller, Greece’s Cyclades are perfectly suited for anyone flying solo. With hundreds of islands and islets to explore, it’s impossible to see the entire archipelago in one trip — but the local ferries make it easy to hop between a handful over the course of a couple of weeks.

Why see the Cyclades solo?

The beauty of the Greek islands is that each one has its own customs, cuisine and character, whether you are seeking caldera sunsets in Santorini, otherworldly landscapes in Milos or archaeological sightseeing on the UNESCO world heritage site of Delos. You can be transported from the nightlife of Mykonos to the churches of Tinos in just a half hour journey.

The ease of travelling between islands takes the stress out of solo travel, allowing you to focus on the beauty of your surroundings — and the safe, friendly and welcoming atmosphere you will find across each isle. From taxi drivers teaching you Greek basics to hoteliers making you feel like part of the family and restaurateurs tempting you to try the local specialities, the Greeks go out of their way to welcome visitors, especially those who are travelling alone. Strike up conversations with the people sitting beside you at the beach or running an interesting shop you stumble upon, and you will hear stories and enjoy experiences you would have missed if you’d been travelling with a companion. It’s impossible to feel lonely when so many people want to chat.

The beauty of solo travel is the freedom to spend your time doing whatever you wish, without having to compromise with travel companions. In Greece, that could be whiling away hours on the beach with a good book, indulging in long meals of local cuisine in traditional tavernas, exploring ancient ruins and monuments, or spending hours swimming in turquoise seas. You don’t need a travel companion to bathe in your own private plunge pool, sip a cocktail at the water’s edge or admire the architecture while strolling through the streets of a town.

Naxos

Next on your journey, travel to Naxos to unwind on its white sandy beaches. Wine lovers are best placed at Naxian Collection, where you can mingle with other guests while sipping from the family’s very own vineyard in the cosy wine cellar. Choose to tour Naxos town, try your hand at traditional watermill baking, or simply relax with your book beside the pool.

Previous

Where to go on holiday in 2025

Next

Independent Minds: Loes Dingemans, Pillows Hotels

Latest stories

The ultimate Budapest city guide

Baroque buildings, thermal baths and generous helpings of goulash. What’s not to love about Budapest? Long regarded as a drinking stop on every gap year youth’s interrailing itinerary, the Hungarian capital has a seriously grown-up side that makes for an ultra-chic city break. Thankfully, we have just the hotels to

Independent Minds: Xiaoran Zhou, Kaipuu Hotels

As the first luxury hotels in China to be certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kaipuu on the Reef and Kaipuu Belfry are setting the eco-friendly bar in the history-steeped seaport of Quanzhou. The Jin River has welcomed trade and travellers from all four corners of the globe,

10 destination hotels to plan an unforgettable trip around

Travel wish-lists are nothing new — and in our case, never ending — but what about turning a trip on its head, and making the journey for a hotel so special that it’s become a destination in its own right? Hotel-centric holidays still come down to location, to a certain

10 of the best hotel beach clubs in Europe

The key ingredients to the perfect hotel beach club? Somewhere far from Europe’s sun-seeking crowds, yet close to the cooling water’s edge—we’re talking a few barefoot steps, or even better if there are wave-lapped loungers. Pretty parasols and towels are a plus, mellow tunes and ice-cold refreshments by day are