Solo Travel in Santorini: From a Local (Woman)’s Perspective
When I started SoloTrvlr I did so with a single goal in mind: I wanted to make it easier for women to explore the world on our own terms. Wouldn’t it be great if we could take on all of the amazing things on our bucket lists, regardless of whether we have someone ready to do those things with us?
Some of you may know we ran a small test Beta for SoloTrvlr in early 2022. We launched as a members-only app with local guides in just 7 cities in Europe — all by local women. We did this all as the world was still recovering from Covid; we were excited to chart a new path for travel and eager to find the right destinations to start us out.
The Greek islands and Santorini specifically felt like a rebellious move for a solo travel focused startup, just getting off the ground. We were taking a place that’s been consistently named one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world and saying “No, you can go there on your own, just for you”.
I definitely had some concerns. Would I be able to find the locals who could guide me to an authentic side of this heavily touristed island? And would I do that all whilst in the middle of a pandemic where entry rules and government restrictions were changing weekly?
The move felt incredibly risky, so I sought input from as many women as I could, asking “Where would you absolutely love to travel?” Lo and behold, Santorini kept popping up, again and again.
Why Travel Solo in Santorini?
With SoloTrvlr, I wanted to make it both acceptable and accessible for women to explore the world on our own. When I think back on how many trips I’ve not taken because I was waiting for someone else; the places I didn’t explore because I was nervous about safety, felt guilty about leaving my partner and friends, or spending the money on a holiday just for me – there’s so much I skipped.
For so many women (myself included), Santorini was this dream destination – the whitewashed hillside towns, incredible food, local wine, and gorgeous Greek sunsets. The type of beauty that glossy travel magazines label as romantic, positioning it just out of reach for those going solo. But why shouldn’t we get to experience that for ourselves?
I started to get a picture in my head of chatting to winemakers in some of the country’s oldest vineyards, getting lost in the meandering paths covered in bougainvillea and watching the sun sink into the sea, while snacking on a fresh mezze platter.
And with that image in mind, I was fully committed – we were going to turn the traditional image of Santorini on its head and show a side to Santorini that was equally stunning, more authentic, and didn’t require a +1.
Planning My Own Solo Trip To Santorini
Because of Santorini’s reputation as a romantic paradise I knew I wouldn’t be able to find the info I sought solely online. Searches for ‘Solo Female Travel Santorini’ turned up little of the info I’d personally want. There were a couple articles from other women, but all from brief visits. I wanted to hear from the locals.
So, I did as much research as I could and teamed up with an incredible travel photographer, Teal Thomsen. We laid out a plan: I’d arrive first to scout out the locations and (hopefully) find our a local woman to partner with. Teal would follow the week after, with 2 days to shoot the side of Santorini that we hoped to show.
I tracked entry requirements daily, and in spite of a last minute scramble when my flight was canceled a week from departure, managed to make it out to Santorini a few weeks later.
Once on the island, I threw myself into the tasks at hand: discovering how to navigate a holiday in Santorini as a solo female traveler, and finding the best local woman to partner with on our guide.
I navigated the local bus from one side of the island to the other. I explored the oft ignored east side of the island where black sand beaches and laid back beach bars could have you mistaking Greece for Bali. I hiked through fields of knotted grape vines, and explored the ruins of an ancient Minoan city on the island’s highest peak, which I had nearly to myself. I sought out local tavernas where the entire extended family crowded into the kitchen and spilled out into the terrace.
And all along the way I asked everyone I met for recommendations on women who knew the island inside and out.
Local Recommendations from a (Woman) Photographer
That’s how I met Konstantina – a Greek winemaker and photographer. I met her at a cozy wine bar she recommended – an oasis from the crowds of Oia, which offered an incredible wine list of local vintages. After receiving degrees in both enology and photography she moved permanently to Santorini where she now splits her time working with one of the island’s top wineries, teaching photography workshops, and doing 1:1 photoshoots – mostly for women wanting to capture the experience of their time on this stunning island.
She was the perfect partner for our guide, offering a window into her version of Santorini – a wild, beautiful, volcanic island perfectly suited for exploring on your own.
A Local’s View on Solo Female Travel in Santorini
Konstantina introduced us to exactly the Santorini I had been dreaming about. She shared tips for getting around the island safely without spending a fortune, and the scoop on all the ATVs and scooters you’ll see around the island (hint: make sure you’re giving them a full safety inspection). She also shared her take on connecting with locals and enjoying the views while avoiding the crowds.
In addition to tips, Konstantina also shared her personal favorite places to explore on her own. These include a locally run bookstore with funky creative spaces, hidden swimming spots, where to find the best sushi, and a vegetarian-friendly beach bar with reggae vibes. She also shared the best restaurants for live music, and chill bars perfect for enjoying a solo glass of wine. And for the warm summer evenings, an outdoor movie theater with great cocktails and a chill atmosphere.
Of course, no trip to Santorini would be complete without a bit of a treat, and she also shared the best local hotels for a splash of luxury.
After returning from Santorini I worked with Konstantina, Teal and our amazing editorial team to curate everything we discovered into the ideal Travel Lists for exploring the island – without waiting for a honeymoon. We’re so excited to share it with you & hope that it’ll open your mind to a new side of what’s possible with solo travel!
What We Learned Along The Way
Be flexible and ready to respond to changes. Any time you’re trying something new, a willingness to go with the flow and adapt to changes is essential. It’s also often where the magic happens.
Explore outside the main hubs. Perissa had such a cool, laid back beach town vibe, a striking contrast to Santorini’s more polished west coast. While not the easiest to get to, it was definitely worth the trek.
Ask local people for their personal favorite restaurant – you’ll rarely be disappointed!
Bring walking shoes and be ready to use them. Some of the best local spots, including my new favorite bakery ever, are off the main streets, tucked into local corners where rents are cheaper.
Only once was I ever even mildly concerned from a safety POV – and that wasn’t due to a human, but a dog that seemed a little aggressive for comfort. I chose another path and went on my way.
Don’t try to fit too much in – it quickly became apparent that busses run on island time and any trip required at least a 30 minute buffer to account for relaxed timetables
So… Should You Go To Santorini On Your Own?
Absolutely! Santorini is an amazing solo travel destination, with warm friendly people, incredible local swimming spots and family run tavernas, world-class wineries, and tons of places to explore.
Join the SoloTrvlr Waitlist to be the first to check out our Santorini Travel Lists, including my personal discoveries, Teal’s favorite finds, and of course, the top picks and insider tips from local Greek winemaker and photographer Konstantina.
