Santorini Solo Travel: Traveling to Santorini Alone

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Traveling to Santorini alone is a great idea, even though this Greek island is well-known for its romantic ambiance that caters to couples worldwide.

Santorini is more than a bunch of romantic sunsets and caldera view hotels with private hot tubs.

This stunning archipelago is also known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.

If you’re an adventurous soul seeking an unforgettable solo travel experience, Santorini is the perfect destination to explore on your own. All towns on Santorini are perfectly safe, there’s a reliable bus network, there are taxis and private trips, and most pathways are usually full of people.

For memories from your solo trip, you can book a flying dress photoshoot. You won’t have to ask other people to take photos of you, as you’ll have the best photos of all, impersonating a fairy or a super hero.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into everything you need to know about traveling solo to Santorini, including the best places to visit, activities to engage in, and tips for a successful and enjoyable journey. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of wanderlust, and let’s embark on an extraordinary adventure in Santorini!

Best Hotels in Santorini for Solo Travelers

Most solo travelers seek to explore the places they visit, rather than spending time in their hotel room.

When I travel solo, I only need a comfortable bed and the basic amenities for a pleasant stay. There’s no need for all those fancy bells and whistles that help creating a romantic atmosphere. I couldn’t care less about such stuff.

These being said, I’d choose accommodation that’s near a lively area, with restaurants and shops. I enjoy silence, but I don’t want to be in a remote place, either.

When it comes to the best Santorini towns and villages for solo travelers, my top choice is Firostefani, the next is Perissa, then Finikia.

The Biggest Problem of Santorini Solo Travelers

Many hotels and villas in Greece offer rooms for solo travelers. You won’t find this in Santorini!

All of the hotel rooms, villas and apartments rates in Santorini start from double occupancy.

I only found one hostel: Central Hostel Oia. The excellent location of this hostel helped boost their Booking rankings. Nevertheless, you should read those reviews before booking a bed, as there are some not so convenient details that might deter you from choosing this accommodation.

Best Hotels in Firostefani for Solo Travelers

Manos Small World: set in a peaceful spot overlooking the caldera, this hotel boasts a beautiful terrace and suits with direct sea view.

Click here to see the rates and book your stay at Manos Small World on booking.com.

Sun Rocks Boutique Hotel – the cliff-side pool and the lounge bar are two of the amenities that make Sun Rocks one of the best hotels for solo travelers in Firostefani. Here you can have your a la carte breakfast by the pool, as well as various refreshments throughout the day. Check out the rates and other travelers’ reviews here.

Chic Hotel Santorini – located at 10 minutes’ walk from Fira, this hotel features rooms with private balconies and free wi-fi, an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour reception. Click here to see their current rates and to book your stay.

Best Hotels in Fira for Solo Travelers

White Concept Caves – cave-style hotels have a special charm. They are so “Santorini-like” that it’s well worth staying here, just for the sake of the traditional Cycladic architecture. Click here to book your deluxe cave suite right now!

Alexandra’s Home – this one bedroom villa is located right in the center of Fira, near the Prehistoric Thera Museum. The rates for single occupancy are smaller than the ones for two people, so you may want to check out some details and book your stay here before anyone else grabs it.

Mythical Blue Luxury Suites – If you rent a car on Santorini, you’ll want accommodation with free parking. Mythical Blue one of your available options, but only if you aren’t seeking for budget accommodation. You can have a cave suite with heated hot tub, with or without caldera view. Click here now to see these cave suites and to check out their availability for your travel dates.

Best Hotels in Perissa for Solo Travelers

Daylight Hotel – featuring an outdoor swimming pool, this beachfront hotel is one of the top preferences of solo travelers. Daylight hotel is very close to the bus station, being therefore convenient to those who want to use the public buses network in Santorini. Check out the current room rates and make your booking here.

Samson’s Village – beachfront property with sea views, Samson’s Village boasts a shared pool with deck chairs and a pool bar, located right by the beachfront promenade in Perissa. Check out the prices and the availability here.

Exi Seaside Suites – located by the beach, near Mesa Vouna, these apartments are perfect for a beach holiday in Perissa. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll want to book a standard room. Should you decide to travel with your family or a group of friends, you can get the two-bedroom beach house. Check out the rates and book your stay now!

Best Hotels in Kamari for Solo Travelers

Preka Maria: comfortable accommodation with wifi, kitchenette, outdoor swimming pool and free parking, near the black beach of Kamari. If you want a traditional style accommodation, click here to see their availability and prices.

Blue Dream: located in the center of Kamari and about 5 minutes away from the black sand beach, the Blue dream apartments are the place to be if you want to experience the traditional Cycladic living style. Click here to see the prices and to book your stay.

Acqua Vatos: this hotel has its own vineyard, and it is located near the beach, in an area with shops and restaurants. The bus stop is just in front of the hotel. For rates and availability, click here.

Best Hotels in Finikia for Solo Travelers

Best places to stay in Finikia: Palm Tree Hill, White Cave Villas, Lotza Studios.

None of the above is really cheap Santorini accommodation. Nonetheless, they are less expensive than cave hotels, apartments and villas with private hot tubs and magnificent caldera views.

Exploring the Delights of Santorini at Your Own Pace

As a solo traveler, you’ll have the freedom to set your own pace and create an itinerary that suits your preferences.This is my biggest motivation to travel solo. I need my alone time, even though I also enjoy travels with my partner or with my friends.

Should you feel the need for company or for other people to take care of the various details, you can join one of the dozens of organized tours such as wine tasting, food tasting, sunset sailing, hiking, and cultural tours.

Santorini offers a myriad of attractions and experiences that will leave you in awe.I know I was impressed with the scenery, even though I usually run away from touristy, crowded places.

Here are some highlights:

1. Santorini’s Iconic Caldera & The Skaros Rock

The island’s most iconic feature is its caldera, a submerged volcanic crater surrounded by calm, blue waters.

Witnessing the caldera’s breathtaking views should be at the top of your list.

The Fira to Oia hike is an awesome opportunity to take stunning photos and to enjoy the traditional Cycladic architecture, the whitewashed walls and the blue church domes.

The towns of Fira, Oia, and Imerovigli perch on the caldera cliffs and provide panoramic vistas of the Aegean Sea. As you pass Imerovigli, you’ll see a giant rock coming out of the sea. This is the Skaros Rock. If time allows, hike to its peak and back. The whole thing should take you about one hour, plus some 15-30 minutes to rest and to take photos.

Stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, explore boutique shops, savor delicious local cuisine, and indulge in the warm hospitality of the island’s residents. The best thing about this walk is that you don’t need to travel with anyone else to enjoy it to the full. Of course, sharing is nice, but there’s so much beauty everywhere around, that strangers smile to each other when they see it.

2. Some of the Best Sunsets on Earth

Prepare to be enchanted by Santorini’s legendary sunsets. The island offers numerous vantage points where you can witness the sky ablaze with vibrant hues as the sun gracefully dips below the horizon.

Oia, known for its postcard-perfect sunset views, attracts crowds of visitors yearning for a magical sunset experience. Again, you can experience the sunset on your own, as you won’t feel alone in the crowd.

Find a cozy spot, perhaps at a rooftop bar or a seaside taverna, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking spectacle that nature unfolds. Many people choose to stand or to sit on the castle ruins by the edge of the village. I would have liked a spot there, but they were all taken by the time I got to Oia.

You can see the sunset with beautiful caldera views also from Fira, Firostefani or Imerovigli. I captured some beautiful shots on my way back from Oia to Finikia, just as the sun was setting.

Akrotiri is another sunset spot worth considering. If you don’t have accommodation in Akrotiri, getting back to your hotel after sunset can be tricky, as the last bus is usually crowded. Also, I’m not sure how fast a taxi would come to pick you up from there. If you drive, there’s nothing to worry about.

3. Ancient Akrotiri

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the ancient site of Akrotiri is a must. Often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean,” this archaeological treasure provides a glimpse into the Minoan civilization that thrived thousands of years ago.

Marvel at the remarkably preserved ruins, including multistory buildings, intricate frescoes, and advanced engineering. Delve into the mysteries of the past as you explore this captivating archaeological site. While in the Akrotiri area, take a tour to the lighthouse (Pharos) for an amazing sunset over the caldera.

The lighthouse is far from the bus station, so I’d recommend you to take a taxi or to rent a car. If you’re keen on walking solo from the Akrotiri bus station to the lighthouse and back, make sure you do it during daytime. Also, check the buses timetable to ensure you don’t miss the last bus of the day.

4. Volcano Hiking and Hot Springs

Santorini’s volcanic origins offer unique opportunities for adventure seekers. Embark on a hike to the volcano’s crater and witness the raw power of nature up close.

Afterward, rejuvenate your body and soul by taking a dip in the island’s therapeutic hot springs. The warm mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, and the experience is both invigorating and relaxing.

5. Beaches and Water Activities

Santorini boasts an array of stunning beaches with their distinct charm. From the vibrant Red Beach, characterized by its red-hued cliffs and volcanic sand to the vibrant Perissa, bustling with life, Santorini beaches are as good as beaches on many other islands in Greece.

Unfortunately, Red Beach is a dangerous place to be, as the cliffs may collapse at any given time, due to erosion. It offers a scenic view, but you’d better take a boat tour to visit it.

Perissa, Perivolos and Kamari are the best black sand beaches in Santorini. Perissa is my favorite. I can’t wait to book an entire beach holiday in Perissa this fall.

Wherever in Santorini you may decide to stay, download my free travel planning checklist. It will hopefully help you save time.