<aside> 🔖 Thinking about solo travel in Santorini? Real tips on where to stay, eat, get around, and enjoy the island on your own.
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I'll be honest, when I started planning a solo trip to Santorini, I had doubts. Every photo I'd seen showed couples holding hands at sunset, honeymooners clinking champagne glasses, romantic dinners for two. Not exactly solo traveler vibes.
But here's what I learned: Santorini works perfectly fine for solo travel. Yes, there are couples everywhere. But there are also plenty of solo travelers, and the island is easy to navigate on your own. The views are as good as advertised — those white buildings on volcanic cliffs really do look like that in person. And the food is genuinely excellent.
Here's what you need to know if you're planning to go alone.
You have two options: fly or take a ferry from Athens.
Flying gets you there in 45 minutes. You land at the airport near Kamari, and from there you can catch a bus to wherever you're staying.
Taking the ferry takes 4-7 hours depending on which one you book. I took the ferry and enjoyed watching the coastline, but if your time is limited, flying makes more sense. The ferry is more of an experience if you have the time for it.
Once you arrive at the port, public buses run frequently to the main towns. They're cheap and reliable, so getting to your hotel is straightforward.
Santorini's main towns — Fira and Oia — are walkable. You can explore those on foot without any issues. But to see the rest of the island, you'll need transportation.
Renting a car is what I'd recommend if you're staying more than a couple of days. Rent a car and you can drive the coastal roads at your own pace, stop wherever you want for photos, and explore beaches that aren't on the bus routes. The roads are manageable, just narrow in some spots.
Public buses connect all the main towns and run frequently. They're air-conditioned, cheap, and comfortable. I used them when I didn't feel like driving. Just check the schedule because delays occasionally happen.
I'd skip the ATV rentals. They're loud, everyone rents them, and they don't really add much to the experience. A car gives you the same freedom with better comfort.
Santorini has options across every budget — from hostels where you'll meet other travelers to luxury hotels with caldera views. There are also plenty of Airbnb options if you want a private room in someone's home or an entire apartment to yourself.