Greece is one of the world’s top destinations for island hopping.
The country is blessed with over 6,000 islets, spanning the Aegean and Ionian Seas and beyond.
Blending ancient culture, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine, it’s no surprise that around 5 million Brits holiday here each year.
Alongside sun, sea and sand, Greece (especially the islands) is also incredibly safe to visit, with low crime rates and friendly locals willing to help tourists.
This is great news for solo travellers — a trend that is only increasing.
Recent research shows that nearly a quarter of UK adults now say they prefer travelling solo and feel confident planning a trip alone. For under 25s, this rises to 40%.
Here, Metro — with the help of ferry booking platform Ferryhopper — has rounded up 5 of the best islands perfect for a solo getaway:
Amorgos
On the eastern edge of the Cyclades group — famed for Santorini and Mykonos — you’ll find the quieter Amorgos.
This island combines rugged beauty and history, and is a paradise for adventurers.
There’s the Monastery of Hozoviotissa, an 11th-century whitewashed church built directly into a golden cliff face.
It’s the second-oldest monastery in Greece, only accessible by 300 stone steps.
Hikers, lace up those boots, because there are more routes (all with incredible views) to enjoy.
The Vroutsi to Katapola trail takes you through southern Amorgos, where sometimes you can see the neighbouring island of Naxos.
There’s also the Ormos to Lagada to Tholaria route, where you’ll walk through mountains, valleys and the famous Araklos canyon.
The epitome of slow life in Greece 🇬🇷💕 #amorgos #greekislands #greekislandhopping
If you’d rather amble at a slower pace, head to Chora, the island’s capital.
The city is defined by traditional windmills, Cycladic homes, large eucalyptus trees, and a Venetian castle.
If you’re in need of refreshments, you’ll find ample cafes and traditional tavernas.
Getting there: Amorgos is only accessible by ferry. You can take the six- to nine-hour boat from Athens, or from nearby islands like Naxos and Santorini.
Samothrace
If you’re in the market for waterfalls, natural rock pools (known as vathres) and wild landscapes, tiny Samothrace in the Aegean Sea should be on your hit list.
Trek along the Fonias River through lush green forests to find said vathres, which offer perfect swimming conditions.
Alexandroupoli’ye feribotla sadece 2 saat uzaklıkta, bambaşka bir dünya var: Samothraki adası 😍 Bana görüntüsü bile Kınalıada’yı hatırlattığı için şehirden bakarken bile huzur buluyorum. Burası alışılmış bir Yunan adası değil; herkes için uygun değil. Lüks plajlar, oteller yok. Salaş, özgür ruhlu bir atmosferi var. Alternatif yaşam tarzı benimseyenler için de çok tercih edilen bir lokasyon. Adada beni en çok heyecanlandıran şeylerden biri de tavernalar. Keçi etiyle yapılan yemekler mutlaka denenmeli!Adada serbestçe gezip beslendikleri için lezzeti bambaşka. Önümüzdeki günlerde ada deneyimlerimi bol bol paylaşacağım. ✨ Hazır yaz yaklaşırken, Alexandroupoli tatilinizi birkaç gün uzatıp Samothraki’yi de plana eklemeniz için bir işaret olabilir 😍 Not: Türkiye’den direk seferler başlamış deniyordu; bilen varsa yorumlara yazsın 🥰 Just a 2-hour ferry ride from Alexandroupoli, there’s a completely different world: Samothraki Island 😍 Even its scenery reminds me of Kınalıada, and I feel calm just looking at it from the city. This isn’t your typical Greek island; it’s not for everyone. There are no luxury beaches or hotels. It has a laid-back, free-spirited atmosphere and is a popular spot for those embracing an alternative lifestyle. One of the things that excites me the most on the island is the tavernas. Goat dishes are a must-try! Since the goats roam freely, the flavor is incredible. I’ll be sharing more of my island experiences in the coming days ✨ With summer approaching, this might be a sign to extend your Alexandroupoli trip by a few days and add Samothraki to your plan 😍 P.S. I heard there are direct ferries from Turkey too—if anyone knows more, drop a comment 🥰 #samothraki #alexandroupoli #yunanistan #greekislands #greece
In the village of Therma, therapeutic sulfur hot springs are known for their healing properties.
Samothrace is also home to Mount Saos, the tallest mountain in the Aegean islands.
Thrillseekers can take on the challenging 10-hour round-trip hike up the mountain, where panoramic sea views await.
The Odyssey fans will be intrigued to know that in Homer’s The Iliad, Poseidon sat on the mountain to watch the Trojan War.
Getting there: The closest and most popular ferry route is from Alexandroupoli, and takes around two hours.
Sifnos
Back to the Cyclades now. Specifically Sifnos, a quintessential Greek island with stunning beaches, traditional white villages, and hearty cuisine.
Here, indulge in everything from slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew to rabbit stifado, roasted in wood-fired ovens.
Walk off such feasts in one of the many villages, from the 3000-year-old Kastro, the peaceful seaside fishing village of Faros, or the island capital, Apollonia, built across three hills.
Check out the Chrisopigi Monastery, a 17th-century religious site, or the iconic Church of the Seven Martyrs, perched on a rocky hilltop that gives Mamma Mia! vibes.
There are plenty of unreal beaches on Sifnos, too.
On Faros beach, rotate from sand to seaside tavernas.
In Cheronissos, get away from it all in this tiny sandy cove with turquoise waters and pristine swimming conditions.
Sifnos 2026? #greece #summer #greekislands #traveltiktok #greektikok
Getting there: From Athens, there’s 2.5 hours high-speed ferry or a five hour conventional ferry. Alternatively, the nearest island with a ferry route is Serifos, with a fast crossing taking about 30 to 35 minutes.
Koufonisia
Koufonisia are a pair of small, car-free islands between Naxos and Amorgos.
Ano Koufonisi is the inhabited island, with five breathtaking beaches and around 400 residents.
Spots like Pori, Fanos, and Italida feature soft sand and shallow, bright blue water — the classic Greek beach image you have in your mind.
Here, a slow, laidback pace of life is favoured over the party scenes of Mykonos.
Travellers spend their days swimming, sunbathing, eating fresh fish at local tavernas, and exploring the quaint villages on foot.
You can also hop over to the uninhabited island of Kato Koufonisi, where day trips via a short boat taxi consist of exploring coves and quieter beaches.
Getting there: From Athens’ port of Piraeus, a ferry takes around four to seven hours. Or, you can island hop from Naxos.
Ikaria
Ikaria, in the Aegean Sea, is known for being a Blue Zone. This is a place where people live unusually long and healthy lives, often making it to 100 or more.
It’s also shrouded in mythology thanks to the myths of Icarus and Dionysus.
Legend has it that when Icarus — the son of the master inventor Daedalus — flew too close to the sun, his wings melted, and he plunged to his death in the Aegean.
His body washed ashore on an unnamed island, later named Ikaria in his honour.
Meanwhile, Dionysus, the son of Zeus, was born on Ikaria.
This island is a little livelier than Koufonisia: Christos Raches is known as the ‘village that never sleeps. Shops and cafes stay open well into the night, while people rest in the day.
Throughout Ikaria, villages host ‘Panagiria,’ traditional feast days that celebrate the Saints’ name days and other religious holidays.
The famous blue zone in greece! Ikaria Island 🇬🇷 can’t wait to be back this summer #fyp #trending #viral #greece #ikaria
You can also combine history and relaxation. Take a trip to Nas Beach, an unspoiled spot by the Chalares River gorge, and the historic 2,400-year-old ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
Or, if you simply want to fly and flop, set up on the famous Seychelles Beach, a hidden cove with azure waters and brilliantly white pebbles.
Getting there: Take a seven-hour ferry from Athens. Or, jump on a one-hour boat from Samos, Ikaria’s neighbouring island.
Metro’s favourite Greek getaways
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