Is Greece safe for solo female travellers? My own personal experience is that without a shadow of a doubt, Greece is very, very safe. Read on to discover why it’s still one of my favourite countries to visit alone.
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What makes Greece so safe for solo female travellers?
Oh. Em. Gee. Greece is the perfect destination for solo female travellers, for so many reasons! First of all, whether you’re visiting the mainland or island-hopping, the country is very well-equipped for welcoming all kinds of tourists.
This means that transportation is generally very easy to use and accessible, but also that there’s no shortage of people to help you out if get a bit stuck. Greek is obviously the national language- and it’s definitely worth learning at least some basic words and phrases before you travel here- but English is also very widely spoken, particularly among the younger generations.
This may well be a fluke but I’ve also never experienced cat-calling in Greece. Which makes a refreshing change from countries like England and France, where I’ve been cat-called and far worse.
In fact, I’ve never felt unsafe whilst roaming around alone, anywhere in Greece.
(Ancient) Greek hospitality
Greeks are famous for their hospitality; in fact, in Greek mythology hospitality (otherwise known as xenia) was a divine right of guests and a divine duty of hosts. Hosts had a moral obligation to welcome friends or strangers, offering food and shelter, and guests were obliged to be respectful and courteous in return. Perhaps even more importantly, it was expected that guests should tell stories and share news from. where they had been. So brush up on your storytelling before you venture into a Greek’s home.
They may not believe in the ancient gods and goddesses any more, but the concept of ‘xenia’ is deeply rooted in Greek culture. People here are some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered on my travels.
As a woman travelling alone in Greece, I’ve experienced complete strangers going out of their way to look out for me, whether that’s by welcoming me into their homes, sharing food, or making sure I can safely get to my next destination. That time I was rescued by a local in Corfu is a case in point.
What safety precautions should I take as a solo female traveller in Greece?
Of course, to claim that solo female travellers never encounter any danger in Greece would be a very bold claim, which I would never make. Greece might seem safe, but it’s important to keep your wits about you, wherever you are in the world.
When in big cities like Athens, research the area you’re going to stay in; it’s not the best idea to book somewhere to stay in a dodgy area, (even if that just means an area that’s not well-lit), or where you’ll have to walk through a shady area to reach it. When I’m travelling alone I always look at how close my accommodation is to local transport to avoid long nighttime walks- even if it means paying a bit extra- and I always tell someone where I’m staying.
And whether you’re in a city or on an island, in a hotel or an Airbnb, always read the reviews properly! Reviews are your friends. Chances are that some women will have travelled there alone already; they can give you a heads-up on how helpful the owners are and the safety of where you’re staying.
Lastly, this is very much a personal choice, pals- but it’s rare that I drink alcohol when I’m travelling alone. This is tricky in Greece, which as a nation makes some of the most delicious wines in Europe, but a glass of wine is about my limit if I’m out and about solo in Greece.
Is Greece safe for solo female travellers?
Best places for solo female travel in Greece: Where I’ve travelled solo
Athens
Athens is not just an amazing city, full-stop, but one of the best cities for solo female travel in Greece. Ancient and modern all-at-once, and a little bit rough around the edges, there are plenty of options for places to stay, and so many intriguing neighbourhoods to wander. (Although it goes without saying to do your research before you take a wrong turn down a sketchy street.)
There’s also fun to be had in Greece’s capital, whatever kind of traveller you are. From historical sights like the Acropolis, to palaces and parks, street art on every corner, and an amazing food and drink scene; Athens is one of my favourite cities in Europe, if not the world! And almost every time I’ve visited, it’s been all on my tod.
Santorini
Santorini has a reputation as a romantic destination for couples. But this bucketlist destination is one which I’ve revisited over and over. The island is easy to navigate, and I’ve also met many other solo female travellers whilst roaming around. My favourite hostel in Santorini is housed within some old wine caves and has private rooms as well as shared all-female dorms, and I’ve also stayed in some beautiful Airbnbs. To keep the cost down in Santorini as a solo female traveller, it’s definitely better to stay in hostels and Airbnbs; hotels can be veeeery costly here.
If you love hiking, there are hiking paths all across the island. Whilst the paths are very rarely crowded, Santorini is obviously a very popular destination- so help is always at hand in the form of other hikers. Which makes this the perfect island for first-time solo female travellers to hike.
Island-hopping is very easy in Greece, and the port in Santorini is very accessible by a regular bus service. Travel around the other other-worldly Cyclades islands, or head down to Crete, Greece’s largest island.
Rhodes
Rhodes is part of the stunningly beautiful Dodecanese islands, and as well as having tonnes to see and do on the island itself, it’s also a great starting point for visiting other islands like Symi and Kos, or even catching a ferry over to Turkey.
The island is very popular with families and couples, but that also means it’s another very safe-feeling location, particularly if you’re new to travelling solo in Greece. The incredibly history and scenery of Rhodes was a massive draw for me, and I had a great time exploring. Rhodes Old Town is busy and bustling, and the beautiful whitewashed village of Lindos has a stunning acropolis which is one of Greece’s most visited historical sights. There are some great restaurants and bars to be found here, and it definitely has a busier feel to it than the smaller islands of Greece.
I only spent three days in Rhodes, but this island is a big one, so if you have a car and a longer time to explore, all the better for it.
Corfu
And my favourite island in Greece for solo female travel? That would be stunning Corfu, which is part of the Ionian Islands in up in the north.
This verdant green island has crystal turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and rustic hidden villages with a Venetian vibe. Plus Corfu Town is big enough to be interesting, and small enough not to get too lost in. The island is easy to navigate, with the airport being a short walk from the main town and regular buses covering the whole island. It’s also very easy to catch a ferry from the port; travel across to Bari in Italy, or you could alternatively hop on over to Saranda in Albania, and be back in time for dinner!
And when it comes to the great outdoors, Corfu really has it all. If you want to hike through the countryside in Corfu, you’ll definitely be more alone than in busy Santorini. But again, never too far from help if you need it.
So, is Greece safe for solo female travellers? It’s genuinely one of the safest-feeling countries I’ve travelled through. I definitely keep my wits about me when travelling alone, regardless of where in the world I am, but Greece remains a firm favourite for travelling solo.