How To Plan a Budget Solo Trip to Santorini?

How do you plan a budget solo trip to Santorini? Santorini has long been on my travel bucket list. It’s an amazing destination for a girl’s trip or honeymoon, but is it also a good choice for the budget solo female traveller?

Travel to Santorini in June 2021 was perfect—quiet streets, fantastic photo opportunities, and enjoying the island without the massive crowds. The after-effects of Covid. Greece was open for travel for Europeans at that time, making it an ideal moment to explore.

As a solo female traveller, I’m always looking for budget-friendly ways to experience everything a destination offers. While Santorini can be expensive, enjoying it on a budget is possible!

Thinking of travelling to Santorini alone? Check out these tips on planning a budget solo trip to Santorini!

Is Santorini good for a solo trip?

Yes, Santorini is awesome for a solo trip! It’s safe, beautiful, and has so much to offer. You can chill on stunning beaches, explore the island, and catch those incredible sunsets.

It’s not that hard to meet other solo travellers and locals. And it’s great for some well-deserved relaxation! Solo travel to Greece is a great destination in general.

Things to do in Santorini

Santorini: Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset

I love this great and affordable tour! Get on a full-day guided tour of Santorini’s highlights. Visit the iconic blue-domed churches in Oia, take in the breathtaking views from Profitis Ilias, and unwind on the shores of Perissa Beach. Finish the day with some well-deserved wine tasting.

This tour is the perfect day to explore the lesser-known spots on Santorini and relax on the beach—all perfectly arranged by a luxury tour bus!

You’ll taste local Santorinian wine, one of the island’s most famous products. You’ll also learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a private wine-tasting session of three wines made of local grape varieties.

Santorini Flying Dress Photo Shoot

If you’re serious about a photo shoot and ready to splurge, I highly recommend the Santorini Flying Dress Photo Shoot. You’ve probably come across these stunning photos while researching your Santorini trip. Yes, it’s quite the investment, but you’ll get a professional photo shoot that feels straight out of a Vogue magazine.

How does being a fashion model for a day sound to you? 🤩 This splurge absolutely belongs in the ultimate budget solo travel guide to Santorini! It’s an experience of a lifetime!

Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling, Meal & Open Bar

Set sail on a luxurious catamaran cruise from Santorini’s Vlychada Marina, welcomed with a glass of wine or a soft drink. The journey begins at the stunning Red Beach, where you can swim and snorkel among the red cliffs. Enjoy Greek mezzes onboard as we sail to White Beach, capturing photos of the Indian Rocks and the Venetian Lighthouse at Akrotiri.

We’ll then head into the caldera to soak in the therapeutic waters of the volcanic hot springs. Our final stop is Mesa Pigadia for more aquatic activities and a BBQ lunch featuring chicken, Neapolitan pasta, Greek salad, Greek Ratatouille, and dessert, complemented by an open bar.

What more do you need for an epic day in Santorini?

How to save money in Santorini

I’m all for enjoying a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer! Getting a good cocktail at a restaurant overlooking the caldera will cost you some. Sometimes, that’s just the way it is!

But most bars and restaurants near the main street in Fira do offer happy hours. If not, stick to local beer like Mythos or any of the local Greek wines. Don’t worry! They have plenty, and they taste amazing! This will save you some bucks!

Go for a big lunch at the restaurants, but have dinner at the smaller restaurants on the main streets. Get a simple croissant and coffee at a bakery or supermarket for breakfast to keep you within your budget.

When to plan your solo trip to Santorini

Travelling to Santorini outside summertime is a must if you want to experience the island’s beauty without the overwhelming crowds and high prices!

Visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as early spring or late autumn, lets you enjoy the stunning sunsets and beaches more relaxedly.

The weather remains great, making it ideal for exploring iconic spots like Oia and Fira, indulging in local Greek cuisine, and taking photos without the massive crowds strolling through the small streets of Santorini.

You’ll find better deals on accommodations and flights, allowing you to experience the magic of Santorini without breaking the bank. Always travel outside school holidays, not on weekends, and preferably beginning in October or early April.

Where to stay in Santorini for budget solo travellers

Oia

Fira is the capital of Santorini, but most of the photos you see on Instagram are from Oia, a smaller town not far from Fira. While Oia is beautiful, it’s way more expensive than Fira, with plenty of upscale hotels, resorts, and pricier restaurants.

Oia is also relatively small and can get very crowded. Wandering through its charming white streets can feel less relaxing when you have to elbow your way through the crowds. At least, that’s how it feels for me.

Plus, if you’re staying in Oia, you’re more likely to be surrounded by honeymooners and couples on romantic getaways, which might not be the vibe you’re looking for travelling alone.

Fira

Fira is larger and offers various bars, restaurants, and budget hotels. As a solo female traveller, Fira provides budget-friendly options, and its central location is perfect for your solo trip to Santorini.

Don’t worry! Fira is just as beautiful as Oia and, in my opinion, more authentic. Enjoy stunning sunset views and take gorgeous photos while wandering the charming white streets. I’d say it’s even better because there are more spots to capture those lovely photos.

How to find budget accommodation in Santorini?

Finding budget accommodation in Santorini is entirely possible with a bit of savvy planning. Start by looking for hotels and hostels in Fira, where you’ll find a broader range of affordable options compared to the pricier Oia.

Booking your stay well in advance can also secure better rates, especially during the shoulder seasons. Consider staying in family guesthouses or Airbnbs. Exploring all the options is important to understand what’s out there.

Using platforms like Booking.com to filter for budget-friendly stays. Don’t completely rule out hostels since they sometimes have the possibility of private rooms with an ensuite bathroom! It all depends on your budget and what you’ll be able to find.

Santorini is an expensive, touristy destination, so search with the right expectations and create a Santorini-worthy budget!

Where to stay in Fira, Santorini

Sweet Pop

During my stay in Santorini, I chose to stay at the Sweet Pop Hotel in Fira. This charming, small hotel is nestled in the picturesque white streets of Fira, just a short walk from the main road. The hotel is adorable, and the rooms are clean and well-maintained.

Each room has a little balcony, a fridge, and access to a small pool. I loved how the hotel was tucked away in the quiet streets, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. The location, not directly accessible by car, added to its authentic charm.

Sweet Pop has excellent reviews and a fantastic location. I would definitely stay there again!

Ptolemeos Pension

Another fantastic budget-friendly option with excellent reviews is Ptolemeos Pension. This hotel features a small pool and is conveniently located near the main street. Run by a local couple, staying here allows you to support the local community while enjoying a pleasant and affordable stay.

Don’t expect fancy stuff! It’s simple and clean. You really don’t need anything else!

Bedspot Hostel

I’m not into staying in hostels (I have never really been!), but the Bedspot Hostel is a hostel I would stay in since I can also book a private room with a private bathroom! The reviews are excellent, and the photos look amazing!

You’ll have a private room with a bathroom and the benefit of staying in a hostel to meet other travellers. That sounds like a win-win situation to me!

Ifestos Villa

If you’re looking for a bit more comfort and some luxury (sometimes we have to spoil ourselves), this is the perfect place! Ifestos Villa has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool where you can wind down after a long day exploring the island.

All rooms and studios have a fridge and ensuite bathroom, and some have a balcony and a kitchenette. This is perfect if you want to prepare your own meals to stay within your budget!

Is Santorini safe for solo travellers?

Santorini is incredibly safe for solo travellers! The island is relatively small, making it easy to navigate. As with any holiday destination, exercise caution when clubbing or drinking. Always remember to follow the same safety precautions as in any other city.

How to get around Santorini on a budget

Public transport

Buses on the island make it easy to travel from city to city on a budget. These buses are cheap, and the central bus station is located in Fira, which is another reason staying in Fira is a great choice! All towns in Santorini are connected through this main bus station.

During my visit in the off-season of 2021, travelling by bus was a breeze. I took the bus to Oia and Kamari Beach several times without issues. But I can imagine it being more challenging during the high season when tourists are lining up!

Rent a car

When I go back to Santorini, I will definitely rent a car. On a solo trip to Santorini, having your own car to explore every corner of the island in total freedom sounds extremely appealing.

Yes, this might not be the cheapest option. But time is money, too. Driving around the island on your own schedule is worth looking into. Check out Discovery Cars for great rental deals worldwide!

Rent a motorbike/ bike

I’m not a motorbike fan (I wish I were; it would have made my life so much easier travelling in Asia), but it is definitely an option in Santorini. Motorbikes, like Vespa, are a common way of getting around in Greece.

Shop around, but you should find great deals for around €25 a day!

Another option is a fantastic old-school bicycle! As a Dutch woman, that’s still my favourite way to get around! I’m not sure it’s the best way to get around on Santorini because the roads do not have bike lanes. I suggest discussing this with your rental company to see what’s possible.

Where to find budget eats in Santorini

Of course, dining out every night at one of the restaurants with a sunset view is rewarding, and I highly recommend you do this too! But it can be tough on your wallet.

Travelling on a budget is all about keeping the balance between budget and collecting unique experiences!

Several spots, especially near the main street, offer quick, budget-friendly Greek bites. Think pita gyros, Greek salad, falafel wraps, and more. Eating at least one meal a day at these places will help you stay within your budget on your solo trip to Santorini.

For breakfast, head to one of the little bakeries that offer a variety of delicious pastries and sandwiches. I’m not much of a breakfast person, so I usually grab a pastry and coffee from a bakery. You’ll spend no more than $5 on your breakfast!

How many days in Santorini is enough?

Santorini is a small island, and if you’re on a Greek island tour or a Europe trip, three days is enough time to see the absolute highlights and capture some fantastic shots for Instagram. You’ll visit Fira, Oia and one of the beaches, like Kamari, to relax!

Santorini is great, but if you’re on a budget and wish to see the highlights, 3 days are absolutely perfect.

How do you meet other solo travellers?

To my surprise, Santorini had more solo travellers than I expected.

Whenever I travel, I rely on my favourite solo female travellers network group on Facebook to connect with other women on similar journeys. For this trip, I did exactly the same.

I had a few cool encounters while dining alone at restaurants. One time, I met a girl from the US who was also travelling solo, and we met up for lunch the next day.

I also had a pleasant conversation about Santorini with my hotel neighbour. If you’re open to it, meeting others during your trip is easy and can make your experience even more enjoyable.

Travelling to Santorini alone in 2021 was the best decision! I got to experience the island without the usual tourist crowds, something I never get to experience again. While the Covid pandemic was challenging for everyone, one silver lining was visiting major landmarks without the crowds.

I hope you have a good idea of how to plan a budget solo trip to Santorini! And if you make it all the way to Santorini, please don’t forget to check out the other amazing islands, like Ios, Paros, and Milos!

Check out important information on travelling to Greece from the Greek Tourism Board.

Greece is an amazing, beautiful country. I’ve visited multiple times and visited different islands like Crete and Rhodos, and I never get bored of it!