We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Alejandro, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Alejandro lives in Sweden and submitted the following report about the Ionian Islands. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below.)
Languages spoken: Greek, English
Ithaca
Reasons to go: Traveling solo and without a car? Absolutely!
Greece is my top travel destination in general and the Ionian islands are just a few of the many gems that Greece has to offer. The islands are full of history and mythology, breathtaking dramatic scenery, turquoise waters, hidden beaches, caves, delicious food, and some of the warmest people on earth. The Ionian islands are a perfect solo travel destination. People are willing to selflessly help you to find your way around so you will never feel alone or lost!
In every single guide or blog that I read before my trip, people said that it would be impossible to find your way around Kefalonia or Lefkada without renting a car. I must say that I had quite a different experience. I don't drive but that didn't stop me from going alone and seeing as much of these islands as possible. I was able to go everywhere using public transport, taxis, or meeting people going the same way who were willing to take me with them. On two occasions, the hotel owners even gave me a ride just because they did not want me to miss a certain spot. It was an amazing experience and a statement of independence for me.
There are many things to do in Kefalonia but I would definitively recommend that you stop at the small town of Poros in the southeast part of the island. It is unspoiled by tourism, full of cozy tavernas, with a really nice and quiet beach where you can spend some quality time on your own. If you go to Sami, I highly recommend taking a day boat trip around Ithaca. This way you will experience swimming from at least two different hidden beaches and get the opportunity to explore as much of the island as possible in one day. On Lefkada island, you should visit the other-worldly Egremni beach with its turquoise waters and dramatic landscape.
Egremni Beach, Lefkada.
Melissani Cave, Kefalonia
Poros, Kefalonia.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
