60th birthday/solo traveler

Greece is safe, just watch out for pickpockets. You don't need a tour and aren't going to find one to the islands that isn't by boat, and not so likely to find even that. Santorini is chockful of tourists and many here, myself included, think it's very overrated. I spent several days on Naxos and enjoyed it very much. I also spent a week on Crete, mostly in Chania and 2 nights in Heraklion, mostly to visit Knossos. It's about 4 hours by high speed ferry from Heraklion to Naxos and very comfortable. I looked at the Heraklion, Naxos and Santorini airports. I didn't see any flights between them. There are other islands as well.

Where you go and how much time you spend in each place depends on what your interests are. . . . hiking, beach time, historic sights, artisans . . .

Greece is one of the safest countries to go to. While no place is perfect you'll have no issues with safety in Greece. Just use common sense like you would anywhere and you'll be fine.

I'm not a fan of tours but many others are. I'd rather go at my own pace where and when I want. Plus it's free!

Athens deserves a minimum of 2 days with three better which leave you with 7-8 days. You could split your time with two islands as long as they are on the same ferry route.

I haven't been to Santorini so can't comment on it since there are many other islands that don't get the crowds or have the high prices.

Check out this website for islands especially if you are interested in the Cyclades which most people think of when they think Greek Islands. Still lots of other island grounds worth looking into. You can also use the website for other info on Greece.

https://www.greektravel.com/greekislands/

As stated Greece is safe. Your plan is good after the transatlantic flight book a connecting flight to Santorini. A good choice would be to fly transatlantic on an airline that goes direct to Greece. If that airline is a star alliance member then you can book your flight to Santorini on Aegean/Olympic on one booking. Aegean will make sure you can make the second flight.
You will need about 2 hours to get through luggage pick up, passsport control, luggage drop off and security before your flight to Santorini.
3 nights on Santorini is all my budget can afford. It is spectacular but will be busy in June.
I would suggest you take the ferry to Naxos. The high speed ferry takes 2 hours to get to Naxos not 4. The slower conventional Blue Star ferry takes a little longer is less expensive and it stays in the caldera for much longer than the high speed ferries. The view is amazing. On the high speed ferry you can be in Naxos on the beach by 1 in the afternoon. The blue star departs later so you don't get in until later. We prefer to get to the next island as soon as possible.

Same reasoning fly back to Athens from Naxos so you can start your Athens experience earlier in the day.

Here is why Naxos is a good choice.
Naxos town https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157632094558042
Trip around Naxos https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157634605629689

Naxos 2019 https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/albums/72157711294807761

Good for you TOni! I too wanted to go to greece for many decades, finally made it in my 60s, loved it so much have managed to come back 12 more times (!). the first few days of that first trip, a friend was along, but then 3 weeks on my own, and I managed just fine! Since then my visits have been mix, some with newcomers along, others on my own, but then meeting up with friends I'd made in the past. It all works... if you're sociable, you'll find other sociable travelers as well. And having lived in 3 of the biggest US cities of all, I can say I've never felt safer than I have in Athens and in the islands, well, one feels free as a breeze. GO for it!

Stanbr's advice is a great one, and I advise you not to dither... make your domestic flight bookings IMMEDIATELY! Try to get your initial transatlantic flight (Im guess u are from US or Canada) to be nonstop from N AMErica. WHy? Because with only 10 days, every hour is precious! THose nonstops go mainly from Eastern airports, and are the ONLY routes that arrive at ATH Airport in the AM -- from 9 - 10:30 depending on Airline. The ones that connect in Europe don't reach ATH til after lunch (stometimes late with delays), and by the time u get to an island, the day's gone. With arrival by mid-morning u can get a Santorini flight by 1 or 2, and be gazing at the caldera view from your room or a cafe by late afternoon. Even more urgent is the flight from NAXOS to ATH, because these are small (modern) planes, 45 psgr, and not many flights per day. Book NOW; flights are changeable if u need to tweak the dates.

LODGINGS -- Do NOT book these until your flights are set! You can always find another place to stay, you cannot always conjure up an airplane if all flights are booked. Come back to this thread as soon as you can tell us flight times, and we'll give you a range of available, affordable places in all 3 destinations (It will help if you can also say how much per night is in your budget).

ACTIVITIES -- Also when you've got those bookings, give u a quickie briefing on best sightseeing tips, with links. From experience, I do advocate for solo travelers to take some kind of tour on 1st morning after arrival -- because everyone else is like you, new to the place, also other singles... you often find someone to lunch with, shop with etc. You don't have to book ahead, just know what your options are & book the night before.

OK -- get busy, get back to us FAST... and we'll help you design a dream time for your FIRST trip to Greece!

TOni, we are looking forward to hearing that you are proceeding with plans ...

As a woman, just use the safety skills that you would use any place you go. I don’t feel US cities, etc. are inherently more dangerous for tourists than elsewhere. We just know what areas in which to be more cautious. Keep that in mind. The islands attract tourists, which inherently attract petty thefts. There are areas in Athens and smaller towns I would walk during the day, but not at night. ((I can picture one area on the map for Athens, but after several years I can’t recall the name.) Just like Paris has those neighborhoods, etc. or smaller towns have their dark parks. Basically, as always, if your gut tells you something is not right, just listen and remove yourself. I am uncomfortable with simple “it is safe statements” particularly from men…as they have no idea (Sorry guys). Be aware as always, but feel free to engage people. I loved Athens and roamed freely. Chani is right about pickpockets, apparently particularly on the subway, and Chani is very experienced traveling solo so listen to her recommendations. I never felt any problem near me, even when busy taking photographs, but I was secure regardless.

My most nervous moments are at the ATM. I always ask my hotel for their recommendation.

I am sure you will have an absolutely wonderful trip. Solo travel is great fun. Embrace it and you might never want to travel with others ever again!

Hello everyone,

Wow I'm so moved by all your feedback and desire to help me figure out the details. Thank you!
I can get an AA flight from Miami (connecting in Philly) and be in ATH by 9am Monday morning. This seems to give me time to connect onto a flight to Santorini.
Janet, I can't mage finding a place with a Caldera view for less than $200 a night (probably more), that correct? Any suggestions you have is greatly appreciated. I'm checking on all your links and suggestions now.

Thank you everyone for your help. Keep the advice coming, I'm getting excited now. :-)