As someone who lives with anxiety, I often imagine the worst before I even step out the door — getting lost, missing flights, awkward moments, safety concerns, you name it. But on this trip, I learned that Athens is not only manageable for solo travelers, but actually comforting in ways I didn’t expect.

If you want the best Athens itinerary for first-timers that includes essential day trips, I got you covered!

My recent solo travel adventure to Athens was a full-sensory experience: I soaked up the ancient history, I conquered my nerves, and most importantly? I ATE EVERYTHING. Seriously, Greek food is not just a cuisine — it’s a comfort!

I decided to dedicate the morning to some reflective solo exploration before capping off the entire trip with a legendary sunset! It was a day that perfectly showcased the blend of ancient power and vibrant modern life that makes Athens so captivating.

Day Five brought me the final, fantastic full-day trip outside of Athens! This time, it was a historical and scenic journey to Ancient Corinth and Nafplio.

I woke up excited for my Saronic Gulf island hopping day trip, ready to swap ancient ruins for sparkling Aegean waters. This was hands-down one of my favorite travel days!

I woke up early, excited for my day trip to Delphi, home of the famed Oracle. It was a perfect example of why small group tours from Athens are often the best way to see the historical sites outside the city: all the history, none of the transport stress!

After a beautiful soft landing, I was ready to dive headfirst into ancient history and Greek culture. Day Two was a perfect blend of learning, eating, and finally ticking off a ridiculous bucket list item!

This trip is all about a solo female travel adventure, and my first night in Greece was the perfect soft landing. Grab a mythical cup of coffee, because here’s the play-by-play of my journey from Toronto to Athens!