Eylul 
Oh, Greece.. Home to the Acropolis, ancient history, beautiful beaches, olive trees, blue caves, a national marine park, and mouth-watering food… Get ready to have an unforgettable holiday!
The capital city of Greece is Athens and it is the place where you will find the famous Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon. Athens is a must-see city in Greece in order to learn about Greek culture and history and is also a good place to start your island exploration as it has good flight and ferry connections to many islands.
There are 6 island groups in Greece which are the Ionian Islands, the Cycladic islands, the Sporades, the Dodecanese Islands, the Saronic Gulf islands, and the Aegean Islands off the north coast. With so many options to choose from, I’m here to help you narrow it down. In this blog post on where to stay in Greece, I will talk about Athen plus the best 6 Greek Islands you should add to your dream itinerary.
Greece and especially the Greek islands are very popular holiday destinations, so you need to make your reservation months in advance if you don’t want to miss these epic hotels that I carefully picked for you. On each of the Greek islands, the easiest way to reach all the beautiful beaches is with a rental car so I also recommend you to book one at the same time as your hotel.
Are you ready to discover the most beautiful places in Greece?
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Athens – where to stay in Greece for the first time
- 2. Santorini – the best Greek Island to stay for couples
- 3. Mykonos – where to stay in Greece for partying
- 4. Corfu – the best Greek island for outdoor activities
- 5. Crete – where to stay in Greece for the pristine beaches
- 6. Naxos – the best Greek island to stay for families
- 7. Rhodes – where to stay in Greece for history lovers
- Frequently asked questions about Greece
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Here are the best places to stay in Greece with the best hotels from luxury to budget. They all have good reviews and a great location!
Here is a map of the best greek islands I will be talking about in this travel guide so you can easily understand their location:
- Athens: for first-timers
- Santorini: for couples
- Mykonos : for partying
- Corfu: for outdoor adventures
- Crete: for pristine beaches
- Naxos: for families
- Rhodes: for history lovers
1. Athens – where to stay in Greece for the first time
Athens is the capital city of Greece and an amazing place to stay to learn about Greek culture, enjoy nightlife and discover the Greek Islands. It has great ferry connections to the Saronic Islands such as Hydra and Aegina and you can also easily hop onto other Greek Islands as well. So, by staying in Athens you will have a bit of everything from sightseeing to entertainment and beautiful beaches!
Once you arrive in Athens the impressive Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon will greet you which are on many travelers’ bucket lists. It is so much fun to discover the streets of Athens on foot by checking out the local shops, cool restaurants, and bars. Imagine having a delicious Greek meal and wine while watching the Acropolis. Isn’t it so cool?
There are so many nice accommodation options in Athens and I’ve already found the top 4 ones for you. If you don’t want to miss them you have to be quick to make a reservation as Athens is visited all year round by tourists. We also have a blog post purely dedicated to the best places to stay in Athens if you need even more options.
Let’s check out the best places to stay in this lovely city:
Electra Hotel offers a magical holiday with its amazing Acropolis view. This 5-star hotel features 2 swimming pools, a luxurious spa, an airport shuttle, a rooftop bar, and spacious rooms with modern amenities and great views. You will love the on-site restaurant overlooking Acropolis that offers gourmet food and a great selection of wines. Thanks to its perfect location you can easily walk to the main attractions and take a day trip to the Saronic Gulf Islands.
Other accommodation options in Athens
This hotel offers an amazing Acropolis view, a rooftop bar, spacious room and is within walking distance to restaurants and main attractions
This hotel has comfortable rooms with modern amenities, free wifi, an airport shuttle, and easy access to the popular attractions
This Airbnb has an epic private balcony overlooking the Acropolis, spacious rooms, a fully furnished kitchen, and free wifi
Things to do in Athens
- Marel the works at the National Museum of Contemporary Art
- See the impressive Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon
- Check out the shops and cafes at Monastiraki Neighborhood
- Go for a walk in the beautiful National Gardens
- Have dinner and check out the lively bars in the Plaka area
- Take a ferry ride to the beautiful Saronic Islands, Hydra, and Aegina
- Hike up to Lycabettus Mountain and see the amazing city views
- Catch a show at Athens Concert Hall
2. Santorini – the best Greek Island to stay for couples
Santorini is one of the most popular Aegean islands where you will have the most romantic sunsets with amazing views. In order to reach Santorini, you can take direct flights or even a ferry from Athens.
I don’t know anyone who won’t be amazed at the scenery in Santorini. Cute whitewashed houses and churches overlooking a volcano, amazing views of the Aegean Sea, and those hotels with infinity pools. Doesn’t it sound romantic?
The best way to discover Santorini is simply by getting lost in the labyrinth of streets, checking out the picturesque buildings, and taking the best Instagram photos! You will also find a great selection of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and beautiful beaches. Do you need anything else?
Santorini has the most epic hotels with crazy views over the hills which are perfect for couples. Remember that these hotels have limited capacity and always have high demand so make sure to book your hotel in advance. But don’t worry if it’s already too late and the top hotels below are sold out, we have tonnes more hotels in Santorini on this list!
Once you step into Aqua Luxury Suites you will fall in love with the amazing volcano and sea view. This gorgeous hotel has an infinity pool, honeymoon suites with private plunge pools, an airport shuttle, an onsite bar, and free parking. You will have the most romantic dinner in its onsite restaurant overlooking the volcano and in the morning a very good breakfast is waiting for you. You can also easily access beautiful beaches and shops within walking distance.
Other accommodation options in Santorini
This hotel offers an outdoor pool, a pool bar, spacious rooms, an airport shuttle, and free parking
Antonia Hotel has a swimming pool, comfortable rooms, free wifi and easy access to the beaches
This Airbnb features a unique sea view from the balcony and has beautifully decorated traditional rooms with good amenities
Things to do in Santorini
- Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera
- Go for wine tasting at the Santorini Wine Museum
- See the Blue Domed Church of Santorini and Three Bells of Fira
- Take the cable car of Santorini and check out the amazing island view
- Get a suntan at the spectacular beaches Red Beach and Kamari Beach
- Take photos of the whitewashed buildings and streets in Oia
- Spend time at Perissa Black Sand Beach
- Visit the Akrotiri Archeological Site and Akrotiri Santorini Venetian Castle
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Mykonos – where to stay in Greece for partying
Mykonos is part of the Cyclades Islands and can be reached with a 3-hour ferry ride from Athens and Santorini, or you can take a direct flight to Mykonos Airport. It’s no secret that Mykonos is the party capital of Greece as you will find the best nightlife among the Greek islands here so, get ready to dance all night long!
Start your day by heading to the beautiful Mykonos Town and see the iconic windmills. Then, pick one of the many nice beaches to enjoy some crystal clear water and chill because the beach parties start early on this island! At night you will have difficulty choosing one of many nice restaurants, bars, and clubs but I’m sure you’ll manage. 😉
Mykonos has a great selection of hotels and I handpicked the best of the best ones for you. If you think 4 options are not enough, check out the best areas and hotels to stay in Mykonos for more!
This 5-star hotel has everything you need to have an unforgettable holiday and with its perfect location, you will be within walking distance of the vibrant nightlife! Semeli Hotel features 2 swimming pools, spacious rooms, a very good breakfast, an on-site bar, a spa, and free parking. I love the on-site restaurant that has an amazing view and offers gourmet food from Greek cuisine. After a tiring day, you can chill in the heated indoor pool or pamper yourself with a good massage.
Other accommodation options in Mykonos
This boutique hotel has an infinity pool, comfortable rooms with sea views, a spa bath, an on-site restaurant, and free wifi
This hotel offers good breakfast, rooms with a private balcony overlooking the sea and is within walking distance to Mykonos main town
This Airbnb has an amazing terrace with a panoramic sea view, beautifully decorated rooms, and free parking
Things to do in Mykonos
- Take a photo of iconic Mykonos Windmills
- Visit Delos, the UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological area
- Have delicious seafood at one of many restaurants in Little Venice
- Go for a walk at Old Harbour and enjoy a beautiful sunset
- Take a boat to one of the most popular Sporades Islands, Paros
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos
- Swim in the crystal clear water at Agios Sostis Beach
- Check out the bars and clubs in Mykonos Town
4. Corfu – the best Greek island for outdoor activities
If you want to visit a Greek Island that not only has stunning beaches but also has hiking trails and charming traditional villages surrounded by olive trees you will love Corfu!
Located on the west coast, Corfu is the second-largest island among the Ionian islands and can be reached by plane or ferry from other Ionian islands. If you plan to head to the Aegean Islands I suggest taking the plane as Corfu has limited ferry access.
The first thing you should do here is to discover the amazing streets of Corfu Town with so many colorful historic buildings, churches, and charming cafes. Feeling hot? Then it is time to go to pristine beaches and swim in the crystal clear water!
Of course, we can’t forget the outdoor lovers, you should definitely hike Mount Pantokrator as it offers incredibly scenic views, and make sure to pay a visit to the surrounding villages. How does it sound?
Let’s have a look at the best places to stay on this stunning island. If you want more choices, check out this complete list of the top hotels for all interests in Corfu.
You will be amazed by the view of Angsana Corfu Resort. This 5-star hotel has an epic infinity pool overlooking the volcano, a private beach area, luxurious rooms with Ionian sea views, a fitness center, and an upscale spa. You will love the breakfast with a great selection of fresh products and you can have cocktails by the pool while watching the amazing scenery.
Other accommodation options in Corfu
This hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, free wifi and is within walking distance of the restaurants and beaches
Panorama Hotel is great value for money with its nice rooms with balcony, pool and easy access to the beach
This Airbnb offers accommodation in a traditional Greek house, a fully furnished kitchen, and a terrace
Things to do in Corfu
- Visit the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu and the historical Cathedral of Saint Spyridon
- Go hiking at Mount Pantokrator
- Visit the Old Fortress of Corfu and check out the amazing views
- Discover the shops and cafes at Corfu Old Town
- Swim and snorkel at the stunning Paleokastritsa Beach
- Take a guided walking tour with local wine tasting
- Go to Canal d’Amour Beach that has interesting rock formations
- Visit the beautiful village, Old Perithia
- Have a day trip to the charming satellite island, Ereikoussa and the smaller surrounding islands
5. Crete – where to stay in Greece for the pristine beaches
Crete is the largest Greek island and a port city with many cruise lines that make it accessible from other islands on the Aegean Sea and Athens. If boats aren’t your thing, don’t worry, you can also take a plane. If you are dreaming about turquoise-colored water with amazing scenery and water sports activities such as sea kayaking and scuba diving, you are at the right place!
Crete not only has so many beautiful beaches but also has an amazing old town that will make you feel like you are teleported to medieval times. If you go to Chania’s Venetian Harbour you will find so many great restaurants with amazing sea views. Doesn’t it sound so cool to be on an island that offers beautiful beaches and historical sites at the same time?
Thanks to its claim as the biggest Greek island, you will have a great selection of hotels here (so many in fact we wrote an entire post about hotels in Crete) but if you want to hear my favorite ones here we go!
The Historical Monument Hotel has a very central location and amazing view overlooking the Venetian harbor. This gorgeous hotel features a large swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center, a spacious room with an Aegean Sea view, a very good breakfast, and free parking. You will love the onsite fine dining restaurant surrounded by olive groves that offer mouthwatering food. If I were staying at this hotel I would spend my whole time at the rooftop pool watching the amazing scenery!
Other accommodation options in Crete
This boutique hotel offers modern rooms with a nice view, an on-site bar, airport shuttle, and free wifi
Omiros Boutique Hotel has an outdoor hot tub, a swimming pool, comfortable rooms, and an on-site restaurant
This Airbnb features spacious rooms, a fully furnished kitchen, free wifi and a large terrace with a sea view
Things to do in Crete
- Enjoy the powdery sand and turquoise-colored water at Elafonisi Beach
- Go hiking in the scenic Samaria Gorge
- Discover the historic streets of Rethymnon Old Town
- Spend time at the Balos Lagoon
- Check out the restaurants with a view at Chania’s Venetian Harbour
- Swim in the crystal clear water at Falassarna Beach
- Take a day trip to the beautiful small island, Chrissi Island
- See the ancient ruins at the Phaistos Palace and Archaeological Site
6. Naxos – the best Greek island to stay for families
Naxos is the largest island among the Cyclades Islands and can be reached by plane from Athens or by ferry from other islands in the Agean sea such as Mykonos or Santorini. This Greek Island is perfect for families as you will find family-friendly beaches, restaurants, hotels, and fun attractions for all ages.
There are so many nice sandy beaches in Naxos with shallow waters where you can enjoy chilling and doing water sport activities. I can tell that it will be difficult to pick one of many nice pristine beaches so my advice is to try and make the most of it by visiting as many as possible!
In the afternoon you should go for a stroll in the old town, check out nice local shops and have a delicious meal with a nice view. Make sure to leave some time in your busy schedule to discover the cultural museums and historical churches in the main town of Naxos. What’s better than a relaxing and educational holiday with the kids!?
Let’s have a look at the best accommodation options in the charming town of Naxos. If you are like me and often leave booking to the last minute, check out this full list for even more hotel options in Naxos.
This hotel features a large swimming pool, family-friendly rooms, a sun terrace, and free wifi. The breakfast is good enough to satisfy even the picky eaters and the town’s best restaurants are within walking distance. All of the hotel rooms have an amazing interior design and you can enjoy a beautiful view from your private balcony.
Other accommodation options in Naxos
Polis Boutique hotel features spacious rooms with a spa bath, free airport shuttle, an on-site bar, and free wifi
This hotel offers comfortable rooms with a private balcony and kitchen, free wifi and a short walk to restaurants
This Airbnb has comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a fully furnished kitchen, free parking, and a patio
Things to do in Naxos
- Splash water at Aqua Fun Water Park Naxos
- Discover the cute streets of Old Town Naxos
- Build sandcastles at the sandy beach, Agios Prokopios Beach
- Try water sport activities at Mikri Vigla
- Visit the interesting Eggares Olive Press Museum
- Take a day cruise on a catamaran
- Swim in the crystal clear water at Plaka and Saint George Beach (Naxos Town Beach)
- Learn about Greek Culture at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos
7. Rhodes – where to stay in Greece for history lovers
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and has a big ferry port that enables access from other Greek islands such as Mykonos and Santorini. But again, you can also take a plane from Athens if you prefer.
This island offers the best historical sightseeing opportunities so those of you who want to get to know about Greek history while enjoying the beautiful beaches should definitely add Rhodes to their travel itinerary!
Once you arrive in Rhodes Town you will be impressed with beautiful cobblestone streets surrounded by archaeological sites and castles and countless hotel options. Check out numerous shops and cafes here then head to beautiful beaches to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water.
You will also love the fishing village vibe of Rhodes with dozens of good seafood restaurants by the beach. Do not forget to try calamari and octopus with a glass of ouzo!
This adults-only hotel has a very central location in the heart of Rhodos Town and offers beautifully decorated rooms. There is a great wine bar inside the hotel where you can taste a good selection of wines with a friendly atmosphere and the hotel offers a delicious breakfast in the morning. The 10GR Hotel also is within walking distance to the beautiful beaches and the airport is just 13 km (10 miles) away.
Other accommodation options in Rhodes
This boutique hotel offers private pools, a private beach, modern rooms, and a very good breakfast
This hotel features beautifully decorated rooms with coffee machines, a good breakfast, an on-site bar, and free wifi
This Airbnb has modern rooms with luxurious amenities, a fully furnished kitchen, free parking, and a terrace with a nice view
Things to do in Rhodes
- Discover the cobbled stone streets of Rhodes Town
- Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
- Learn about history at the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
- Swim in the crystal clear water at St Paul’s Beach and Tsambika Beach
- See the Monastery of Filerimos
- Explore the famous Anthony Quinn Bay
- Go for a sunset walk at Mandraki Port
- Take a day trip to the charming tiny island Symi
| ✈️ Cost of traveling: | Medium |
| ☀️ Best time to go: | Summer |
| 🏝️ Best island: | Santorini |
| 👩❤️👨Most romantic Stay: | Aqua Luxury Suites |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Naxos |
| 🏨 Top family accommodation: | Polis Boutique Hotel |
| 📍 Best area: | Athens |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Electra Metropolis |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | B4B Athens Signature |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Athens Raise Acropolis |
Frequently asked questions about Greece
🏖️ Which is the nicest Greek island to visit?
Mykonos and Santorini in the Cyclades island group are the nicest Greek islands that offer beautiful beaches, stunning views, and great restaurants. Aqua Luxury Suites in Santorini and Semeli Hotel in Mykonos are some of the best hotels to stay at.
✨ What is the best city to stay in Greece?
Athens is the best city to stay in Greece that has ferry routes to other Greek islands and offers great attractions and hotels. Some of the best places to stay in Athens are Electra Metropolis and B4B Athens Signature.
🤩 What is the most beautiful part of Greece?
The Cyclades island group on the east coast of Greece is the most beautiful part of Greece and the most popular islands to stay here are Mykonos and Santorini. Anemomilos in Santorini and Harmony Boutique Hotel in Mykonos are some of the best hotels there.
⛱️ Where do tourists stay in Greece?
Here are the most popular islands to stay in Greece.
● Santorini – for couples: stay at Aqua Luxury Suites
● Mykonos – for partying: stay at Semeli Hotel
● Corfu – for outdoor adventures: stay at Angsana Corfu Resort
● Crete – for pristine beaches: stay at Historical Monument Hotel
🛎️ What are the best luxury hotels in Greece?
Located in Santorini, Aqua Luxury Suites and Angsana Corfu Resort in Corfu are the best luxury hotels in Greece that offer an infinity pool and luxurious rooms.
🤔 How far in advance should I book a trip to Greece?
The peak season for Greek isles starts from June and ends in September so if you want to travel in this period you have to make your reservation at least 3 months in advance for the popular islands.
Conclusion
It is time for me to hop off the boat and let you pack your summer essentials for your dream Greek holiday to a beautiful island. I hope this blog post on where to stay in Greece gave you an idea about the best Greek islands and you have already found your perfect hotel. I highly recommend splitting your holiday and enjoying some island hopping between the islands to discover different beaches and cultural attractions of a few different spots.
I would like to remind you again that it is very crucial to make an early reservation for hotels on Greek Islands as they are filling up months in advance (especially for the peak months of June-September).
I have given tons of hotels but if you still need help to pick the best one let me sum up. Here are my absolute 2 favorite hotels in Greece that have convenient locations and amazing reviews and also are perfect for starting your island hopping.
- Aqua Luxury Suites – The best luxury hotel in Santorini with an epic infinity pool and glamorous rooms
- B4B Athens Signature – One of the best hotels in Athens overlooking the Acropolis and has an excellent location
I am sure you will have an unforgettable time in Greece discovering stunning islands, swimming in crystal clear water and eating tasty foods. Enjoy every minute of it!
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding Greece and Greek Islands don’t be shy and leave a comment below. I’ll be more than happy to answer them!
Have an amazing holiday,
Eylul
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
Very helpful information.
But how many days do you suggest in each place (7 best areas for tourists) ?
Thanks.
Hi Cristiane,
thanks for the comment!
The article is there to help you choose where to go depending on your interests and preferences, it is not really an itinerary suggestion to visit all those places at once.
In any case, in order to see the places with no rush, I would recommend staying for 5-7 days (but again, as I said, it depends on what you are looking for in your holiday – is it a beach vacation to relax, is it going to be an explore the city trip or something else?)