Forget about booking traditional hotel rooms during your vacation in Greece. Your holiday will be even more memorable if you spend your nights inside a castle, cave, or within the stone walls of a historic seaside windmill. Here are five suggestions for the country's best one-of-a-kind lodging options.
A trip to Mykonos means diving headfirst into island glamour—or dipping a toe in, at the very least. Stay on the edges with some more reasonably priced accommodations in the center of town or fully submerge in the scene with luxurious beachfront villas with this list, all of which blend beautifully into the white Cycladic seascape.
When in Heraklion, the best lodgings are centrally located. Sample an eco-conscious smart hotel, the residence of the first Aga of Heraklion during the Ottoman era, or a luxury hotel that once played host to the city's upper crust. If you're on a slower-paced trip, head to a local winery or the nearby village of Archanes for a sedate stay under the olive trees in your own cozy villa.
The best hotels in Rethymno combine the city's beach access with the Cretan culture, serving up local specialty dishes alongside historic stones under the sun. Whether you're enjoying a former schoolhouse turned boutique, savoring suites accompanied by one of Greece's best restaurants, or slowing down on a wellness-focused farm stay, it's hard to go wrong with these options.
Many of the colorful sea captain's houses that dot the Syros waterfront have been turned into hotels, giving travelers the opportunity to truly experience the island's past during their visit. Stay in one of the neoclassical buildings in the Vaporia neighborhood of the island's main town of Ermoupoli, or head to one of the beaches if you prefer more space.
Thessaloniki's hotels reflect the city's vibrant atmosphere, with colors, artworks, and impressive design touches. Stay in the city center or near the harbor and surround yourself with a funky traveler atmosphere, classic style, or cutting-edge design at one of these hotels.
Stay inside a historical mansion or hip design suites within the pedestrian-friendly center, or head into the countryside to a hands-on farm stay amidst the olive trees as you explore this Peloponnesian destination.
When staying in Athens, it makes sense to be amidst the bustle of the historic center. These hotels near Syntagma Square, the buzzy Monastiraki market, and in the Plaka neighborhood offer proximity to the top spots amid neoclassical architecture and Acropolis views.
There are a few questions to answer when staying on the famous shores of Santorini. But whether you choose a beachside apartment or caldera views, the bustling cafes of Fira or quiet elegance of Imerovigli, one of these hotels is sure to hit the spot.
Perfect your trip to Paros with a stay on one of the island's many beaches—and there are plenty to choose from. No matter which fishing village or sweep of sand you choose, enjoy spas, sea views, and pools amid Cycladic architecture and sea breezes that will have you floating away in no time.
Over in the Ionian islands, Corfu's main lodgings tend more toward the resort style. These expansive properties offer amenities like private beaches, infinity pools, options for private villas, and even have their own seaside promenades and piazzas to sweep you away.
Much like the island itself, the lodgings on Naxos welcome you into the Cycladic lifestyle. Whether you want to stay close to town or a bit farther out on Agios Prokopios beach, you'll find brushed white architecture and the influence of the island's agricultural character. Don't be surprised if you happen to hear mooing in the distance alongside the sound of the waves.
The most famous lodging on Tinos may be its signature dovecotes, but these hotels can provide an equally distinctive stay. Opt for a spot in town or head out to one of the island's many beaches, where your hotel will be just steps away from the sand.
Chania's varied cultural influences are apparent in its hotels, which blend historical touches and sweeping Venetian and neoclassical architecture with modern conveniences. Stay in the Old Town for cobblestone streets and proximity to the main attractions, or in the modern town center for lower rates and larger facilities.
With bright white interiors and accents from land and sea, the hotels of Milos echo the island landscape and its dramatic white rock beaches. Find your spot in town, on a private nature reserve, or even inside a windmill at these lodgings.
The 20-room Mona opened in March 2022 but it has the self-assured, impeccable vision that you might expect from a hotel that has been at the top of its game for years. This larger sister hotel to the Shila in Kolonaki shares a similar sense of style, but the aesthetic is more industrial. The...
While the AthensWas is literally overshadowed by the Acropolis, which stands just 250 meters away, the hotel is committed to showing a different side of Athens: that from the 1970s and ‘80s. The 21 rooms of this five-star luxury boutique hotel are all designed to maintain the retro feel of this...
The Hellenic Vibes is a five-star hotel on the border of Monastiraki and Syntagma. Located in a landmark building, the 35 rooms of this hotel are all outfitted with wifi and smart technology to connect to your phone, which you can use to control your room temperature, open the curtains, or order...
The Elia Ermou offers bright light, spacious rooms, and a perfect view of the Acropolis from its rooftop and from several rooms. Those looking for a more up-close look of the Acropolis can be at the foot of the Parthenon in just ten minutes. The Elia Ermou boasts a juxtaposing position of both...
