Places to Stay in Greece

Greece immediately conjures up two images in the mind: beautiful sea and impressive ancient ruins. These two elements can be found in many Greek locations, but depending on where you choose to stay, you will experience a very different holiday.

There are small islands still undiscovered by mass tourism and others where crowds of holidaymakers from all over Europe pour in; places where dance music goes on non-stop from late afternoon until the next evening and others where the only noise at night is the waves of the sea.

To help you choose the most suitable location for the type of holiday you want to take, we have created this short guide on where to stay in Greece; from the most renowned hotels to studios, from holiday villages to city flats, in this section we recommend the places to book for an unforgettable holiday.

The most famous islands

Those who choose to spend the night on the main Greek islands have the great advantage of direct flights from many European countries (also low-cost), a wider choice of accommodation in various price ranges and a large number of shops and services on site.

Here are the four most popular Greek islands.

Santorini, postcard island

It is impossible not to fall in love with Santorini: it is the Greek island par excellence, with its typical blue and white houses and azure-blue sea, but it is also unique due to its peculiar shape resulting from the volcanic origin of the island. Despite being a chic and rather expensive resort, it remains one of the favourite islands for tourists from all over the world.

The most common accommodations in Santorini are boutique hotels with rooftop pools and luxurious villas, but if you book in advance, you can find affordable guesthouses and family-run hotels.

Crete, the largest

Crete is the largest Greek island and boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, making it ideal for both those who dream of a relaxing beach holiday and those who prefer more active holidays that include days at the beach and hiking in the mountains. It is also rich in cultural attractions and is therefore recommended for those who want to combine sea and culture.

Given its size, Crete offers a wide variety of hotels, b&b’s and holiday homes of all prices.

Mykonos, for fun

Considered the Ibiza of Greece, Mykonos is famous for its transgressive beach parties and clubs that stay open until morning.

It is certainly the most youth-friendly island, but it is not a cheap destination. In recent years, in fact, Mykonos’ fame has turned it into a snobbish destination with many luxury hotels and exclusive villas. Better to book well in advance to find the best offers.

Rhodes, the most distant

Rhodes combines a little bit of all the positive qualities of the most famous Greek islands, but without the excesses of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete. It is big enough not to get bored but is easy to get around in a rented car, has a good amount of bars and nightclubs and boasts some breathtakingly beautiful panoramic views.

The choice of hotels and B&Bs is wide and prices are a little cheaper than in Mykonos and Santorini.

Ionian Islands

The most famous of the Ionian Islands, and the easiest to reach, is Corfu, the island of the Phaeacians according to Homeric myth. It is one of the most touristically developed islands and offers a wealth of accommodation and services. It is perfect for those who want a holiday that combines sea, nature and cultural visits.

Other islands in the archipelago are the beautiful Zakynthos, to which Ugo Foscolo dedicated a famous poem, and the lesser known but equally fascinating Lefkada. Consider also Ithaca, the mythical island of Ulysses.

Accommodations in Corfu Accommodations in Zakynthos Accommodations in Lefkada

Towns and archaeological sites

For lovers of art and history, Greece is a top destination, but even if you are not a fan, the ruins of the past will captivate you with their timeless epic charm. Be captivated!

If you want to pack a lot of cultural sightseeing into a short time, stay in Athens, which is packed with museums and historical monuments and dominated by what is the very symbol of ancient Greece, the marvellous Acropolis.

An excellent idea for an art and archaeology-themed holiday of a week or more is an on-the-road itinerary in the Peloponnese, a peninsula where the great cities of ancient myth and some of Europe’s most important archaeological sites are concentrated. Your itinerary should not miss: the mythical Olympia, where the famous Olympic Games were born; Mycenae, cradle of a civilisation that gave birth to some of the most important works in the history of art; the temple of Apollo Epikourios in the city of Bassae.

Other unmissable places for a cultural holiday in Greece are the city of Delphi south of Mount Parnassus and The Meteors, a fascinating complex of six monasteries perched atop steep hills.

Accommodations in Athens Accommodations in Thessaloniki

Chalkidiki Peninsula

The name Chalkidiki Peninsula refers to an area in the north-east of mainland Greece comprising three distinct peninsulas: Kassandra, Sithonia and Mount Athos.

Still little explored by international tourists, Kassandra and Sithonia are actually two very touristically developed areas and can boast extraordinarily beautiful natural landscapes as well as an abundance of beaches and coves bathed by crystal-clear sea. Mount Athos is wilder and more difficult to explore because it is considered sacred territory and there are certain rules in force that restrict access to it to men and completely forbid it to women.

The majority of hotels are concentrated in Polygiros, the regional capital, and Metamorphosis.