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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Modernist Hotel is all about Athens and it’s all about the guests. Located in the former Canadian Embassy in Kolonaki, this four-star hotel includes 38 rooms divided by size: small, medium, large, extra large, and family. The hotel takes a non-hierarchical, collaborative approach to its...
Nestled on a pedestrian street over a favorite Kolonaki hangout, the four-star Athens Flair feels like a beautiful Neo-classical home. The hotel’s six bright suites offer historic touches like the former owner’s vintage furniture. Since this is a landmark building, it has to be preserved in its...
Made of two buildings – one Neo-classical and one modern from the 1960s – the Coco-Mat Jumelle offers comfort, coziness, and luxury in the heart of Kolonaki. The 56 rooms range in size and can accommodate anyone from single travelers to families. As with all of the Coco-Mat hotels, the Jumelle...
The Oniro City is in a Neo-classical building that fits right into the surrounding area of Kolonaki. This 18-room hotel opened in 2019 and offers a mix of standard rooms and suites for differing group sizes. The lobby smells great, which gives a spa-like feel when you first walk in. While some of...
The Periscope Hotel offers quiet standard rooms – and one particularly stellar penthouse jacuzzi view – for those looking to stay in the middle of Kolonaki. This boutique hotel has 22 rooms total, which can accommodate up to four people depending on the size. The standout of the hotel is its...
The five rooms of the boutique Moon and Stars Hotel are nestled in a 1920s landmark building with what may be the most beautiful door in Athens. This landmark status means there’s no elevators, which makes the hotel unsuitable for those with accessibility needs. The hotel is on the border of the...
The Foundry boasts one of the best rooftop gardens in Athens, which is just one of many things that sets this 12-suite hotel apart. Located in a former foundry, the large rooms of this hotel are a cross between modern suites and apartments. Each room features a full kitchen and some have private...
Ergon began as a high quality deli showcasing local Greek products and it’s only natural that this beautiful eating space – called the Agora – expanded to include a hotel above it. The 38 rooms of this four-star hotel all incorporate local Greek products as well. Located on busy Mitropoleos...
The 20-room Mona opened in June 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 five-star boutique hotel of the Gatsby Athens is all about the customized, curated experience rendered through the lens of the 1920s decadence of The Great Gatsby. Lounge in a leather armchair, watch a movie on your room's projector, or press the "dare button" to receive a personalized...
The Home and Poetry Hotel is located almost exactly between the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Gate, which makes it a great choice for those who want to be within easy reach of Athens’ most recognizable ancient sites. This former Neo-Classical home includes 16 rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop...
The Acropolis Hill Hotel sits at the foot of the pine-covered Filopappou Hill, which is next to the Acropolis. This 37-room hotel offers basic rooms of varying sizes, but what sets it apart is its peaceful location, panoramic rooftop view that looks upon the Acropolis, Mount Hymmetus, and the...
The Villa Brown Ermou is a 51-room boutique hotel on the border of Monastiraki and Plaka, which offers guests a modern and chic option in Athens’ center. The rooms are all doubles, which makes this hotel great for couples or solo travelers looking to return to a space that mixes contemporary...
The 16 rooms of the Pinnacle combine the historical with the modern in this 1970s building that was once a shopping mall. The approach of the hotel is to mix luxury with autonomy, so guests can enjoy the amenities and hospitality of a five-star hotel, while also feeling at home in the spacious...
The four rooms of the Sir Athens offer guests the chance for independence in a Neo-classical building in Kolonaki. The Sir Athens is not quite like a traditional hotel as there’s no lobby, reception, or common areas such as a restaurant or gym but rather, it’s made up of a handful of semi-full...
Watching guests stop to give the hotel owner a big hug before they leave tells you all you need to know about the Sweet Home Hotel. Family is present in all aspects of this 17-room hotel, from its position as a family-run business to the photos of owner Aphrodite’s mother as a child that greet...
The Urban Frame feels almost like an upscale hostel with private rooms. Its location in the middle of Athens means you’re really in it here, and while the hotel doesn’t offer a lot in the way of amenities, its inclusion of bedding from luxury Greek brand Cocomat means you’ll at least get a good...
This boutique hotel is in a Neo-Classical building with marble and iron-wrought balconies, ancient stone-lined walls, and a rooftop view of the Acropolis that all give a historical feel to the NLH Monastiraki's 36 clean and modern rooms. Tourist attractions like the Acropolis and Monastiraki...
Situated just next to the Acropolis Museum in the neighborhood of Koukaki, the Herodion Hotel offers a 4-star experience and one of the most fantastic rooftop views of the Acropolis in all of Athens. The hotel’s 90 rooms vary from standard to family rooms to suites and guests can enjoy a variety...
If you’re looking to wake up, step outside, and be under the Acropolis in less than a minute, then the Noble Suites is for you. This 1901 Neoclassical landmark building houses five rooms and is characterized by marble flourishes, high ceilings, and replicas of furniture from Althorp, Princess...
Located in the area of Syntagma, the Athens Manor is made up of three separate buildings that offer guests decently sized rooms in the middle of Athens’ bustling city center. 24 rooms are available across the three Neo-Classical buildings, which are all within a two-block radius of each other,...
The family-run Athens Gate sits directly opposite of the Temple of Zeus and it takes advantage of this location: Nearly every one of its 99 rooms has a view of this famous archaeological site or the Acropolis. Meanwhile, the rooftop restaurant offers a more panoramic vista that also includes the...
The AVA Boutique Hotel sits off a side street in Plaka, just directly in front of Hadrian’s Arch and under the rock of the Acropolis. The hotel’s 16 rooms are more like large apartments with peaceful balcony views and full kitchens for those who want to spend a night in and make a home-cooked...
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...
The V1935 offers guests a surprising amount of peace and space considering its central location just a few blocks from Syntagma Square. The nine studios and apartments make the V1935 ideal for those staying in Athens for longer durations or who want something different from the standard hotel...
COCO-MAT is a Greek bedding company founded in 1989 that expanded to the hotel business and the COCO-MAT Athens BC is its most recent addition, which opened in 2019. Located just a block away from the Acropolis Museum and five minutes from the Acropolis itself, the 110 rooms of the COCO-MAT...
The six perfectly designed suites of the Shila in Kolonaki seem to come straight out of one of the beautiful art books stacked in the hotel’s cozy lounge area. The Shila is all about aesthetics and its brand – the House of Shila – permeates the space, from the bed linens to the furniture to the...
