Photo: Expedia

The 6 Most Sought-After Places to Stay in the Greek Islands

Greece Epic Stays
by Jori Ayers Aug 24, 2023

Greece is home to over 6,000 islands, of which more than 200 are inhabited. Formed into six main island clusters, the Cyclades, Ionian, Saronic Gulf, Sporades, Northeast Aegean, and Dodecanese Islands, each has its own distinctive character and culture. There’s also one significant stand-alone: Crete. Traveling within each island group is generally more accessible than inter-archipelago trips, but that is possible if you have time and money to spend. The beauty of the country — its white-walled cliffside villages, ancient ruins, and stunning blue water — is no secret. Come summer the beaches of Mykonos and the sunset bars at Santorini are jam-packed. However, there are ways around jostling for a spot on the sand. Traveling to one of the lesser knowns islands, visiting during a shoulder season, or booking one of the epic stays suggested here, will greatly enhance your experience. From whitewashed villas adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, suites with private pools looking over Santorini, to cave Airbnbs with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, here’s some of the best places to stay in Greece.

We hope you love the best places to stay in Greece we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Studio with steps into the ocean in Milos

@epic.stays Can you believe this dreamy #airbnb in #Greece is only $108/night 🤩📍Seaweed studio Milos 🎥 @ioanna.sym #airbnbfinds #traveltok #greecehotelguide #summer2023 ♬ original sound – ♡

See more photos

This epic studio is on the volcanic island of Milos, the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades. Milos is home to a tapestry of stunning beaches, each with its own distinct character. People vacation here not only for the dramatic coastline, it draws those who have an interest in experiencing authentic Greek culture without the crowds. The fisherman-style house is located in the remote village of Skinopi. The nearest restaurants and a supermarket are located in the pretty hilltop village of Trypiti just 10 minutes’ drive up the road, so having a vehicle is a must. The one-bedroom looks out directly over the sparkling Aegean Sea. And you don’t have to walk far for a morning swim, stairs to the property lead directly to the edge of the water.

Price per night: $107 per night

Book Now

Traditional Cycladic suite in Oía

@epic.stays #stitch with @karsenkimball #Airbnb linked in bio📍OIA Spirit in #Oia #Greece ♬ Good Looking (Sped Up) – Suki Waterhouse

See more photos

Famed for its magnificent sunsets and Cycladic architecture, the picturesque village of Oía sits on the northern tip of Santorini. Its cobblestone streets are lined with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, charming local boutiques, and restaurants serving some of the best seafood on the island. Oía is a popular destination, especially in high season. If you’d prefer not to share this special place with the masses, consider visiting in spring or “the grandmother’s summer,” otherwise known as late August to September. This Airbnb is in a quieter spot in town within a chic complex of stand-alone traditional cave houses. The suite can accommodate up to three guests and features an indoor plunge pool and terrace with stylish sun loungers and views of the Aegean Sea.

Price per night: $712

Book Now

Cilon Suites in Santorini

@epic.stays Master Suite at📍Cilon Suites in #Santorini #Greece 😍 Prices for this room start at $500 USD/night 🎥 @cilon_suites_santorini #greecetravel #traveltok #hotelguide #santorinihotel ♬ It’s Called: Freefall (Sped Up) – Rainbow Kitten Surprise

See more photos

Cilon Suites is a boutique hotel perched in Imerovigli, Santorini’s caldera. They offer five distinct luxury accommodation options. Every suite is unique in design, but all provide an exceptional level of opulence. The suites’ most appealing attributes are undoubtedly their private pools and Jacuzzis that have a view over the ocean and onto the volcano. And if you can drag yourself away from the pool, the hotel can organize activities such as boat rentals and yacht charters, scuba diving experiences, vineyard tours, and museum visits.

Price per night: $386

Book Now

Island Mykonos Suites in Mykonos

@epic.stays Unique shower at the📍Island Mykonos Suites in #Greece 🎥 IG: @beforeafter.team #travelgreece #traveltok #uniquestays ♬ Calm Down – Rema

See more photos

This epic stay is located near the town of Mykonos Chora, offering easy access to the island’s famous windmills, charming streets, and vibrant nightlife. The proximity to the town doesn’t compromise the tranquility of the resort, making it an ideal spot for those who want to be close to the action, but prefer somewhere serene after a day of exploration. Each suite celebrates traditional Cycladic architecture and is named after some of the island’s most famous sites. The most luxurious of them all is the Gialos Suite. It offers unrestricted panoramic views of Gialos beach from its gorgeous bohemian veranda that has a dining area and sunbeds.

Price per night: $314

Book Now

Stella Island Resortn in Analipsi, Crete

@epic.stays 📍Stella Island Resort in #Crete #Greece 🎥 @elviajerosinmaletas #traveltiktok #greecetravel ♬ 1, 2, 3 (feat. Jason Derulo & De La Ghetto) [Sped Up Version] – Sofia Reyes

See more photos

If you’re traveling to Greece for a romantic getaway and looking for a luxurious all-inclusive, Stella Resort tops the list. The adults-only resort is built around one of Europe’s largest lagoon pools and has serious Love Island vibes. You’ll need a car to get around the island, that is if you decide to leave the resort grounds. The highlight of the resort is the ground-floor double and premium double swim-up rooms have decks with direct pool access. There’s also a collection of South Pacific-inspired overwater bungalows, perfect for those who’d prefer a little more privacy. Another perk is the service, which is excellent in every area of the hotel.

Price per night: $273

Book Now

Calilo in Ios

@epic.stays Add this 5 star resort to your bucketlist📍Hotel Calilo in Ios #Greece 🎥 @theodore.grivas #traveltok #greecetravel #uniquehotels ♬ Take My Breath Away – EZI

See more photos

Add this five-star hotel to your list of Greek accommodations. The Hotel Calilo is a remote hotel on the island of Ios. Crafted from local stone, the luxurious stay sits on its own beach. The proprietors actually own the surrounding 1,000 acres which feels dramatically different from the island’s reputation of being a place to party. And talking of the owners, they have invested a lot of love into the resort. Everything from the furniture to the curved 50-metre swimming pool is custom designed and many of its rooms have a private pool and waterfall features.

Price per night: $741

Book Now

Discover Matador