Planning a Greek island holiday isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think. As a nation scattered liberally through the Ionian and Aegean Seas, each Grecian isle and archipelago has its own distinctive quirks. Understanding each one’s character is essential in helping you choose where to visit; and then begins the task of finding the perfect place to stay.
From party-mad Mykonos to understated Paros and ultra-romantic Santorini, we’ve picked seven of Greece’s most popular islands and suggested some great spots to stay on each one. If you’re into history, Rhodes will appeal for its marvellous medieval city; or for gorgeous scenery studded with olive trees, consider Corfu and Zakynthos. Crete, the largest of all the Greek isles, offers a bit of everything.
And whether you’re looking for an adults-only escape, a character-filled boutique hotel or an all-inclusive resort packed with family-friendly facilities, our choice of the best Greek island hotels has you covered.
Crete was an early adopter of mass-market mega-resorts. This property, now in its sixth decade, is a fantastic option for family travellers thanks to stacks of facilities (including a water park) and its location: 20 minutes from Heraklion’s airport. Don’t be deterred by its 680-strong room count; they’re split between a main block and a more spread-out cluster of bungalows, which cuts back on any sense of overcrowding. Other plus points for this hotel include direct access to a sandy beach and a long-held, way-before-its-time commitment to sustainability measures.
Address: Dimokratias, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece
Read more: The ultimate Greece travel guide
This white-on-white hotel feels classier than your average all-inclusive. With a sizeable pool and a long stretch of beach, it has all you need for a fly-and-flop break; but there’s plenty more to do besides, from spa treatments and al fresco yoga to kids’ club activities (including a fun and immersive Farmer for the Day experience). Beach-lovers will appreciate the hotel’s kilometre-long, sand-and-shingle frontage that doubles as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles. Accommodation-wise, choose from bungalows, seafront villas, suites or swim-up family rooms.
Address: Pigianos Kampos 741 50, Greece
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All-inclusive hotels not for you? Head instead into Crete’s White Mountains, where you’ll find Milia Mountain Retreat tucked away in a valley, surrounded by forest. Created from the ruins of a medieval village, this collection of stone-block cottages is entirely off-grid, relying on solar power, spring-fed water and its very own vegetable plots to supply the on-site, farm-to-table restaurant. It’s absolutely magical.
Address: Milia, Vlatos 730 12, Greece
Like Crete, Rhodes also has its share of large all-inclusives. Lindian Village (part of Hilton’s Curio Collection) is an excellent example. As well as luxurious accommodations (many with private terraces and plunge pools), the 188-room property near Lindos offers eight bars and restaurants, a spa and adult-focused activities such as wine-tasting and cooking classes (there’s also a kids’ club to give parents a break).
Address: Beach, Lardos 851 09, Greece
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Historic Lindos is hugely popular with day-tripping tourists. Once the last of the sightseeing coaches rolls out of town, however, a peaceful ambiance settles and residents reclaim Lindos for themselves. Join them by staying at this 12-suite boutique hotel, which occupies a 17th-century mansion beneath the acropolis. Expect excellent service, stacks of personality, pebble-mosaic courtyards and views across the bay and the sea.
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This boho-chic retreat has a fantastic location in Rhodes Town. It’s a 10-minute, waterfront stroll into the city’s medieval quarter, or a two-minute trot in the other direction to Elli Beach, which is surely one of Europe’s best urban strands. Its pebble-and-sand sweep offers beach clubs, clear water and views across the sea to Turkey. Too far? Then simply admire it all from Cooks Club’s rooftop pool.
