Dream Holidays: Is Greece expensive for tourists?
Here are the best hotels in Greece -from Santorini to Mykonos and Paros – for anyone looking for an island getaway.
Greece, the holiday gem of Europe, is a destination with timeless appeal. The picturesque Aegean Sea boasts the longest coastline in the Mediterranean and invites island-hopping adventures with its lively tavernas and Greek hospitality. The country has more than enough cultural attractions to satisfy our longing for faraway lands.
Is Greece expensive for tourists?
Greece is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations – and this is reflected in the prices. Especially on the islands mentioned here, such as Crete, Kos, or Mykonos, where tourism is particularly strong, the costs of hotels, restaurants, and beach chairs are often at the European average during the high season. Luxury accommodations can be particularly expensive here, but they also have a lot to offer. Nevertheless, a vacation on a smaller budget is easily possible. Many tavernas serve simple, good, and relatively inexpensive food, and you can buy snacks and souvenirs at low prices in the markets. If you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle, lesser-known islands such as Sifnos, Fourni, Astypalea, Tilos, Schinoussa, Kimolos, or Lesbos are ideal – places where tourism is not yet widespread and prices remain correspondingly lower.
The best from Greece: The Greek islands are a holiday destination that’s always in vogue in the summer – and the hotels in Greece are perfectly prepared for this moment.
Historic ruins on Corfu or charming villages on Santorini – Greece offers a wide variety of destinations to suit every taste. Experience the luxury of a 5-star hotel in Elounda with an extensive spa offering massages and whirlpools. Relax in a beach hotel in Rhodes and enjoy the amenities of all-inclusive or half-board. The coast of the Peloponnese or Chalkidiki is ideal for a Mediterranean beach holiday.
These are the most beautiful Greek holiday islands
Santorini, perhaps the most famous island in the Cyclades, is not only famous for its spectacular caldera and the small villages around Fira, but also as a setting for glamorous villas with breathtaking views of the volcano. Stars and starlets flock here – the perfect setting for luxury vacationers who want to relax in stylish pool bars and enjoy the exclusive flair.
For those looking to experience the Greek island feeling with a little less hustle and bustle, the Ionian Islands such as Corfu and Kefalonia, with their tranquil landscapes and fewer tourists, are the perfect alternatives.
Crete is another trendy destination: The largest of the Greek islands captivates with a unique mix of ancient ruins, lively beach bars, and cool boutique hotels. The traditional Cretan cuisine, served with great hospitality in local tavernas, is particularly inviting.
Also, don’t miss Kos, an island with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Kos Town is also a cultural center, offering many historical sites and attractions.
For a true Greek cultural experience and the perfect vacation feeling, Thessaloniki (located on the mainland but directly on the sea) offers the best of both worlds: modern cafes and bars with views of ancient ruins.
The 10 Best Hotels in Greece
For travelers who want to experience the best of Greece’s islands and explore the Aegean Sea, island hopping offers an exciting way to discover the beauty and diversity of the Greek islands. Luxury resorts like the Domes Zeen Chania in Crete or the Kalesma in Mykonos invite you to fully enjoy the charm and beauty of each island.
- Shila, Athens
Before you head off to the country’s islands, be sure to spend a few nights in Athens. You can discover the city’s thriving creative scene by booking a room at the new boutique hotel Shila. Upon entering this small, six-suite property in the trendy Kolonaki district, you’ll immediately be immersed in the creative renaissance of modern Athens. It’s a world where old meets new, with a spacious, bohemian rooftop terrace perfect for jet-lagged naps, and suites featuring patina-finished walls, jewel-toned velvet furniture, and four-poster beds. The dream trip doesn’t end there: Upon check-in, a selection of clothing from local Greek designers awaits you. The hotel’s artwork and furniture are also available for purchase. If Shila is fully booked, you can visit its new sister hotel, Mona Athens.
Address: Mantzarou 10 Kolonaki, 10672 Athens, Greece
Price: Double rooms from €150 per room/night
2. Perivolas, Santorini
Perched on a cliff overlooking the whitewashed walls of Santorini, the family-run Hotel Perivolas has been one of the island’s most iconic and beautiful hotels since the 1980s. While the breathtaking views of Oia’s landscape and dreamy sunsets are unmissable, it’s the cave-style suites designed by the hotel family that steal the show. Inspired by the island’s traditional cave architecture, the 22 contemporary houses feature handwoven textiles in shades of pink and purple against a crisp white floor plan, many with private pools and colorful garden areas. Although the property is opulent by nature, the true heart of Perivolas lies in its simplicity.
Address: Oia, Santorini, Greece, GR 847 02
Price: Double room from €460 per room/night
3. Skinopi Lodge, Milos
If you’re looking for a break from the blue-and-white architecture and lively tavernas, you can book a stay at Skinopi Lodge on the island of Milos for a few days away from the hustle and bustle. While the journey by car is a bit of a trek (a 4×4 is highly recommended), it’s worth the trip. You’ll wake up in one of three minimalist stone houses perched on grassy cliffs, which reveal breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. In the afternoons, you can relax on the loungers outside the villa and read a book or stroll down the spiral staircase to your private swimming cove. You can also ask the owner, Nausika, to plan a route to the best beaches, depending on the wind on the island that day.
4. Kalesma, Mykonos
New to Mykonos this summer is Kalesma, a design-oriented hotel conceived by two Greek designers. Their goal was to create a traditional Cycladic property with a modern twist for lovers of privacy and a stay off the beaten track. Located on a hill overlooking Ornos Bay, the hotel features 27 accommodations with small pool areas spread across five hectares of lush mountainside. The decor features Rick Owens furniture and unique decor by local Greek artisans. The hotel’s restaurant, Pere Ubu, is located at the top of the hotel, a special vantage point from which you can admire both sunrise and sunset.
Address: Aleomandra, Mykonos, Mykonos 846 00, Greece
Price: Double room from €989 per room/night
5. Parilio Hotel, Paros
Designed by the same team behind the Mystique and Istoria hotels on Santorini, the Parilio Hotel is one of the finest luxury hotels on Paros, a Greek island some locals refer to as “Mykonos for insiders.” With 33 suites, a Cycladic-inspired pool, an on-site restaurant and bar (among the island’s best), and a spa, you’ll have little reason to leave. The wooden shutters, large vases, and earthy tones create an authentic Cycladic experience with a touch of Palm Springs.
Address: Kolympithres, Naoussa, Paros, 84401, Greece
Price: Double room from €350 per room/night
6. Mistyque, Sanorini
The whitewashed walls of Oia’s timeless setting are interrupted—albeit rather seamlessly—by the cream-colored walls of the Mystique, but the hotel still adheres to the island’s signature architecture with its Cycladic-inspired suites, restaurants, and infinity pools. First-class service, sea views, suites, and villas with fitness centers are just some of the amenities at the Mystique. The hotel is also perfectly located near all of Oia’s shops, tavernas, and charming streets.
Address: Island, Oía 847 02, Greece
Price: Double room from €1,100 per room/night
7. Verina Astra, Sinfos
Foodies shouldn’t miss a visit to the tiny island of Sifnos, arguably the best gastronomic destination in the Cyclades. A stay at Verina Astra is what dreams of farm-to-table dining are made of. Perched on a peaceful hillside in Poulati, it’s just three kilometers from Artemonas, the island’s most beautiful village. At Verina Astra, all of Sifnos’s attractions are within easy reach. The property is a luxurious hotel with great value for money. Inside, it’s decorated with local pottery (a traditional craft on the island dating back to 3000 BC) and features a restaurant that offers the perfect introduction to Sifnos cuisine using locally sourced produce, most of which comes from the property’s own orchard.
Address: Poulatis, Sifnos 840 03, Greece
Price: Double room from €263 per room/night
8. Pnoēs, Tinos
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos lies the small, unassuming island of Tinos – an idyllic, delightfully simple oasis compared to its overcrowded neighbor. If Mykonos is the place to be seen, then Tinos is the place to hide, and there’s no better place to do that than the new Pnoēs, the island’s first design hotel. At Pnoēs, each of the three contemporary, whitewashed villas that comprise the entire property has its own private pool and garden, ensuring the privacy travelers crave on Tinos. The property feels more like a private home than a hotel.
Address: Lagkades, Agios Fokas 842 00, Greece
Price: Double room from €370 per room/night
9. Oku, Kos
The eco-friendly, adults-only Hotel Oku Kos is located on a private stretch of beachfront, where only guests have access and can swim in peace and privacy. It is designed to feel like its own private village, where the island can be enjoyed in all its facets without leaving the property. One- and two-story cubist villas surround the hotel’s numerous gardens and courtyards, with large terraces that extend into private outdoor areas. The indoor-outdoor restaurant, offering fresh and colorful Greek cuisine, can be enjoyed by the pool or on the sandy beach, while the vibrant sounds of the resident DJ waft through the sea air. After a long day in the sun, the spa awaits, offering a range of holistic treatments, a glass-walled sauna overlooking the spacious courtyard, and a domed hammam.
Address: Sikamini, Marmari, 853 00, Kos, Greece
Price: Double room from €244 per room/night
Domes Zeen, Creta
From the outside, no one would believe that Domes Zeen Chania is family-friendly, but that’s precisely what draws stylish families to this Cretan beach resort. While “family-friendly” might not necessarily imply “cool” at first glance, the spacious, minimalist rooms (some with panoramic views), ranging from bungalows to suites, will convince you otherwise—as will the black-tiled outdoor pool overlooking the sea. While the pool, beach, and two restaurants are certainly enough to keep children entertained, the lovingly designed kids’ club offers play areas with yurts and teepees where children can roam freely and participate in a variety of activities (even overnight stays!), giving parents a well-deserved break.
Address: Apteron Road, Parigoria, Kon/nou Paleologou, Chania 731 00, Greece
Price: Double room from €317 per room/night
