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Choosing where to stay in the Greek islands can make or break your trip. The right hotel transforms your experience — waking up to caldera views in Santorini, stepping directly onto the sand in Naxos, or having a family-friendly pool complex in Rhodes changes everything.
For luxury: The caldera hotels in Santorini (Oia and Fira) and the designer properties in Mykonos set the global standard for Greek island glamour.
For boutique character: Hydra, Folegandros, and Sifnos have intimate properties with genuine personality.
For families: Naxos, Rhodes, and Corfu offer beachfront resorts with pools, kids' clubs, and space to spread out.
For budget travelers: Ios, Paros, and Naxos have excellent guesthouses and studios at reasonable prices.
Here's my complete guide to the best hotels in the Greek islands — organized by category so you can find exactly what you're looking for.
Understanding Greek Island Accommodation
Before diving into specific recommendations, here's what you need to know about staying in the Greek islands:
Types of accommodation:
- Luxury hotels & resorts — Full-service properties with pools, spas, restaurants, and often caldera or sea views. Expect €300–800+/night in peak season.
- Boutique hotels — Smaller properties (10–30 rooms) with distinctive design and personality. Usually €150–400/night.
- Mid-range hotels — Comfortable 3–4 star options with good amenities but less character. €80–180/night.
- Studios & apartments — Self-catering options, often with kitchenettes. €50–120/night.
- Guesthouses & pensions — Family-run properties, often simple but authentic. €40–80/night.
Booking timing matters:
- Book Santorini and Mykonos 3–6 months ahead for peak season
- Other popular islands: 1–3 months ahead
- Shoulder season (May, September–October): 2–4 weeks often sufficient
- Last-minute deals work for lesser-known islands, even in summer
Location considerations:
- Chora/main town = walkable restaurants and nightlife
- Beach locations = convenience for swimming, less evening atmosphere
- Remote/hillside = peace, views, but need transportation
(For help choosing your island, see our guide to the best Greek islands to visit.)
Best Luxury Hotels in the Greek Islands
For those seeking the finest Greek island experience — caldera suites, infinity pools, impeccable service, and unforgettable views.
Santorini: The Caldera Collection
Santorini defines Greek island luxury. The caldera-view hotels in Oia and Fira are bucket-list properties that justify the splurge.
What makes Santorini luxury special: Cave suites carved into volcanic cliffs, private plunge pools overlooking the caldera, sunset views that require no effort — just step onto your terrace.
What to expect: The best Santorini hotels run €400–1,500/night in peak season. Most include breakfast, many have excellent restaurants, and service tends to be exceptional. The trade-off: beaches are limited (you're paying for views, not sand).
Best areas: Oia (most famous sunsets, highest prices), Imerovigli (dramatic views, slightly less crowded), Fira (central location, more dining options).
The catch: Santorini luxury is genuinely expensive, and peak season (July–August) is extremely crowded despite the prices. Consider June or September for the same views with marginally better value.
Find luxury hotels in Santorini
Mykonos: Designer Glamour
Mykonos attracts a fashion-forward crowd, and the hotels reflect that aesthetic. Expect contemporary design, infinity pools, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
What makes Mykonos luxury special: The hotels here are designed to impress — clean lines, whitewashed minimalism with designer furniture, pools that photograph beautifully, and service that caters to demanding international guests.
What to expect: Peak season rates of €350–1,000/night. Many properties are boutique-sized (20–50 rooms) with excellent restaurants. Beach clubs (Scorpios, Nammos) are often the social center, with hotel guests given priority access.
Best areas: Town (walkable nightlife, no beach), Ornos/Psarou (beaches + proximity to town), Agios Ioannis (quieter, stunning sunset views).
The catch: Mykonos luxury comes with Mykonos prices — everything from cocktails to transfers is expensive. The party reputation means some properties can be noisy.
Crete: Resort Luxury
Crete offers a different style of luxury — larger resort properties with extensive facilities, often at better value than the Cyclades.
What makes Crete luxury special: Space. Crete's luxury resorts tend to be larger, with multiple pools, extensive grounds, spa facilities, and several dining options. The combination of luxury accommodation with Crete's exceptional food, history, and beach variety is hard to beat.
What to expect: €200–600/night for genuinely excellent properties. The Elounda area on the northeast coast concentrates the most famous luxury resorts. Chania has boutique options in restored Venetian mansions.
Best areas: Elounda (resort luxury, calm bay), Chania old town (boutique luxury, historic atmosphere), Rethymno (balance of both).
The catch: Crete is large — you'll need a car to explore beyond your resort. The isolation of some properties is a feature or bug depending on your preferences.
Rhodes: Historic Luxury
Rhodes combines medieval atmosphere with modern luxury — stay in a converted mansion within the UNESCO-listed Old Town or at a beachfront resort with excellent facilities.
What makes Rhodes luxury special: The Old Town properties offer something genuinely unique — sleeping within medieval walls, in buildings that have been thoughtfully restored. The beach resorts on the east coast are among Greece's best for families who want luxury with facilities.
What to expect: €150–400/night for excellent properties. The range is broader than Santorini/Mykonos, with genuine luxury available at more accessible prices.
Best areas: Rhodes Old Town (historic boutique), Lindos (village charm + beach), Faliraki/Kallithea (beach resorts), Ixia/Trianda (sunset views, near town).
Best Boutique Hotels in the Greek Islands
Boutique hotels offer personality, design, and intimate scale — perfect for travelers who want more character than chain hotels provide.
Hydra: The Art Island
Hydra is car-free and utterly charming — the boutique hotels here are as atmospheric as the island itself.
What to expect: Restored sea captains' mansions, stone walls, tasteful antique furnishings, and absolute tranquility. No cars means peace. Expect €120–350/night.
Why it works: Hydra attracts artists, writers, and travelers who appreciate beauty. The hotels reflect that sensibility — nothing flashy, everything considered.
Folegandros: Clifftop Romance
Folegandros has Santorini's dramatic clifftop setting without the crowds — and the boutique hotels here are exceptional.
What to expect: Small properties (often 5–15 rooms) with cave-style suites, terraces overlooking the Aegean, and an intimate atmosphere. €100–300/night.
Why it works: Folegandros remains genuinely unspoiled. The hotels feel personal, the village is beautiful, and you'll remember the sunsets forever.
Find boutique hotels in Folegandros
Sifnos: The Foodie Island
Sifnos has quietly become a culinary destination, and the boutique hotels match the island's refined but unpretentious character.
What to expect: Whitewashed properties with beautiful terraces, often with excellent on-site restaurants. €100–250/night.
Why it works: Sifnos attracts travelers who care about quality — food, design, experience. The hotels cater to that sensibility without being pretentious.
Find boutique hotels in Sifnos
Tinos: Art & Architecture
Tinos is the Cycladic island for art and food lovers — and new boutique properties have opened to serve that growing audience.
What to expect: Design-forward hotels in restored buildings, often with connections to local artisans. €80–200/night.
Why it works: Tinos is having a moment. The hotels are catching up to the island's rising reputation for culture and cuisine.
Patmos: Spiritual Elegance
Patmos has an elevated, contemplative atmosphere — the island of St. John's Revelation attracts a sophisticated crowd, and the hotels reflect that.
What to expect: Elegant properties with understated luxury, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful ambiance. €120–300/night.
Why it works: Patmos isn't a party island. The hotels match the island's refined character.
Find boutique hotels in Patmos
Best Mid-Range Hotels in the Greek Islands
Comfortable, well-located hotels that deliver quality without breaking the bank — the sweet spot for most travelers.
Naxos: Best Value Beach Hotels
Naxos offers exceptional mid-range value — family-run hotels near excellent beaches at prices that feel almost unfair compared to Santorini.
What to expect: Clean, comfortable hotels with pools, often within walking distance of Agios Prokopios or Agia Anna beaches. €70–150/night for genuinely good properties.
Best areas: Agios Prokopios (best beach), Agia Anna (quieter, still excellent), Naxos Town/Chora (walkable to restaurants).
Why it works: Naxos hasn't been discovered by the luxury market yet. You get Cycladic beauty and excellent beaches at fair prices.
Find mid-range hotels in Naxos
Paros: Naoussa Charm
Paros has excellent mid-range options, particularly around the beautiful fishing village of Naoussa.
What to expect: Well-designed hotels with pools, studios with kitchenettes, and easy access to beaches and restaurants. €80–160/night.
Best areas: Naoussa (charming village, nightlife), Parikia (port town, convenient), Golden Beach (windsurfing).
Why it works: Paros has the infrastructure of a major tourism destination without the extreme pricing. Quality is consistently high.
Find mid-range hotels in Paros
Milos: Volcanic Beauty
Milos has extraordinary beaches, and the mid-range hotels here let you enjoy them without spending luxury rates.
What to expect: Comfortable hotels and studios, often with sea views. €80–180/night. The island is less developed than other Cyclades, so options are limited — book ahead.
Best areas: Adamas (port town, convenient), Pollonia (charming village, ferries to Kimolos), Plaka (hilltop village, views).
Why it works: Milos' beaches are the star — you don't need to spend €400/night to enjoy Sarakiniko at sunrise.
Find mid-range hotels in Milos
Corfu: Ionian Value
Corfu has excellent mid-range options, from old-town hotels to beachfront properties on the west coast.
What to expect: Hotels with character, often in historic buildings or with good pool facilities. €60–140/night.
Best areas: Corfu Town (old town charm, walking distance to everything), Paleokastritsa (dramatic west coast), Sidari (family beaches).
Why it works: The Ionian islands haven't experienced the same price inflation as the Cyclades. Quality-to-cost ratio is excellent.
Find mid-range hotels in Corfu
Skopelos: Mamma Mia Magic
Skopelos — the filming location for Mamma Mia — has charming mid-range hotels in its beautiful main town.
What to expect: Family-run hotels with character, often with pools or sea views. €60–130/night.
Why it works: Skopelos is less developed than other islands, which means less commercial feel and better value.
Find mid-range hotels in Skopelos
Best Budget Hotels in the Greek Islands
Excellent accommodation doesn't require a large budget — these islands offer genuine quality at €40–80/night.
Ios: Budget With Style
Ios is famous for parties, but it's also one of the best-value Cycladic islands for accommodation.
What to expect: Clean studios and guesthouses, some with pools, often with beautiful Cycladic design. €40–90/night.
Best areas: Chora (walkable, near nightlife), Mylopotas (beach, more peaceful).
Why it works: Ios caters to backpackers and budget travelers. Competition keeps prices reasonable even for nice properties.
Ikaria: Authentic & Affordable
Ikaria — the Blue Zone island where people live past 100 — has remained refreshingly affordable.
What to expect: Simple guesthouses and family-run hotels with genuine character. €35–70/night.
Why it works: Ikaria hasn't been discovered by mainstream tourism. Prices reflect the island's unpretentious character.
Serifos: Undiscovered Value
Serifos has beautiful beaches and a stunning hilltop chora — and accommodation costs half what you'd pay on nearby islands.
What to expect: Simple studios and guesthouses, some with pools. €40–80/night.
Why it works: Serifos hasn't been developed for tourism. What exists is good value.
Antiparos: Simple Paradise
Antiparos — the tiny island next to Paros — offers beach life at budget prices.
What to expect: Studios and small hotels in the quiet main village. €45–90/night.
Why it works: Antiparos remains small and undeveloped. The simplicity is the point.
Find budget hotels in Antiparos
Koufonisia: Tiny Island, Small Prices
Koufonisia is one of the Small Cyclades — with room prices to match its tiny scale.
What to expect: Rooms and studios in the single village. €50–100/night. Limited options, book ahead.
Why it works: Koufonisia hasn't built large hotels. The small properties maintain reasonable prices.
Find budget hotels in Koufonisia
Best Beachfront Hotels in the Greek Islands
For travelers who want to walk from their room directly to the sand — no transfers, no planning, just beach.
Naxos: Cycladic Beachfront
Naxos has the best combination of excellent beaches and beachfront accommodation in the Cyclades.
What to expect: Hotels directly on Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka beaches — some of Greece's finest sandy stretches. Wake up, walk to the water, repeat. €80–200/night.
Why it works: Unlike Santorini (caldera, not beach-focused) or Mykonos (beaches require transport), Naxos delivers genuine beachfront convenience at reasonable prices.
Find beachfront hotels in Naxos
Lefkada: Ionian Beach Paradise
Lefkada has some of Greece's most spectacular beaches — and hotels that put you right on the sand.
What to expect: Beachfront properties on the stunning west coast (Porto Katsiki area) and the calmer east coast. €70–180/night.
Why it works: Lefkada beaches consistently rank among Europe's best. Beachfront here means world-class sand and turquoise water at your doorstep.
Find beachfront hotels in Lefkada
Zakynthos: Laganas & Beyond
Zakynthos offers beachfront options from party zones (Laganas) to family-friendly resorts (Alykes, Tsilivi).
What to expect: Range from budget beachfront hotels to family resorts with pools and beach access. €60–200/night.
Best areas: Tsilivi (family-friendly, organized beach), Alykes (quieter, long sandy beach), Vassilikos (near best beaches but less developed).
Find beachfront hotels in Zakynthos
Kefalonia: Dramatic Coast
Kefalonia has dramatic beaches (Myrtos!) and beachfront accommodation in key areas.
What to expect: Hotels near Lassi Beach, Skala, and other accessible beaches. The famous beaches (Myrtos, Antisamos) are day-trip destinations. €70–180/night.
Why it works: Kefalonia combines spectacular scenery with practical beachfront accommodation.
Find beachfront hotels in Kefalonia
Best All-Inclusive Hotels in the Greek Islands
All-inclusive resorts take the guesswork out of vacation budgeting — particularly valuable for families.
Crete: All-Inclusive Capital
Crete has Greece's largest concentration of quality all-inclusive resorts.
What to expect: Full-service resorts with multiple restaurants, pools, kids' clubs, evening entertainment, and beach access. €150–400/night all-inclusive.
Best areas: Hersonissos, Malia (party-oriented), Rethymno (family-focused), Agios Nikolaos (upscale).
Why it works: Crete's large tourism infrastructure means competition keeps quality high and prices reasonable.
Find all-inclusive hotels in Crete
Rhodes: Family All-Inclusive
Rhodes specializes in family-oriented all-inclusive resorts with excellent facilities.
What to expect: Large resorts with waterparks, kids' clubs, multiple dining options, and entertainment. €120–350/night all-inclusive.
Best areas: Faliraki (most options, waterparks), Ixia/Trianda (upscale), Kolymbia (quieter).
Find all-inclusive hotels in Rhodes
Kos: Value All-Inclusive
Kos offers excellent all-inclusive value — similar quality to Rhodes at often lower prices.
What to expect: Family resorts with pools, beaches, and full-service dining. €100–280/night all-inclusive.
Why it works: Kos is slightly less famous than Rhodes, which keeps prices competitive while quality remains high.
Find all-inclusive hotels in Kos
Best Family Hotels in the Greek Islands
Families need different things — pools (essential), space, kids' menus, family rooms, and beaches that work for children.
Rhodes: The Family Champion
Rhodes has the best family resort infrastructure in the Greek islands — purpose-built properties with everything kids need.
What to expect: Large resorts with multiple pools, kids' clubs, water sports, and all-inclusive options. Sandy beaches with shallow water. €100–300/night.
Best areas: Faliraki (waterparks, activities), Lindos (family beach + village), Kolymbia (quieter, good beaches).
Why it works: Rhodes has invested in family tourism. The infrastructure exists and it works.
Naxos: Family Beaches
Naxos has the best family beaches in the Cyclades — long, sandy, with shallow water that's perfect for kids.
What to expect: Family-run hotels near excellent beaches, often with pools and family rooms. €70–150/night.
Best areas: Agios Prokopios (excellent beach, calm water), Agia Anna (slightly quieter), Plaka (long beach, very shallow).
Why it works: Naxos beaches are genuinely exceptional for families. The accommodation is secondary — the beaches do the work.
Corfu: All-Inclusive Options
Corfu has extensive all-inclusive resorts that work brilliantly for families.
What to expect: Large resorts with multiple pools, kids' clubs, entertainment programs, and direct beach access. €120–280/night all-inclusive.
Best areas: Sidari (family beaches), Gouvia (marina area, calm), Acharavi (long sandy beach).
Why it works: All-inclusive takes the stress out of family travel. Corfu has excellent options at various price points.
Crete: Everything for Families
Crete is big enough to offer everything — family resorts on the north coast, adventure in the mountains, waterparks, and calm beaches.
What to expect: From all-inclusive mega-resorts to family-run hotels with pools. €80–250/night depending on level.
Best areas: Georgioupolis (sandy beaches, family friendly), Elounda (upscale family resorts), Rethymno (old town + beach).
Why it works: Crete's size means variety. You can find exactly what your family needs.
Skiathos: Sporades Family Haven
Skiathos has 60+ beaches, many of them sandy with calm water — excellent for families.
What to expect: Mid-range hotels with pools, near excellent beaches. €80–160/night.
Best areas: Koukounaries (famous beach, pine forest), Troulos (calm, family-oriented), town area (convenient).
Why it works: Skiathos is compact enough to explore easily with kids, with enough beaches to find one that's never crowded.
Find family hotels in Skiathos
Quick Comparison: Hotels by Island
Island
Luxury
Boutique
Mid-Range
Budget
Families
Santorini
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
Mykonos
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
Crete
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
Rhodes
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
Naxos
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
Paros
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
Corfu
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★★
Hydra
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★☆☆☆☆
Milos
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
Ios
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★★★
★★☆☆☆
How to Choose Your Accommodation
You want bucket-list luxury with views → Santorini caldera hotels
You want designer glamour and beach clubs → Mykonos
You want luxury resort facilities → Crete (Elounda)
You want boutique character without crowds → Hydra, Folegandros, or Patmos
You want great value near beaches → Naxos or Paros
You're traveling with family → Rhodes, Naxos, or Corfu
You're on a budget but want Cycladic beauty → Ios, Serifos, or Ikaria
Still deciding which island? Take our free quiz to find your perfect match.
Booking Tips for Greek Island Hotels
Book early for peak season. July–August accommodation on popular islands sells out months in advance. Santorini's best hotels book 4–6 months ahead.
Consider shoulder season. May–June and September–October offer better availability, lower prices, and often better weather. Hotels that cost €400/night in August might be €200 in September.
Read recent reviews. Greek island hotels can change management or quality. Focus on reviews from the past 12 months.
Email hotels directly for best rates. Many Greek hotels offer better prices if you book directly rather than through OTAs.
Check cancellation policies. Greek hotels have become stricter post-pandemic. Understand the terms before booking.
Look at location carefully. "Sea view" can mean anything. Check specific room categories and locations on the map.
For more planning help, see our guide on how to plan a trip to Greece and how much a trip to Greece costs.
FAQ
What is the best Greek island for luxury hotels?
Santorini remains the pinnacle for dramatic, romantic luxury — the caldera hotels in Oia and Imerovigli offer cave suites with private plunge pools and views that justify the €400–800/night prices. Mykonos offers a different style — more contemporary, design-forward, with excellent beach clubs. Crete's Elounda area has resort luxury with more space and facilities than the smaller islands. For something less mainstream, Patmos offers understated elegance with a spiritual atmosphere.
Which Greek island has the best budget accommodation?
Naxos offers the best value in the Cyclades — you can find excellent studios and hotels near beautiful beaches for €50–80/night. Ios is another budget winner, with competition for backpackers keeping prices reasonable. For truly cheap stays, look to Ikaria, Serifos, or Antiparos — less developed islands where €40–60/night gets you genuine comfort. Generally, islands further from Santorini/Mykonos offer better value.
When should I book Greek island hotels?
For Santorini and Mykonos in July–August, book 4–6 months in advance — the best properties sell out early. For other popular islands (Crete, Rhodes, Paros, Naxos) in peak season, 2–3 months ahead is usually sufficient. Shoulder season (May–June, September–October) offers more flexibility — booking 3–4 weeks ahead often works. Lesser-known islands rarely sell out completely, but if you have specific properties in mind, booking a month ahead ensures availability. For the best rates and availability, consider traveling in late May, early June, or September — the weather is excellent and prices are 20–40% lower than peak.