Greece remains a top summer destination in Europe, thanks to its enchanting islands, rich history, and unique culinary scene. From design hotels in Mykonos to romantic seaside homes in Santorini and quiet retreats in Paros and Sifnos, the country offers options for every taste. Conde Nast Traveler’s research highlighted the best Greek island hotels for a curated stay experience.
Some of the best hotels on the Greek islands offer an idyllic escape from everyday life, but choosing the right accommodation—and the right island—is no easy task. For some, exploring mainland Greece may be enough. However, the impressive history serves as a backdrop for one of the coolest food and bar scenes in Europe and Athens, while the sun bathes the best family hotels in Halkidiki.
More specifically, the list of hotels is as follows:
- Verina Astra, Sifnos
- One&Only Kéa Island
- Gundari, Folegandros
- Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos
- Canaves Ena, Santorini
- Porto Zante, Zakynthos
- Phāea Cretan Malia, Crete
- Ikos Odisia, Corfu
- Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Spetses
- F Zeen Kefalonia
- Cali Mykonos, Mykonos
- Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini
- The Vasilicos, Santorini
- Kalesma, Mykonos
- Laguna Coast Resort, Naxos
- Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort, Paros
- Casa Cook, Samos
- The Rooster, Antiparos
- Odera, Tinos
Verina Astra, Sifnos
In 2015, Verina Astra had just seven rooms and was perched on a cliff on the rugged east coast of Sifnos. When it opened, there was no restaurant, but breakfast was a celebration of the flavors of Sifnos, served in each suite in a wicker basket, on handmade ceramics made by the island’s locals. The 16 rooms and suites have better bathrooms and even larger balconies than the original seven, but they maintain the same “back to nature” aesthetic. The friendly staff moves quietly between the outdoor tapas bar and the reed-covered bells of the Elemis spa. Chefs tend the kitchen gardens, gathering ingredients for traditional salads at Bostani, the beautifully romantic “farm-to-table” restaurant.
One & Only Kea Island
The 14th One&Only resort is located on a naturally formed peninsula with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. A seaside beach club with shade from trees, an extensive spa, multiple restaurants, yacht excursions, scuba diving, and a kids’ club offer a fully-realized island getaway, but the real “highlight” for every guest is the sunset view from private decks (with private pools), without crowds. Each room is a separate suite-villa, fully independent, built on a slope within a free structure with a high ceiling and an entrance to a private courtyard, accompanied by a personal eight-meter pool. The food at the resort’s various restaurants is Greek and local, but with a select creative approach. The spa is definitely worth a visit, with spaces on three levels, an indoor-outdoor pool, spacious treatment rooms, outdoor relaxation areas, as well as steam and sauna rooms.
Gundari, Folegandros
While the neighboring islands of Milos and Santorini are bustling with hotel clusters, Folegandros maintains a calm, slow-paced presence in the Cyclades. Gundari towers over the island’s steep cliffs, which lead to secluded beaches on all sides, with crystal-clear turquoise waters that offer a sense of complete disconnection from the world. Built on 80 acres (320,000 sq. m.), this new resort for 2024 is aimed at those seeking a quieter alternative. The 27 suites and villas, designed bioclimatically, are all south-facing to protect from the north meltemi winds in the summer. More than half are built underground. The deluxe suites are built into the edge of the cliff, with infinity edge pools that blend almost invisibly into the vast Aegean Sea.
Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos
The reference to the American style is apt – the Santa Marina is loved by jet-setters (it has a yacht mooring and a helipad), but it is especially popular with discerning New Yorkers. In addition to the style, the Santa Marina has been blessed with the perfect location – on a hillside overlooking Ornos Bay, with its own private sandy beach on the island. Combined with the bright blue of the Aegean and the elegantly dressed visitors, the scene wouldn’t look out of place in a vintage Ralph Lauren advertisement.
