Where to stay in Greece

For a classic introduction to Greece, Athens is a must. As the country’s historic capital, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon while enjoying a vibrant modern city. Plaka and Monastiraki offer charming streets, traditional tavernas, and easy access to sights, while the upscale Kolonaki district is ideal for boutique shopping and rooftop dining with stunning city views.

If you prefer an island escape, Crete is a fantastic all-rounder. It combines beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and lively towns, making it ideal for first-timers. Heraklion is great for history buffs with the Palace of Knossos nearby, while Chania’s Venetian harbour and old town provide a romantic setting. For the best beaches, base yourself in Elounda or Rethymno, where golden sands meet turquoise waters.

Among the best places to stay for a couples’ holiday to Greece is Santorini. With its dramatic landscapes, iconic Cycladic architecture and volcanic-sand beaches, it’s as romantic as they come. A walk along the caldera edge offers stunning views, while the island is also renowned for its tipples, including the dessert wine Vinsanto. There’s history on offer at the ancient Minoan site of Akrotiri, and further afield, you can take a boat trip to the neighbouring volcanic islands for a serene dip in the hot springs.

Mykonos is another picture-perfect destination for a couples’ getaway. The capital, Hora aka Mykonos Town, is a charming maze of narrow streets surrounded by whitewashed walls, perfect for a stroll arm in arm and a spot of shopping. Mykonos is also famed for its coastline, with everything from buzzing party beaches to secluded coves, and it’s a prime location for diving.

One of the top places to stay in Greece for families is undoubtedly Rhodes. Among the country’s largest islands, it has a bit of everything for all ages. Kids and adults alike will love the history, including the epic architecture of the capital’s old town. A super-popular place to stay in Rhodes is Lindos, overlooked by an ancient acropolis. For a magical experience, visit the Valley of the Butterflies, which is alive with thousands of Jersey Tiger moths.

On the other end of the scale, Skiathos is a tiny island that’s perfect for a laid-back holiday with kids. Take your pick from a handful of resort towns along the south coast, which only takes half an hour to drive from end to end. With golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear water, the beaches are a dream for families. There are no big-name attractions, but you can take a boat trip round to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lalaria Beach or the neighbouring island of Skopelos, famous for its starring role in Mamma Mia.

It might seem counterintuitive, but the country’s capital is one of the top places to stay in Greece on a budget. There’s a wide selection of accommodation in Athens year-round, unlike some of the more tourist-focused islands, so you can benefit from off-season prices. Marvel at the ancient treasures of the Parthenon and the Acropolis, enjoy the city’s delicious cuisine, and cool off in summer at some of the best beaches near Athens, like Glyfada.

Corfu is another great place to holiday without breaking the bank. There are plenty of resorts in Corfu with family-run hotels offering reasonably priced accommodation. The island is known for its stunning beaches including Paleokastritsa, and the good news is that they all have free sections for a low-cost day out. It’s great for families, with fun attractions including a water park and an aquarium, while Kavos is the place to go for the party crowd.

Zante (also known as Zakynthos) looks a little different from the typical picture-postcard image of Greece: it’s greener and more rugged, with towering cliffs that make for epic scenery. If you’re holidaying with friends and want to hit the clubs, Laganas is the place to go, with plenty of bars and clubs on the strip staying open all night long. The amazing beaches are perfect for vegging out and recovering the day after, while Zakynthos Town is a charming spot with a lovely mile-long promenade.

The country’s largest island, Crete is another of the top places to stay in Greece for groups of friends. Its beaches are the stuff of legend, not least Elafonisi, famed for its pink sand. It has history and culture in spades, including the Minoan Palace of Knossos and the fascinating island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony. Lively resort towns line the coast, but the capital, Heraklion, is home to the freshest nightlife thanks to its buzzing student scene.

The Greek islands fall into seven different groups, and which one is best for you depends on what you’re looking for in a holiday. Here’s a recap to help guide your choice:

• Crete: Greece’s largest island combines history with delicious cuisine and stunning landscapes
• Cyclades (inc. Mykonos, Santorini): Iconic whitewashed houses, natural volcanic beauty
• Dodecanese (inc. Rhodes, Kos): Loads of history with palaces and ancient ruins
• Ionian (inc. Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia): “Tropical” feeling, fantastic beaches
• North Aegean (inc. Thassos, Lesbos): Less visited, so more local and “authentic” feeling
• Saronic (inc. Hydra): Closest islands to Athens, less mass tourism – Hydra is car-free
• Sporades (inc. Skiathos, Skopelos): Hilly and forested, laid-back and low-key