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Our expert writers are usually hosted on a complimentary basis to get the personal experience necessary for their review.
From flame-pink sands and balmy turquoise waters and golden coves framed by gently swaying palm trees, to windswept strands perfect for windsurfers or secret pebbled coves where the rare monk seal love to frolic, the seafront is a paradise. Greece for beach lovers. ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels. Whether you want to fly, flop and fry in a stylish, sandy resort or enjoy a more active holiday trying out a wealth of fun water sports or combining cultural activities with your free seaside stay , these are the best beach. hotels in Greece.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
At a glance, the best beach hotels in Greece
An hour’s drive on the coastal road winding east from Heraklion airport, this spot on the northeast coast of Crete is a natural amphitheater overlooking the private sandy beach. Spread elegantly across the descending levels of the bay, the stone and painted buildings blend cleverly into the rock face to create a natural space that is truly modern and high-tech. The labyrinth of tunnels and corridors on each of the five levels are connected by stairs and a funicular, which zips guests between the lobby, spa, restaurants and the show-stopping outdoor pool. All rooms, suites and villas have stunning views over the harbour, paying tribute to a wonderful location.
• The best hotels on the Greek Island
Great service is a central feature at this five-star seaside hotel surrounded by grass-spiked sand dunes next to one of Paros’ best beaches. It is a small, discreet seaside haven hidden between grassy dunes and one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island. Cubic white buildings with sea blue shutters are surrounded by tweezered lawns and pierced palm trees. The interior has a strong nautical theme with sand, or powder blue, walls and windows, white striped cushions and driftwood sculptures. This is ‘no shoes, no news’ Greek style.
• The best family hotels in Greece
You don’t get much more private than this hiking destination, which is an entire peninsula in itself just 40 minutes from the Acropolis. Entry, through a private barrier, sets the exclusive tone: winding paths lead to low clusters of white-rendered buildings (some with living roofs) surrounded by mature gardens and winding tracks down to (often private) beaches. The beaches are really the most attractive part of this resort: a cluster of coves (mostly sandy) on the west side is more popular. Pebble beaches on the east side are much quieter and the water is crystal clear. The entrance to the Odisia is located in the tourist spot of the Dassia (less than a mile away from its sister hotel), which is not in really just an unremarkable main road. a less exciting strip of shops, but on the other side of the building is something spectacular: a stretch of stunning coastline with stunning views of the Ionian sea. Ipsos beach is a five minute drive in the opposite direction, popular with families by day and party groups by night. The resort itself has been well thought out and built to work alongside the beaches, coves and peninsula on which it sits. Compared to other waterfront properties with several storeys jutting into the skyline, Odisia and its low-slung buildings seem to melt into the landscape, giving a real sense of space. .
• The best hotels in Corfu
This is a very exclusive resort designed by the famous American architect Ed Tuttle. Perched on top of a hill, amongst olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees, the location is hard to beat. This region is steeped in mythology, with several important archaeological sites, including the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the citadel of Mycenae; Spetses and Hydra are within easy reach; and there’s a very chic Beach Club on the coast just below. The spa also offers a number of excellent wellness retreats led by experts in their field. It is a space to make Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine, proud.
• The best hotels in Skiathos
This beautiful low-key resort faces a wild stretch of sandy coastline – within easy reach of Chania’s Venetian harbor – and with its pretty lap pool, spa pavilion and gourmet restaurant it attracts young couples and families looking for a stylish retreat. The concrete exterior is softened by low walls, covered with stone and an abundance of exotic plants – agapanthus grass and pampas, but also papaya and banana palms – planted on the winding paths that lead down to the decked infinity pool and dune beach.
• The best hotels in Mykonos
The Ikos brand has succeeded in raising the all-inclusive European concept to new levels. Gone are the days of the colored wristband and the dreary buffet – Ikos Dassia offers an unlimited supply of premium champagnes, wines and spirits, waiter service (including at the beach or by the pool), à la carte menus and room 24 an hour. service, as well as many extras. The location at Dassia is also very special; snuggled into a crescent of buttery-soft golden sand, it makes one of the best beach hotels in Greece (perfect for little toes). New for 2023, as part of your stay you’ll also have access to a high-end sustainable Tesla car to take out for a spin – why not use it to explore as many of the island’s beaches as you can?
• The best hotels in Crete
Imagine a French Atlantic-style coastline with a beach of silky sand, lapped by beautiful turquoise waves and a cluster of comfortable marble suites – that’s Amitín. The property overlooks Plaka, one of the best beaches on the island, which is reached by a narrow dusty track with little traffic. The windsurfer-loved coast of Mikri Vigla is on one side, while the buoyant resort of Agios Prokopios is three miles away on the other. There are 15 medium-sized rooms in four categories, spread over three buildings on two floors (the upper floors are reached by steep steps). They all have full or partial sea views, with a minimal decor of cream, beige and ecru.
• The best hotels in Hydra
Lesante Blu is ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic break: it’s adults only, has a smart design with an abundance of greenery and an infinity pool fed by waterfalls that gives an intense sense of privacy and peace. Throw in stunning ocean views and some good restaurants and you have a winner. It’s the kind of place where hanging egg chairs are scattered here and there (perfect for enjoying those panoramic views) and manicured lawns add to the great vibe. Shingles Beach may be small, but it has a beautiful wooden sundeck on stilts and a jetty stretching far out to sea.
• The best hotels in Greece
This is a very individual luxury resort hotel built of local stone in a rocky valley lapped by the Aegean Sea. It sits alone on its own beach, so swimming in the beautiful bay, you can look out on the azure Aegean and the distant islands or back on the yellow coarse-sand beach with thick straw-mattresses cabanas, and Calilo surrounded by shadow-giving. tree. Some are hundreds of years old olive trees rescued from a fate as firewood and shipped from the mainland. Between the beach and the restaurant is the beautiful curved 50 meter swimming pool, with additional mini pools and water tables. Paths lead up to untouched headlands – now accessible in the hotel’s electric buggies and on foot.
• The best boutique hotels in Santorini
One of a handful of Marriott Autograph collection hotels in Greece, this luxurious, family-friendly hotel is perched on a hillside with panoramic views of Spinalonga, Hislop’s best-selling novel island, boasts excellent service, first-class restaurants, a strip of blue flag sandy beach and a decent spa. The stylish resort attracts many young families, but there are some adults-only areas and quiet zones where younger children are prohibited. The beach is shaded by olive trees and there are many sunbeds.
Contributions by Fiona Duncan, Sally Peck, Maggie O’Sullivan, Juliet Rix
