Greece offers a compelling alternative to more crowded European destinations this summer, according to a travel writer who has explored the country for four decades. The nation is lauded for its delicious cuisine, picturesque beaches, and welcoming locals, embodying a tradition of hospitality known as 'philoxenia'.
The author's affection for Greece began in the 1980s, inspired by television documentaries that brought ancient history to life. Over the years, she has stayed in a variety of accommodations, from small family-run guesthouses to luxury resorts, leading to a curated list of ten preferred hotels.
Halkidiki
Among the highlighted hotels is a family-owned establishment in Kallithea, Halkidiki, which combines luxury amenities with a personal touch. This beachfront hotel features airy rooms, a spa, and direct access to a private beach. Its proximity to the ancient Ammon Zeus temple, from which the hotel derives its name, adds a historical dimension to the stay. The hotel offers a relaxed evening atmosphere with live music and cocktails.
Thessaloniki
In Thessaloniki, the Electra Palace is noted for its prime location on Aristotelous Square, offering sea views and a blend of elegant design with unstuffy service. The hotel's seventh-floor Orizontes Roof Garden provides panoramic vistas of the city and the Thermaikos Gulf, with a rooftop pool for guests.
Lindos, Rhodes
Despite its location in the popular village of Lindos, a boutique hotel there offers a secluded experience. This property, described as a 'village within a village,' features courtyards, terraces, and architecture adorned with mosaics and art. While lacking a pool, it is a short walk from the beach.
Hydra
The Mandraki Beach hotel on the car-free island of Hydra is accessible via complimentary water taxi. Situated on Hydra's sole beach, the hotel comprises 17 suites built on the site of a 19th-century naval fortification. The on-site restaurant, Captain M, specializes in Greek cuisine, particularly fresh seafood.
MarBella Corfu
MarBella Corfu is presented as an all-inclusive resort that balances family-friendly facilities, including an aqua park, with a more relaxed, deluxe vibe suitable for couples and solo travelers. The hotel's design cascades through lush gardens, and it offers a private beach and complimentary sunset cruises.
Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa, Kefalonia
Eliamos, a member of Relais & Chateaux, is an eco-friendly retreat in Kefalonia known for its use of natural materials. The hotel features contemporary villas, each with a private pool and terrace. It emphasizes tranquility, with exceptional food served at its single restaurant.
Dolce by Wyndham, Attica Riviera
Located on the Attica Riviera, the Dolce resort offers a relaxed atmosphere with accommodations ranging from guest rooms to villas. The property features a main restaurant with a buffet selection and is noted for staying open until late November, providing a pleasant climate for visitors.
Athens
Perched on Lycabettus Hill in Athens, a chic hotel offers stunning views of the city, including the Acropolis. The hotel is situated in the Kolonaki district, known for its shops and bars, and provides access to walking trails. Rooms on the top floor, as well as the rooftop bar and pool area, afford expansive city vistas.
Naxos
The Naxian hotel on Naxos island is characterized by its refined suites and villas, spread across a rocky outcrop above the capital, Chora. Guests can enjoy the property's vegetable garden, a whisky library, and several swimming pools.
Kinsterna Hotel & Spa, Peloponnese
Named after the ancient word for 'cistern,' the Kinsterna Hotel & Spa in the Peloponnese is a former Byzantine mansion that emphasizes water features. The hotel offers a serene environment with a spring-fed pool, spa facilities, and treatments delivered in a stone chamber setting. It is suitable for families and adults seeking a historic yet tranquil escape.