The best beach hotels in Greece

Are you dreaming of a holiday in the Greek Islands? Perhaps considering them as your destination for a summer trip this year? Thanks to the increased airline routes from Athens, your dream is much easier to fulfil today than it was years ago. All you need to do is find the accommodation that best suits your travel needs: whether you want to explore new places on your own or prefer a vacation by the sea enjoying the company of your loved ones, there is a perfect hotel in Greece for you.

Locals and those who are well acquainted with this region will recommend Naxos for a family trip, Santorini for a romantic escape and Mykonos for breathtaking travel photography. However, there is a lot more to discover in the islands of Crete, Paros, Milos or Rhodes. What is more, less popular places will surely be less crowded even during the summer months. See our recommended hotels in the Greek Islands below.

3-star hotel in Naxos

The Naxos Resort Beach Hotel in Greece is conveniently situated next to the harbour in an area known for its wide array of fine restaurants, also close to St. George beach. Travellers interested in history will like the proximity to Naxos Archaeological Museum and the Old Town –within 2 kilometres- and the complimentary shuttle to Naxos island airport. The facilities feature free WiFi, a swimming pool with kids’ area, poolside bar, sauna, gym and spa.

Besides, the couple and family-friendly rooms of this accommodation in Naxos are fully equipped and have private balconies with views. The onsite bar offers Greek and international dishes and is open to requests to fit special diets. Guests have the chance to sign up for outdoor activities such as hiking tours, windsurfing, diving and snorkelling or rent a bike to get around the island.

4-star hotel in Crete: Libyan Princess resort near Elafonissi beach

This good value for money hotel near the beach in Crete (Greek Islands) puts an airport transfer service at its guests’ disposal, picking them up at Chania International. It stands 13 kilometres away from Elafonissi and within short walking distance of other nearby beaches. The facilities feature a wellness centre and an open-air pool, and the multilingual staff will gladly assist travellers who wish to hire a car to take a road trip around the island.

The rooms of this accommodation in Crete have a hint of luxury and amenities like flat-screen TV, in-room safe, minibar, private bathroom with Jacuzzi, clothes-dryer and balcony. For breakfast, guests are offered a diversity of vegetarian, gluten-free and continental options.

Staying in a luxury cave in Santorini, Greece

5-star hotel in Mykonos, Greece

When looking for a beach hotel in Greece, the Mykonos Blanc is highly recommended. We are talking about a property located really close to Ornos beach, providing travellers with both airport transfers and premium car services to the beach area. The premises include an outdoor tropical pool, a gym and an onsite restaurant serving Japanese and Mediterranean dishes.

Among the extensive variety of accommodation options in the Greek Islands, this luxury hotel in Mykonos stands out for its in-room amenities (exclusive toiletries, soundproofed windows, mini fridge and terrace with views), as well as for the quality of its room service and varied continental breakfast. You may book a suite, a honeymoon room, a family unit or a VIP room.

How to get to Zakynthos in Greece and recommended accommodation

Are you searching for new travel destinations to satisfy your wanderlust? We cannot promise that Zakynthos in Greece will be a trip entirely off the beaten path or that there will be no tourists in the island -even when it is not peak season-, but it certainly is a lesser known spot in the Greek Archipelago offering unique views and hidden landscapes preserving its own peculiar charm right by the Ionian Sea. In order to reach this piece of paradise, travellers book scheduled flights with Aegean Airlines, Sky Express or Olympic Air, which operate all year round from Athens airport and Corfu, or else commute by ferry boat to Zakynthos from Kyllini port, the only terminal from which this service runs. It must be said, though, that even when these two options are the most commonly used, others prefer to fly directly from its origin airport in Europe thanks to the seasonal operations carried out by airlines like TUI, Thomas Cook, Jet2.com, Easyjet, Condor or the charter Blue Air. Continue reading to learn further about the several ways to travel to Zakynthos and find accommodation for your holiday in Greece.

Which airport is closest to Zakynthos island?

Contrary to what many might think, Zakynthos has its own international airport (ZTH), located less than five kilometres away from the town centre while also close to Tsilivi, Laganas and the popular Kalamaki beach. Its passenger terminal welcomes visitors flying from Athens airport or Corfu all throughout the year and those arriving aboard international flights from the main European cities during the holiday season.

Flights to Zakynthos in Greece

The following airlines –among others- offer seasonal flights to the island of Zakynthos from main airports across Europe:

Austrian Airlines (from Vienna), Blue Air Charter (Bucharest), British Airways (London Heathrow), Brussels Airlines (Brussels airport), Condor (Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart), Easyjet (Bristol, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Liverpool and Milano Malpensa), Finnair (Helsinki), Swiss International (Geneva), Thomas Cook (Cardiff and Newcastle), Transavia (Amsterdam and Eindhoven), Travel Service Polska (Warsaw Chopin and Katowice), Jet2.com (Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester) and TUI (Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm Arlanda).

Hotels in Cardiff (Wales) for every travel budget

Flights from Athens to Zakynthos

If you are already in Greece and would like to incorporate a visit the to island as an additional stop along your tour, know that it is possible to fly directly from Athens airport to Zakynthos in just 45 minutes, regardless of the month of the year chosen for your trip. Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air and Sky Express are in charge of operating this route all year round. You may also fly from Corfu to Zakynthos with Sky Express.

Travelling by ferry to Zakynthos

Ferry boats to Zakynthos depart from Kyllini port between three and seven times a day and completing this journey does not take longer than one hour. However, the trip must be planned in advance as it is mandatory to travel to Kyllini first, the only port from which this ferry route is operated. To arrive, rely on the KTEL bus company or ask for information in Athens airport, where bus shuttles depart towards either Pyrgos or directly to Kyllini.

When planning for your holiday in Greece, consider the varied array of lodging options available. For ideas and inspiration, we advise you to take a look at our recommended villas, hotels and budget accommodation in Zakynthos island below.

Bed & breakfast-style villa accommodation in Zakynthos, Greece

At the Villaggio Studios and Apartments, travellers may choose to stay in either a studio or a two-bedroom fully-equipped apartment, which makes it perfect for those travelling in a group who wish to feel like at home while away. This establishment, exceptionally situated within short walking distance of the beach and affording beautiful garden and sea views, is run by a family who pays special attention to ensure that each and every need is taken care of. Besides, guests won’t miss anything having several convenience stores and taverns (the local restaurants) all around, as well as the possibility to drive to and from Zakynthos airport (14 kilometres away) and the town centre (12 kilometres away) any time, leaving their car in a secured parking spot at the facilities. At this accommodation in Zakynthos, Greece, the apartments feature free WiFi, private balcony, air conditioning, TV, coffee maker, bathroom and a kitchenette with appliances where they can use local products provided by the hosts to cook breakfast daily.

Katerina’s Guest House in Zakynthos

This accommodation in Greece is superbly located in the area known as Agia Marina, thus boasting stunning mountain views and inviting guests to enjoy their spare time in the garden or organise a barbeque outdoors. The two-bedroom apartment put at the guests’ disposal in Katerina’s guest house can accommodate up to five people at oonce. Aside from the complimentary WiFi internet network accessible all throughout the premises, travellers who have chosen this accommodation in Zakynthos particularly liked the freedom of cooking their own meals in the kitchen any time of the day or night, and also other amenities which made their stay abroad easier, like the availability of a washing machine for them to use.

The Balcony Hotel in Zakynthos, Greece

This hospitality establishment in Greece provides free airport shuttle transfers to confirmed guests, along with top-notch customer service metres away from Tsilivi town and its beaches, and about five kilometres from Zakynthos city centre. Furthermore, in addition to the stunning mountain or sea views afforded from its ample units with balcony, travellers are invited to enjoy a hearty daily breakfast in the open air on a terrace overlooking the ocean. The Balcony Hotel in Zakynthos has free WiFi accessible throughout its communal zones and rooms, suites and apartments, which are air-conditioned and feature a mini fridge, TV, en suite bathroom and, in some cases, a kitchenette.

Would you like to find out how to travel to other archipelagos in Greece? Read our post about airlines flying from Athens airport to the Greek Islands.

The best hotels with pools in Thessaloniki

Vacation in Thessaloniki

As is the case with other summer destinations in Greece, Thessaloniki is a city offering a wide range of hospitality establishments where guests can get access to onsite facilities like fitness centres, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, poolside bars, terraces and restaurants. Unless you choose an all-inclusive stay, bear in mind that drinks and food at such premises need to be paid for, while admission is generally complimentary for confirmed guests. When asked about how the ideal hotel pool should be, most holiday goers agree that it should ideally be on the rooftop of the building and allow you to swim while enjoying a beautiful view; it must also have a poolside bar or restaurant, while deck chairs and Balinese beds are equally valued. If you wish to find these features during your city trip, we are about to recommend the best hotels in Thessaloniki that include them.

Hotels with swimming pool in Thessaloniki, Greece

5-star hotel with rooftop pool in Thessaloniki: the Met

Superbly situated close to the port of Thessaloniki and well-connected to the airport and main landmarks in the city, the Met hotel invites guests to spend relaxing moments at the outdoor swimming pool on the top floor that provides unique views over the city and the gulf. And this is just complementary to other premises of this hotel in Thessaloniki, such as select well-appointed rooms offering sea views and the Sky Bar providing panoramic city views. For cloudy days when you would rather stay inside, among the spa options of this property you will find a hot tub, an indoor swimming pool and a hammam.

The 4-star Philippion hotel in Thessaloniki

Surrounded by green zones and conveniently located 10 minutes away by car from the centre, and 15 minutes from the airport, this hotel in Greece provides guests with fast WiFi internet all throughout the premises at no extra charge, as well as with courtesy secured parking spots. However, one of the greatest allures of the Philippion hotel in Thessaloniki is its pool featuring a Mediterranean restaurant where travellers can indulge in delightful local specialties and the finest wines after taking a dip; undoubtedly the best way to spend the summer days in Greece, whether you visit for tourism or work. The guest rooms may feature either city or park views, and include air conditioning, TV, fridge, private bathroom with shower or tub and complimentary toiletries. If you like, you are invited to the breakfast buffet every morning or to have a drink at the onsite sports bar on match days.

Luxury hotel in Thessaloniki, Macedonia: the Electra Palace

The upscale facilities of the 5-star Electra Palace hotel of Thessaloniki, inside a Byzantine style inspired building, are located only 500 metres away from the port in the heart of the commercial, cultural and financial centre of the city. If you make a reservation to stay in one of its luxury rooms or suites, you will be invited to its rooftop pool with lounge-bar, even though you may relax and swim in the acclimatized pool at the onsite gym if you prefer. The ample choice of its Mediterranean breakfast accompanied with panoramic views along with its exclusive spaces where you can host banquets and celebrations are just a couple of the other perks of choosing this hotel in Thessaloniki.

Which one is your favourite? Are you ready to find and secure your perfect hotel? Should you have doubts or need help, read our article about making hotel reservations online.

Are you already dreaming of escaping the heat and searching for the perfect city break? If you prefer urban travel to beach vacations, yet would still want to explore Greek destinations in the Aegean Sea, Thessaloniki in Macedonia boasts a perfect blend of tradition, history, modern culture and nightlife on the Thermaic Gulf. The city is fast becoming a trendy summer destination in Greece for many reasons: its gastronomy, its cultural events, the remaining Byzantine monuments and even the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. While travel photographers and avid instagramers opt for spending their stay roaming the streets of the centre to get the best shots, other types of travellers would rather enjoy the amenities its hotels have to offer and relax in style by the pool while sipping a cool drink, watch the sunset after having a good swim or eat breakfast at a rooftop terrace affording outstanding skyline views.

Hotels in Athens, Greece

Although the many organised trips and tours currently on offer normally guarantee that you won’t miss out on anything, an increasing number of travellers –especially millennials- are resolving to travel independently and explore the city of Athens on their own. This slower and more flexible way of visiting the Greek capital and its ancient treasures is highly recommended regardless of the purpose of your trip, as it is relatively easy to walk to the different sites of interest, whether you have the whole day to roam the streets or just a few hours after business meetings and work.

If you stay in a hotel in central Athens, you will be within short walking distance of the large pedestrian area connecting the great majority of historical sites which are, in turn, encircled by a diversity of neighbourhoods that are home to commercial zones, museums, markets, night clubs, cafés, shops, restaurants and typical “tavernas”. As the sun sets, you may take strolls along the seaside or admire the beauty of Athens from the hills, since the metro trains and bus lines available also link the centre with these strategic points.

How to get to Zakynthos in Greece and recommended accommodation

If you are looking for centrally-located yet affordable accommodation in Greece, we have selected some good-value-for-money hotels in central Athens that will make your leisure or business stay all the more convenient.

The Athens Odeon Hotel

This 3-star accommodation in Greece is situated in one of the city’s main streets, with taxi ranks nearby and a short stroll from the nearest metro station and the National Theatre. The Acropolis stands only three kilometres away from the building, and so the upper floors feature mesmerising views of it. Provided that you will be travelling by air, know that a distance of twenty kilometres separate the hotel from Athens airport. Its well-appointed rooms include free wireless internet connection for guests to use, comfortable beds, air conditioning, soundproofed windows and cable TV. A complimentary daily breakfast is served, while you may also enjoy a cocktail and snacks at the onsite bar. Furthermore, with a view to catering to the needs of those visiting for work, this hotel in Athens city centre provides extra services such as laundry, ironing, the arrangement of meeting spaces, left-luggage and car rental.

Hotels in central Athens, Greece: the Dorian Inn

Undoubtedly, the greatest allure of this hotel that is also located in the very heart of the city is its rooftop swimming pool offering stunning views of the Acropolis. What is more, even when there is a wide array of dining options in the vicinity, if you decide to have lunch or dinner at the onsite Mediterranean restaurant on the 12^th floor, you will not only be delighted by the exquisite dishes but also by the scenery surrounding you. Their occupancy ranging from individual to family rooms, the units of this 3-star accommodation in central Athens have been fully equipped with private bathroom and fridge, and guests may choose to have breakfast in bed or enjoy the daily morning buffet at the restaurant. Besides, free WiFi all throughout, the fact that the premises are accessible for wheelchairs, the availability of tourist information at the front desk and its proximity to several metro stations are a plus.

The Fresh Hotel in Athens city centre

This 4-star accommodation in Greece is strategically located just a 5-minute walk from Athens City Hall and 5 minutes from Omonia Square and the Metropolis Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Most guest rooms feature a balcony as well as an innovative noise isolation system so that you can get the best-quality night sleep, TV with satellite channels, complimentary WiFi and private bathroom with toiletries. A sauna, an onsite gym, currency exchange services, safes to store valuable belongings and business facilities to hold meetings are also available for guests, but what really makes for a memorable stay in this hotel in central Athens is its outdoor seasonal pool with breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Parthenon, and the charming bar by it. A hearty and varied buffet breakfast is served every morning, which can be included in the nightly rate that you select during the reservation process.

Will you be visiting the Greek Islands too? If you dream of vacationing in a paradisiacal destination, take a look at our recommended beach hotels in Greece.

How to get to central Athens from the airport

Are you flying to the capital city of Greece soon and would like to find the best way to commute from the airport? Eleftherios Venizelos or Athens International airport, the main air passenger terminal in Greece, is not far away from the downtown; however, due to the presence of mountain ranges in between the two points, it may take a little longer to arrive for those choosing the road.

In case your hotel in Athens does not offer pick-up services for guests, there is a variety of transportation methods that you may choose in order to travel from Athens airport to the city centre and start enjoying the wonderful views of the Acropolis, the Parthenon temple and the ancient Agora, not forgetting the charming local cafés, restaurants and nightlife venues.

If you enjoy the independence of getting around with your own car and feel confident driving in a new city, know that you will get the chance to hire a vehicle at the rent a car offices situated on the Arrivals hall of Athens airport. Currently, four trusted international companies operate in this hub: Enterprise, Budget, Avis and Hertz. Uber suspended its Athens operations according to local legislation in early 2018, so even when you might still find services of this kind offered, we recommend taking an authorised taxi cab instead. You will find further details later on in this article.

Commuting by subway from Athens International airport

In Athens, Metro line 3 –handled by the OASA transport company- is the one running services between the airport station and the city centre. Two trains depart every hour (at 30-minute intervals) transporting arriving passengers to the Syntagma station, or to the Aghia Marina area if the wish to continue their journey beyond the downtown. It takes about 40 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 9 euros.

The cheapest way to go from Athens airport to the city

Thrifty travellers will like the idea of taking a bus to central Athens from the airport, even when it takes a little longer than one hour to complete the journey. The stands where bus lines X93, X95, X96 and X97 pick up passengers are located outside Arrivals exits 4 and 5. A single ticket costs only 5 euros and there is an average of 18 stops along the way.

The fastest way to get to Athens from the airport

Without a doubt and even when we have warned about the difficulties of travelling across the mountainous scenery between the airport and the city, the fastest means of transport when it comes to reach Athens city from Eleftherios Venizelos airport is the taxi. Your driver will help you with your bags near exit 3 of the arrivals hall and inform you about their flat rate before setting off. The price of a taxi from Athens airport will not vary once confirmed with the driver, and it is normally around 38 euros during the day and approximately 54 euros in the night time.

Suburban trains departing Eleftherios Venizelos airport in Greece

These trains are similar to the subway ones, are run hourly and take about 41 minutes to reach the Piraeus station in Athens city centre from the airport. The only difference is that each single journey costs 20 euros.

Travelling by limousine from Athens airport to the downtown

Is this trip a special occasion? Are you getting married or on a decisive business trip to find new customers in Greece? Then you might like to travel in a more stylish fashion. Upon arrival, you will find a limousine services office next to the taxi area, where you can book your own limo to commute to your hotel in the centre.

After visiting Athens, many travellers feel attracted by the holiday destinations in Greece. If you are a sea lover, we recommend you take a look at our selected beach hotels in the Greek islands.

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Flying to and from Athens International Airport in Greece

Is the city of Athens in your bucket list? Perhaps you dream of disconnecting under the sun in Santorini or Mykonos? If you are travelling to Greece soon, it is quite likely that your airplane will land in the ATH main passenger terminal. Read our post in order to find out more about Athens airport, the airline companies flying to it, how to spend your waiting time there and how to reach domestic destinations like most Greek islands from it.

The fact that it is located in the mainland makes Athens airport the most important and busiest one in the country, and as such it serves as operational base for Aegean Airlines in its national and international routes. Both Schengen and non-Schengen flights land and take off at the central terminal building, which also accommodates nearly 150 check-in desks and a dining area with views to the apron, although budget airline companies like Vueling, Easyjet, Ryanair and Eurowings have started using the satellite terminal for new and seasonal services.

Airlines flying from and to Athens International airport

All year round, Aegean Airlines operates direct flights from Athens to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Budapest, Düsseldorf, London, Milan, Paris, Moscow, Rome, Stockholm, Madrid, Warsaw, Zurich and more European cities, whereas other destinations –namely Dublin, Helsinki, Lyon and Saint Petersburg- are connected to ATH on a seasonal basis only. New routes to Málaga, Turin and Vilnius are planned for 2018. Many international airlines have at least one direct route to Athens or operate flights via its main terminal, as is the case with Qatar Airways, Emirates, American Airlines, Iberia and Lufthansa.

Travelling from Athens to the Greek Islands

To make the most out of your trip to Greece, you are advised to book a domestic flight from Athens to any of its idyllic islands. For your information, Olympic Air connects ATH airport to Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu; Ryanair also offers flights between Athens and several islands; Volotea runs its own services from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos while Sky Express is exclusively dedicated to the Athens-Syros route.

Spending your layover in Athens

When having hours to spare before your scheduled boarding time, it is wise to spend them in a way that enables you to arrive at your destination refreshed and well-rested. To this purpose, you may enjoy the advantages provided by airport lounges or book a room at the Sofitel Athens airport hotel, especially if you need to stay overnight in the terminal to catch an early flight.

All airport lounges are located after security: the Swissport Executive Lounge, the Aegean Club and the Lufthansa Business Lounge. We recommend you contact your airline or frequent-traveller services provider in order to find out how to access these premium facilities.

The Sofitel hotel in Athens International airport is designated for passengers in transit yet located in a public area within short walking distance to the terminal building. If you are already preparing for your trip, you can book a hotel room to sleep in Athens airport. This luxury establishment has 345 units and 13 suites equipped with everything a business traveller or tourist may need. Besides, as a guest you will be able to swim in their indoor heated pool, have a good workout at the gym or relax in their Spa Centre.

Will you be staying for longer than one night? Find hotels in Athens.

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Staying in a luxury cave in Santorini, Greece

As social media users and travel lovers, when we scroll down through Instagram feeds we are invariably impressed by the unrepeated and distinctive landscape of Santorini, all the more when the pictures posted by travel experts, bloggers and influencers in the aforementioned platform show idyllic scenes of couples enjoying the astonishing views afforded from a luxury cave or of models posing as though this scenery were actually their everyday setting and nothing special to be marvelled at. Today’s highly demanded lava caves in Santorini –Greece– used to be, however, the houses of the poorest people in the region, mainly ship crews who carved their own homes into the volcanic soil. They way in which they were built and the material they are made of make them extraordinarily solid, resistant to seismic activity, soundproofed, warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The Santorini caves chosen by tourists who look for a different stay in Greece have been revamped to feature amenities and services that match those offered by luxury resorts: aside from the stunning panoramic views only possible thanks to their privileged location on the Theraic earth, many include exclusive amenities like private pools, hot tubs, patios and terraces or even kitchenettes and bathrooms with views. If you are into travel photography, a cave is -without a doubt- a type of accommodation that you should consider for your next trip to Santorini.

What is it like to stay in a lava cave in Greece?

Santorini Paradise Cave Houses

These caves in Santorini where travellers can spend their vacation in Greece are known for being an ideal spot to watch the famous Oia sunset from the accommodation’s terrace or private patio. In most cases, the cave features a hot tub with panoramic views of Santorini and an open-air dining area. Daily maid service is provided, safes, complimentary parking spaces, free WiFi all throughout and mosquito nets are provided. Each apartment has a different arrangement with beds and sofa beds and can accommodate up to five adults. Fresh products are offered on a daily basis so that guests can prepare their own breakfast and enjoy it on the terrace, while they may also walk to a wide range of local restaurants and cafés, to the main bus stations only minutes away and a nearby taxi rank.

Santorini Cave Houses

As is the case with most accommodations in the area, the Santorini Cave Houses provide confirmed guests with airport transfers for a small surcharge. Santorini airport lies only three kilometres away. The establishment offers complimentary WiFi in all its apartments, which feature a garden, a living area, a fully-equipped kitchenette and a private bathroom with shower. Pets are allowed and travellers may join organised tours and water activities or request massages and spa treatments on site. Fira is five kilometres from this point, while the Port of Santorini, Monolithos Beach, the central train station and the popular cable car can be reached after a 10-minute stroll.

Drops Cave Houses in Santorini

Also offering airport shuttle services, the Drops Cave Houses in Santorini complex features an outdoor pool, free parking spaces and a beauty and wellness centre for guests. Continental breakfast is served every morning, although you can order room service and even request meals adapted to your specific dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan…) while you are staying here. As far as occupancy is concerned, you may choose among units like studio caves with private pool or suites comprising two bedrooms. The area has a Carrefour supermarket, several traditional Greek tavernas, a central market and a central cafe. Aside from bike rental service, the staff at the front desk can help you join hiking and snorkelling tours, or give directions to arrive to the Port, the Prehistoric Thera Museum and other tourist attractions.

Do you know how to get from Athens airport to Santorini and the rest of Greek islands already? If you don’t, take a look at our travel recommendations.