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.

Staying in a luxury cave in Santorini, Greece

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.

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.

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Where to stay in Costa del Sol: all-inclusive and beach hotels in Spain

What is your preferred kind of holiday? While many love sunbathing for hours and taking long strolls along the seashore, others indulge in the pleasure of spending the days at an all-inclusive holiday resort, and there are also those who love roaming unknown streets of old towns looking for something unexpected in a local shop or startling new tastes in traditional restaurants. Travellers leading a more refined lifestyle often look for luxury shopping and the finest dining experiences. Well, sunny Costa del Sol in Spain gathers all of the above. This region, which stretches along the coast of the Málaga province in Andalusia, seems like the perfect destination if you seek a combination of sea and activity. Popular holiday areas like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Marbella, Estepona, Casares and Nerja never sleep, yet still offer the quietness and relaxed atmosphere you need for a much anticipated rejuvenating retreat. See our recommended hotels in Costa del Sol below.

All-inclusive hotel in Torremolinos, Costa del Sol

The Marconfort Beach Club hotel is a 4-star all-inclusive resort that stands only 4,2 kilometres away from Málaga airport, and a short walk separates it from the sand of Playamar beach. In such a privileged location, guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream and snacks, drinks (some restrictions may apply), access to the mini golf, bicycle lending, live music shows, admission to an indoor pool and to leisure areas for kids and for adults.

Furthermore, this hotel in Costa del Sol has a free WiFi internet network, 3 open-air swimming pools, gym, hot tub and sauna, and all rooms –which range from double to family occupancy with either front or lateral sea views- feature air conditioning, a balcony, paid safe, satellite TV and en suite bathroom. You may choose to book a wellness package and enjoy its spa facilities or go out and explore the nearby Málaga old town or take a train in Torremolinos train station to visit the Picasso Museum, the Cathedral, the Botanical Garden or the Aqualand water park. All the aforementioned are a short car drive away.

Nerja Club & Spa hotel in Costa del Sol

This 3-star hospitality establishment is 48 kilometres away from Granada airport and 56 kilometres from Málaga airport, but the hotel provides airport transfer service for a nominal fee, well worth paying if we take into account that by staying here we will be able to visit the famous “Balcón de Europa”, a viewpoint on a cliff that overlooks the Mediterranean sea and offers breathtaking views that are unique to this area. Besides, it takes just a short stroll to get both to the beach and to Nerja city centre.

The facilities of this holiday hotel in Spain comprise an open-air swimming pool, a spa centre with whirlpool baths (guests are entitled to one complimentary session per day during their stay), a buffet restaurant offering entertainment and weekly flamenco shows, a free Wifi lounge, and air-conditioned rooms with TV and private bathroom. When making a reservation, you may choose a breakfast-included rate, and other services include car rental, meeting rooms and spaces for events, concierge, luggage storage, laundry, ironing and daily maid service.

BlueBay Banús hotel in Marbella, Andalusia

Close to Marbella casino and several golf clubs, this hospitality establishment stands 7 kilometres from El Saladillo beach in Costa del Sol and 47 kilometres from Málaga airport. Guests may take a nice stroll to the exclusive harbour town of Puerto Banús. With parking spots available, foreign currency exchange services and spaces for meetings and events, the BlueBay Banús is perfect for those travelling to Spain both for business and leisure.

What is more, this hotel in Marbella boasts two onsite restaurants where guests can delight themselves with exquisite Andalusian dishes, a poolside bar and a wellness centre. The rooms -which may accommodate couples, groups or families-, feature a balcony, a mini bar, private bathroom and TV with satellite channels. Additionally, there is a paid WiFi lounge and three swimming pools available.

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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COVID requirements for tourists travelling to the Canary Islands in Spain

UPDATE – July 2021: All international travellers over 12 visiting the Canaries must be able to show proof of at least one of these three statuses: being fully vaccinated and having received the last dose at least 14 days prior to travelling, having recovered from COVID19 or having tested negative within 48 hours before arrival. If you plan to travel to the islands soon, we recommend that you check the official Canary Islands website for updated accurate information about your specific case.

Since November 14, 2020 and until further notice, all travellers flying to the Canary Islands on holiday who will not be staying with friends or relatives but have made a reservation to stay in a tourist accommodation –namely an apartment, bungalow, hostel, vacation let, hotel or resort- in Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro or La Graciosa will be required to comply with certain COVID prevention measures exclusive to the territory.

Who is exempt from these travel requirements?

The regulations described below only apply to travellers aged 6 and older, and to tourists visiting the Canaries who will stay in a hotel, resort, apartment or similar type of accommodation. Notwithstanding that, those staying in their own property or with relatives and friends are equally advised to get tested and abide by the current regulations in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What do I need to do before my holiday in Tenerife or Gran Canaria?

Mandatory negative COVID test certificate

Regardless of your country of origin, and irrespective of whether you have travelled to other regions or not before landing in any island of the Canarian archipelago for a leisure stay, you must get a negative COVID-19 swab test within 72 hours prior to checking in at your hotel or resort in Gran Canaria, Tenerife or any other island. You must be able to show an either digital or printed certificate issued by the competent health authority, which needs to correspond to an antigen or PCR negative test (rapid antigen and antibody tests will not be accepted) and include clear information about the time and date it was made alongside your personal details. Failing to show proof of the test may result in being refused admission to the facilities or else quarantined in a guest room until you can get properly tested at the nearest health care centre.

Online Spanish Health Form and Radar COVID app

Likewise, before enjoying a vacation in the Canary Islands, each traveller must fill in the Online Spanish Health Form made available by the national government through the Spanish Travel Health website within 48 hours prior to landing in any island, and download the Radar COVID app, to be kept on their smartphones all throughout their stay and for two weeks after returning to their country.

*Some hotels and resorts in the Canary Islands may stay closed temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak or are remodelling their facilities, reinventing their services and retraining their staff in order to ensure the safety of their guests. In the meantime, you can check which hotels in the Canaries are currently open.

Safe travel recommendations for tourists

First and foremost, it is recommended that you consider buying travel medical insurance –as you would do when planning any trip-, especially in these unprecedented times. Being in possession of the European Health Insurance Card will also give you great peace of mind.

Mandatory use of face masks to take care of yourself and others while on holiday

During your stay in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, Gran Canaria and the other islands in this Spanish archipelago, make sure you wear a surgical face mask correctly while outdoors and in enclosed public spaces. At this time, it is an obligatory measure for anyone in the territory. You may only take off your mask when swimming, exercising or if you suffer from a respiratory condition. This, alongside the recommended 1’5 metre distance between you and people who are not travelling with you, applies also to situations on a beach, at pools, night clubs, theatres, cinemas and entertainment facilities.

COVID prevention in public transportation and activities in the Canary Islands

If you will be commuting by bus in Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Palma and the rest of the islands, wear your surgical face mask at all times and use the assigned seats only in order to ensure physical distance between passengers. Similar regulations apply on ferries and inter-island planes.

In the open air, do not smoke if there is not at least a 2 metre distance between you and other travellers who are not with you, use hand sanitizer regularly, book your appointment at spas, gyms and restaurants well in advance, follow the guidelines provided by your group tour guide and, if you go shopping, use QR codes and contactless payment methods as frequently as you can.

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