Where to stay in Greece

Accommodation in Greece ranges from enormous all-inclusive resorts to tiny, family-run guesthouses, often on the same island and sometimes on the same road.

Big, all-inclusives are not common and are concentrated in places like Crete, Rhodes and Kos; they’re designed for convenience, not character – expect buffet dining, organised entertainment and little reason to leave the property. They work well for families and travellers who want everything handled, but they are not representative of everyday Greek travel, and you’ll see far less of the local culture unless you make the effort to venture out.

At the other end of the spectrum are small hotels, pensions and aparthotels, which make up the backbone of accommodation across most of Greece.

These are often family-run, simple rather than flashy, and offer personal, genuine hospitality. Rooms can be compact, bathrooms even more so, and lifts are not guaranteed, but locations are usually excellent, and owners are often fountains of local knowledge. Aparthotels are extremely common, especially on the islands, and usually include a kitchenette, making them practical and good value for longer stays.

One of the best things about these is the often lavish breakfasts, which are almost always included. This can be a considerable saving for a family of group too.

Villas and apartments, including Airbnbs, are widespread and vary wildly in quality. Many are excellent, particularly newer builds or renovated homes, but standards are not uniform, and photos can be optimistic.

Apartments, villas and Airbnbs are widespread and range from basic studios to beautifully restored homes. They offer more space and privacy but less structure; housekeeping is not usually included, and check-in is more fixed unless arranged in advance. A few Greek quirks are common, such as manual hot-water systems or power limits when too many appliances run at once.

Always check the exact location. Greek towns are often very hilly, distances can be deceptive, and a short walk on a map can feel very different in summer heat.