I've stayed at (literally) hundreds of hotels in Greece – these are my favourites

Reviewing Greek hotels for over a decade – and visiting 30 or 40 per year – I’ve seen the Hellenic hotel scene change beyond recognition: simple rooms with hard-as-nails beds, wonky showers, hair-raising electrical sockets and bare-bones breakfasts have been replaced by en suite bathrooms, splashy plunge pools and king beds as soft as mega-sized marshmallows.

📍 READ MORE: The best hotels in Greece for every budget

Big is not always beautiful, however. If comfort has had an upgrade and food is now a major theme, foir me its service that makes the real difference – it’s the skeleton on which all the rest hangs or falls. Many major resorts with super facilities are let down by sullen staff and sloppy service, whilst I’ve visited small-scale beauties where staff, who’ve been there forever, provide genuine straight-from-the-heart service delivering a big dose of authentic Greek filoxenia.

So, I’ve been asked to pick five of my favourite Greek hotel hangouts. It’s a tough task because I’ve enjoyed countless A-list stays in this beach-blessed, bliss-inducing country where democracy was invented, but here’s my whittled-down pick of the crop for 2026. 

Heidi’s favourite hotel in Santorini: Nous

Travellers (understandably) flock to see Santorini’s striking caldera, with its whitewashed villages teetering over the volcano’s rim like candlewax. Even though I’ve visited a zillion times, I’m still wowed by this Cycladic island’s beauty. These days, however, I prefer to enjoy the best of both worlds by staying at Nous. It’s a stunning new property within walking distance of the caldera but away from the crowds, which means rooms are larger, there’s a lot more privacy, and facilities are truly spectacular (they include a pool that’s so large it’s like a lagoon).

➡️ Read Heidi’s full review of Nous

Heidi’s favourite hotel in Mykonos: Kalesma 

I can’t not mention Mykonos, though I must admit I typically prefer Greece’s version of Ibiza out of season. But mark my words, I’ll stay any time of year at all-suite retreat Kalesma Mykonos, set on its own hillside with sunset and sunrise views of superyachts bobbing in Ornos’ glitzy bay. Whether you lounge in one of the pretty palm-frond-framed infinity pools, pamper in the spa or tuck into healthy snacks in the Luau-like dining area, this one should come with a certificate saying ‘relaxation guaranteed’.

➡️ Read Heidi’s full review of Kalesma Mykonos

Heidi’s favourite hotel in Crete: Minos Palace

Across the way on my home island of Crete (reached by ferry from Santorini in two hours, by the way), my current fave sleepover is Minos Palace in the jetsetter resort of Elounda. This hilltop beauty with scenic sea views has had a complete refurb and now focuses on longevity treatments. They have their own medical team and cutting-edge equipment, so you can get a full fitness assessment whilst staying in luxurious surroundings and indulging in state-of-the art spa treatments, a raft of heavenly massages and lashings of healthy gourmet treats.

➡️ Book Minos Palace here

Heidi’s favourite hotel in Naxos: 18 Grapes

Back in the Cyclades and rocking a completely different vibe, 18 Grapes (named for the 18 vines that once grew here – now replaced by 18 gloriously lovely suites) is a serene white-on-white sanctuary with two lush pools (including one on the rooftop that’s perfect for scenic sunset sips). The family who own it are everywhere, making sure your stay is truly sumptuous. And talking of sumptuous – their restaurant serves some of the best locally-inspired treats that you’re likely to taste on the island.

➡️ Book 18 Grapes here

Heidi’s favourite hotel in Tinos: Odera 

Across the way in Tinos, famed for its glowing white marble used in the local sculptors’ workshops, Odera Tinos is another favourite – not only because Tinos is such a cool destination, but because the island’s first luxury seaside property, with its fortress-like exteriors, colonnaded corridors strung with forged iron lamps and high raftered ceilings, fits so seamlessly into the wild surrounding landscapes. Food here is noteworthy too – I still dream about my net-to-table seabream served on a melting bed of fava bean purée topped with nutty pistachio pesto.

➡️ Book Odera, Autograph Collection here

Discover more great hotels in Greece

☀️ The best hotels in Santorini
🧿 The best hotels in Mykonos
🏛 The best hotels in Athens
🏨 Ultimate guide to hotels in Europe