Lodging Type

Greece offers a diverse range of lodging options, from world-class luxury resorts to unique traditional stays that reflect the country’s rich history. Here are the primary types of accommodation you will find:

1. Traditional & Unique Stays

  • Domátia (Rented Rooms): These are quintessential Greek “rented rooms,” often found on the islands and in rural villages. They are similar to a Bed & Breakfast but typically simpler, often run by local families, and may not have a central lobby or dining area.

     

     

  • Tower Houses: Unique to the Mani region (Peloponnese), these are tall, fortified stone structures built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many have been beautifully restored into boutique hotels.

  • Cycladic “Cave” Houses: Iconic to islands like Santorini, these “yposkafa” (dug into the rock) homes are now some of the world’s most famous luxury suites, known for their white-washed walls and blue domes.

     

     

  • Kamarospito: Traditional stone homes found in rural Crete, named after the “kamara” (arch) that divides the living space. They often feature red-tile roofs and central courtyards.

     
     

     

  • Archontika (Mansions): In regions like Mount Pelion or Epirus, old merchant mansions have been converted into atmospheric guest houses with heavy stone walls and ornate wooden ceilings.

2. Modern & Luxury Accommodations

  • Luxury Resorts: Found primarily in Crete, Rhodes, and the Athenian Riviera, these often include “all-inclusive” options, private pools, and extensive spa facilities.

     

     

  • Boutique Hotels: Small, design-focused hotels are very popular in Athens and on the Cyclades. They often emphasize local aesthetics and personalized service.

  • Villas: Private villas are a popular choice for families or groups on islands like Mykonos, Corfu, and Lefkada. They range from self-catering beach houses to high-end estates with private chefs.

3. Budget & Alternative Options

  • Youth Hostels: While most common in Athens and Thessaloniki, you can find them on popular party islands like Santorini and Corfu. They are the best option for solo backpackers.

     

     

  • Organized Camping & Glamping: Greece has many well-equipped campsites, particularly in Halkidiki and the Peloponnese. “Glamping” (glamorous camping) in luxury tents is also a growing trend.

     
     

     

  • Aparthotels: These provide the services of a hotel (like cleaning and breakfast) but with the added convenience of a kitchenette, making them ideal for longer stays.

     

     

4. Specialized Lodging

  • Agrotourism Stays: These are working farms or estates (often in Crete or Lakonia) where guests can participate in local activities like olive harvesting or wine making.

  • Monastery Stays: While rare and usually reserved for pilgrims (notably on Mount Athos for men), some monasteries across Greece offer very basic, humble lodging for travelers seeking a spiritual experience.

     

     

Quick Tips for Booking:

  • Seasonality: Many hotels on the smaller islands close completely from November to April.

  • Star Rating: Greece uses a 1 to 5-star system. A 2-star hotel is usually basic but clean, while 5-star properties offer international luxury standards.

     

     

  • Location: In island towns, “Chora” (the main village) is usually where you’ll find the most traditional guest houses, while larger resorts are often located a short bus or taxi ride away near the beaches.

Greece offers a wide variety of lodging types, ranging from luxury resorts on the islands to traditional stone guesthouses in the mountains. Before the advent of Booking.com, Expedia.com, Hotels.com etc. travelers used to make reservations through their travel agencies. These agencies would use consolidators in Greece to facilitate the reservations. We can contact the same lodgings directly and get better prices, especially from small boutique hotels. Here are the most common types of accommodation you will find:

Hotels and Resorts

  • Luxury Resorts: Particularly common in Crete, Rhodes, and Halkidiki. Many are “all-inclusive” and feature private beaches, multiple pools, and spas.
  • Boutique Hotels: Small, stylish hotels often found in renovated historic buildings in cities like Athens or high-end islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
  • Standard Hotels: Available in every city and town, ranging from 2-star budget options to 5-star luxury.

Apartments and Studios (Rooms to Let)

  • Studios: Very common on the islands. These are usually small, self-contained units with a kitchenette, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Apartments: Larger units with separate bedrooms and full kitchens, popular for families or long-term stays.
  • “Rooms to Let” (Zimmer): Look for signs saying “Enoikiazomena Domatia”. These are often family-run, simple, and very affordable.

Villas and Holiday Houses

  • Luxury Villas: Private homes with pools, very popular for groups and families in places like Mykonos, Paros, and Corfu.
  • Traditional Houses: In many villages, you can rent restored traditional homes that offer a more authentic experience.

Unique and Traditional Lodging

  • Traditional Guesthouses (Archontika): Found mostly in mainland Greece (like Pelion, Zagorochoria, or Mani). These are often renovated mansions built of stone and wood.
  • Cave Houses (Yposkafa): Unique to Santorini, these are traditional dwellings carved into the volcanic rock, now converted into luxury suites.
  • Windmills: Some historic windmills on islands like Mykonos or Milos have been converted into quirky, romantic accommodations.

Budget and Alternative Options

  • Hostels: Primarily found in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, catering to backpackers.
  • Campsites: Greece has many organized campsites, especially in coastal areas like the Peloponnese and Halkidiki. Many offer space for tents, caravans, or even small bungalows.
  • Monastery Stays: While rare and usually reserved for pilgrims (and often restricted by gender), some monasteries (like those at Mount Athos for men) provide basic lodging.

Bed & Breakfasts and Inns

  • While “B&B” is a more Anglo-American term, many smaller Greek hotels and guesthouses operate on a “Bed and Breakfast” basis, emphasizing local products like Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh pastries.