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From flamingo-pink sandy beaches lapped by soft turquoise waters and golden coves framed by gently swaying palm trees, to windswept beaches perfect for windsurfers or secret, pebble-lined coves where rare monk seals like to frolic, Greece is a seaside paradise for beach lovers who are spoiled for choice. plenty when it comes to hotels. Whether you just want to fly, stroll and bake in a stylish, sandy resort or enjoy a more active holiday trying out a plethora of exciting water sports or combining cultural activities with a carefree seaside stay, these are the best beach hotels in Greece.
How we assess
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, usually hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have to offer.
A list of the best beach hotels in Greece
This spot on Crete’s northeast coast, an hour’s drive along the winding coastal road east of Heraklion airport, is a natural amphitheater overlooking a private sandy beach. The stone and taupe painted buildings are elegantly spread across the descending levels of the bay, cleverly blending into the cliff face to create a natural-looking space that is actually quite modern and high-tech. The labyrinth of tunnels and passageways on each of the five levels is connected by stairs and a cable car, which takes guests between the resort’s lobby, spa, restaurants and breathtaking outdoor pool. Every room, suite and villa has stunning views over the bay, giving an excellent sense of place.
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Good service is a key element at this five-star seaside hotel, surrounded by grassy sand dunes near one of Paros’ best beaches. It’s a discreet little seaside retreat, hidden between grassy sand dunes and one of the island’s most idyllic sandy beaches. Cubic white buildings with sea blue shutters are surrounded by lawns with tweezers and palm trees. The interior has a strong maritime theme with sand or powder blue walls and windows, cheerful striped cushions and driftwood sculptures. This is ‘no shoes, no news’ Greek style.
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You can’t get much more privacy at this sprawling resort, which has an entire peninsula to itself, just a 40-minute drive from the Acropolis. Access, via a private barrier, sets the exclusive tone: winding paths lead past low clusters of white-painted buildings (some with living roofs), surrounded by mature gardens and winding paths to (often private) beaches. The main charm of this resort is actually its beaches: a cluster of (mostly sandy) coves on the western side is more popular. Pebble beaches on the east side are much quieter and the water is crystal clear. The entrance to Odisia is in the tourist spot of Dassia (less than a mile away from its sister hotel), which is basically just an unremarkable main road with a strip of equally uninspiring shops, but which stands out on the other side of the building : a stretch of breathtaking coastline with stunning views of the Ionian Sea. Ipsos beach, popular with families during the day and party groups in the evening, is a five-minute drive in the other direction. The resort itself is extremely well thought out and built to function alongside the beaches, coves and peninsula it occupies. Unlike other coastal-looking properties with multiple floors jutting into the skyline, Odisia and its low-slung buildings seem to dissolve into the landscape, giving a real sense of space.
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This is an ultra-exclusive resort designed by the famous American architect Ed Tuttle. Perched on a hilltop, amid olive groves, vineyards and cypresses, the location is hard to beat. This region is steeped in mythology, with several important archaeological sites including the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the citadel of Mycenae; Spetses and Hydra are within easy reach; and there’s a super chic Beach Club on the coast, just below. The spa also offers a number of excellent wellness retreats led by experts in their field. It is a space that Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, can be proud of.
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This beautiful tranquil resort sits on a rugged, sand-strewn coastline – within easy reach of Chania’s Venetian harbor – and with its pretty pool, pavilion spa and gourmet restaurant, it attracts couples and young families looking for a stylish retreat . The concrete exterior is softened by low, stone-clad walls and an abundance of exotic plants – agapanthus and pampas grass, as well as papaya and banana palms – planted along winding paths that lead to the indoor infinity pool and a dune-strewn beach.
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The Ikos brand has succeeded in taking the European all-inclusive concept to a new level. Gone are the days of the colored wristband and the boring buffet – Ikos Dassia offers an endless supply of champagnes, wines and spirits from top brands, waiter service (also on the beach or by the pool), à la carte menus and 24-hour room service , along with a whole host of other extras. The location near Dassia is also very special; Nestled in a crescent of buttery-soft golden sand, it’s one of the best beach hotels in Greece (perfect for little toes). New for 2023: As part of your stay you will also have access to a high-quality, sustainable Tesla car to take for a spin. Why not use this to explore as many beaches on the island as possible?
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Imagine a French Atlantic-style coastline with a silky-sand beach, lapped by clear turquoise waves and overlooked by a group of comfortable, marble-clad suites – that is Ammothines. The property overlooks Plaka, one of the best beaches on the island, which is reached via a narrow, dusty path with little traffic. The windsurfer-favourite coast of Mikri Vigla is on one side, and the bustling seaside resort of Agios Prokopios is five kilometers away on the other. There are 15 medium-sized suites in four categories, spread over three buildings on two floors (the upper floors are reached by a steep staircase). They all have full or partial sea views and are minimally decorated in cream, beige and ecru.
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Lesante Blu is ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway: it is adults-only, intelligently designed and has an abundance of greenery and a waterfall-fed infinity pool that gives an intense feeling of privacy and peace. Add to that the spectacular sea views and several good restaurants and you have a winner. It’s the kind of place where hanging egg chairs are scattered here and there (perfect for enjoying the panoramic vistas) and the manicured lawns add to the pristine atmosphere. The pebble beach may be small, but it has a charming wooden sundeck on stilts and a jetty that extends far out into the sea.
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This is a highly individual luxury resort hotel built from local stone in a rocky valley surrounded by the Aegean Sea. It has its own private beach, so when you swim in the beautiful bay you can look out to the azure Aegean and distant islands or back to the yellow coarse sand beach with thatched cabanas with thick mattresses, and Calilo surrounded by shady trees. Some are ancient olive trees rescued as firewood and shipped from the mainland. Between the beach and the bar-restaurant is the beautiful curved 50-metre-long swimming pool, with additional mini pools and water tables. Paths lead to otherwise untouched capes, now accessible both on foot and by the hotel’s electric buggies.
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One of the few Marriott Autograph collection hotels in Greece, this luxurious, family-friendly hotel is situated on a hill with panoramic views of Spinalonga, the island of Hislop’s best-selling novel. It has top-notch service, top-notch restaurants, a blue-flag stretch of sandy beach and a decent spa. The stylish resort attracts many young families, but there are several adults-only areas and quiet zones where younger children are prohibited. The beach is in the shade of olive trees and has plenty of sun beds.
Contributions by Fiona Duncan, Sally Peck, Maggie O’Sullivan, Juliet Rix