Destination Guide: Vacationing in Greece

A complete, enhanced guide to the top Greek destinations including luxury accommodations, hiking opportunities, and curated travel experiences. This comprehensive guide ensures you can enjoy the perfect blend of luxury and adventure across Greece’s top islands and regions.

Traveling to Santorini

Luxury Appeal:

Santorini’s volcanic landscape is famous for its romantic sunsets, whitewashed villages, and exclusive cave hotels perched on the cliffs. Ideal for honeymooners, luxury travelers enjoy a blend of scenery, fine dining, and adventure.

How to Get There from Athens:

  • Flight: 45 minutes direct.

  • Ferry: 4-8 hours from Piraeus port (high-speed or regular ferry).

Best Time to Visit:

  • April to October for warm weather and fewer crowds in shoulder months.

  • June to September for vibrant nightlife and beach activities.

Top Luxury Hotels:

  1. Canaves Oia Suites & Villas – Suites with private pools overlooking the caldera.

  2. Katikies Hotel Santorini – Iconic luxury property with infinity pools and panoramic views.

  3. Grace Hotel Santorini (Auberge Resorts Collection) – Home to one of Santorini’s most famous infinity pools.

Hiking Highlights:

  1. Fira to Oia Trail – A 10 km (6-mile) scenic hike along the caldera’s edge.

    • Duration: 3-4 hours.

    • Luxury Tip: End with a private sunset dinner in Oia.

  2. Profitis Ilias Monastery Hike – A trail to Santorini’s highest peak with panoramic views.

    • Luxury Experience: Arrange for a gourmet picnic at the summit.

  3. Ancient Thera Hike – Climb Mesa Vouno Mountain to the ancient ruins with sea views.

    • Add-On: Combine with a wine tasting at a nearby vineyard.

Unique Experiences:

  1. Private catamaran cruise through the caldera.

  2. Helicopter tour over the island and volcanic islets.

  3. Wine tour featuring Assyrtiko wines at top boutique wineries.

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white houses on a hillside next to a the deep blue sea of Santorini Greece
a small sailboat parked in the blue waters of the aegean sea
Iconic white buildings with blue roofs on the coast of Santorini Greece overlooking the ocean
Allison Collier, founder of Collier Travel Collective exploring Santorini Greece

Traveling to Mykonos

Luxury Appeal:

Known for vibrant nightlife, designer boutiques, and glamorous beach clubs, Mykonos is ideal for those seeking high-end travel combined with lively entertainment.

How to Get There from Athens:

  • Flight: 40 minutes direct.

  • Ferry: 2.5-5 hours from Piraeus or Rafina ports.

Best Time to Visit:

  • June to September for beach parties and social events.

  • May and October for a quieter but luxurious experience.

Top Luxury Hotels:

  1. Cavo Tagoo Mykonos – Chic rooms with cave pools and sunset views.

  2. Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge – Luxurious suites with fine dining.

  3. Santa Marina Resort & Villas – Exclusive property with a private beach.

Hiking Highlights:

  1. Ano Mera to Fokos Beach Trail – A rural walk from a quaint village to a secluded beach.

    • Luxury Tip: End with a private picnic on the beach.

  2. Lighthouse of Armenistis Trail – A coastal walk with sweeping sea views.

    • Add-On: Arrange a sunset hike with a champagne toast.

  3. Agios Sostis Beach Trail – A scenic walk to one of Mykonos’ most tranquil beaches.

Unique Experiences:

  1. Private yacht charter to Delos and Rhenia islands.

  2. Luxury shopping in Mykonos Town’s designer boutiques.

  3. Helicopter day trip across the Cyclades.

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a woman in a white bathing suit floating in an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean in Greece
White buildings with thathed roofs along the coastline in Greece
street view of a luxury shop in Grece
Rocky shores and crystal blue waters of Greece

Traveling to Crete

Luxury Appeal:

Crete offers luxurious beachfront resorts, cultural treasures, and outdoor adventures. Elounda is the go-to area for those seeking private villas and world-class resorts.

How to Get There from Athens:

  • Flight: 1 hour to Heraklion or Chania.

  • Ferry: 7-9 hours overnight from Piraeus port.

Best Time to Visit:

  • May to June and September to October for mild weather and fewer crowds.

  • July to August for peak beach time.

Top Luxury Hotels:

  1. Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort – Stunning views of Spinalonga Island.

  2. Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection – Luxurious suites and villas.

  3. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas – Private beachfront villas with exceptional service.

Hiking Highlights:

  1. Samaria Gorge – A challenging but rewarding 16 km (10-mile) hike.

    • Luxury Tip: Arrange private transportation and a post-hike massage.

  2. Imbros Gorge – A shorter but scenic hike.

    • Add-On: End with a Cretan taverna lunch.

  3. Mount Psiloritis Hike – Climb Crete’s highest peak.

    • Luxury Experience: Enjoy a guided ascent with a gourmet meal at a mountain village.

Unique Experiences:

  1. Private guided tour of Knossos Palace.

  2. Cretan cooking class at a luxury estate.

  3. Yacht cruise to Chrissi Island.

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A pink sandbar mixing with the deep blue ocean in Crete Greece
View from land of a sailboat floating in the ocean
Far away shot of a busy beach with crystal blue waters in Greece
Person taking a photo of an ancient stone lighthouse structure on the coast in Greece

Traveling to Paros

Luxury Appeal:

Paros offers a laid-back yet chic atmosphere, with boutique hotels, scenic beaches, and elegant dining.

How to Get There from Athens:

  • Flight: 45 minutes direct.

  • Ferry: 3-5 hours from Piraeus or Rafina.

Best Time to Visit:

  • May to October for beach weather and relaxed island vibes.

Top Luxury Hotels:

  1. Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels – Minimalist luxury property.

  2. Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort – Elegant beachfront resort.

  3. Yria Island Boutique Hotel & Spa – Private luxury retreat.

Hiking Highlights:

  1. Byzantine Trail – A 1.5-hour hike through charming villages.

  2. Agioi Anargyroi Monastery Trail – A climb with panoramic island views.

  3. Golden Beach to Drios Coastal Walk – A scenic coastal path.

Unique Experiences:

  1. Private boat tour to Antiparos.

  2. Kitesurfing lessons at Pounda Beach.

  3. Village cooking class with local family.

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Allison Collier, founder of Collier Travel Collective exploring Paros Greece
Aerial view of a luxury pleasure boat in the deep blue waters of the ocean
A stone dock leading to a small house and the ocean with picturesque white Greek homes in the background

Traveling to Naxos

Luxury Appeal:

Naxos combines authentic island charm with boutique luxury, offering both relaxation and adventure.

How to Get There from Athens:

  • Flight: 45 minutes.

  • Ferry: 4-6 hours from Piraeus or Rafina.

Best Time to Visit:

  • May to October for warm weather and outdoor activities.

Top Luxury Hotels:

  1. Nissaki Beach Hotel – Boutique hotel near Naxos Town.

  2. Virtu Suites – Seaside suites with luxury amenities.

  3. 18 Grapes Boutique Hotel – Stylish, adults-only retreat.

Hiking Highlights:

  1. Mount Zas Hike – A challenging ascent to the Cyclades’ highest peak.

  2. Apeiranthos to Filoti Village Trail – Scenic village-to-village trail.

  3. Coastal trail from Agios Prokopios to Plaka Beach.

Unique Experiences:

  1. Sailing trip to the Small Cyclades.

  2. Cheese-making class with local artisans.

  3. Luxury jeep tour across the island.

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White stone church with a faded blue roof in Paxos
Small sailboat with sails down in the ocean with mountains in the background
Charming Greek Island Architecture in Naxos white walls and blue shutters

Traveling to Peloponnese

Luxury Appeal:

The Peloponnese offers historical landmarks, coastal retreats, and luxury resorts like Costa Navarino.

How to Get There from Athens:

  • Drive: 2-3 hours.

  • Flight: 1 hour to Kalamata (optional).

Best Time to Visit:

  • April to October, with May and September being ideal.

Top Luxury Hotels:

  1. Amanzoe – Ultra-luxury retreat with pavilions and villas.

  2. Costa Navarino, The Romanos – Beachfront luxury resort with golf.

  3. Kinsterna Hotel – A restored mansion offering elegance and history.

Hiking Highlights:

  1. Lousios Gorge Hike – A scenic trail past cliff-hugging monasteries.

  2. Menalon Trail – A multi-day hiking experience through villages.

  3. Voidokilia Beach Trail – A coastal path around a horseshoe-shaped beach.

Unique Experiences:

  1. Golf at Costa Navarino.

  2. Wine-tasting tours in Nemea.

  3. Guided tour of Mycenae and Epidaurus.

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a man walking through the ruins of an ancient stone greek theatre
Acronauplia in Greece
standing on a rocky hill overlooking a green hillside with houses with red roofs