With Greece eager to welcome international travelers as early as June 15, now is the time to start planning your well-deserved summer getaway. Famous for its whitewashed cottages, cobblestone streets, and clear blue waters, the Greek islands offer a perfect blend of culture and nightlife. You can clink glasses of ouzo at a seaside taverna, schedule a day of wellness at a local spa, and sample many Mediterranean staples such as kalamata olives, layers of cheesy moussaka, fresh feta cheese, and the catch of the day.
Each of the islands of this region has a unique landscape and offerings. Santorini is the ideal balance if you seek wellness and stunning coastal views while Mykonos is best known for its parties and dining scene. Corfu is the best choice if you want to spend your vacation immersed in nature, and Zakynthos is the photographer's dream and the most Instagrammed island of the bunch.
If you're considering a trip to Greece, or just want to daydream about it, here are some of the best Airbnbs you can book on the Greek islands.
Centrally located, Cycladic House is a sleek, modern studio villa that combines luxury and casual elegance. You'll be able to take in Santorini's spectacular views, from the picturesque town of Oia to Caldera, a small volcanic formation in the sea to the west. The space features a private heated jacuzzi and lounge chairs where you can lazily sip on an espresso in the morning along with your complimentary homemade breakfast.
A two-minute walk from the town of Pyrgos and 15 minutes to the beach, Cycladic House allows you to venture out and explore while enjoying peace and quiet at home. The Airbnb hosts also offer a free airport transfer from Santorini airport that is located just 10 minutes away.
$230 per night, includes airport transfer
A complex of three suites, each one equipped with a private heated jacuzzi, Infinity Suite treats you to a bird's-eye view of the coastal village of Pyrgos below. Designed for maximum coziness, the Airbnb features minimalist decor and authentic Greek furniture. Each suite has its own kitchen and lounge.
You'll be able to watch the sunrise and enjoy a hearty Mediterranean breakfast on your private terrace. Here, you can wind down with a glass of Prosecco in the shared pool after a long day of exploring the island. Away from the crowds, Pyrgos is one of the quietest areas of Santorini.
$306 per nightThis beachfront apartment is welcoming with a modern interior, sunny patio, and a lovely view of Orno Beach. The apartment sleeps up to five with its queen-size and two single beds, including a sofa - perfect if you have a group or family. You also have access to a shared pool and a newly installed private jacuzzi.
With plenty of bars, restaurants, and supermarkets, Orno Beach gives you a taste of the Mykonos buzz while still keeping a two-mile distance from the island's busiest town. The apartment offers private parking if you're adventurous enough and want to rent an ATV and traverse Mykonos on four wheels.
$412 per nightIf you want to immerse yourself in the local island nightlife while still being able to retreat to a quiet space at night, you'll find your perfect match at this beachfront family-run hotel in Mykonos. Located right next to the iconic Scorpio's bar - a hub for live DJ sets and wellness, the hotel is operated by a local couple and offers private rooms with single or double beds.
The row of beach villages - Paraga, Paradise, and Platis Gialos, all within a five-minute walk from each other - is known for its bustling social scene. This hotel lies within Agia Anna Paraga in the southwest corner of Mykonos. The hotel's studios sleep up to four guests and are equipped with a kingsize and a single bed.
$283 per nightIf you're looking to rejuvenate your soul and take full advantage of the Mediterranean sun, Naxos is the perfect island for you. Calmer and more affordable than neighboring Mykonos, Naxos has plenty of clean, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to wash the stress away. Kick back with a glass of wine or ouzo and meditate on the rolling waves in the coastal village of Plaka.
The private studio is chic, cozy, and spacious, decorated in traditional Greek fashion with whitewashed walls and sparkling marble. You can watch the sunrise on the private stone patio, followed by an extensive complimentary breakfast consisting of juice, pastries, fresh fruit, bagels, and homemade cake. The village of Plaka is perfect for an evening stroll, inviting you with a myriad of family-run tavernas offering cold wine and fresh seafood.
$235 per nightLocated in the heart of a four-acre private garden, this island villa pampers you with a large swimming pool and allows you to decompress surrounded by a dense pine forest. You can rent a private room within the villa that comes with its own bathroom, while the rest of the space is shared with the family who owns the property. And according to Airbnb reviews, the lady of the house makes the best breakfast on the island.
$73 per nightRhodes is Greece's most charming island that has managed to remain under the radar. The capital and largest territory of the Dodecanese, Rhodes is the home to thousands of years worth of history. Its quaint old town will make you feel as if you've stepped in the epoch of Alexander the Great, surrounded by fortress ruins and storybook towers. If you're a history buff, you'll feel right at home here. Rhodes offers plenty of beautiful views and easy access to the Mediterranean's turquoise waters.
This cozy Airbnb is located within a housing complex and offers a large shared pool; a green, spacious lawn; and a private balcony. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, serving traditional island cuisine and cocktails.
$94 per nightZakynthos has become something of an Instagram superstar over the last few years, with its romantic cobblestone streets, vibrant flowers, and clear waters. If you're looking for a wellness destination that will also elevate your social media game, this is your spot.
A luxurious bed and breakfast decorated with authentic stone and flowing white curtains, this Airbnb is ideal for a romantic getaway. Overlooking the Bay of Bouka and within steps from Tsilivi Beach, the studio is private and comfortable, and the staff prides itself on enviable culinary skills which they happily put into work.
$233 per nightIf you're looking to get away from it all, head over to Hydra - the low-key Greek island where most vehicles have been banned. Here, you can roam the streets freely, enjoy tons of nature, and raise a glass of mastiha at the end of a relaxing day. The island is perfect for sailing and offers stunning views all around.
The Thermesea Airbnb is spacious and accommodates up to three guests. You can take in the unobstructed mountain views from your lounge chair by the pool and start your day with a jaw-dropping view of the Saronic Gulf from a private 370-foot balcony. A path leads down to the beach below the villa offering a short thirty-second walk to the sandy beaches of the Aegean Sea.
$225, per night