Guardian: 4 Greek small hotels among 10 best in the Mediterranean
Crete and the Greek islands of Syros and Kastelorizo were the most popular destinations when Guardian asked its readers for their tips on small, family-run hotels around the Med, with Spain and the Italian coast close behind.
The complete list of 10 of the best small Mediterranean hotels includes:
The Good Life, Syros
Picture a Cycladic island that no one seems to know. It’s easy to get to, easy to explore, with sandy sheltered beaches almost empty in summer. The restaurants have real chefs without Mykonos prices and the locals are genuinely happy to see you. This is Syros, and our hotel is The Good Life in Poseidonia. We found it on an organic farm site, but although it is in a vineyard, with olives and figs, the restored traditional stone cottages are seriously comfortable. The Australian owners live nearby and make sure you experience the best of the island: wines, walks, beaches, the many music festivals. You can cook at home (the kitchens are luxurious) using vegetables from the gardens, or stroll down to the water’s edge for a choice of tavernas.
• Studio from €40 a night
Casa Vitae, Rethymnon, Crete
A beautifully restored 16th-century Venetian manor house with idyllic courtyard garden, Casa Vitae is a winner. Not only for its location, architecture and breakfasts, but also for the way its staff personify the Greek spirit of hospitality. Manager Maria, formerly a lecturer, was a casualty of the country’s economic downturn and relocated to Crete from Athens. Here, exemplary customer service (finding a late-night optician to repair my specs) and friendliness (inviting us to a restaurant with her family) makes a stay so rewarding.
• Doubles from €75 B&B
The Red Castle, Kastellorizo
This little pension on the tiny Greek island of Kastellorizo is the Greece of a time gone by: a perfect horseshoe bay lined by pastel-coloured buildings, crystal-clear waters, fishermen fixing their nets, smoking and playing cards. Owners Monika and Damien are welcoming and sincere. This is a place to escape the world, appreciate the beauty in life and let lazy days drift away. They have the cutest little olive garden restaurant for lazy evenings chatting over wine. Ball-ache to get there, but harder to leave.
Alianthos Suite, Crete
We love this small B&B apartment development at Tersanas on the Akrotiri peninsula near Chania. Comfortable rooms open out into a garden filled with fruit trees and flowers, with swimming pool and tennis court and views across the bay. It attracts quiet relaxed visitors, the staff are friendly and the sandy beaches and great traditional restaurants are within walking distance or short drive . Been here four times now over past seven years.
• Studio from €80
SPAIN
Hotel Santa Anna, l’Estartit, Costa Brava
The location, rooms and restaurant in this hotel are all fabulous, as is the view from the breakfast terrace. It’s on the main street in the old town but you would not know it from the quiet rooms. It’s also close to the old port, diving centre and five miles of beach, with an immaculate, well-maintained pool. It’s family-owned and run.
• Doubles from €82 B&B
Casas de Parauta, Andalucía
Casas de Parauta are scattered whitewashed villas in the tiny village of Parauta. The inside is wonderful: more white walls, minimalist designs, wood-burning fireplaces, country-style kitchen for serious cooking and inviting beds. There are rooftop terraces for looking out at the galaxy that can’t be seen just 40 minutes away in the resorts of the Costa del Sol. Once you turn the lights off at night you are in pitch darkness. I had the best sleep ever. The village pool is yours to use and the views across the Sierra de las Nieves are stunning. Walking through the Sierra is so peaceful, aside from the odd eagle. Ana, who speaks great English, can suggest hiking routes. Outside of all but the busiest times villas can be had for little more than €60.
• Casa for two from €60 a night
Hotel Bahia Playa, Ibiza
Port des Torrent is a lovely quiet bay just south of San Antonio. This two-star hotel is on a quiet junction 200 metres from the beach and is friendly and clean with an authentically local vibe. The rooms are simple, all have balconies and the hotel will supply a small fridge on request. There is a large reception area with a bar/restaurant, and front courtyard and a terrace next to the pool at the rear. The well-kept pool has ample sunbeds. A decent continental breakfast is optional.
• Doubles from €87 B&B
ITALY
B&B in Ortigia, Siracusa, Sicily
I don’t think I have ever experienced anything like Caroline’s B&B on the tiny island of Ortigia, the historical centre of Siracusa in Sicily. Every detail in her one-bedroom B&B makes the place feel unique – including the art in the bathroom. Caroline is friendly and full of stories – you will want to sit on her roof terrace garden, with views over the sea, chatting all day. She’s out early to the market to get fresh ricotta cheese for breakfast, and to the bakery to get Iris (deep fried ricotta-filled pastries). We ate in her stylish kitchen, with homemade lemon jam and bread and freshly brewed coffee and fresh orange juice.
• €70 a night
Hotel Miramare, Liguria
Hotel Miramare, in the walled city of Noli, offers great views over the Ligurian sea from its balconies. Ancient seafaring families run this charming, stone-walled three-star place with just a few rooms, adding to the friendly intimated atmosphere. Try the delicious minestrone di mare on the dinner menu or nibble at freshly made foccacia and olive bread for breakfast as the palm trees sway and the salty sea air whets your appetite.
• Doubles from €110 B&B
Hotel Onda Verde, Praiano, Amalfi coast
This charming family-owned hotel clings to the cliffs of the Amalfi coast. From the roadside you take a lift down and emerge in a tunnel bores through the rocks, which leads to the rooms, all sporting picture-perfect sea views. Half-board deals with candlelit dinner on the panoramic terrace are good value.
• Doubles from €125 B&B or €185 half-board
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
14/11 22:23
PM: The first time Greece gets an organised prevention & public health programme
14/11 22:19
Minister: AI will speed up transactions for investors on Greece's land registry
14/11 22:16
High security measures in Athens for Polytechnic uprising anniversary on Sunday
14/11 22:08
Aegean Air posts consolidated net revenues of €1.38 billion in first nine months
14/11 11:27
The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations held its National Convention
14/11 01:11
Blood drive at 'Syntagma' Square Athens Metro station for road traffic victims on Saturday
13/11 23:58
Greece's Sky Express expands Athens-Istanbul connection with direct flights
13/11 21:05
AEGEAN Air expands Thessaloniki’s reach with New Amsterdam route
13/11 15:54
13/11 01:17
Media report: Greece will end property purchase option for Golden Visas
12/11 00:35
Three-day events commemorating Athens Polytechnic uprising commence on Friday
11/11 22:45
Prime Minister: Greek-US relations are strategic and based on mutual interest
11/11 13:29
11/11 11:15
Tourism | City breaks, artificial intelligence and solo travel the dominant trends in 2025
08/11 00:42
Greece's Metlen firm investing in five Alberta-based solar energy projects
07/11 23:20
Greece's company Metlen investing in five Alberta-based solar energy projects
07/11 23:08
Enterprise Greece, SEV and other firm associations organising business mission to Milan
07/11 22:04
Greek Alternate Finance Minister attends Toronto Economic Forum
07/11 20:11
07/11 18:55
Minimum wage bill in Greece is posted online for public consultation until November 21
07/11 00:43
Road tax bills for 2025 posted in Greece with deadline on December 31
06/11 15:16
Prime Minister: I am certain that Greek-American relations will stay strong
06/11 11:13
05/11 00:47
Minister: Everyone must continue the effort to reduce retail prices in Greece
04/11 23:37
Salamis Shipyards delivers the first two Island-type patrol vessels in Greece
04/11 23:28
More than 3,000 applicants for Greek citizenship sit for language certification examinations
04/11 23:14
Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra makes its debut at Carnegie Hall
04/11 23:09
3rd International Conference on Ancient Greek and Byzantine Tech in Athens on November 19-21
04/11 23:08
04/11 22:03
Ticket prices announced for buses and new metro in Thessaloniki city
30/10 22:45
Greek Climate Crisis Minister offers aid to Spanish people after deadly flooding
30/10 22:35
Joint firm for Thriasio II freight complex greenlighted by Competition Commission
30/10 22:31
Athens International Airport records 9.8% revenue hike during Q1-Q3 2024
30/10 22:31
Sub-concession deal inked for Mega Yachts Marina in Greek island of Corfu
30/10 21:39
Greek government investing in supply chains to transform national economy
30/10 00:31
Passenger ferry 'Aghia Theodora' safely in Igoumenitsa Port after running aground
30/10 00:31
Government spokesperson: Greece's 'brain gain' wager appears to have been won
30/10 00:28
Greek supermarket prices for 362 product codes to fall from 5% to 24%
29/10 23:41
29/10 17:18
Greek and German Presidents visit site of future Holocaust Museum in Thessaloniki
25/10 15:07
More than 4.000 participations from 28 countries in 63 activities at Navarino Challenge 2024
23/10 22:29
Greece's PPC successfully issues new 7-year bond raising 600 million euros
23/10 22:14
23/10 20:17
23/10 19:26
European Commission greenlights €40 million for flood prevention works in Athens
23/10 11:22
Grecce's SNF supports relief efforts after Hurricanes in the Southeastern U.S.
22/10 21:48
IMF expects Greek economy to grow by 2.3% in 2024 and 2% during 2025
22/10 21:46
Minister: Ticket prices for new Thessaloniki metro to be announced shortly
22/10 21:37
Greek Shipping Minister: A new 'maritime' Egnatia will open up new prospects
22/10 21:31
Transport Minister visits FlyOver project site in Greek city of Thessaloniki
22/10 21:25
Increased tourist traffic in Greece during the period January-August 2024
21/10 21:23
Prime Minister: Greece's economy on irreversible path to recovery
21/10 19:19
Greek FinMin: Plan to utilize Hellenic Public Properties at implementation phase
21/10 18:00
21/10 09:16
European Union Commissioner inaugurates creation of 'Trusted Investors Network'
18/10 23:09
Exhibition of ancient cultures from Basilicata opens at Athens Acropolis Museum
17/10 19:13
Enterprise Greece: 121 firms showcase environmentally friendly fashion at global shows
17/10 18:18
Ticket price of 2 euros for cinema festival throughout Greece on October 31
17/10 14:34
Prime Minister: Greece has been very effective in dealing with illegal migration
17/10 13:22
Traditional Greek Costumes show:“From Avgi to the present: the clothes narrate”
17/10 12:21
16/10 22:23
Greek Development Minister meets Indiana Governor and US Ambassador
16/10 22:15
Greek PM sees overtourism problem only in Mykonos and Santorini
16/10 22:10
16/10 21:59
Greek Cartoon Museum at 'Kapnergostasio' historic building set up in Athens
16/10 19:12
Aegean Airlines expands direct flights between Thessaloniki and Kalamata in Greece
15/10 21:19
Greek PM: Our goal is to increase revenues and not just tourist numbers
15/10 19:46
Greek Energy Minister holds talks in Egypt on electricity connection
15/10 19:26
15/10 18:34
New Attica Transportation Strategic Plan will reshape the Region
15/10 16:44
UK Ambassador to Athens: Greece's role is of strategic significance
15/10 15:49
Greece's finance ministry reveals four main changes introduced by new tax bill
14/10 23:04
Minister: Luxury tourism can upgrade quality of Greek tourist product
14/10 13:01
Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister: 35 new buses in Attica
14/10 12:54
WTTC | Business travel to surpass pre-pandemic levels at US$1.5 trillion in 2024
14/10 11:48
11/10 22:39
Acropolis Museum to mark European Days of Conservation-Restoration of Cultural Heritage
09/10 23:26
Minister: More than 2,000 Greeks abroad registered on Rebrain Greece Platform
09/10 23:23
Italgas to invest 1 bln euros in Greece by 2030 based on new strategic plan
09/10 23:22
FinMin: The upgrade of the Athens Stock Exchange is excellent news for Greece
09/10 20:14
Fraport Greece announces schedule of shutdowns to upgrade regional airport runways
09/10 17:30
Greek government spokesperson highlights positive economic outlook for 2025
09/10 01:43
October electricity bill subsidies to support vulnerable consumers in Greece
09/10 01:41
Enterprise Greece: Four Greek wineries at ProWine Latin America 2024
09/10 01:31
Three-week deadline for Greek taxi drivers to install payment card signage
08/10 18:22
AEGEAN air passenger traffic surpasses 12.5 million in first nine months of 2024
08/10 16:31
Report: Networking and career opportunities for foreign students in Cyprus and Greece
07/10 21:54
Media: U.S. Ambassador to Athens is a Champion of Study Abroad Endeavors
07/10 21:44
Universities of Tennessee and Athens to promote academic collaboration
07/10 20:36
07/10 15:49
Government: Bad loans in Greece fell to 7.5% in March 2024 from 40% in 2019
06/10 00:40
03/10 22:15
Commercial activity at Keramoti port in Greece suspended to alleviate congestion
03/10 22:08
Finance Minister: Record privatizations benefiting Greek citizens in long run
03/10 22:05
Stavros Niarchos Foundation recognized at 2024 International Opera Awards
03/10 22:04
Commercial operation of the Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal beginning today
03/10 16:48
Virtuoso and Globetrender report: The top-7 luxury travel trends to watch in 2025
02/10 23:11
Green residential electricity tariffs down 6%-17% in Greece during October
02/10 23:04
United Hellenic Voters of America presents 50th UHVA Awards Gala in Illinois
02/10 21:46
High security measures in Athens for Polytechnic uprising anniversary on Sunday
Media report: Greece will end property purchase option for Golden Visas
Minister: AI will speed up transactions for investors on Greece's land registry
Blood drive at 'Syntagma' Square Athens Metro station for road traffic victims on Saturday
PM: The first time Greece gets an organised prevention & public health programme
The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations held its National Convention
Aegean Air posts consolidated net revenues of €1.38 billion in first nine months
Greece's Sky Express expands Athens-Istanbul connection with direct flights
AEGEAN Air expands Thessaloniki’s reach with New Amsterdam route
Enterprise Greece: 121 firms showcase environmentally friendly fashion at global shows
Prime Minister: Greek-US relations are strategic and based on mutual interest
Three-day events commemorating Athens Polytechnic uprising commence on Friday
Minimum wage bill in Greece is posted online for public consultation until November 21
Greek Alternate Finance Minister attends Toronto Economic Forum
Tourism | City breaks, artificial intelligence and solo travel the dominant trends in 2025
Enterprise Greece, SEV and other firm associations organising business mission to Milan
Greece's Metlen firm investing in five Alberta-based solar energy projects
Greece's company Metlen investing in five Alberta-based solar energy projects
Road tax bills for 2025 posted in Greece with deadline on December 31