15 of the best Airbnbs in Greece, from a penthouse with views of the Acropolis to a pool villa in My
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- Greece is top of mind for vacationing Americans this summer thanks to a vaccination-friendly policy.
- Greece's islands and cities offer something for everyone and Airbnbs are often cheaper than hotels.
- We found top-rated Airbnbs in Greece with beautiful locales, great design, and cheap prices.
With the sparkling Aegean stretching out in front of it, Greece's seafront shores and historical cities have long been at the top of American travelers' bucket lists.
This summer, Americans are flocking to Greece in unexpectedly huge numbers thanks to its vaccination-friendly policy, and the launch of nonstop flights to Athens from hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas.
Rather than staying in chain hotels or too expensive seaside resorts, there are many top-rated Airbnbs in Greece that offer the opportunity to live like a local (or a royal) while immersed within the local culture. They are also more cost-effective for families and typically more spacious than European hotel rooms, which run quite small.
As a Europe-based travel writer who's visited multiple Greek islands, I turned to several local experts to determine the best places to vacation in Greece and used their advice to find the best Airbnbs Greece.
The best Airbnbs in Greece were selected based on the following criteria:
Browse all the best Airbnbs in Greece below, or jump directly to a specific area here:
Here are the best Airbnbs in Greece, sorted by price from low to high.
Rose-tinted apartment in downtown Nafplio
Book this Nafplio apartment on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $73
Neighborhood: Center
Sleeps: 2 guests/studio
Rating: 4.95
What experts say about this location: "Nafplio is a seaside port town that was the first capital of Greece," says Anna Kambourakis, the Crete-based owner of Chania Wine Tours and blogger at Unraveling Wine. "Important events throughout Greece's history occurred here, especially during the Greek revolution. It's a great town to stay in and see the architectural influences from the Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. There is also great access to the Nemea wine region, olive oil farms, hiking, and more."
This stylishly designed apartment is comfortable, cozy, and right off the old town in Nafplio, placing you within walking distance of top sites like the Nafplio National Gallery.
Simple but well-decorated, the apartment features rose-colored walls and fashionable touches like rattan chairs and a black-and-white geometric backsplash with pops of color from turquoise appliances.
While it doesn't offer a lot of extra amenities, the central location makes up for it. You won't even need a car to get around.
Minimalist, monochromatic Thessaloniki apartment
Book this Thessaloniki apartment on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $86
Neighborhood: Downtown
Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
What experts say about this location: "Thessaloniki is Greece's second-largest city," says Kambourakis. "It is a top destination for foodies and wine lovers and is bursting with restaurants ranging from street food to fine dining. A central downtown location is great for vibrant nightlife and top wine regions are short day trips away."
This minimalist apartment is great for a couple coming to take in the city's culture and history for a couple of days. Modern and monochromatic in black and white, it's warmed up with warm wood accents like paneling on the walls and honey-toned floorboards.
There's a big kitchen with a Nespresso machine and a couch to sprawl out on in front of the large-screen smart TV. The bedroom is cozy with a plush mattress, plenty of pillows, and crisp, clean bed linens, plus a wall-to-wall wardrobe for hanging up vacation clothes.
This home is located in the heart of downtown, just three minutes on foot from the waterfront, and less than a minute to popular pedestrian areas like Iktinou as well as the Mitropoleos shopping street. If Aristotle Square is on your must-see list, it's just a seven-minute walk.
Modern penthouse in Chania
Book this Chania apartment on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $91
Neighborhood: Nea Chora
Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
What experts say about this location: "Chania, on the western side of Crete, is the perfect destination for a traveler that wants it all: pink-sand beaches, history, culture, nature, and incredible food and wine," says Kambourakis. "A stay on the Old Venetian Harbor is a must to be in the center of the action and take day trips. The adjacent neighborhoods of Nea Chora and Koum Kapi are great for visitors who want to be on the beach and walking distance from the best restaurants."
This spacious apartment offers a modern take on beach living in Nea Chora with all the benefits of being in town. It's close to the sand beach and just a 10-minute walk to dining out and the old town in Chania.
Inside is clean and minimalist with bohemian touches as well as local ones that give color and context to your stay. The beds are guaranteed to be comfortable too, with mattresses that come from a highly-regarded Greek manufacturer and linens that are are 100-percent cotton.
Spacious apartment within a castle in Monemvasia
Book this Monemvasia castle on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $104
Neighborhood: Downtown
Sleeps: 6 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.91
What experts say about this location: "Monemvasia is a small island in the south of the Peloponnese that is connected to the mainland by a small bridge," says Kambourakis. The fortified medieval town is "a beautiful place to stay to feel like you've been transported to a different time and place. It is also pedestrian only."
In a town with a castle, it doesn't get much better than actually staying in one. This particular home is located within an 11th-century castle, and the details inside reflect and enhance the building's history with vaulted timber ceilings, stone walls, and vintage-looking rugs and wall hangings.
The house can sleep a family, and bedrooms are well-appointed with white linens and traditional wooden furniture. The larger bedroom is particularly spacious with a terrace immediately off of it that includes lounge chairs positioned to gaze out over the tiled rooftops of the port town and the sparkling sea beyond.
Ground-floor island apartment in Lasithi with ocean views
Book this Lasithi condo on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $108
Neighborhood: Agios Nikolaos
Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.99
What experts say about this location: "If you are looking to completely relax and disconnect, head to the lesser-known region of Lasithi on the island of Crete," said Gabi Ancarola, a Crete-based translator, journalist, and editor at The Tiny Book, a blog about Crete. "Underrated and virtually unknown, the eastern side of Crete hides untamed landscapes, ancient traditions, imposing gorges, and stunning beaches. The best way to explore is by staying in the seaside town of Agios Nikolaos, or in the smaller but exclusive area of Elounda, facing the calm waters of the dreamy Mirabello Bay."
This Instagram-ready apartment is loaded with soothing beach vibes thanks to a swinging rattan chair, jute rugs, basket lamps, and stunning views out to sea.
If you must work while you're away, the furnished balcony off the living room looks out onto the water and has enough space for a table and your laptop. Better yet, curl up with a book on the chair of the terrace that is located off the bedroom. Cool concrete cabinetry in the kitchen and a large glass walk-in shower in the spacious bathroom keep the look streamlined.
Cycladic house in Santorini with panoramic views
Book this Santorini Cycladic house on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $110
Neighborhood: Akrotiri
Sleeps: 5 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.8
What experts say about this location: "While Santorini is a major tourism center, you can find some off-the-radar spots at which to enjoy a more local feel," says Mini Agnos, president of luxury destination management company Travelive and a Greek travel expert. "For views, Akrotiri can get you away from the tourist center."
This Cycladic house is located in one of the best positions possible for great views. It offers a 180-degree panorama from the highest point in the village with views of the whole island and the sea beyond from its blue-lattice-topped roof terrace.
Furnishings are breezy and modern with a Cycladic touch. Think white upholstery, walls, and tile floors, with pops of color and texture from the woven pillows and rattan furnishings. The look is minimalist but bohemian. The pink tiles in the kitchen with washed blue cabinetry set the tone for a laid-back vibe.
Seafront house in Halkidiki
Book this Halkidiki house on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $122
Neighborhood: Downtown
Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 5,0
What experts say about this location: "The Kassandra Peninsula of Halkidiki is an ultimate destination for luxury," says Kambourakis. "The sprawling pristine sand beaches are dotted with upscale beachfront resorts and there are incredible culinary offerings and relaxing spas, yet plenty of archeological and cultural sites to visit."
Newly built and right on the beach, this home has everything needed for a modern, comfortable stay with the ocean just steps from the front gates.
A large terrace forms the front yard, with sunscreens, a ceiling fan, and loungers, as well as an outdoor shower to rinse off between dips. The interior is simple, with monochromatic tones, a large kitchen, plenty of common space, and even an organic garden.
Beachfront apartment in Naxos with rooftop terrace
Book this Naxos apartment on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $132
Neighborhood: Downtown
Sleeps: 3 guests/Studio
Rating: 4.73
What experts say about this location: "Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades and one that is self-sufficient," says Agnos. "It has a relatively large year-round population and a rich local culture. This is a great place to go off the radar and get an authentic experience of Greek island life from all aspects. Naxos offers fantastic fresh local foods and cooking classes."
This apartment takes full advantage of the gorgeous views the island of Naxos offers with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the water. Large, spacious rooms come with dark wood and white linens, and the rooftop terrace shines with long, cushioned built-in benches, a dining set, and a lattice to help filter the sun's rays.
Just know that the beach in front of the house isn't good for swimming thanks to sea urchins, so this isn't the place if you like to wake up and take a morning dip. But, there are plenty of other swimmable beaches nearby. However, history buffs might not mind as there's the old sunken city of Naxos in the waters right in front of the house.
Corfu island stone cottage escape
Book this Corfu cottage on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $144
Neighborhood: Corfu
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedrooms
Rating: 4.96
What experts say about this location: Corfu is located in the stunning Ionian islands, which are "still mostly unknown by American travelers," says Agnos. "These islands offer a stunning mix of blue caves, sandy beaches, and lush forests."
Located in a rural part of the island about a 20-minute drive from the main town and 30 minutes from the airport, this stone cottage is a great getaway if you want an escape in nature, with stunning views of the sea.
It's designed as a little studio, with a pillow-stacked bed in linens that reflect the stone behind it, timbered ceilings, and a spacious bathroom with a great shower. The living quarters are cozy — the sofa is also the bench for the dining table — but beautifully designed.
The grounds are shared with the owner, who can work out a schedule for the pool and barbecue so it still feels like your own private hideaway. Three beaches are less than a 15-minute drive, and the central location makes it a great base for day trips if you rent a car.
Mediterranean island retreat with sea terrace in Porto Cheli
Book this Porto Cheli home on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $155
Neighborhood: Porto Cheli
Sleeps: 5 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.95
What experts say about this location: "Porto Cheli is a posh seaside riviera with luxury villas nestled along the coast," says Agnos. "The area offers privacy, beautiful nature, and excellent proximity to classical sites, as well as to nearby islands."
Equipped for ocean lovers with your own private ladder for direct a dip into the water, this spacious vacation home boasts a beautiful waterfront location with a stone terrace with gorgeous views.
Inside is cozy and welcoming, with a kitchen big enough to cook for a group, and a pillow-lined seating area. Outdoors, a six-seat dining table is tucked under the cover of leafy trees and a shady stone path down to the water, where there's a large sundeck overlooking crystal clear water. Think of it as the perfect seaside holiday, just without the crowds.
Modern penthouse in Athens with Acropolis views and a terrace
Book this Athens apartment on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $176
Neighborhood: Plaka
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedrooms
Rating: 4.93
What experts say about this location: "One of the most vibrant European cities, Athens, the capital of Greece, is a great destination for culture and history, great wines and food, a hip atmosphere, and breathtaking beaches on the Athenian Riviera," says Gabi Ancarola, a Crete-based translator, journalist, and editor at The Tiny Book, a blog about Crete. One of the best places to stay in Athens is the ancient neighborhood of Plaka," says Ancarola. "It's central and offers easy access to landmarks and attractions, and has an excellent public transport network."
This airy, tranquil, 861-square-foot apartment is located in a historic building that is just a five-minute walk to the square that forms the heart of Plaka. And while it's close to the action, it's also a relaxing sanctuary to come home to.
Spotlessly clean, the apartment features a palette of warm wood and white, accented by woven and rattan textiles and furnishings. The bedroom is spacious and breezy with hotel-quality linens, and while some might not love that the WC opens onto the actual bedroom, there's also another half-bath (and it has plenty of storage space for toiletries too). If you plan to cook, or even just make coffee, the kitchen is seamlessly laid out and spacious.
The best part, however, is the terrace, with a roll away sliding shade tarp that helps you stay cool when you want to catch views of the Acropolis. There's also a high bar and patio table outside so you can enjoy a scenic nightcap.
19th century traditional seafront mansion in Spetses
Book this Spetses mansion on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $212
Neighborhood: Kounoupitsa
Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
What experts say about this location: "Spetses has a long naval tradition," says Agnos. "This is evident as the island has managed to retain its individual traditional character thanks to its well-preserved grand captain mansions. The whole town is mostly pedestrian."
Sink into island life in this Spetses mansion, which was built in 1834 and has plenty of room for a group of friends or a family. The interior is simple but clean, with furnishings and antiques that evoke the house's younger days.
The bedrooms have white lace curtains, traditional furniture, crisp linens, and various configurations of beds. There's also a fully equipped kitchen and a generously sized living area and dining room.
The view to the sea below, directly under blue wrought-iron balconies, is extraordinary and a stunning terrace comes with plenty of space and a barbecue and panoramic views of the ocean. There's also a beautiful veranda with lounge furniture and a shade cover.
Mykonos sea-view house with a terrace
Book this Mykonos villa on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $250
Neighborhood: Agios Stefanos
Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.94
What experts say about this location: "Cosmopolitan, posh, upscale, Mykonos is the most sophisticated Greek island," says Ancarola. "It is also an island known for its extreme parties and eclectic atmosphere. However, there are still corners that remain unspoiled and unexplored. Aim for a stay in Agios Stefanos for impressive beaches, a quiet atmosphere, and great local food."
This modern, island-inspired house is away from the hustle of tourist crowds in Agios Stefanos, and it's well worth the payoff for being a little away from the center of the action.
A sweeping terrace showcases a panoramic view of the ocean and harbor beyond, with minimalist, all-white Cycladic vibes. The living room is generous, with rattan chairs and a sand-colored sofa, while the all-white bedroom with a Queen bed forms a retreat at the end of the day. Wi-Fi and a 32-inch smart TV also come as part of the holiday, so you can chill out with a film at the end of a hot day in the sun.
While it could be useful to have a car or scooter for exploring the island (parking is free), a bus stop is nearby that can take you into Chora, a hub for taking buses around the island.
Paros villa with an infinity pool
Book this Paros house on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $447
Town: Parasporos
Sleeps: 8 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 4.9
What experts say about this location: "Paros is a very chic island that maintains a high level of authenticity," says Agnos. "The town of Naousa is a bustling center with fantastic dining and a great array of shops selling local designers and products. Consider going off the radar into the mountain villages of Lefkes or Kostos to really feel the local life."
It doesn't get much chicer than a Cycladic villa with an infinity pool and incredible views over the ocean.
Four bedrooms and six beds sleep eight total, and with two and a half bathrooms, there's room for everyone. Inside is pristinely white with thoughtful decor that pays homage to Greek island life. Splashes of Aegean blue color statement walls and three patios are well furnished for sunning and lounging.
If you can tear yourself away, the sandy beach is just a three-minute walk away and trust us, you'll want to catch it for sunset.
Villa in Kos with a private pool by the sea
Book this Kos villa with a pool on Airbnb
Typical starting price: $476
Neighborhood: Lagoudi
Sleeps: 10 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
What experts say about this location: "Kos is a Greek island in the Dodecanese cluster, popular among travelers who look for an all-inclusive kind of getaway," says Ancarola. "Kos has unique beaches and a varied choice of entertainment. The best seaside areas to stay in are Tigaki, Mastichari, and Marmari, all of them located along the excellent sandy beaches on the northern area of the island."
Located in Tigaki, this villa is set into the countryside and can hold up to 10 guests, enough to lodge a family reunion, large family, or group of friends traveling together. And although it's not on the ocean itself — though you can see the water (as well as Turkey) from the patio — it has a generous terrace with a private pool and plenty of space for entertaining.
The three bedrooms are on the first floor and face the sea and frame the sunset beautifully. The common areas, like the living room, dining area, and open kitchen, are all on the second floor, and there are two outdoor verandas to dine and enjoy a digestif on. Inside is comfortable but sparsely decorated — the focus is on the outside, though the kitchen is big enough to cook up a big meal.
The villa is also full of amenities beyond the pool including a (very) small gym with a hydro massage and steam chamber, and the villa is serviced three times a week with linen and towel changing as well as pool cleaning.
You'll probably want a car to get out and about and make the most of the island, but with that comes another bonus as the hotel is close to Kos airport (less than six miles), so it's easy to get in and out.
FAQ: Airbnb in Greece
Is there Airbnb in Greece?
Yes, there is Airbnb in Greece. You can search the entire country on Airbnb, or look at specific areas on the platform's website or app.
Where should I stay in Greece?
Where to stay in Greece depends on what kind of vacation you want, and Greece has a scene for pretty much anyone, whether it's groups of friends looking to party in Mykonos, families seeking a getaway with kids, couples looking to stay on a remote island, or vacationers wanting to soak up culture and food in cosmopolitan cities.
For an off-the-beaten-track stay (at least for Americans), check out the Ionian islands (especially Corfu) or lesser-known islands; or mix it up by alternating beach time with city breaks. The good news is that with ferries and flights at fairly inexpensive rates, you can really design the trip of a lifetime with easy connections to wherever you want to go.
How much should I budget per night?
Prices for an Airbnb in Greece are all over the map, with a rental available in seemingly every budget. Of course, you might pay more for a sea view in some places, and others, like Port Cheli, might be more expensive thanks to luxury reputations.
Lesser-known islands and cities, however, can easily offer well-rated Airbnbs for around $50 per night.
How do I find an Airbnb with a pool?
Once you plug in the minimum search parameters (date range, guests, and destination), you can click the "more filters" button to pull up a range of other criteria.
Under the "Facilities" section, you'll find a checkbox for "pool." If you tick it, your results will show properties with pools. Just read carefully to see if they're private or shared with the host or other guests.
What should I look for in a Greek Airbnb?
One of the first things to look for is making sure you'll be comfortable in the summer heat. Air conditioning units or windows that allow for cross-ventilation are a must.
You should also look for kitchens or barbecues if you plan to cook.
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Krystin Arneson Freelance Reporter, Insider Reviews Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor who's been covering travel, culture, wine, style, and beauty since 2016. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Glamour, BBC Online, and other international publications. She's been based in her adopted home of Berlin since 2016 and holds an MSc in Cultural Studies from the University of Edinburgh. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessAxel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.
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