20 Best Hotels in The Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece

An 1860 sponge factory was transformed into this charming character hotel (doors made out of old packing crates still bearing the "Piraeus sponge" stamp, etc.), which has a bevy of alluring delights, including guest-room decor accented with framed portraits, old engravings, four-poster ironwork beds, and cozy natural wood lofts, and the hotel restaurant—considered one of the island's best—which is set in the oleander-and-bougainvillea-graced courtyard. Refreshed in 2024, hints of the building's rustic past are visible in the Hydriot gray stonework, exposed-timber ceilings, and wide-plank floors. The bar-restaurant tables spill out poolside, dishing out mouth-watering gourmet Mediterranean fare. Not surprisingly, regulars return year after year.

This 19th-century mansion was refurbished into a chic boutique hotel by a descendant of its original Hydriot shipping family, without losing an ounce of charm. Choose from seven uniquely styled rooms and suites—names include Sponges, Pigeon House, and Icons. The Pigeon House suite sports a private hot tub, and every unit features soft beds, warm-brown antiques, and sections of exposed stone that flaunt the original masonry. Breakfast—fresh-squeezed orange juice, warm cheese pies, homemade jams—is served in the shady Mediterranean garden.

Built in the 1970s and gradually expanded into a full-service resort, Apollo occupies a pine-covered hillside 10 minutes' walk above Agia Marina and its own rock-rimmed private cove. All rooms face either forest or the glittering Saronic Gulf, and a 2023 makeover freshened furnishings, bathrooms and balconies. The four-star property adds a saltwater pool, all-day restaurant and sunset bar.

Right in the middle of Hydra Town, this small upscale hotel has sparkling interiors with an elegant "old Greece" touch provided by an array of antique Hydriot rugs, mirrors, and lanterns—and some modern artworks by well-known Greek painters (Papanikolaou and Akrithakis to name two) thrown in to liven things up. Guest rooms are spacious and cool, with hardwood floors, classic wood furniture, and wonderful marble bathrooms; downstairs, look for a tiny patio and a comfortable breakfast room (where a buffet breakfast is served until 11 am daily). A spa facility is available.

Irides is housed in a slightly quirky building, just 30 meters (100 feet) from the seafront, so all guest rooms and studios here get a sea view. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace next to the asymmetric pool overlooking the Saronic Gulf. In the well-kept garden there is an outdoor chess board and nearby is a beach volleyball court that hosts a popular tournament every summer; the owners also host classical music evenings and Greek cooking workshops.

Commissioned in 1796 by Catherine the Great for her lover Count Orloff—who came to Greece with a Russian fleet to try to dislodge the Turks—this archontiko mansion regained its former splendor when it was turned into a small boutique hotel. Antiques in the public (and some private) rooms have been carefully chosen—curvaceous walnut sofas, chairs, dining sets, and highboys; old paintings and lithographs; and gilt mirrors—and are beautifully offset by thick white walls and cornflower-blue window wells. Both the classic double and superior rooms have views of the town or the courtyard shaded by a mulberry tree, where the buffet breakfast is served every morning.

Among the oldest estates on Aegina, Pyrgos Ralli stretches across tranquil gardens dotted with hammocks (and a resident tortoise). The 19th-century chateau near the Temple of Apollo houses four airy, self-catered studios—two with sea views, two with garden views—each with a private entrance and calming, earth-toned interiors. The atmosphere is that of a friend's peaceful island home, with the chateau itself occasionally hosting intimate events.

About 9 km (5½ miles) from Aegina Town, at the small port of Souvala, this modern bed-and-breakfast is popular with Athenians seeking relaxing weekends away, and its studios (including one larger suite) can accommodate two to five people each. The overall effect is reminiscent of a modern dollhouse, with bright blues, fuchsia, and pistachio colors distinguishing each studio.

A three-minute walk from Hydra's bustling port, this alluring place is composed of two villas in Hydra stone, with red barrel-tile roofs and garden areas; both have been restored and renovated to a high standard. Streamlined wood furniture and soft neutral colors predominate in the spacious guest rooms, with names like Sappho and Amazon, each with unique decor. Perks include hot tubs, flat-screen TVs, a wonderful terrace overlooking the street, perfect for relaxation, and Korres beauty products.

An attentively restored 1779 mansion is located in the center of Aegina town. Owners Dimitra and David have managed to re-create the feel of old Aegina with convenient modern appliances, creative artwork, and splashes of bold colors. Driftwood reimagined into wall lights or table lamps adorn bedrooms accented with strong blue or burgundy colors, that make the bed (in quality white linen, of course) stand out. All the rooms open onto a shady split level courtyard. A diacritic attention to design and an eye for art means that The Boatyard is rather special, rather than tacky. The couple also have two beautiful apartments for guests in Marathonos, where the views onto the sea and the distant mountains are stirring.

In an idyllic setting, this boutique hotel with eight relaxing, modern, and beautifully decorated suites offers panoramic views of the port and separate living-and-bedroom areas, plus a handy kitchenette. Serene white-washed interiors dominate, the pale palette punctuated by striped rugs and bright cushions designed by Greek artist Diamantis Aidinis. Many rooms gaze straight over the harbor; luggage can be whisked up the 150-step climb by the hotel’s porter (or a donkey, if you prefer). The two-level Maisonette is the most spacious option, sleeping up to four. Clean beach towels appear daily, and bathrooms are stocked with Apivita’s eco-friendly Greek toiletries.

With cheerful and elegantly renovated exteriors surrounded by myriad flowers, this charming family-run, boutique-style B&B is only a few minutes' walk from the main harbor and offers great value, especially in the off-season. The clean, air-conditioned, and self-servicing interiors, too, will charm guests with their old-fashioned wooden shutters and beds with wrought-iron frames—just the right accents to set off the cool white, minimalist island-style rooms. Some rooms are more luxurious than others, depending on your budget and their availability. The skilled and friendly hosts make you feel at home with friendly service and an ample breakfast, as well as plenty of tips on what to see and do. And it's open year-round!

Nissia, located halfway between Dapia and Kounoupitsa, is constantly morphing and was once a textile factory, a power plant, an ice factory, and now it's a luxurious resort. What has remained the same is the sea-facing facade, which houses two-story residences scatted about lovely gardens, around a large central swimming pool. These are divided into various categories, from tower residencies and maisonettes to superior and garden studios. Each are uniquely decorated, some with more traditional Greek textiles and colors and others with typical Aegean Island hues and furnishings. Breakfast is good and served on a breezy terrace overlooking the sea.

A complex of renovated early-20th-century-listed building buildings set around a garden courtyard with a 72-foot swimming pool, comprise these lodgings. Set atop the hill above the old harbor, many of the rooms have views of red tiled roofs and colorful bougainvillea-filled gardens of the Old Town below and the sea beyond. The rooms are a tasteful juxtaposition of antique and modern with minimalist hues of whites and grays, complemented with splashes of bright color. Massage therapies and yoga lessons are now part of the resort's offerings. The Orloff Resort now also includes the Old Mansion, a beautifully renovated 1865 residences that houses up to 10 guests.

Enjoy privacy, surrounded by greenery and the beach, at this spot, which dates back to the 1970s. Waiters can bring drinks to your lounge chair on the small private beach, and breakfast can be taken in bed, on your balcony, or in the terrace Maris restaurant. Blue-carpeted rooms have wood-veneer beds covered in plaid spreads, and balconies with either a stunning sea or a town view. The helpful staff can help you arrange excursions to mainland sights, and the hotel provides transportation on arrival and departure. The hotel also offers private villas.

The well-sized and simply decorated white rooms of this quaint little hotel have cool stone floors and king-size beds, and the balconies have either sea views or views of the forested mountain, home to the Temple of Aphaia, rising behind the building. This cozy hotel punches above its weight with the excellent breakfast served on the shaded flagstone terrace at the front of the reception. Divine freshly homemade pies, cakes, and organic condiments are served up with the usual Greek breakfast suspects such as fresh fruit, yogurt, and honey.