5 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.

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.

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.

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.