26 Best Hotels in The Sporades, Greece

With chic and ultracontemporary properties spread out over the tiny town of Steni Vela, Ilya dominates the hotel infrastructure here without being imposing—in fact, you'll be hard-pressed to even see the residences when walking around the town. Each apartment faces out to serene olive trees, and all are just footsteps to the sea (with some benefiting from sea views). There are villas available to rent, too. If you'd rather stay a little more inland, within a large, calming olive grove, choose its sister property, Ilya Botanic Suites.

This boutique bastion of Skyros's hotel scene is all soothing Cycladic whites trimmed with soft greens; with a luxurious pool area, elegant bar terrace, and handsome furnishings in the sophisticated guest rooms. Suites have small private pools and very large bathrooms. Nefeli's restaurant serves organic food from its own local farm, with outstanding service.

Extending up the side of a hill at a quiet end of Skiathos Town (but just a few minutes' walk to the center) each of the property's open-plan apartments benefit from glittering views of the port and sea beyond. Styled in the Greek islands' ubiquitous white and blue tones with hammered silver decorations, the apartments each feature a large balcony, kitchenette, and comfortable lounge area, with access to a large shared swimming pool that overlooks the port from above.

There's a perfect marriage of old-world charm and contemporary cool in the spacious suites at this apart-hotel, with dark wood vaulted ceilings looming over sleek white-tiled floors and cool, minimalist furniture. The suites have gorgeous sea views, and the walk is less than 10 minutes' walk to Votsi's beach and harbor.

Couples who settle into this hillside hideaway will be excused for thinking they've landed in their own grand Mediterranean villa, since that's what the large, comfortable suites and lovely gardens are all meant to evoke. Whipping up the spell further are original Greek artworks, balconies with sweeping views, a stunning pool, a private launch for shoreline touring, and an excellent outdoor candlelit restaurant, Pelagos.

A short hop from the hilltop of Glossa, at the nearby port of Loutraki, is this charming little apartment-hotel—a great idea for those wishing to explore the lesser-visited north of the island. Each suite features a sitting room, full kitchen, and panoramic views of the magnificently blue Aegean. Lovingly run by Antonis and Andromachi, the hotel offers homely comfort, with an on-site restaurant conjuring up great local dishes. There's a garden to while away time in, and from where you can catch absolutely jaw-dropping sunsets.

Airy, light-filled rooms are steps from a lovely beach and have views of the turquoise sea and lush mountains, all providing the essentials for a laid-back getaway. Traditional-style decor, with weavings and hand-carved wooden furniture, add a lot of local character, and a pretty pool is surrounded by a flowery terrace.

These simple but bright and airy apartments offer a feeling of a stay at a friend's summerhouse, with such idyllic touches as a beautifully maintained garden, filled with bougainvillea and lemon trees, and an enormous swimming pool, with a retro swim-up bar. A fruit-and-vegetable patch provides ingredients for the tasty, homemade fare for an evening meal, preceded by a cocktail under the shade of an olive tree at sunset.

Offering excellent access to Skiathos Town, this hotel fits the bill for those looking for a smart, contemporary, well-serviced hotel within a stone's throw of all local amenities. Rooms are large and the beds enormous, and many have balconies with views out to the harbor. The decor is fresh, clean, and tasteful. Around the hotel there are plenty of spaces to chill out, and shelves are stacked with fiction that you're welcome to read over the duration your stay. There's also a great cocktail bar by the pool.

This stunning hillside retreat tucked away in gardens and pine groves above the south coast seems like a private villa, with lots of wood and stone enhancing the airy public spaces, a beautiful pool terrace, and sharply-modern rooms and suites—all with balconies and patios, some with private pools, and most with extensive sea views. Despite the hideaway location, Skitathos Town is an easy bus ride away, and the golden-sand beach of Agia Paraskevi is just down the road.

The summer residence of the gods, according to Greek myth, is now home to one of the city's top hotels. Originally built in the 1960s it was fully renovated to five-star standard in 2005, located just east of the marina. Rooms come with mountain, city, or sea views, and a relatively demure design scheme that doesn't try to compete with the deep blue water outside—in fact, it accentuates it with blue bed clothes, curtains, and furnishings on a sand-colored wood floor. The award-winning Dreamway Spa has a hydrotonic pool that includes special therapies for specific parts of the body. The hotel's rooftop garden, Yacht Club, is a hot spot for the local well-to-do.

Although it has just three stars, the Aegli clearly has aspirations for something more; the hotel offers a suprising amount of comfort, space, and design savvy across its three floors. You enter into a cocktail-lounge-like reception area and cafeteria on the ground floor before going up to the rooms and suites above, which may be a bit short of five-star polish, but adopt a 21st-century tone in their light wood furnishings and ensuite bathrooms. The best rooms have balconies that directly overlook the port, right in front of the building.

The floriferous exterior of the hotel sets the tone for the inside: each room has bright and cheerful decor, with balconies that offer incredible views of the port and its energetic goings-on. The beds are large and comfortable, with excellent air-conditioning.

Smooth luxury and designer charm underpin these soothing accommodations, which are situated in a "village" of eight buildings that are dressed in warm, summery shades and surrounded by an expansive garden of lemon trees and other Mediterranean plants. The pool is delightful, but within an easy walk are some of the island's best golden-sand beaches. A playground, kids' pool, and some especially large suites make this spot a favorite with families.

The owner's attention to detail shows in the beautifully tended flower garden; the immaculate, attractive rooms with pine furniture and handwoven linens; the country dining room; and the museum-like lobby decorated with antiques and traditional costumes. This peaceful retreat is a three-minute walk from the beach.

This cozy, restored old Skopelete house on the waterfront is inexpensive and casual. Family-owned, it has tiny rooms looking onto one of the hotel's two plant-filled courtyard terraces. Breakfast is not offered, although you are welcome to bring your own food and use the communal kitchen.

Large, bright, and traditionally decorated rooms overlook the big blue and its charming harbor at this hotel, just a stone's throw from the seafront. There are sun loungers on the larger balconies along with retractable curtains and canopies to help shade from the heat of the sun. Maria and her family run the business, and their dedication to the guest experience can be felt throughout the property.

Simply decorated, tasteful rooms and apartments come with many comforts—private terraces, a pretty, lush garden with plenty of shade, and a refreshing seawater pool, all just steps from the beach and a 15-minute walk to Skyros Town. A traditional Greek breakfast is included, which includes many local products and specialties. The apartments are a great choice for families.

With a big central pool and near a gorgeous, quiet beach, this compound of white, cubist houses is a water-lover's dream---and though the simple, traditionally furnished guest rooms are perfectly pleasant, they don't quite live up to the hotel's name, so it's best to put dreams of all things palatial to one side. One luxury is the terrace or balcony off each room, perfect for enjoying the lush grounds and the mountain and sea views.

The accommodation offers a chic and contemporary take on traditional Greek island charm; rooms are bright and breezy, and have an understated luxury. There's plenty of outdoor space about and, in many of the suites, sea views. Two swimming pools tucked away in pretty gardens each have a children's section, and food is served throughout the day at the Agioli restaurant. Film fan? You'll be pleased to know that the cast of Mamma Mia! (2008) stayed here.

These clean, cozy studios and maisonettes are a short walk up from the harbor—and come with a spectacular view of the town from the large, living-room-like terrace. Breakfast includes plenty of home-made goodies made from the hotel's garden; guests can hire bicycles for free; and a small pool is a welcome perk on a hot day.

The family-run self-catering accommodation is equipped with all necessary essentials, and each apartment has a terrace and faces the beautiful nearby Rousoum beach. The owner Kostas is friendly and helpful, and his family help to run the nearby restaurant, Votsalo, which is popular with locals. There is street parking available for free.

Perched at the edge of the old port directly opposite the Bourtzi, this is a stylish, recently renovated boutique hotel whose central location makes it an ideal springboard for the island. Rooms are modern and spotless; the huge beds are super comfortable; and there are exceptional views of the Aegean from every room. The area adjacent can be lively after dark, so while it's perfect for those who enjoy a late night, it might not be the best choice for the noise-sensitive.