The Best Eco-Friendly Hotels and Guesthouses in Greece

Who said you have to sail to the islands to enjoy a truly green holiday? Eumelia, a splendid eco-farm lost amid olive groves near Gouves, Lakonia, is just what you need. Granted, there is no beach around, but after a few hours in this organic haven you will quickly forget about that. Comprising a small cluster of houses to rent, Eumelia is located in an enchanting estate surrounded by greenery. Recycling bins, organic shampoo and soaps, natural pillows and mattresses, and low-consumption lighting are de rigueur at Eumelia. Further, heating and cooling is powered by geothermal energy and hot water is solar heated. Almost everything on the menu is locally grown, and you can even participate in the olive harvest, grape picking or other manual activities.

Roughly 30 minutes from Heraklion, Crete, lies the hamlet of Achlada, where family-run Mourtzanakis Eco-resort is located. Perched between the mountains and sea (the closest beach is a 10-minute drive), the estate is a complex of studio apartments and villas with a wide range of activities on offer, such as organized hiking, olive picking, workshops on local herbs and plants or even cooking seminars. If after all that you still long for a refreshing dip, head straight to the pool and jacuzzi.

To Armiro Boutique Hotel is a complex of eco-friendly houses in Plaka, on the picturesque island of Naxos in the Cyclades. In this charming property was built according to Cycladic architecture, and the relaxing and tranquil houses were built with sustainability in mind. Equipped with rainwater harvesting systems and relying solely on ceiling fans for cooling, the hotel offers all modern amenities and is conveniently located 30 meters from the beach. Breakfast includes locally-sourced ingredients such as organic olive oil, honey or traditional Naxian cheese… You’ll be coming back to this place for many years to come.

If you are more of an urban traveler, opt for Olive Green, an eco-friendly hotel in the center of Heraklion. Designed to fit its surroundings, this hotel boasts cutting-edge technology that allows guests to control the air conditioning and heating. Recycling is also a big part of the hotel’s philosophy, which strives to achieve sustainability by using solar energy and green technology. Ready for the ultimate urban luxurious and sustainable experience? This is the place.

In the lush, tranquil peninsula of Sithonia in Halkidiki, Ekies All Senses Resort is an environmentally and family-friendly haven where guests can relax and take the time to just be. With a desire to blend seamlessly into the environment, the resort is more like a cozy beach house than a luxury resort, which makes it an attractive choice for those into a casual luxury vibe. Constructed with sustainable and eco-friendly materials like wood and unrefined marble, the property has a minimal waste policy and a ‘eat local’ ethos, which will seduce even the more demanding eco-traveler.

Serifos may be an underrated destination for many, but we suspect this will change once you’ve become acquainted with Coco-Mat Eco Residences. Located on the beach of Vagia, a few kilometers from the harbor, these apartments are located in what were once late 19^th century miners’ residences. With great attention to detail, the houses were renovated faithfully to fit with local architecture, and utilise natural air-conditioning on all premises. Natural materials are omnipresent, from the wooden accents to the bed linen and utilitarian items. You will leave this gem refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated.