8 Best Hotels in The Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.