Greece
Behind Closed Doors

You're going to the Greek islands. You've seen pictures of those irresistible whitewashed houses and hotels in travel brochures or magazines. But beware. A beautiful outside doesn't always tell the inside story.
Just consider your accommodations as a refuge and you'll be on the right track. Most of the Greek islands and especially the Cycladic group (which includes favorites Mykonos & Santorini) are very hot & dry in season. It's glaringly bright. Bright white buildings. Bright blue sky. And hot! A surrealistic moonscape of light with very little shade, from early morning til sunset.
Your accommodations should be a refuge for getting out of the sun & heat. After the beach. After a delicious lunch at a taverna. Or when you want to recharge your "batteries" before heading out again. So be sure you'll want to spend some time inside, behind those doors. Many seemingly charming places to stay, really don't have a lot going for them once you step inside.

Don't be disappointed. To help you find a place, think style, comfort & location with us:

#1 Ethnic interiors are the best. You don't want to feel like you're at home. Simply decorated interiors are the norm. But you want a simple Greek-inspired interior. Not bare-basic "dormitory." Seek out traditional craft-decorated places. Embroderies used as art. Interesting bed coverings. Displays of local pottery. Also, look for built-ins, so typical of the Mediterranean. Like banquettes & cubby-hole storage carved into thick stone walls. Antique furnishings, such as an old iron bed or hanging lantern add character. Even consider some very ultra-modern Greek interiors that are elegantly spare.
#2 Comfort can be hard to find. The look can be great, but how comfortable is it? Some island architecture sounds fabulous, but choose carefully. Cave-like structures, actually carved out of a mountainside, stay cool (good) but some have no air circulation & few windows. That means you could get a damp & dark place. Furnishings need to be comfortable, too. The banquettes you lounge upon need plenty of pillows since they're built right next to hard stone walls. The chairs you sit upon shouldn't just be those horribly uncomfortable rush-seat gems. You'll sit on enough of those at restaurants, my friends. And if you're really into a soft mattress, you better ask about them, since most are very firm (especially those placed directly on platforms). And air conditioning is vital. At least in the summer. Outside, you need a shady place to put up your feet. Rooms with a terrace overlooking the sea are lovely, but only if there is some shade in which to enjoy it for a least a part of the day. A leafy pergola's the best. It cuts the glare and satisfies the yen for green.

#3 It's only 128 steps back up to the house & a crazy drive into town, so think location very carefully. You can't have it all...seclusion, beach, town, etc. so prioritize for each island destination & then seek out the best accommodation for your length of stay. Sea-front is not just for the best view. It means more air circulation and fewer insects. A terrace of course. But is it shared, as you sit there donning your hotel bathrobe? Do you care if your room overlooks the pool? It could mean you'll be hearing music all day and night. And be sure you ask about the pool in general. You'll want one. Especially on islands not known for their beaches. Yes, the view and privacy gets better as you go up. But how many steps do you have to climb to get up there, closer to heaven? Rather step outside, "street" level, right onto the donkey path to town? Think about what you could be stepping in, along with the crowds that pass by your windows.
Ah, so much to think about. Some of the best Greek island style is waiting for you behind closed doors. But to find it, do your research, ask a lot of questions & see pictures of more than the outside, before booking your island house or hotel. So what's our personal favorite Greek Island Hotel? Katikies in Santorini. The perfect mix of luxury & simplicity. For villas, European Escapes has fabulous choices in the best Greek Island locations. Unbelievable style & comfort in unbelievably beautiful homes.