Where to stay Greece?

GreeceFor the quintessential Greek isle, look no further than Santorini in the dreamy southern Cyclades. Locals believe the island is the site of the lost city of Atlantis and, whether that is true or not, it is certainly near to paradise with towns perching on the edge of the extinct volcano, white marble streets and glorious sunsets. Head for Oia on the north coast for the most sophisticated hotels and fashionable nightlife, and make sure you visit the capital of Fira, but be warned: the designer stores and bars can get very busy. The villages of Akrotiri, Firostefani, Imerovigli, Megalochori and Pyrgos are calm and beautiful, and have good connections with the larger towns.

Astarte Suites

Akrotiri, Santorini(0 83388)

This family-run, nine-room hotel is in the least-developed part of the island. There are panoramas of the caldera, and the village-topped cliffs looking like snow-capped mountains. The best rooms are those with traditional vaulted ceilings. Meals are served on your private terrace.

Cosmopolitan Suites

Fira, Santorini(0 25632)

In the capital Fira, near the cable car that disgorges tourists from the old port, this 10-room hotel is near plenty of bars and nightclubs. As well as gazing out at the sea and volcano, you can people-watch. Hollywood stars have stayed in the antique-filled rooms, and Room 7 is a characterful former home.

Homeric Poems

Firostefani, Santorini(0 24661)

Inspired by the owner's home in Ithaca, Homeric Poems is a cluster of 19 stylish suites with a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The kitchens are fully equipped, too.

Hotel Atlantis

Fira, Santorini(0 22232)

This is probably the town's smartest traditional A-class hotel, which has 25 rooms, sea- and caldera views and a swimming pool. It is one of the most affordable choices on the island - even in high season.

Tsitouras Collection

Firostefani, Santorini(0 23747)

This five-suite, one-villa hotel with swimming pool is owned by wealthy lawyer turned art collector Dimitris Tsitouras and was opened in 1988. The suites are themed on the sea, on Byron, on Tsitouras's porcelain collection and on images of his friend, the late Rudolf Nureyev.