The Best Areas to Stay in Sifnos (Best Hotels & Unique Airbnbs)

Published October 19, 2026

When it comes to deciding which area of Sifnos to stay in, you have the choice between picturesque beach hubs and stunning hilltop villages. As I see it, it’s best to pick based on what kind of experience you want. And with no wrong choice here, any of these main hubs, whether it be the happening beach of Platis Gialos or Faros, or the charming hilltop villages of Apollonia or Artemonas, work out great for exploring the small island of Sifnos.

As I began to decide where we’d stay for our 8 nights on the tiny, very food-focused island of Sifnos, I knew I wanted a bit of this and that. By this and that, I mean I wanted to have the experience of staying at one of the beaches (easy with my kid), but I also wanted to stay up near the hilltop villages, where the elevation gives you the feeling of floating above the Aegean Sea.

I loved both for different reasons — being able to step out right onto the beach was wonderful. And so was being able to hop from one village to the next and be close to some of the best restaurants. Sifnos is known for these two things: incredible restaurants worth planning a trip around, and easygoing beaches that don’t take much effort to visit.

And so whether you choose to do the same, picking a popular beach area like Platis Gialos or Faros, or maybe even a quieter beach like Vathi nearby or Cheronissos in the north, or base at one of the historic villages of Apollonia or Artemonas (both are very central), you can’t go wrong here.

So I’ve broken down what to expect in each of these main hubs of Sifnos you can choose to stay in. What to consider, what to expect, and my picks for hotels and really spectacular Airbnbs (like really). This guide on where to stay in Sifnos will help you decide just where to base yourself based on your preferences, so read on to plan your time on this ever-so charming island in the Cyclades.

The Best Places to Stay in Sifnos (Where to Base Yourself)

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The Best Towns to Stay in Sifnos

The first choice you have to make when it comes to where to stay in Sifnos is either something beachfront or in one of the hilltop villages. For the best beaches, you have the popular southern beach areas of Platis Gialos and Faros, and then quieter ones like Vathi nearby and Cheronissos in the far north. For the main central villages, Apollonia is more built-up and connected with the buses, and then Artemonas is a more traditional village just next to it.

I do recommend staying somewhere central to the south, mostly because you have so much to do on that side of the island. Most of the best things to see and do start at Apollonia and Artemonas, and go south from there. In the north, the only likely thing you’ll visit and do is spend time in Cheronissos (for a swim and lunch).

An ideal pick? Spend a week and split the stay — I’d choose somewhere in Platis Gialos and Faros, and then something near Artemonas or Apollonia. Under 4 nights? Then pick one base either in the center or south.

Where Exactly to Stay in Sifnos: Overview and Map

Area	Best For	Vibe	Where I’d Stay
Platis Gialos and Faros	Beachfront stays and families	Lively beaches and seaside restaurants	Airbnb: Villa Glaros House (Where I Stayed) Hotel: Verina Terra Hotel
Artemonas	Traditional charm and a central base	Quiet village, hilltop views	Airbnb: Aggelis Villa Sifnos (Where I Stayed) Hotel: Verina Astra Hotel
Apollonia	Dining and exploring without a car	Lively evenings, restaurants and bus connections	Airbnb: DeuxSiècles Rooftop Home Hotel: Stamna Sifnos
Cheronissos	Unplugged relaxation	Quiet mornings, clear water and two taverns	Airbnb: Psarona Hospitality Big 1 Br
Vathi	Low-key beach stays	Sheltered bay and beachfront taverns	Airbnb: Xenia Beachhouse Hotel: Elies Resorts

Where to Stay in Sifnos by Total Nights

• Under 4 Nights: For beachfront, either Platis Gialos or Faros, and for a charming village, either Apollonia or Artemonas.
• 4+ Nights: Split your stay with some nights in either Artemonas or Apollonia area, and then pick one of the beach hubs depending on your style of travel.

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Thoughts on Where We Stayed on Sifnos

For our 8 nights on Sifnos, we decided to split our stay between Villa Glaros right on Platis Gialos Beach and then the famous Aggelis Villa just outside of Artemonas. I loved splitting our long week on the island like this because it allowed us to explore with ease. From Aggelis Villa near Artemonas, we did all of the hilltop villages, Kastro, and Cherronissos. From Platis Gialos, we did all of the southern beaches and even went back to Apollonia once.

Both houses we rented were wonderful — Aggelis Villa, while simple inside, had some of the best views I’ve had from a private rental (peep those breakfast views above!!), and the kind, local owner made it all that much better. Next, we stayed at Villa Glaros right on Platis Gialos Beach. Being able to walk straight out onto the beach and stroll to restaurants was the convenience we needed.

If I had not been traveling with our 4-year-old, I would have loved to have stayed at Verina Astra (ages 12+, near Artemonas) and adults-only NOS in Faros. If I were choosing hotels for our family trip next time, I’d look at booking at the newly opened Stamna Hotel just outside of Apollonia — the rooms there are considerably generous in size and outdoor space, perfect for kids in tow.

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Platis Gialos and Faros: Best Beachfront Location and Family-Friendly

When it comes to the main southern beaches of Sifnos, all eyes go to Platis Gialos and Faros. Two side-by-side beaches, connected by a winding, 20-minute drive, are the main “hubs” for the southern end of Sifnos. Platis Gialos is the more resort-style (loosely said) beach area with a dozen-plus restaurants like the famous Omega3 and beach bars, whereas Faros is a bit quieter and has a half-dozen or so restaurants, like Pelicanos. Surprisingly enough, for being more “resort-y,” there are not that many hotels in either, with mostly vacation rentals (hence my condensed recommendations below).

Both are good choices for the southern side, depending on what kind of feel you want. In all honesty, after visiting both, I’d make the decision based on what kind of accommodation you can secure, as both beach areas are quite busy midday and have enough going on at your doorstep. Staying in either Faros or Platis Gialos is a wonderful, everything-you-need base for the southern side of Sifnos.

Where to Stay in Platis Gialos

Best Airbnbs in Platis Gialos

1. Where I Stayed: Villa Glaros House | 1Br Beachfront — Getting to wake up right on Platis Gialos beach was a dream, and the terrace from the home had a path right onto it. We stayed 5 nights here, and it was one of our favorite stays in Greece. Thoughtful details around the house, from the private patio to the beach views, made it a really easy stay while we were in Sifnos. We could walk to restaurants, reach the beach in seconds, and had plenty of space to enjoy at home.
2. Sifnos Beachfront Home | 2 Br Home | Top Property — I had this Airbnb saved as well, but it had been booked out before I could get a reservation. The very popular 2-bedroom right on Platis Gialos beach has this beautiful terrace that opens up to the water.
3. Eleonas 3 | 2 Br Home | Pool — If you don’t need to be beachfront but close to it, and want the amenity of a pool, Eleonas 3 is part of a set of homes that have shared access to a pool.

Best Hotels in Platis Gialos

1. Verina Terra Hotel | Family-Friendly Hotel | Chic Design — If I wanted a more high-end design hotel in Platis Gialos, I’d say Verina Terra (the family-friendly sister to Verina Astra) is a good choice. I checked out the hotel, and it’s pretty, with a central pool and restaurant. The only downside is you’re not beachfront and just across the street.
2. Enalion Suites | Beachfront Hotel | Adults-Only — For people sans kids and wanting to be beachfront, I’d pick Enalion Suites simply because you’re right at the beach. The design is minimal yet elevated, and the 11 rooms here are well-appointed.

Where to Stay in Faros

Best Airbnbs in Faros

1. Kyma Airbnb | 1 Br Home | Beachfront — There are only a handful of beachfront homes in Faros, and Kyma is one of them. The design is great, well-located, and you’ll have everything you will need at the property.
2. Ammos 2 | 3 Br Home | Seafront — Another great choice for being seafront in Faros, Ammos has this beautiful terrace that opens to the sea.

Best Hotels in Faros

1. Nos Hotel & Villas | Luxury | Adults-Only — My first choice hotel for the stretch of southern beaches for an adults-only stay is Nos. Set just above Faros, the design here is fantastic, with a modern touch on a Cycladic village with incredible views over the sea. We ate dinner here one night; the food was fantastic, and we loved just how peaceful the whole property felt.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Platis Gialos and Faros

• Pros — Platis Gialos is the main “resort” hub for the island; this is the biggest beach area with the most going on. Faros is its little sister, with a more intimate feel to it, but equally busy. Both have wonderful choices for food, the main amenities, and are close to exploring the rest of the southern side of Sifnos. Platis Gialos and Faros both have a wonderful flat beach, easy for families.
• Cons — The downside to either one of these beaches is that they will be quite busy come midday. The rest of the island will be best explored by car (though buses also serve both beaches), but you’ll return to a quiet beach at night and in the morning.

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Artemonas: Best Central Location for Traditional Charm

While Apollonia feels more polished and pruned, Artemonas makes up for it in traditional charm, centuries-old buildings, and history. It’s smaller, not quite as built up, but a wonderful traditional village in the heart of Sifnos. You’ll find that Apollonia and Artemonas nearly blend into each other, so it’s worth looking at the map to see just where they separate.

We stayed just outside of Artemonas for 3 of our 8 nights in Sifnos, using the village as our daily stop in the morning for pastries at the corner bakery of Veniou. We returned a few times for dinner at Cafe Mosaic, and really enjoyed the village itself. Whether you stay in it or near it, it’s a nice area of the island to be in to explore the hilltop villages and up north to Cheronissos. I found Artemonas in general much quieter than Apollonia, so it’s one of those more peaceful, still quite local villages.

Where to Stay in Artemonas

Best Airbnbs in Artemonas

1. Aggelis Villa Sifnos | 1 Br | Budget-Friendly (Where I Stayed) — I was lucky to secure a reservation at the very popular Aggelis Villa, which sits at the very top of the cliff outside of Artemonas. It’s an unreal location, and while the Airbnb itself is quite simple, its views and patio are just out of this world. We did 3 nights here, and loved waking up to the views of the Aegean, set in an olive grove and being very close to Artemonas.
2. Cycladic Cottage | 2 Bedrooms | Seaview — If I wanted a cottage with a similar vibe to the above with the seaviews, but with 2 bedrooms, this is the one I’d choose. The design is traditional Greek with white walls and pops of color, and you’re very close to Artemonas.
3. Aglaia’s Home | 2 Br | In Village — For a stunning in-village home, this is the one I had saved. It’s very beautiful, right in the heart of Artemonas, and you have a great patio. You’ll be able to walk to a few restaurants and everything in Artemonas.
4. Hillside House | 3 Br | Patio with Views — The Hillside House is good for larger groups; it has a lot more space, three bedrooms, and a huge patio overlooking the sea. Of the larger Airbnbs, this one I felt had the best design for size.

Best Hotels in Artemonas

1. Verina Astra Hotel | Luxury | Ages 12+ — If I was not traveling with my young kid, this is the hotel I would have booked for our family. It’s a stunning boutique property that sits just below Artemonas on the cliffside. With only 16 rooms, it’s small and well-designed for a quiet stay. It’s also home to Bostani Bar (ate here and it was wonderful!) and an on-site ELEMIS Spa.
2. Petali Village Hotel | Affordable | Pool — A very traditional, laid-back hotel that is more between Apollonia and Artemonas; this is a good choice for a mid-priced hotel that has wonderful views on the island.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Artemonas

• Pros — If you stay near or in the village of Artemonas, you’re in a more traditional village that doesn’t feel nearly as built-up as Apollonia. And while the two villages nearly flow into each other, it’s Artemonas that feels more old-world. The area surrounding Artemonas as well has elevation on the island for accommodations, which means you get some of the best views on the island of the Aegean. It feels vastly different from staying at sea level at one of the beach enclaves. And if you’re in the village, you’ll have a few restaurants to be able to walk to, alongside some shops.
• Cons — You’ll have to drive to visit any of the beaches, but that’s the case for all inland villages (buses do connect the inland villages with several of them, but a car is much easier). One other key important part is to see exactly where your property is that you book. For example, in-village Airbnbs often require you to park just outside the village and walk in (about 5-10 minutes).

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Apollonia: Best Central Location For No Car and Dining 

Apollonia is the happening center village in Sifnos. This is where all roads intersect on the island, making it a very convenient base if you want to do the island sans a rental car. The buses come through here and connect you to a majority of the main “traveler” spots. You have a big selection of restaurants here (call out to KAFENEIO DRAKAKIS and Gerontopoulos), and bars that stay open late into the night. You can tell this is where the locals come out at night, because the main pedestrian street called To Steno is happening every evening.

For those with a rental car, Apollonia is a good option because you can drive 20 minutes in either direction, and you can see another part of Sifnos. You’ll have that more condensed village feel here, and be able to explore as you want. One other tip would be to even choose an accommodation just at its edge, like the new Stamna Hotel, which you could then walk into the village but still have that nature-quiet feel to the stay.

Where to Stay in Apollonia

Best Airbnbs in Apollonia

1. Kallisti Boutique Home | 2 Br | Terrace — A very minimal yet cozy-designed Airbnb with two bedrooms and one bath. I love how bright the space is, and you’re well-located for visiting this part of the island.
2. DeuxSiècles Rooftop Home | 2 Br Rooftop | In-Village — I had seen this 2-bedroom home with a rooftop while I was searching the island and saved it for our next trip. It’s beautiful with incredible views, right in the heart of Apollonia. The design is stylish and yet has so many thoughtful touches with one of the best-reviewed properties in Apollonia. The same owners also have this 3-bedroom house in Apollonia.
3. #HH05 Sunset House | 2 Br | Private Terrace — Set just off the village of Apollonia yet only a 5-minute walk away, this is a great 2-bedroom house that feels like you’re in the countryside yet close to everything. It has three beautiful verandas with a courtyard, and the interior space is very chic in design.

Best Hotels in Apollonia

1. Stamna Sifnos | Luxury | Family-friendly — One of the newer hotels on the island to open, I had the chance to spend a few hours at Stamna visiting the rooms and the grounds. It is stunning, one of the best choices for a family-friendly hotel that has spaces built well for both couples and those traveling with kids. It’s about a 10-minute walk up to Apollonia, but the hotel itself is an enclave with everything you need, from the swimming pool to the on-site restaurant Pilōs and an outdoor gym. The design is elevated, and I loved that the 20 rooms each have generous spaces and outdoor terraces.
2. Nival Boutique Hotel | Boutique | Mid-Range — For a more mid-range hotel that has stunning design and elevated praise for its hospitality, I’d look at Nival. The rooms have a contemporary feel to them, and the on-site pool with views is lovely too.
3. Gerofinikas Boutique Hotel | Secluded Cliffside | Luxury — While not directly in Apollonia, but just down the hill towards the village of Kastro, Gerofinikas was on my radar for its quiet boutique hotel experience. The design here is stunning, and stays include complimentary breakfast. The restaurant is open to guests and non-guests for dinner by reservation. The pool here also has stunning infinity views of the sea and is mid-tier for pricing.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Apollonia

• Pros — You’re quite near the center of Sifnos, which means in any direction you have something to do. It’s the busiest of the villages with the most restaurants and bars, and has a “village feel” to it, meaning it gets busy with everyone coming in to eat come nighttime. You also have access to the best bus lines here, as all roads on the island at some point cross in Apollonia, so sans a car is possible from Apollonia.
• Cons — The downside is, of course, not being beachside, and that you’ll have some of the busier areas of the island come night. I would choose very carefully a house that is not on the main street where the bars are.

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Cheronissos: Best Location For Unplugged Relaxation

If you’re choosing Cheronissos as a base, you’re choosing a very quiet getaway at one of the most stunning beaches on Sifnos. At the very northern tip of Sifnos is Cheronissos; a gravel road leads to a beach village with two taverns that looks like a classic Greek postcard. It’s so charming, and honestly, if I could have snagged a reservation at one of the Psarona Hospitality Homes, I would have gladly committed to 3 nights.

Cheronissos is stunning, with clear waters, and ideal for families. However, it comes with the caveat that you’ll make the furthest of drives to see the rest of the island — and by furthest, I mean really no more than 30-45 minutes; remember Sifnos is small. And while the cove does get busy come midday for those in for a bite and a swim, the mornings and evenings are fantastically quiet with little to no one, which means it’s all for you to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Cheronissos

Best Airbnbs in Cheronissos

1. The Psarona Hospitality Homes (the best ones!!) — I was so bummed to miss a reservation at the Psarona Hospitality homes in Cheronissos, a collection of four very popular Airbnbs on the cove. Each property is stunningly designed and opens up to the cove with its private patios. You have the Psarona Hospitality Big 1 Br (my top pick), the new Family 1 bedroom that opened this year, the Normal 1 bedroom, and the Small 1 Br. These book out so far in advance, so they do need advance planning, but they really are fantastic for location and views.
2. Ethereal House | 2 Br | Seafront Terrace — For one of the larger properties to rent, the Ethereal House has two bedrooms, and its position in the cove looks out towards it, which is beautiful. The house is well designed, minimal, and has a really nice balcony.
3. Onar Sifnos | 1 Br | On the Beach — I could see the family come in and out onto the beach from this property when we visited, and the Airbnb looked so lovely. It’s set right on the beach (great for early swims, busy in the afternoon). It’s a good choice if you want to be directly on the water and skip the steps down to the beach.
4. Dream Sea Moschou 1 | 1 Br | AC + Top Home — Another good choice for Cheronissos, it’s set further from the main beach, which means more privacy during the day, and you still have direct access to the water.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Cheronissos

• Pros — You’ll have access to some of the best waters to swim in on Sifnos. Cheronissos was our favorite beach visited while on the island because of how stunning it is. During the morning, you’ll practically have this area to yourself. There are two restaurants right there, alongside a very small mini market for the very basics.
• Cons — You have limited amenities, but like most places on Sifnos that are on the beach, the biggest grocery stores are near Apollonia. The other downside will be that most waterfront stays require you to park above the cove and walk down (about a 5-minute walk, worth it in my opinion for the views). Cheronissos also gets very busy come midday with people coming to eat lunch at the taverns and swim (unavoidable at most beaches on Sifnos).

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Vathi: Best Low-key Beach

Vathi flies under the radar as a place to stay on Sifnos, I think mostly because Platis Gialos and Faros have more in terms of dining and options. We spent a day at Vathi, and it can make a great case for staying here. You have wonderful options for both hotels and vacation rentals that are beachfront, and a handful of restaurants to pick from.

The beach itself is very protected, and even on the windiest of days, it seemed to still be flat when we visited. It’s a long stretch of sand, and easygoing for families as well. The only drawback is the one road in and out that takes a good 25 minutes to the center of the island.

Where to Stay in Vathi

Best Airbnbs in Vathi

1. Xenia Beachhouse | 1 Br | On Beach — A very sweet apartment right on the beach and at the far end of Vathi. I really love how cozy this space feels, and it sits at the quieter end of the beach.
2. Sea-fnos Beach House | 2 Br | Seafront — Another option to be at the end of the cove looking back towards the beach; this is a 2-bedroom which is very modern in design and has a wonderful terrace looking at the sea.
3. Beach Studio | Private | Seaview — I spotted this Airbnb when I visited, and loved that it sits at the end of the cove, looking back onto the beach. It’s a small studio; it would best suit a couple or solo traveler who wants privacy.
4. Eutopia Suites | 2 Br | Seaview Terrace — One of the few more private hillside apartments, this one is newer to Vathi and has a really beautiful view from its terrace. The interior is very chic, well-designed, and has all of the amenities for a longer stay.

Best Hotels in Vathi

1. Elies Resort | Luxury Hotel | Beachfront — Set right on the beach in Vathi Bay, if you’re wanting a luxury hotel on the beach, this is probably the best one on the island for direct beach access. It’s a massive property, but it only has 33 rooms, suites, and private-pool villas to choose from. One of the best perks too is getting to have breakfast included as part of the room rate.
2. Eutopia Suites | Chic Design | Cliffside Oceanviews — On the hillside of Vathi Bay, the Eutopia Suites is the best choice for those who want something more intimate and quiet, yet still have sea views. You’re only a 5-minute walk down to the beach, but you get a lot of privacy because it’s up on the hill. The property is small, with only 10 units, and they do book up.
3. Aerides Boutique Rooms | Budget | Beachfront Family Guesthouse — For a very affordable stay on the beach, Aerides is a good choice located directly on the beach in Vathi. It’s very simple and small, but does the job for a well-located place to stay. The guest house also has a shared kitchen, so you get the perks of a hotel meets apartment.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Vathi

• Pros — The upside of staying in Vathi is you really get beachfront accommodations but sans the crowds of Platis Gialos. You have a selection of beachfront taverns as well to choose from, and a few hotels to pick from. It’s very laid-back here, and the flat beach is in a protected harbor, which means easy waters to swim in with kids.
• Cons — The downside is you’re at the end of a rather long road, so any island exploring could be on for 20+ minutes to get anywhere. There are not extensive amenities outside of the taverns/resort and a mini market, so like the rest of Sifnos, you will have to venture out.

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Other Areas to Consider

There are a handful of properties and areas that are not in the exact areas above, but are worth considering depending on the type of trip.

Kastro

Kastro is one of the most beautiful villages, set right at the sea and up the cliff — it’s a proper walk to get to the top. However, it’s also home to several great restaurants and bars, like Cantina and Loggia Wine Bar. I saw Agnanti Traditional, a small guesthouse that sits before the village but within walking distance (aka, no need to climb the hill every time), that would make a great base if wanting to be close to Kastro. There are also some waterfront homes for rent, right below Kastro and next to the popular restaurant Cantina, like SeraliaSeaSide, a 1-bedroom charming home, and this 1 Bedroom House with a view.

Kamares

The main port of Sifnos is Kamares, and also happens to be a very happening town as it’s lined with beachfront taverns and bars. The newly opened Apsila Pool Suites (which look amazing) gave all the more reason to stay here, and especially if you plan to do the no-car route for the island. Buses pass frequently because it is the main port, so it’s an option while visiting. This is not my first choice for where to stay on the island, but I can see why it would be chosen for convenience if you had just a night or two.

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What to Know About Visiting Sifnos

How far in advance should I book my stay in Sifnos?

At least two to three months in advance! There are so few hotels, and the good Airbnbs book out months in advance. So if you can snag your reservation, do, as you’ll be happy you did.

Airbnb or Hotel in Sifnos?

If you’re traveling with kids on Sifnos, the two main hotels I’d recommend are either Stamna or Verina Terra. Otherwise, I’d look to just book a vacation rental because they really are great on Sifnos. If I’m sans kids, I’d go team hotel, and look at Verina Astra, NOS, Stamna, or even Gerofinikas. Now for unique accommodations, the Airbnbs do take the cake, like the Psarona Hospitality homes in Cheronissos, or even the Aggelis Villa I stayed in.

How many days in Sifnos is enough?

I recommend one full week to explore Sifnos at a reasonable pace. This will give you time to visit the main beaches, the central villages, and dine at all of the incredible restaurants on this island. If you only have 3-4 days, you can still enjoy the island and parts of it.

What is the best part of Sifnos to stay?

The best part of Sifnos to stay at is either the beachfront location of Platis Gialos or Faros, or in/near a hilltop village like Artemonas or Apollonia.

What is the best way to get to Sifnos?

Sifnos is only reachable by ferry. From the Port of Piraeus in Athens, it is a 2.5-3 hour fast ferry. There are other ferry options from other nearby islands, like Milos (under 1 hour), Paros (1.5-2 hours), and Santorini (2.5-3 hours).

Travel Tip: The journey times can be longer than what’s quoted above, depending on the specific service you choose. The faster ferries tend to be smaller, so there were times when we opted for a larger, slower ferry that had more space and amenities onboard, which is much more comfortable traveling with kids.

How do you get around Sifnos?

I recommend renting a car or scooter to get around Sifnos, as it will give you the most flexibility. If you do not want to rent a vehicle, then use a base like Apollonia or Kamares to have the best access to buses and their schedules.

Rental Car Tip: We used Avance Rent a Car for all our car rentals across 5 weeks and 4 islands on our Greece trip and had a great experience. Pick-ups and drop-offs were the fastest we’ve had anywhere, and the prices were quite reasonable. We ended up booking direct, as we found most of the main booking sites had very limited availability and much higher prices.

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