Each year, family travelers head to the Greek Islands in droves, looking for beautiful beaches, adventure and relaxation, but they often find themselves faced with one of the No. 1 questions travelers have to figure out when planning a vacation: Where to stay?
There is no shortage of hotels to choose from on any island, but they may not always be the best option for you. On a recent trip to Tinos, one of the islands in Greece’s island chain known as the Cyclades, I chose to stay in a vacation rental and the experience converted me from a die-hard hotel guest to a vacation home connoisseur.
© Eugenia Lazaris
Tinos Sky View Villa, the place I called home during my time on the island, sits high up on a hillside in the village of Arnados, with sweeping views of the island, the Aegean Sea and eight different islands visible in the distance on a clear day. While I could have chosen one of the many hotels located around the island, the property provided a completely different experience from past island stays at hotels.
Greek island hotels offer plenty of convenience, often close to beaches, but that is about where the reasons to stay end. Vacation rentals, built originally for a family’s personal use, give you a sense of what living on a Greek island is really like. These unique properties are built with love and tend to feature distinctive island architecture and décor.
© Eugenia Lazaris
With all the creature comforts of home at an affordable price, families also have the room and privacy they need without having to worry about disturbing, or being disturbed by, other hotel guests. For an added bonus, these island properties often have hosts located near enough to provide a warm welcome, insider tips for exploring the islands and the assistance you need should you have any questions or need any assistance.
Spyros, the on-site host at Tinos Sky View Villa, helped make the experience one to remember. Staying in a vacation rental made the trip a memorable one, with the island’s unique allure making for a relaxing stay in a beautiful island home.
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