Travel Better: 6 Sustainable Stays in Greece

Greece may be known for its whitewashed houses, turquoise waters, and ancient ruins—but beyond the postcard-perfect views lies a growing commitment to sustainable travel. As the world wakes up to the environmental cost of tourism, travellers are seeking more conscious ways to explore the planet. In Greece, this shift is manifesting through eco-lodges, organic farms, and restored heritage properties that prioritise both people and planet.

Whether you seek stillness on a quiet island or adventure in olive-dotted hills, these six eco-conscious stays allow you to travel lightly while immersing yourself deeply in Greek culture. They offer an opportunity to be part of the solution—supporting local communities, preserving ecosystems, and choosing experiences that align with your values.

Eumelia Organic Farm & Guesthouse – Laconia, Peloponnese

Tucked into the fertile plains of the Peloponnese, Eumelia (meaning "harmony") is more than a place to sleep—it's a philosophy in action. This regenerative organic farm and eco-guesthouse is built on biodynamic farming practices, solar energy, composting, and greywater recycling. Guests can take part in olive harvesting, natural soap making, or cooking classes using farm-grown ingredients, creating a full-circle connection to the land. The guesthouses themselves are constructed from natural materials, using geothermal heating and natural ventilation. Eumelia offers not just rest but reconnection—to food, to nature, and to simpler ways of living.

The Rooster – Antiparos, Cyclades

The Rooster is a slow-living sanctuary set on 30 acres of raw Cycladic land. Designed to blend into the landscape, its architecture draws from the textures and tones of Antiparos. Each suite or villa is intentionally minimal, furnished with handcrafted pieces, local stone, and natural fibres. The resort supports organic farming, on-site composting, and farm-to-table dining. More than a retreat, The Rooster encourages inward journeys through wellness programmes, outdoor meditation spaces, and holistic treatments. It's an invitation to pause, recalibrate, and embrace the unhurried rhythm of nature.

Dating back to the Venetian era, this beautifully restored farmhouse on the outskirts of Chania is part heritage preservation project, part eco-hospitality gem. Surrounded by citrus groves and organic gardens, Metohi Kindelis features just three guest residences—each uniquely designed to reflect traditional Cretan architecture. The property relies on passive cooling, natural ventilation, and local materials. Guests are welcomed with baskets of homegrown produce and encouraged to cook, wander, and live slowly. Here, history and sustainability merge into an experience that feels timeless and deeply grounded.

Metohi Kindelis – Chania, Crete

Coco-Mat Eco Residences – Serifos, Cyclades

Overlooking the golden curve of Vagia Beach, Coco-Mat Eco Residences breathe new life into a cluster of 20 miners’ homes from the early 20th century. Lovingly restored using reclaimed wood, stone, and metal, the residences blend maritime history with contemporary eco-design. The interiors feature furniture and sleep systems from COCO-MAT, made with natural materials like coconut fibre, eucalyptus, and wool. With solar panels, rainwater collection, and locally sourced ingredients at the restaurant, this stay champions circularity and comfort.

Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel – Rhodes, Dodecanese

Tucked within the ancient walls of Rhodes Old Town, Spirit of the Knights offers a rare combination of medieval mystique and modern eco-consciousness. Originally a 14th-century knight’s house, the hotel has been restored with ecological paints, solar heating, and water-saving fixtures. It champions cultural preservation while supporting the local community through fair trade goods, organic toiletries, and ethical employment practices. Walking through its arched stone halls, you become part of a living story—one that honours the past while treading lightly into the future.

Milia Mountain Retreat – Crete

Deep in the Cretan mountains, where no phone signal can follow, lies Milia—a restored 17th-century village turned eco-retreat. Guests sleep in hand-built stone cottages, dine on slow-cooked meals made from local organic produce, and hike reforested trails that were once barren. Powered by renewable energy and surrounded by thriving wildlife, Milia is a case study in regeneration. It challenges modern assumptions about comfort, offering instead a profound sense of presence, rootedness, and respect for the earth.

Travel has the power to inspire, but it also comes with responsibility. These eco-conscious stays prove that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or beauty to travel mindfully. In fact, embracing sustainable accommodations often leads to richer, more meaningful experiences—rooted in community, connection, and care.

Want more travel recommendations like these? Visit the Thrive Century Directory for curated eco-friendly destinations, brands, and businesses around the world.

Location Tag: Greece

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