Greece, with its stunning coastline caressed by multiple seas, breathtaking nature, and rich cultural heritage, captivates millions of tourists annually. Travelers come here for a leisurely retreat, and many of them choose private villas as accommodation.
Renting a villa stands out as one of the preferred holiday choices in Greece. The pricing of these villas is influenced by various factors, requiring careful consideration when mapping out your travel plans.
Location significantly shapes the pricing dynamics. Depending on the region, villa prices may fluctuate. Some villas boast a prime position on the first coastline, offering panoramic views from the balcony, while others may require a short stroll to reach the sea.
Moreover, the villa's specific features contribute to its price range. Factors such as size, the number of bedrooms, expansive grounds, design aesthetics, and overall condition play pivotal roles in determining the cost.
Taking into consideration the included services and amenities is crucial, as well as being mindful of the vacation season when planning your stay. These factors collectively form the mosaic of considerations for those seeking the perfect villa experience in Greece.
Let's look at each point in more detail.
Renting villas in different regions of Greece
Greece stands among the premier global tourist destinations, offering a diverse array of options for travelers. From green islands to volcanic landscapes, trendy resorts with lively nightlife to serene coastlines perfect for family relaxation, Greece caters to varied preferences. Amidst this wealth of choices, certain destinations have emerged as the most popular.
Here, we ranked them on a scale from the most expensive to the most economical:
Mykonos, part of the Cyclades archipelago, is renowned for its windmills, luxury accommodations, and vibrant nightlife, making it a hotspot for energetic parties and a magnet for global celebrities. However, it's important to note that Mykonos is among the more expensive Greek destinations, and accordingly, villa prices reflect this.
Santorini, another iconic Greek symbol, is also in the higher price category. Famous for its breathtaking sunsets, this volcanic island offers the unique experience of enjoying these views directly from the pool of one of its picturesque snow-white villas available for rent.
The island of Corfu, or Kerkyra as the Greeks call it, is famous with lush greenery, Venetian heritage, religious shrines, and local citrus fruit, the kumquat. As one of the top spots for both foreign and Greek travellers, villa prices here are above the average range.
The largest Greek island of Crete, which was once the center of the Minoan civilization, attracts tourists with more affordable prices for villas and a rich historical heritage.
Close to Thessaloniki lies the Halkidiki peninsula, the birthplace of Aristotle and the pearl of a beach holiday. Here you can find the best offers for renting villas in Greece with a balance of price and quality. Halkidiki looks like Poseidon's trident thanks to its three peninsulas - Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. There are many sandy beaches, cozy bays, azure sea and fantastic nature - mountains, pine forests and small islands. Halkidiki has a huge selection of different villas in close proximity to the sea. You can choose to rent a villa in a peaceful location or stay in a town with all amenities and entertainment. Prices for local villas are notably lower than those on the islands, while the area offers a diverse and picturesque natural landscape.
Prices foк a two-bedroom villa in Halkidiki start from 200 euros per day. From this category you can choose, for example, a six-bed cottage literally 50 meters from the sea with full equipment for a comfortable stay.
A three-bedroom villa will cost a little more - from 250 euros. This price category includes a villa on the Kassandra Peninsula, five minutes from the sea, with a hot tub and fireplace.
A villa with four separate rooms for a large gcompany costs from 350 euros. For instance, this four-bedroom villa with sea views is designed for eight people, and features landscape design and Mediterranean style elements.
How does the season affect villa prices?
Another condition that affects the cost of renting a villa is the tourist season in Greece. On average, it can be divided into several periods depending on workload.
The low season is considered to be two time periods - from approximately April 20 to the end of May and the whole of October. At this time, prices for villas are approximately 35% lower.
Mid-season can be divided into two subcategories. The first is the first half of June and the second half of September, at this time you can rent a villa in Greece for about 20% cheaper. In the second half of June and the first half of September, villas rent for about 15% more.
In the high season, which can be split into two periods of popularity—July 1 to July 14 and the latter half of August—villas tend to be around 5% more affordable. However, the peak demand and highest villa prices occur from mid-July to mid-August.
Service in villas
The availability of services significantly influences villa prices. Over the past decade, the short-term rental market has transformed, shifting from basic bed and breakfast offerings to services akin to the best five-star hotels. This trend is evident among villas for rent in Greece.
Villas generally fall into four categories based on the services offered.
Villas from private hosts. While they may come at a lower price, there are inherent risks. Renters might encounter unpleasant surprises—such as accommodations not meeting expectations or, in extreme cases, facing the risk of being left without a villa, disrupting vacation plans.
Villas managed by professional company. This option offers an ideal balance of price and quality. Here, a dedicated team takes responsibility for selecting and preparing the villa, ensuring it meets your preferences. With this option, you can expect to arrive at a well-maintained property, and any issues or breakdowns will be promptly addressed.
Beyond villa rentals, additional services can be seamlessly arranged through the management company. For instance, Aktis Villas offers a comprehensive suite of accompanying services through the Aktis Group. These services encompass transfers or car rentals, yacht reservations, guided excursions around Greece, and ongoing assistance through a concierge or a dedicated service.
Villa complexes. This option offers a middle ground between company-managed villas and hotel villas. Generally more affordable than hotel villas but pricier than those managed by companies, they often include breakfast for guests.
Hotel villas. They represent the most luxurious and costly option, with the drawback of proximity to numerous hotel guests.
The longer, the cheaper
A villa for rent is one of the most profitable options when booking for a long time. As a rule, prices are based on the average length of stay of 1-2 weeks. Therefore, if you are planning a longer vacation, you can confidently count on a discount. Feel free to discuss this point with the managing company.
Hotel or villa - what is cheaper?
Choosing between a hotel and a villa depends on your preferences and group size. Renting a villa is particularly beneficial for families or large groups. It's worthwhile to compare the cost of renting a villa with booking multiple hotel rooms for everyone.
For instance, consider the Anemi Beach villa complex adjacent to the five-star Anastasia Resort hotel. Renting a villa in this complex can cost the same as one hotel room, yet guests gain access to a private house with two bedrooms, shared leisure spaces, and a 500 sq.m. plot. For more insights on comparing hotel stays with villa vacations, check out our article.
Early booking discounts
Securing a cost-effective villa rental in Greece is achievable through early booking. The villa rental season starts well before hotels, and popular options for summer months may be fully booked in September. Typically, early booking discounts, averaging 10-15%, are available until February.
Tips to search and book
Numerous online platforms offer a wide range of villas, but opting to rent directly from the management company can help save time and money.
The thing id that the online search platform commissions typically range from 15-18%, ultimately impacting the tenant's expenses. To avoid unnecessary costs, direct communication with the management company enable a better price.
In addition, you can discuss other details of your vacation with the management company - services like cleaning, transfers, car or yacht rentals. Furthermore, you can seek advice on local attractions and infrastructure.
To sum up
The cost of renting a villa in Greece is influenced by various factors, but careful planning and research can lead to finding a suitable option at a reasonable price, tailored to individual preferences.
For those who prioritize efficiency and confidence in their choice, specialists at Aktis Villas can curate a villa experience to meet all preferences and ensure a seamless arrival. Additionally, Aktis Group extends support by offering additional services for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
