Airbnb Cyclades: 15 Best Santorini, Mykonos and Paros Airbnbs
For a photogenic holiday rental in the Greek islands, look no further than these Airbnbs in the Cyclades.
Think of the Greek islands and you probably picture the white, cuboid Cycladic houses built into cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea on the likes of Santorini and Mykonos.
Designed to reflect the summer sun so they're cooler and more comfortable inside, these houses with limestone whitewash exteriors typically feature red, green or blue doors and windows for a picture-perfect contrast.
If you've always wanted to stay in a traditional Cycladic villa, now is the time to get planning for summer 2024, especially as Airbnb has an entire Category dedicated to Cycladic holiday rentals. Its selection of Airbnbs in the Greek islands is one of more than 50 Categories and includes Naxos stays, Paros holiday homes, Mykonos beach houses and many more.
To help you navigate the Airbnbs in the Greek islands, we thought we'd bring you the best of the Airbnb Cyclades Category, where you can see all the most beautiful whitewashed houses of Mykonos, Tinos, Milos and Naxos without having to trawl through thousands of holiday homes. On the hunt for a Paros Airbnb, or desperate to book a Santorini Airbnb? You've come to the right place.
Where are the Cyclades?
Located in the Aegean Sea, the group of Cyclades islands are in southern Greece close to Athens and north of Crete. There are around 220 islands and the largest is Naxos, while Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Paros are some of the most popular isles.
Why a Cyclades Airbnb?
An Airbnb in the Greek islands is one of the best ways to experience this gorgeous part of the world. For starters, they offer Instagram gold. A sugar-cube building set against the blue sky and sea – it's what Mediterranean dreams are made of. Cyclades holiday rentals provide you with the privacy and freedom you won't find at a hotel, as well as useful features like parking, easy access and your own space for alfresco days soaking up the Greek island sun.
If hotels with private pools in Greece are your thing, then booking an Airbnb in the Greek islands allows you to go one better as many have their own full-sized swimming pools. You'll also find Cycladic apartments and suites, and the rentals differ in size, so whether you're travelling as two for a romantic trip to Mykonos or a group of friends exploring Naxos, there's a place for you.
What are the best Cyclades Airbnbs in Santorini, Mykonos and Paros?
We've made the search easy by bringing you our favourite Airbnbs in the Greek islands to book now. Check out our pick of the best Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Tinos and Naxos Airbnbs, and start dreaming about your 2024 holiday now...
Santorini
A Cycladic villa in the heart of the island, this Santorini Airbnb is a few minutes' walk from the capital Fira's unique view of the Caldera. Its stunning sea views are just part of its appeal: its clean, minimalist style and warm, neutral hues complete the experience of being in the Greek islands.
It's ideal for a couple, with a queen-sized bed in the bedroom, but if there are more of you, there are sofa beds too, and the place sleeps up to five in total. For restful days or evenings under the stars, the Jacuzzi on the terrace is the perfect place to relax and take in the epic view, or enjoy some fresh Greek delights whipped up in the neat kitchen.
Sleeps: Five
Santorini
Another villa in Pyrgos, this Santorini Airbnb also has free parking so you can rent a car and enjoy the freedom of exploring the island (especially the surrounding vineyards) at your own pace. We love the green doors and windows set against the pure white exterior, as well as the blooming plants and colourful cushions and design features dotted about the place.
Inside, there's a spa-sized heated pool and stylish spaces for six of you to rest and socialise. The mezzanine is a great spot to relax with a book when you need some time out of the sun and the outdoor dining space was made for alfresco Mediterranean feasts – it's all too easy to imagine losing track of time over languid lunches out there. If you're looking for a cave-like stay, this is a rental worth checking out.
Sleeps: Six
Santorini
With its cute red door and incredible clifftop setting in the centre of Oia (the town famous for those Santorini sunsets you've likely seen all over Instagram), this Airbnb is one of the most sought-after self-catering spots on the island. It's part of a complex of cave houses that used to serve as a bakery, adding charming heritage to the now luxurious surroundings.
Stylishly renovated by a family of architects, the Airbnb is in a central location, giving you easy access to the shops and restaurants of Oia. There are two cosy, cocoon-like bedrooms and warm interiors complete with vintage furniture and antique bookcases but, for us, this Cycladic house is all about the impressive views. Prepare to lose track of time while you drink them in from the gorgeous terrace.
Sleeps: Four
Mykonos
This three-bedroom Cycladic house (which sleeps up to 10) is located in an idyllic spot just a few minutes away from glam Psarrou beach, yet it is close enough to the buzz of Mykonos Town to give you the best of both worlds. It's ideal for a group of friends or family, with accommodation spread out over three levels perched o a scenic hillside. Outside, a vast terrace with various lounge and dining areas make the most of the sunshine and brilliant views.
The interior is as photogenic as the outside of the villa, finished to a good standard, with white furnishings and traditional touches throughout. There's also a gleaming cerulean swimming pool and plenty of outdoor lounging space to ensure you have plenty to entertain you at the villa.
Sleeps: 10
Mykonos
Famed for its windmills, Mykonos is a great place to check into an unusual Airbnb in the Greek islands, like this one with its amazing sunset and Little Venice views. The elevated house with its own authentic windmill is an attraction in itself – you'll likely find tourists stopping to take photos of the quirky place to stay, and can revel in the knowledge that it's all yours for the week or so.
Its traditional Greek interior offers an authentic place to retreat after days out exploring the island, whether that's taking to the sea, relaxing on the sand, or checking out the buzzy beach clubs and top-notch restaurants. There's a full kitchen for cooking up Greek feasts and seating that complements the unique round shape of the property, with touches of modernity that bring this classic property up to date.
Sleeps: Four
Mykonos
A rental built for two, this Airbnb in Mykonos Town is great for couples looking to chill out in their own space while enjoying close proximity to this pretty town. The whitewashed Cycladic house has everything you need for a romantic escape: the heavenly sea views, a large yet cosy bedroom and chic open-place kitchen and living space.
Outside, there's a hot tub flanked by loungers and beanbag chairs for long, lazy afternoons in the shade. We love the intimate, romantic feel of this boutique Airbnb, as well as its location on sought-after Agios Stefanos hill.
Sleeps: Two
Mykonos
This seriously stylish villa nestled in the south of Mykonos is close to the beaches of Paranga and Platis Gialos. An interior lover's dream, the Cycladic house is one of a handful in the estate, with features that are typical to the island: the white stone, arched architecture, fireplaces and cemented bathrooms. This makes it perfect for week-long Greek getaways – or even longer if you have the time.
There are three levels to the villa, which shares a pool with another property, and five bedrooms provide ample space for everyone to spread out and feel quite at home. The decor is natural and locally sourced for a more eco-friendly stay. And a few of its little luxuries include daily cleaning, parking and a Nespresso machine, adding a sense of indulgence to a stay here.
Sleeps: Nine
Naxos
There's a contemporary feel to this Cycladic Airbnb on the charming island of Naxos. Located in Agios Prokopios and surrounded by mountains, a lake and authentic villages, the villa has all the whitewashed walls, natural stone and bold geometric style you'd expect from this gorgeous part of the world.
With three bedrooms, it's ideal for families or friends and is close to the beach of Agios Prokopios, considered one of the best on the island and characterised by silky sand and clear water. It's easy to while away the days in these beautiful lands, though when you're not sunning yourself at the beach, back at the blissful villa there's a pool with sun loungers, an outdoor kitchen, large terraces and a garden with fig trees to keep you entertained. This is the kind of place you'll dream about long after checking out.
Sleeps: Eight
Paros
Staying in this seriously stylish Airbnb in Paros pretty much precludes the need to stray too far. Chilling out on the luxe terrace with its own lounge area and private jacuzzi, you might well feel like you're at an exclusive bar or members' club, soaking up the pretty views (which are particularly charming at once the sun has set) and ambience of this gorgeous Greek island. The sense of exclusivity is heightened when you take in the whitewashed and bohemian details of the interior, which might well have you taking some notes for home decor inspiration.
That said, this Paros Airbnb also very closely located to Naousa, one of the most beautiful villages in Greece, so it is worth leaving occasionally if you can bring yourself too. All in all, it's the perfect pad for a stylish beach break with a small group of friends or pair of couples. Daily light housekeeping is a great complimentary bonus.
Sleeps: Four
Paros
Previous guests rave about this Paros Airbnb and its beautiful location in the serene enclave of Aspro Horio, with striking views of the Aegean Sea visible from almost every angle of the impressive property, which is new to Airbnb and looks pristine. Location-wise, it's only a 10-minute walk to the nearest beach, with famously scenic shores like Faragas, Lolantonis, and Chryssi Akti within easy reach.
This luxe Paros Airbnb is a design fiend's dream, finished to a very high standard and featuring four bedrooms (no room disagreements required as each is charming), an open-plan kitchen living space, and a dreamy al fresco dining area. You'll barely want to spend time inside though – not with that knockout pool overlooking the Aegean and surrounded by the comfiest loungers. Gather your gang together and book now to enjoy a sun-soaked getaway.
Sleeps: Eight
Paros
If a Paros Airbnb made just for two is on your wish list, don't book before checking out this dreamy spot in Krotiri, which is located 10 minutes from the main port and capital, Parikia. Beautiful beaches are also nearby – just a 15-minute walk away – and well worth exploring for days in the silky sands.
Small but stylishly formed in classic Greek shades of white and blue, this is the ideal spot for a couple – especially a pair who enjoy long, languid days gazing out to sea from the sun-dappled balcony. Or cooking up a simple al fresco dinner with local ingredients in the cute kitchen, before enjoying it with something cold and refreshing in hand. Inside, things are simple but perfectly finished for a long weekend or so, giving the sense that you're staying in the home of a friendly local.
Sleeps: Two
Milos
Located in a small but beautiful bay in Milos, this apartment is like something out of a Greek island holiday fantasy. It offers excellent sea views and the water just steps away – in fact, it almost feels as if you're staying in the sea itself. Milos is an excellent Cycladic island if you're looking to escape to a little-known isle and experience a very Greek escape that still feels a world away from the madding crowds. It's know for its beaches too, so you'll be in your element if that's what you're here for.
You can swim, watch the sunsets and walk around the tiny fishing village of Agios Konstantinos, comprising just 12 small beachfront houses. Two large verandas provide a great place for alfresco meals or sipping wine while you watch the sun go down.
Sleeps: Four
Tinos
Head for the calming island of Tinos (accessible by ferry from Mykonos or Athens) and check into this gorgeous Airbnb overlooking the deep blue Aegean. The four-bedroom house is the epitome of laidback summer living; with its incredible unobstructed views, sun-kissed terraces and elegant outdoor dining space, it will quickly start to feel like your very own little Greek island home – just don't think about having to leave until you absolutely have to.
The design of the house shows off the tradition and craftsmanship of Tinos and it's located in the south-west of the island – a superb spot for watching the picture-perfect sunsets that occur here in the warmer months. The Airbnb is split in two, making it a great choice for groups of couples or a family looking for separate living spaces.
Sleeps: Eight
Santorini
This Santorini Airbnb offers an authentic sense of the area, with unique architectural features and traditional design elements that leave you in no doubt that you're living out the Greek island holiday fantasy. It's a dreamy combination of whitewashed walls, rustic touches and vintage furnishings, all topped off with a bubbling Jacuzzi on the sea-view balcony to add a welcome touch of luxe to proceedings.
With two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom complete with rainfall shower, the comfort continues inside. There's also a well-stocked kitchen and roomy living area with sofas, rocking chairs and doors that open out onto the terrace to give an indoor-outdoor feel. This is where we'd want to spend all our time during a stay here – doing nothing more than drinking in those spellbinding views of the Aegean.
Sleeps: Four
Antiparos
If you can't find the right Paros Airbnb, consider its smaller, quieter neighbour, Antiparos. Its scenic sea caves and single main street lined with shops make this tiny Greek island worth more than a day trip, with a string of new hotel openings making this previously little-known island something of an up-and-coming hotspot.
While it remains ever so slightly under-the-radar, we strongly suggest soaking it all up from this centrally located one-bed Airbnb in Antiparos, which overlooks the sea and, come golden hour, the most beautiful sunsets. Inside, things are finished in a simple seaside style, but it's the spacious terrace, complete with full table and irresistible hanging chair, on which you'll spend most time.
Sleeps: Three
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Roshina leads the digital travel content for Hearst UK, covering titles including Country Living, Red, Good Housekeeping and Harper's Bazaar.
When she's not eating her way around Istanbul or hiking the Dolomites' peaks, she loves nothing more than escaping the crowds of London for a country break.
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