A 17th-century organic farm hugging the fringes of Chania on the island of Crete, this calm hideaway was one of the first sustainable farms in Greece. Split into three guesthouses, the terracotta farmhouse was consciously restored to respect the character and features of Venetian architecture, marrying old and new to stunning effect. With fridges pre-stocked with farm-to-table goodies and organic produce from the hotels’ orchards, this is the perfect spot in which to hole up for a warm and comfortable homestay with superlative sustainability credentials.

Chiselled into the mountainside in the upper part of Aristi, one of western Zagoria’s most beautiful villages, Aristi Mountain Resort is a verdant refuge for those seeking an immersive rural retreat with the added luxury trappings of an exclusive hotel. A complex of stone buildings offering 24 rooms, suites and villas, the resort was carefully crafted with local materials in a traditional architectural style in order to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Regarded by locals as the best place to eat in the area, the on-site Salvia restaurant serves up sharing plates of Greek delicacies made from free-range, local ingredients alongside vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel’s own kitchen garden, while the wine list features reds and whites from local vineyards.

The epitome of barefoot luxury is the all-natural playground of Ekies All Senses. It took 11 years to create this striking hub that fuses minimalist, industrial and playful visions of four prominent Greek designers. Non-toxic paint was used across the property, they have a strict waste policy and natural bedding is used throughout the 69 rooms. The hotel also works closely with Boroume, a local charity that takes leftover food and shares it with people in need. Stay in the “pine” suites that blur the boundaries between out and in. Natural materials (think Greek marble, recycled pine planks and rattan furniture) blend seamlessly with the forest that engulfs the property. Nothing too strenuous will be on the itinerary here, evidenced by the ample lounging facilities (think wave-lapping hammocks, giant bean bags and dreamy daybeds) scattered throughout the property. Lazily sink into the stools at the wet bar that overspills into the Aegean Sea and order a shot of homemade ouzo.

Coco-Mat Eco Residences was doing sustainability before it was cool, and its Serifos stay – a bioclimatic complex of 13 renovated 19th-century miners’ houses – was a game-changing Greek stay when it opened in 2019. Eco-friendly apartments equipped with kitchenettes, ranging in size from one bedroom to family residences, have been transformed using natural materials: everything from the sofas and chairs to the kitchens are made with cotton, natural rubber, wood, silk and coconut fibres. Come for the Cycladic design and sophisticated eco-friendly construction; stay for the soothing sound of the waves.

Fringed by arguably the best beach on the Athos peninsula is the majestic Eagles Palace. One of the first Greek eco-hotels, the sprawling resort is about education as much as implementation. Beach-cleaning initiatives are regularly organised with local primary schools and educational workshops centred on protecting emigrating birds are run regularly. A huge emphasis is placed on next-door-neighbour suppliers; dishes are decorated with herbs plucked from the poolside bushes, olive oil is harvested from the surrounding groves and zesty cocktails are topped with a local distillery’s boutique gin. Giving little reason to leave the eco haven, beachfront parasols have in-built buzzers to summon sundowners instantly. You’ll feel less guilty knowing they’ve been garnished with a sprig from within-arms-reach potted plants.

Leading the way for Greek agro-tourism, Eumeleia (meaning “harmony”) is a high-end, sustainable farming retreat in southern Greece. Set among rich olive groves and an abundance of fertile terrain, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in their farm-to-table philosophy. Fruit for breakfast is grabbed from the gardens and almonds are gathered each afternoon. Enrol in a cooking workshop to create the Greek staple dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves) filled with smoked trout caught from a nearby mountain spring. Pack your freshly made snack as fuel for your hike up the towering Mount Taygetos, where you’ll be met with panoramic views of the Laconic region. Despite the family farm’s 19th-century origins, Greek-made luxury mattresses, soft towelling robes and powerful rainforest showers all come as standard.

Odysseus’ mythical island of Ithaca is an enchanting retreat for anyone looking to slow down. Priding themselves on their ability to revitalise frazzled patrons, the homespun farming cottages are hidden within rosemary-perfumed gardens and all look out over a twinkling infinity pool. There’s also no Wi-Fi within a 3km radius. Farming influences flow through the whole of the estate, with a focus on preventing water waste. A pioneering rainwater system is fed to the gardens from an intricate system of ground and soakage pipes, which help keep their botanical bounty rich and fruitful. Birdlife contributes to the compost system and 100% natural cleaning products are used throughout, while water from the nearby Kalamos spring is said to possess healing properties, so drink up.

Perched atop the highest point of the Caldera are three designer eco villas that have earned the nickname “the balcony to the Aegean” due to their commanding sunset and sea vistas. The trio of “native eco villas” were the first properties on the island to be awarded the “Green Key” accolade, which has lead the way in promoting eco-friendly practices. Acting as a poster child for future developments, only materials from the island have been used to carve out this slice of Cycladic luxury. Expect white walls, sumptuous Coco-Mat linens and artisan seagrass baskets complemented with splashes of sapphire blue and a mirror-glaze sea views from skylight showers. Slink smugly into your rooftop jacuzzi for a soak beneath the stars.