A summer in Greece invites slower moments—early mornings, warm afternoons, and quiet evenings when a good book feels like the perfect companion. Whether read on a shaded terrace, by the sea, or during a peaceful sunset, literature can deepen the atmosphere of a Greek summer.
This curated reading list blends contemporary fiction, poetry, classic Greek authors, and timeless stories inspired by Greece—offering something for every mood.Everyday Fiction: Light Novels, Romance & Crime
Engaging stories that are easy to read yet emotionally rewarding are ideal for summer travel.

• The Island — Victoria Hislop
  A modern classic set on Spinalonga, blending love, resilience, and Greek history.
• Those Who Save Us — Victoria Hislop
  A thoughtful novel exploring memory, identity, and post-war Greece.
• A Fatal Silence — Rachel Rhys
  An atmospheric crime novel set in post-war Greece, rich in place and tension.

Poetry: Greece in Language & Mood
Poetry suits the pace of summer—meant to be read slowly and revisited.

• Collected Poems — C. P. Cavafy (translated by Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard)
  Timeless poetry rooted in history, desire, and the Mediterranean world.
• Selected Poems — Giorgos Seferis (translated by Edmund Keeley & Philip Sherrard)
  Reflective, understated poetry that resonates deeply with Greek landscapes.
• The Murderess — Alexandros Papadiamantis
  A dark psychological novella examining guilt, poverty, and social oppression in rural Greece. Considered a cornerstone of modern Greek literature.
• The Great Chimera — M. Karagatsis
  A haunting novel about identity, illusion, and belonging, following a foreign woman’s life in Greece. Atmospheric, introspective, and emotionally rich.

The Three Most Influential Modern Greek Writers
For readers seeking a deeper connection with Greek literary identity.

• Zorba the Greek — Nikos Kazantzakis
  A celebration of freedom, vitality, and the human spirit.
• The Last Temptation of Christ — Nikos Kazantzakis
  A powerful and philosophical exploration of faith and humanity.
• Mythistorema — Giorgos Seferis (translated by Edmund Keeley)
  A poetic meditation on myth, exile, and modern Greek identity.

Philosophical & Reflective Reading
For quiet moments that invite thought rather than distraction.

• Meditations — Marcus Aurelius (translated by Gregory Hays)
  A timeless philosophical work, deeply connected to classical Mediterranean thought.
• The Greek Way — Edith Hamilton
  A beautifully written introduction to Greek philosophy, culture, and values.

Greek Summer Stories & Historical Bestsellers
Books that capture the spirit of Greece through setting and story.

• Captain Corelli’s Mandolin — Louis de Bernières
  A beloved bestseller set on a Greek island during World War II.
• The Song of Achilles — Madeline Miller
  A lyrical and emotionally powerful retelling of Greek myth.

The Odyssey: A Timeless Return
Reading Homer in Greece adds a powerful sense of continuity and place.

• The Odyssey — Homer (translated by Emily Wilson)
  A modern, highly readable translation praised for its clarity and depth.
• The Odyssey — Homer (translated by Robert Fitzgerald)
  A classic translation that preserves the epic’s poetic tone.

Reading as Part of the Santorini Experience
A good book complements the rhythm of island life. Whether you prefer a light novel, a poem at sunset, or a philosophical passage to return to each morning, reading becomes part of the journey itself.
Many guests enjoy pairing quiet reading moments with a glass of local wine or a relaxed meal—explore ideas on our Dining Page.
For uninterrupted reading time with sweeping views, discover our Residences & Suites, designed for calm and privacy.
Literature, like travel, invites us to slow down—and Santorini offers the perfect setting to do just that.