Veranda vs Balcony vs Terrace_What’s the Difference?

When it comes to outdoor spaces in a Greek home, terms like veranda, balcony, and terrace often come up. While all three offer open-air living, they vary in location, size, design, and use. Here’s a simple, SEO-friendly guide to help you understand their differences—especially if you’re buying or renting a property in Greece.

Veranda

Definition: A covered, ground-level outdoor space that’s attached to the house.

Common in: Greek villas, countryside homes, and island houses.

Features:

• Usually on the ground floor
• Covered by a roof or pergola
• Often supported by columns
• Blends the indoor and outdoor living space
• Used for dining, lounging, socializing

Greek lifestyle tip: Verandas are ideal for enjoying warm Greek evenings, shaded lunches, and hosting guests outdoors.

Balcony

Definition: A small, elevated platform projecting from the wall of a building.

Common in: Greek city apartments and upper-floor houses.

Features:

• Found on upper floors
• Attached to one room (e.g., bedroom or living room)
• Surrounded by a railing or balustrade
• Usually smaller than verandas or terraces
• Offers light, ventilation, and views

Greek lifestyle tip: Balconies are a daily escape in urban homes—perfect for coffee, plants, or watching the city go by.

Terrace

Definition: A large, flat, open outdoor area, either on the rooftop or ground level, often uncovered or partially shaded.

Common in: Rooftop apartments (especially penthouses), hillside homes, and modern developments.

Features:

• Can be on ground level or roof level
• Typically uncovered or with shade sails/pergolas
• Offers panoramic views (especially when elevated)
• Spacious enough for outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, or sunbeds

Greek lifestyle tip: Terraces are highly valued in Greece for entertaining, sunbathing, and enjoying views of the sea or mountains.

Quick Comparison Table for Greek Houses

Feature	Veranda	Balcony	Terrace
Location	Ground floor	Upper floors	Ground or rooftop
Size	Medium to large	Small to medium	Large
Covered?	Usually yes (roof/pergola)	Usually yes	Usually uncovered or semi-shaded
Connected to…	Multiple rooms	One room	May be separate or communal
Use	Outdoor living/dining	Relaxation, views	Entertainment, sunbathing
Common in	Villas, holiday homes	Apartments	Penthouses, modern builds, holiday homes

In Greece, outdoor living is a way of life. Whether your dream property features a veranda, balcony, or terrace, each one offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean climate, natural beauty, and slower pace of living that defines the Greek lifestyle.

Greek houses are perfectly designed for this. Thanks to the mild and warm weather, thoughtful architectural traditions and strong connection to nature, most homes—whether on the islands, in coastal areas, or in the mountains—come with generous outdoor spaces. From sun-drenched terraces in the Cyclades to shaded verandas in Crete and panoramic balconies in Athens, Greek properties are built to blend indoor comfort with outdoor freedom.