Accommodation
There is a range of accom-
modation available in Greece
to suit every taste and
pocket. All places to stay are
subject to strict price con-
trols set by the tourist police.
By law, a notice must be
displayed in every room, stat-
ing the category of the room
and the price charged in each
season. It’s diffi cult to gener-
alise accommodation prices
in Greece as rates depend
entirely on the season and
location. Don’t expect to pay
the same price for a double
on one of the islands as you
would in central Greece or
Athens.
Other points to note when
considering hotel prices:
» (^) Prices include a 4.5% com-
munity tax and 8% VAT.
» (^) A 10% surcharge may be
added for stays of less than
three nights, but this is not
mandatory.
» (^) A mandatory charge of
20% is levied for an ad-
ditional bed (although this
often is waived if the bed is
for a child).
» (^) During July and August
accommodation owners will
charge the maximum price.
» (^) In spring and autumn
prices can drop by 20%.
» (^) Prices can drop even
further in winter.
» (^) Rip-off s are rare; if you
suspect that you have been
exploited make a report to
the tourist or the regular po-
lice, and they will act swiftly.
Camping
Camping is a good option,
especially in summer. There
are almost 350 camp-
grounds in Greece, found in
the majority of regions and
islands (with the notable
exception of the Saronic
Gulf Islands). Standard fa-
cilities include hot showers,
kitchens, restaurants and
minimarkets – and often a
swimming pool.
Most camping grounds
are open only between April
and October. The Panhel-
lenic Camping Association
(%/fax 210 362 1560; http://www.
panhellenic-camping-union.gr;
Solonos 102, Exarhia, Athens)
publishes an annual booklet
listing all its campgrounds,
their facilities and months of
operation.
If camping in the height
of summer, bring a silver
fl y sheet to refl ect the heat
off your tent (the dark tents
that are all the rage in colder
countries become sweat
lodges). Between May and
mid-September the weather
is warm enough to sleep
out under the stars. Many
campgrounds have covered
areas where tourists who
don’t have tents can sleep
in summer; you can get by
with a lightweight sleeping
bag. It’s a good idea to have
a foam pad to lie on and a
waterproof cover for your
sleeping bag.
Some other points:
» (^) Camping fees are highest
from mid-June through to
the end of August.
» (^) Campgrounds charge €5 to
€7 per adult and €3 to €4 for
children aged four to 12.
» (^) There’s no charge for
children under four.
» (^) Tent sites cost from €4 per
night for small tents, and from
€5 per night for large tents.
» (^) Caravan sites start at
around €6; car costs are
typically €4 to €5.
Domatia
Domatia (literally ‘rooms’)
are the Greek equivalent of
the British B&B, minus the
breakfast. Once upon a time,
domatia comprised little
Directory
A-Z
PRICE RANGESThroughout this book we have divided accommodation
into budgets based on the rate for a double room in
high season (May to August). Unless otherwise stated,
all rooms have private bathroom facilities.
» € under €60 (under €80 in Athens)» (^) €€ 60–150
» (^) €€€ over €150