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Where to stay in Greece
Hotels in Greece can vary greatly both among the islands and on the mainland, from luxury and chain hotels, to chic boutique hotels with personalised service, and those aimed at the package market complete with outdoor pools and meals all-inclusive. Booking for the high season (Jul-Aug) is essential. The highest concentrations of 4-star and 5-star hotels are to be found in Athens and on the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete. Hotels are graded using the international star system, though visitors should note that standards are not always the same from one country to the next.
Grading: There is the Hotelstars Union grading system from 1 to 5 stars.
The equivalent of a B&B, a Greek pension offers basic accommodation with breakfast but no restaurant as such. They are usually family-run and purpose-built, and found mainly on the coast and islands, offering a cheaper alternative to a xenodoheio (hotel).
Likewise, a xenona is a guesthouse, set in an old traditional mansion or villa furnished with antiques and rugs. They are more atmospheric and found mainly in the mountains, and may have extras such as log fires in the bedrooms, and occasionally their own restaurants.
There is a wide network of official campsites (www.panhellenic-camping-union.gr). Most offer facilities such as showers, toilets and a cafe, and some also have a small shop, a restaurant and sports facilities. Many of the best ones are on the islands, close to the sea. For details, contact the Greek National Tourism Organisation (see Important Addresses).
Note: Visitors are not permitted to camp anywhere other than on registered sites.
Rural farmstay accommodation: Also known as agritourism, this is an expanding market and has terrific potential in a country with a warm Mediterranean climate, dramatic landscapes and unspoilt nature. Guests stay in rooms or apartments on the farm – usually purpose-built from local materials such as stone and wood, and furnished in traditional style. Most farms also offer fantastic food – local specialities prepared from their own seasonal produce, plus homemade wine.
Self-catering: Throughout Greece, especially on the islands, families have invested in building new apartments or restoring old villas or cottages to rent to holiday makers. Standards vary but some properties are truly stunning and very luxurious – set in gardens with pools - while others are basic. The great advantage of having self-catering facilities is that you can cook and eat what and when you want – it also means that you will need to shop at nearby stores and markets, putting you more in tune with the local way of life.
Youth Hostels: Greece has a number of youth hostels recognised by the International Youth Hostel Federation (www.hihostels.com), mainly in Athens and popular Greek islands.
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