The range of hotels can vary greatly both among the islands and on the mainland, from high class on larger islands and the mainland to small seasonal chalets. Booking for the high season is essential. Xenia hotels are owned and often run by the Greek/Hellenic National Tourism Organisation. Small family hotels are a friendly alternative to the hotel chains. Hotel reservations can be made by writing directly to the hotels, through a travel agent, or by contacting the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (at least one month beforehand). Grading: Hotels are all officially classified as Luxury or rated on a scale from 1 to 5 (star ratings). The category denotes what facilities must be offered and the price range that the hotelier is allowed to charge.

Furnished rooms in private houses, service flats, apartments and villas are available. On most of the Greek islands, rooms in private homes are an extremely popular form of accommodation and can usually be arranged on the spot. All types of accommodation can be arranged through tour operators in this country. The Greek/Hellenic National Tourism Organisation can provide further information on request.

Known also as paradosiakoi oikismoi in Greek, these traditional hostels can be found throughout the country, notably in Areopolis (Mani), Gythion (Peloponnese), Ia (Santorini), Koriskades (Central Greece), Makrinitsa (Pelion), Mesta (Chios), Milies (Pelion), Monemvasia (Peloponnese), Papingo (Epirus), Psara Island, Vathia (Mani), and Vizitsa (Pelion). This type of accommodation normally offers single, double or triple bedrooms with shower, or a four-bed house.

There is a wide network of official campsites (website: www.panhellenic-camping-union.gr). For details, contact the Greek/Hellenic National Tourism Organisation (see Top Things To Do). Note: It is not permitted to camp anywhere except registered sites.

Greece has only six youth hostels recognised by the International Youth Hostel Federation: four in Athens, one in Corfu and one in Santorini. The original Athens hostel is on 16 Victor Hugo Street, 104 38 Athens (tel (210) 523 2540; website: www.interland.gr/athenshostel). A number of youth hostels belong to the Greek Youth Hostels Association. Other youth hostels exist in Crete, the Cyclades and the Peloponnese. For further details, contact the Greek Youth Hostel Association.

Greek Youth Hostel Association
75 Damareos Street, Athens, Greece
Tel: (210) 751 9530.
E-Mail: y-hostels@otenet.gr or skokin@hol.gr

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels
24 Stadiou Street, 105 64 Athens, Greece
Tel: (210) 331 0022.
Website: www.grhotels.gr