Editor's Choice: Traditional Settlements

Known 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.

The range of hotels can vary greatly both among the islands and on the mainland, from luxury and chain hotels on larger islands and the mainland to small seasonal chalets. Booking for the high season is essential.

Grading: Hotels are all officially classified as Luxury or rated on a scale from one to five (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, serviced 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. The Greek National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses) can provide further information on request.

There is a wide network of official campsites (website: www.panhellenic-camping-union.gr). For details, contact the Greek National Tourism Organisation (see Contact Addresses).

Note: Visitors are not permitted to camp anywhere other than on registered sites.

Greece has only 10 youth hostels recognised by the International Youth Hostel Federation (website: www.hihostels.com): five in Athens, one in Corfu, one on Ios, one on Paros and two on Santorini. 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 (see Accomodation Information below).

Greek Youth Hostel Association
Student and Travellers' Inn 16 Kydathinaion Street, Plaka, 105 58 Athens, Greece
Tel: (210) 324 4808.
Website: www.studenttravellersinn.com

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