Askar01

Hi

I'm going to Greece next June for four weeks. I plan to stay one week in Crete and the three following weeks on two or three other islands. Now I have to decide which ones. I'm thinking of Paros, Naxos, maybe Chios or Lesbos.
I'm looking for cheap accommodation (50 € at the very maximum) on these islands. Is it feasible? Can I find something on the spot or do I need to book in advance? Any address (a homestay or a family-run hotel preferably) that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance!

travelerjan

When you say "next June" am I right in that you mean 2012?? Good -- I love people who plan ahead. And of course you can find tons of accommodation in June at that rate or below.

I'll give plenty of ideas if you can confirm that you mean 2012 not 8 weeks from now.

Also it would help if you indicate -- when you say "I" do you mean you're on your own or, as so often is the case, people say "I" when they really mean going with a partner or friend.

Heimdall

It doesn't matter whether you mean June 2011 or 2012, you have plenty of time either way. Some of my best holidays have been planned on the hoof, moving on when it suits, and finding rooms when I get off the ferry. You get the best room deals that way, and if you don't like the hotel, you can move out the next morning and find something better. When you book in advance you commit yourself to price and length of stay. You should be able to find rooms with twin beds and private WC/shower on Paros and Naxos for around €30/night, not sure about the other islands. Prices usually go up around the third week of June.

That doesn't mean walking in blind — you need to do lots of research beforehand, making a rough outline of where you want to go, learning the ferry connections, etc. Some people like to have everything planned in advance, and never experience the sense of freedom you get without a rigid timetable.

Chania

There is no problem finding cheap and good accomodation on Naxos and Chios at that time of year. Late June may be a problem but late May and early June the accomodation is plentiful and competitive. I have no experience with Lesvos and Paros. On Chios in early June in Karfas we could find good accomodation for 33 to 50 euros for 2 people.

travelerjan

When I'm responsible for the happiness of others, such as this year, I have to book ahead .. but when on my own, I like to be flexible. What you CAN do, for the best outcome, is to do some homework, select 4 or 5 places you like, in your budget limits, that are near to each other, on your map. Then you won't just do random walk-ups. Go to that area (i.e. Parikia on Paros or St. George on Naxos), and do your walk-ups. Or, if the fancy strikes you, the day before you get to the island, make a call to your top choice and ask if they have a room for €xx.

Askar01

travelerjan:
<i>I'll give plenty of ideas if you can confirm that you mean 2012.</i>
I meant June 2011 (<i>next</i> June) - too bad.

Askar01

Heimdall and Chania, thanks for your advices.

1slandHopper

My favorite hotel in Chania is Hotel Alexis. It is a great little place with the BEST kept secret in Crete-their restaurant has the most incredible food for super, super cheap since it only opened a few years ago and the word hasn't gotten out yet. Great hotel, splurge for an ocean view room and you have great views of the water and the city.