My fiance and I like to go and get small pensions when possible. Adds to the excitement!. Do you think this is a possibility in the Greek islands beginning of september. I think that I am going to book santorini because I know that that is difficult but what about other islands. we will be there between 9/3/03 and 9/11/02

Although others may disagree you will not need reservations not even in Santorini. The exception to this rule is Athens we always have a hard time getting rooms there. When you get off the ferries you will be met by a wave of people trying to rent rooms to you so be prepared if you speak greek it's really easy but if you don't not to worry most can speak english. If you have your heart set on a particular hotel in Santorini book ahead so you won't be disappointed.
If you are ever stuck for a room go to the tourist police and they will find you a place.

Where else are you going besides Santorini?

Thanks so much for the reassurance. I thought that I would splurge and book the esperas or some sort of hotel for three nights. (sunrocks, dana, atalantis) do you recommend fira or ia??
then going to mykonos or rhodes for 3 nights then athens for a couple of nights. I was planning on going to athens at the end of the trip. should i spend two nights there or is 1 night 1 day enough??

I was in Greece in September, 2001. We started in Athens and spent three nights but two would have been fine. We stayed at the Parthenon View hotel. It was reasonable and had a rooftop garden that you could take drinks to and watch an incredible sunset. We went to Santorini and Mikonos and also to Naxos. All three island were very different and we didnt have a favorite.

I can assure you that finding a nice place to stay on Santorini in September will be no problem at all, no advance bookings required. I recommend that you stay in the village of Oia. It is the most beautiful settlement on the island. From the airport you can take a taxi, from the ferry port take the bus into Fira and another bus or taxi to Oia.

There are many places to stay at all price levels. At the main bus/taxi stop in Oia is an office that can help, or you can walk up past the restaurant to the main square in front of the big church and talk to Markos at Karvounis Tours, just to the right of the square. He is very helpful and reliable.

Take 2 nights in Athens, it will give you enough time to see the city without causing you to feel rushed. Check out the Attalos Hotel for a good room in a hotel with a great rooftop lounge that has a view of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

http://www.attalos.gr/

Last year I stayed at Esperas the first week of September and I would book ahead if that's the hotel you want because it seems to be very popular. I have some pictures posted on my virtual tourist page if you want to see them http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/4a4b1/. As far as Oia over Fira it depends if you want nightlife or relaxation. Although I've never stayed in Fira I have spent many evenings there and its lots of fun but busy. No matter which you decide you will have to make a point to spend at least one evening in each town.

Do you think we should book ahead for athens as Trish suggested?

Rekhatrip, I personally don't think it's necessary to book ahead for Athens in September, but my experience is limited. Granted it's a very popular destination, but in September so many people have already gone home. I've even found a room without advance reservations in the middle of the summer season. It's up to you. One think to consider is how far you're travelling to get there. If you expect to be tired after a long journey you might appreciate having made an advance reservation so all you have to do is head for the hotel. But I can tell you that the Tourist Information Services at the new airport will also be able to help you find a room when you get there, so it's probably not all that critical to have booked ahead. If budget is a consideration for you as it is for me, you can take public transportation into Athens, say to Syntagma Square and then catch a taxi to your hotel. It'll be a lot cheaper than a taxi all the way from the airport. Or perhaps if you have an advance booking at the right hotel they will have a shuttle to pick you up.

I stayed at the Hotel Attalos last fall and it was fine. Costs about E55/night. Also stayed at Hotel Addonis I believe in the Plaka and it was slightly cheaper and just as good. I arrived on Santorini about the first week in October. I stayed at Pension Petros in Fira for just E15 a night (for a single). They weren't full so they were willing to bargain on the price. It was nice and clean and just off the main square in Fira. I'd stay there if you're looking for something small and econmical. You'll pay quite a bit more though for rooms on the caldera. I don't think you'll need reservations. I only booked my first and last nights in Athens to be safe.

I booked Esperas in Santorini for the first 4 nights to have some peace after the busy wedding but then I think we are going to wing it in athens and in mykonos. That's part of the fun huh? thanks for your advice.

Sept. should be fine to just go and find someplace. The busy time is August when alot of northern europeans arrive.