In this part of our guide to holidays in Greece we focus on accommodation…

Most Greek hotels are basic and unpretentious and the rooms are usually small. However, most rooms include balconies and air-conditioning and are well cleaned and maintained, even in the simpler hotels. The biggest problem can often be noise from local roads, bars and eateries. While the cities and the more popular islands do offer more upmarket accommodation, the choices are limited and generally are not good value for money.

In addition to hotels, almost every popular Greek destination offers self-catering accommodation, called studios or apartments (the terms are pretty much used interchangeably). Though not listed very often in travel guides, they’re a viable option, especially for budget conscious travelers. They are similar to hotel rooms in almost every aspect, with the only real difference being that they also have basic cooking facilities.

If you have a bigger budget, renting a villa is something to be considered. They’re normally near or on the beach and provide more space and a great view. The more people you have staying in them, the better value they provide, with most having facilities catering for around 8 people.

Whether you choose a hotel, studio or villa, you will be able to book it online. Nowadays, even the smaller accommodation providers have web sites. You should be able to organise bookings by email, but faxing can sometimes be a more reliable option. In addition, many hotel booking services – both Greek and international – will make online, fax or phone bookings.

Otherwise, once you’re in Greece, you can usually find a place without a lot of trouble. But don’t try this in summer on the most popular islands, where rooms can be difficult to find at the peak of the season, and on major holidays. If you find yourself stuck for a room, you can ask at a cafe whether the owner or staff know of any rooms for rent, or seek help from a local travel agency (if possible, one recommended by a major guidebook).