In which islands we find the cheapest rooms in August - Price comparison

I've lived through times when we didn't book rooms five months before the holidays. We didn't. We would drive down to the island port, find inexperienced rubes (if I may use the term) there, not even see the room (Booking hurts?) and board a car with a complete stranger bound for some room with twin beds and a Bible in a drawer. The bathroom might have had a hose to wash ourselves. And in the morning we were woken up by a rooster. A lot has changed since my teenage years. We didn't grow up with Instagram to see paid postings from hotels and for us luxury was the beach (without sunbeds) for macrobiotics to find sea urchins (to eat them), a tavern with fresh seafood and good village food and the local festivals where we danced barefoot. We didn't know what boutique hotel and concierge and infinity pool meant. I've stayed at Matoyannia in a room like this. If I look for it today, it might cost the same as the rent for a three-room apartment in Kolonaki.

Are you going to tell me you miss hitchhiking and getting on a pickup truck to get from Parikia to Kolymbithres? Yeah. Yeah. But, okay. I grew up, learned what Airbnb meant from traveling abroad (we did gentrification together) and got used to leaving half my lung in the Aegean for a room in August. I apologize, but there is no nicer place in the world than the Greek islands in July, August, September, October. Actually, it's not my apocalypse, all of America in Plaka is eating these days.

Cyclades: the unapproachable

I want to take two weeks off in August. I owe it to myself for working tirelessly going up and down Kifissia for months, eating traffic, bad weather, and my soul. ΠI want to go to Koufonisia in the ten days from 8 to 18 August (I don't know what I'm thinking, maybe that I'm employed in Switzerland). The room for two persons available on Booking platform costs 3020€. Well, why should I go to see all of Athens gathered on two beaches. I'll look elsewhere.

I've looked and Anafi, when did you good people shut everything down?; In the Cyclades the budget rooms are gone (since Easter) and if you manage to find a room in August you will pay dearly. I found one (I hadn't made a vow). in Astypalaea ( Dodecanese typically / almost Cycladic in architecture and vibes) for 815€. It has a kettle. It's in the Meadow. Okay, you can't stay in the castle. Or you can if you have 3030€. Have fun and I'll like your pictures in the infinity pool.

Dodecanese: the “manna from heaven”

I'll endure a few extra hours on the ferry to get to the Dodecanese. We're talking about islands. Guys, in Karpathos I might find what I am looking for from 604€. For ten nights, two adults. I won't even tell the priest. You don't just call that economic in 2022, you call it a CHAMP. I find it even more economical (I use the Booking platform) for Kalymnos. With 400€. With double that I feel like Cleopatra. Screw Kalymnos. Listen to me and travel Leros which is a paradise on earth with prices in double rooms for ten days from 750€. And nice rooms.Very nice rooms. very economical accommodation can be found in Kos. The Scandinavians also prefer it.

North Aegean: The joy of the family

If you think that staying on the Greek islands is out of reach for the average family you have not been looking for rooms in Chios. I found a triple room for 573€ per ten days. I hear that ferries and car use is a huge expense. I've heard in the last few years that it's going up Samos in the preferences of Greek holidaymakers. Guess why? It has tremendously affordable rooms. On the beach. At 47€ per night for two people. I found a whole house for 82 a night.. WHOLE HOUSE.

Crete: THE THREAT

With Airbnb I found great rooms in Crete from 50€ per night (double room). Swimming pools, built-in beds, everything. You call that cheap. Good for the girls. You say I went on holiday in 2002.

Ionian Islands: surprisingly good prices

I also found good prices in Cephalonia and I don't know what I'm thinking and I haven't already bought it. I feel lucky and I'm looking for a room to Corfu. There are also 56€ and 60€ and 70€. I also found 36€ for 3 guests. It was not a hostel.

So, what does it take to find a budget accommodation somewhere that's not a stable? Patience. Great patience, hours of endless searching, comparing prices on the platforms for reservations. You will find. Even in the hottest tourist season. And know that you'll get your holiday gift as soon as you book your ferry and accommodation. There is always the camping solution.

PS: prices are from searches on Booking and Airbnb for the ten days of August for a double or triple room.

Edited by Zoe Demetriou