Help Greek Islands

tb4100

I have booked flights with BA (avios) and could only get flights from Gatwick to Cos 17th June and then from Mykonos back to Gatwick on the 6th July.

We have booked accomodation In Cos for four days when we arrive and two days in Mykonos when we leave not sure which Islands we will be visiting probably Patmos, Nexos and maybe Paros will we find it easy to get accommodation at the last three islands when we arrive at the ports or best to book in advance ? also is it best to take a credit card and a prepaid card ?

Thank you in advance x

bigadaj

Probably better posting on the relevant board on tripadvisor.

Check the ferry schedules as these will generally follow fixed routes, this may well dictate which islands it's easiest to visit and in which order.

tb4100

Thanks bidadaj
I will ask on Tripadvisor but my question was weather I could get accommodation by just turning up at the port on the Islands or should I book in advance sorry I didn't make myself clear x

eDicky

tb4100 wrote: »

also is it best to take a credit card and a prepaid card ?

Yes, both.

CC: Halifax Clarity / Creation Everyday / Santander Zero

Prepaid: Monzo / Revolut

tb4100

Thankyou eDicky I already have a Halifax clarity card was just wondering about a cash card to save paying interest x

bigadaj

tb4100 wrote: »

Thanks bidadaj
I will ask on Tripadvisor but my question was weather I could get accommodation by just turning up at the port on the Islands or should I book in advance sorry I didn't make myself clear x

Traditionally you would just turn up and find somewhere, this may well be ok but towards the end of your trip you're getting into high season.

Personal choice really, if it's something you would get stressed over if ther are accommodation shortages then book, if you're fairly relaxed and like the idea of a bit of uncertainty then leave it, there'll be something available but it may not be exactly what you want.

Ganga

bigadaj wrote: »

Traditionally you would just turn up and find somewhere, this may well be ok but towards the end of your trip you're getting into high season.

Personal choice really, if it's something you would get stressed over if ther are accommodation shortages then book, if you're fairly relaxed and like the idea of a bit of uncertainty then leave it, there'll be something available but it may not be exactly what you want.

I remember watching one of the tv travel shows,BBC Holiday--,used to be followed by the year,anyway they visited the Greek islands and people were standing on the dock when the ferry arrived holding up accomadation signs,things might have changed sinse then.

Ainsley1

No, things have not changed significantly, except that there is no need to wait for customers when it is busiest (high season) and those waiting often are for the poorer accommodation.

Bigadaj is correct; out of high season (and also just before and after) there is often a choice of unfilled accommodation so generally early June would not be a problem in places such as Patmos. Later in the month things are getting busier so maybe book for then?

Bear in mind some islands can still be busy when into September (Tilos is such a one) but late in the season that is generally not the norm. I am not sure of which ones but it could well be the same prior to the peak season in some locations.
It would perhaps be best looking for web sites that cover the specific locations you wish to travel to to get a feel of current individual situations and take note of the pricing structure of the tour operators for the more popular islands to get an idea of demand?

I would guess that booking might be advisable if you went to Mykonos at the end of your trip. Bear in mind that if you decide to travel faster by hydrofoil thenvthey can be cancelled in windy conditions but the ferries will usually still be running.

Patmos is visited during the day by many a cruise liner but is significantly quieter come evening plus there are many a quieter place to avoid the 'visitors'!. Last time we arrived we just found a hotel a few hundred yards from the port and they then came to pick up our cases. They were just passed the power station and I would go back there. Mind you that was a few years back :rotfl:

Blue264

Ganga wrote: »

... they visited the Greek islands and people were standing on the dock when the ferry arrived holding up accomadation signs,things might have changed sinse then.

It used to be like that, but personally, I've only seen it at Corfu airport last July.

We go to Greece a few times a year because my OH's family live near Athens, and always go for the first two weeks of July for his mum's birthday. Usually have a few days on an Island, several days in Athens, then a few days on another island. Because of my OH's work commitments, we usually only book a couple of days before travelling. What I have seen in the last 2yrs is accommodation selling out before we're able to book. I reckon a lot of this is down to so many places not feeling safe anymore, but all reports say Greek tourism is on the increase.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/articles/What-crisis-Greece-expects-record-visitor-numbers-in-2016/

richardw

Cash is loved, and the credit card machine seems always to be 'broken' or 'connection not possible'.

Ganga

Blue264 wrote: »

It used to be like that, but personally, I've only seen it at Corfu airport last July.

We go to Greece a few times a year because my OH's family live near Athens, and always go for the first two weeks of July for his mum's birthday. Usually have a few days on an Island, several days in Athens, then a few days on another island. Because of my OH's work commitments, we usually only book a couple of days before travelling. What I have seen in the last 2yrs is accommodation selling out before we're able to book. I reckon a lot of this is down to so many places not feeling safe anymore, but all reports say Greek tourism is on the increase

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/articles/What-crisis-Greece-expects-record-visitor-numbers-in-2016/

Good news,they could do with some.:T