Travelling in Greece (Part two)

DISABLED TRAVELLERS

Despite the fact that most places should be accessible to the disabled, though many hotels now do cater for the disabled traveller, careful planning and research is necessary. Accessibility to the ancient sites and some beaches are not wheelchair friendly due to the terrain and the lack of insight into the needs of disabled tourists. More information can be obtained from, Radar (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation), 12 City Forum, 250 City Rd. London EC1V 8AF , England . (radar@rader.org.uk). They publish a useful guide for disabled travellers in Europe .

ACCOMMODATION

Greece offers a wide range of accommodation from camping sites to luxury hotels. All room prices include vat and local taxes, a surcharge is added for the use of an extra bed in the room. Prices will vary due to the seasons with mid summer being the highest. The tourist police control the prices of accommodation, and a notice must hang in each room by law, stating the category and prices charged. If you have any problems with the owners about prices and services, though overcharging rarely occurs, contact the tourist police.

Hotels: Hotels are classified in to six categories, Deluxe, A, B, C, D and E. The first three are the best, with bars restaurants and en-suite bathrooms, the latter three vary in standard in respect to facilities offered, you may have to share bathrooms, and pay for hot water. Prices vary with the standard of hotels always check before booking .

Domatia: Once just a room in one of the locals houses, today there are more often than not a purpose built accommodation classified, in three categories A, B, C depending on the facilities offered. Staying in a domatia is an alternative for the budget conscience traveller. Some domatia owners on the islands often meet the ferries offering rooms to rent, before taking up the offer make sure of its location and standard, you could end up staying in an isolated area, where the main entertainment is talking to the donkey.

Private rentals: If you are planning on a longer stay in Greece , private rentals is an option, prices vary according to length of stay and season. The Athen News classified section lists those available in the Athens area.

Traditional buildings: Many of the once derelict historical buildings have been carefully restored, and converted into tourist accommodation. Though some are expensive, they offer good value and a relaxing environment.

Camping: Greece has many camping sites, some of them situated in splendid locations, many of them have excellent facilities, showers, kitchens, shops, restaurants and some have a swimming pool. Prices vary with the size of tent or caravan and season. Contact the, Panhellenic Camping Association (tlf/fax 2103 621 560; Solonos 102, Athens 106 80) who publish a yearly booklet listing camping sites.

Youth Hostels: The one and only youth hostel in Greece , affiliated to the International Youth Hostels Federation is in Athens , (tlf 2105 234 170; Viktoros Ougo 16, Athens ). The Greek Youth Hostel Organisation, runs hostels on the mainland and some of the islands, (tlf 2107 519 530; Damareos 75, Athens ) and you do not have to be a member to stay there.

See also Outdoor Pursuit