Argos
The Greek Odyssey: Your Guide to Islands and Ancient Wonders
The Ultimate Guide to Affordable Greek Escapes: How to Find a Cheap Hotel in Greece
Greece is a symphony for the senses, a destination that sings to every type of traveler. For the adventure lover, there are windswept hiking trails and cerulean seas begging for exploration.
For the historically inclined, ancient stones whisper myths and legends at every turn. You can wander through places seemingly frozen in time, whitewashed villages clinging to cliffs, and then dive into the exuberant, vibrant pulse of modern Athenian nightlife or a bustling island port. In essence, Greece offers the perfect harmony of past and present, relaxation and discovery, making it one of the world's most sought-after destinations.
Smart travelers know that the key to a seamless Hellenic holiday lies in planning your travel and accommodation ahead of time. This not only locks in better prices but also saves you from the unpleasant surprise of limited options during peak season. The good news? Greece's lodging landscape is wonderfully diverse, stretching far beyond just luxury resorts. You can absolutely find comfortable, charming, and affordable places to stay that become a cherished part of your journey.
Beyond the Price Tag: Finding Value in "Cheap"
For the savvy tourist, "cheap" rarely means just the lowest cost. It means value, economical luxury. It’s the combination of a great location, genuine hospitality, clean and comfortable rooms, and perhaps a stunning view, all at a price that lets you save your euros for experiences: a seaside dinner, a boat trip, or museum entries. This sweet spot is not only possible in Greece; it's plentiful if you know where and how to look.
Strategies for Scoring Your Perfect, Affordable Stay
1. Embrace the Shoulder Seasons: The golden rule for value. Skip peak July/August crowds and prices. Visit in late April-June or September-October. You’ll enjoy glorious weather, warmer seas, lower rates (often 30-50% less), and a more authentic atmosphere.
2. Look Beyond the Obvious Islands: Everyone dreams of Mykonos and Santorini, but their prices reflect that. For incredible value, explore the Cycladic alternatives like Naxos (stunning beaches, mountainous villages) or Paros (cosmopolitan yet affordable). The Peloponnese peninsula offers incredible history, landscapes, and boutique hotels at mainland prices. Crete is so vast you can find secluded, budget-friendly gems, especially in the east and south.
3. Consider Alternative Accommodations: "Hotel" is just one option.
Pensions & Guesthouses (Domatia): Often family-run, these offer fantastic local insight, simple but spotless rooms, and breakfast. They’re ubiquitous on the islands.
Apartments & Studios: Ideal for families or longer stays. Having a kitchenette lets you save money on meals. Look for properties with a balcony or terrace.
Hostels (Modern Ones): No longer just dorm rooms! Many Greek hostels now offer private double rooms with en-suite bathrooms at hostel prices, often with great social spaces and local tours.
Featured Budget-Friendly Pick: Athens Plaza
If Athens is your gateway (and it should be for at least a few nights), consider the Athens Plaza. While not a sprawling luxury resort, it holds its own with a prime, strategic location on Syntagma Square, offering some rooms an iconic, direct view of the Acropolis, a feature usually reserved for far pricier establishments. The true value here lies in its professional and friendly staff, its clean and functional rooms, and the unparalleled convenience for exploring the historic center on foot. It’s a perfect example of getting a key luxury (that priceless view) at an economical rate.
Your Digital Hunting Ground: How to Search Online
The internet is your most powerful tool. Dedicate time to research on specialized platforms:
Use Meta-Search Engines: Sites like Kayak, Google Hotels, and Skyscanner compare prices across hundreds of booking sites at once.
Dive into Review Sites: Booking.com and TripAdvisor are indispensable. Read beyond the overall score. Look at recent reviews, guest photos (which are often more realistic), and filter for travelers like you (solo, couples, families).
Book Directly (After Research): Once you find a hotel you like on a booking site, check the hotel’s own website. They sometimes offer a best-price guarantee or perks like a free breakfast for booking direct.
Look for Local Flair: Search for blogs like "Greek Island Traveller" or "Greece Is" for curated lists of boutique and family-run stays that might not dominate the big booking sites.
Final Tips for the Wise Traveler
Location vs. Cost: A slightly cheaper hotel far from the center or beach will cost you more in time and taxi fares. Prioritize walkable locations.
Contact the Hotel: Have a question? Email them directly. Their responsiveness can be a great indicator of service.
Check Inclusion: Does the rate include taxes, city taxes, and breakfast? These can add up.
Greece is waiting to be discovered, and it doesn't require a royal budget. With thoughtful planning, flexibility, and these tips in hand, you can secure a welcoming, comfortable, and affordable base for your own epic Greek odyssey.
Argos - History Of The Ancient Greek City
Argos is an ancient Greek city which is part of the prefecture of Argolis, in the region of the Peloponnese. It has four main subdivisions: Kokla, Larissa, Akova, and Timenio. This city has gone through several interesting historical events, and its past is among the main factors which attract tourists to its lands. The ancient city of Argos lies about six miles from the city of Mykenae (Mycenae). Founded by Phoroneus and named after his son, Argos is the second oldest city of Greece.
Argos - View From Ancient Theatre
Argos Castle On Larissa Hill
During the ancient times,Argos was of such importance that Homer called all the Peloponnesians and often the rest of Greeks, Argians. During the Mycenaean times, the city of Argos was an important stronghold, and was seen by the rest of the region as a strategic spot. This area was one of the first locations in the region being inhabited and to become a town, only equaled by the acropolis of Tiryns and Mycenae.
In the Homeric times, the city of Argos was ruled by a follower of Agamemnon, and the name of the district in which this city is located, Argolis, was originated from such époque. Later, during the Romans, the region would be known as Argeia since that was the name given by these inhabitants. During the Persian War, Argos was asked to fight and refused to do so, which caused it to be somehow despised by many of the neighboring cities for certain period of time.
This was one of the most critical and difficult moments in the history of Argos, although it was soon overcome and became part of the past. At beginning of the 12th century, one of the most interesting constructions of Argos was built, the Castle of Larissa. Besides this construction, this city and its surroundings have received several amazing buildings and constructions as time passed by, some of them can be still seen.
Nowadays, the city of Argos is the largest city in the prefecture of Argolis, and one of the most visited by tourists as well. Argolis' economy is mainly based on agriculture, and oranges as well as other citrus are among the main resources of the city. There are many interesting spots visitors can meet while in Argos, such as the Archeological Museum or many antique constructions.
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