Interesting accommodation options in Greece

Staying in a Greek monastery or convent can be an eye-opening way of travel and it can also help you to get a better understanding of Greece’s devout ties to religion. Always separated by gender, this type of accommodation is often sparse and more of an experience than simply somewhere to stay. It has been a popular option for walkers on pilgrimage for generations in Greece, but it's now in decline and is now only possible on the mainland.

One of the most well-known stays in a Greek monastery is the “Monks’ Republic” of Mount Áthos. This male-only retreat can be found on the Halkidhikí peninsula, near Thessaloníki. Trips must be planned carefully in advance, and strict rules must be followed including obtaining a permit.

You can usually spot this option by a “Rooms for Rent” sign in English. If you like to travel without too much planning, dhomátia can be found in many tourist areas, often for lower rates than those listed online.

Rooms are often basic but clean, and it’s acceptable to have a look at the room before committing to pay. Often the hospitable owners will win you over with smiles and offers of home-cooked Greek food.

In Santorini, in particular, cave hotels or houses are a popular way to stay. Painted white with blue accents like most houses in Greece, they are a must when visiting Oia.

Naturally cool due to the rock construction, these come in all shapes and sizes, from standard to luxury. Some even have spas and heated pools hidden inside.

You can also stay in cave hotels in other parts of Greece, like Naxos, at a fraction of the price.

Dreams of staying in a Greek villa for next to nothing may be in the past, but they are still a great option if you want to feel at home in Greece. In the off-season good deals can still be had, even in more touristy areas.

It’s best to book in advance as the best ones get snapped up quickly. Use booking.com, Airbnb and Vrbo to look for deals and always check if there is suitable heating if travelling in winter.

Hostels are undoubtedly the best way to travel Greece on a budget - they are laid back and don’t have the strict rules or regulations of many European countries. This can be an issue if you are looking for a quiet night, but for social travellers they make for an ideal overnight stop.

Use the website higreece.gr to find a list of Greece’s hostels and apply for an IYHF card to save on accommodation prices.

Sustainable accommodation options in Greece are popping up all over the place, and many hotels are choosing to reduce their impact on the environment. Stay in a Greek agriturismo farm or eco retreat instead of a resort and the chances are you will get to taste fresh seasonal produce. Outside of the cities many Greeks grow their own organic produce, and meat (in the form of goats and sheep) is free-range rather than intensively farmed.

Visit one of Metaxas's three hotels in Crete and Santorini (Creta Maris, Santo Maris Oia and Candia Maris) to enjoy sustainable local produce grown in the hotels’ organic gardens. The head chefs focus on seasonal produce to create a slow food menu that showcases the best food of the region.

As with anywhere, slow travel in Greece reaps the most rewards when it comes to finding the right accommodation. By focusing on one area and travelling outside of the peak tourist season (July - August) prices drop significantly and travellers can be a lot more discerning about where they choose to stay.

• Expect to pay around €12 per night for a bunk in a traditional hostel, up to around €30 a night in Athens or on one of the more popular islands.

• A basic room in a hotel for two starts around €50 per night in low season, to €150 per night in high season.

• A family-sized self-catering apartment or villa will cost between €100 to €300 per night.

• For a 5-night stay in a cave house in Santorini, expect to pay around €2,000.

The main resorts are a better option when it comes to accessible travel. Many offer adapted rooms for disabled guests, wide paths, and step-free beach access. Booking.com has a comprehensive list of properties with accessible features in Greece.