Greece

Authors: Paul Hellander, Kate Armstrong, Michael Clark, Des Hannigan

Edition: 7, illustrated

Publisher: Lonely Planet, 2006

ISBN 1740597508, 9781740597500

772 pages

Greece is no longer a cheap country. Prices have rocketed since the adoption of the euro in 2002. It's hard to believe that inflation is less than 4%, as claimed by the government, when prices have risen by more than 50% in two years. Some dramatic price rises, particularly for accommodation and restaurant meals, have been evident especially in the wake of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Your money will go much further if you travel during the quieter months of May to June and September to October. Accommodation is a lot cheaper outside high season - particularly on the islands. You will also be able to negotiate better deals if you stay a few days. Families can achieve considerable savings by looking for self-catering apartments, shopping for food and drink at supermarkets and local produce markets and cooking for themselves.

Prices quoted throughout this book are for the high season in July and August.