15

artemis2, I was speaking past tense, meaning before you mentioned them, I was unaware of any lodging in Elafonisi. But thanks for the info. Even though LP's online search seems not to have online rates and availability, I need to start utilizing that resource as well to get an idea of the number of lodging available in locations.

16

I read in the LP guide book that the Heraklion to Phaestos bus stops at Gortys, but does the Matala to Heraklion bus stop there as well?
It's the same bus route on the same road. Any bus will pick up a passenger at any stop along the route.

So even though there are 3 separate schedules, is it all one bus route that goes from Matala to Phaestos to Heraklion (that is Phaestos is a stop on the way?).

17

Even though LP's online search seems not to have online rates and availability, I need to start utilizing that resource as well to get an idea of the number of lodging available in locations.

These places don't give online rates and availability because they have no web presence, it's as simple as that. If you absolutely want to book such places you will have to phone them and you'd risk to get a too high room rate that way.
I have the impression that you don't understand that you don't need to book your accommodation ahead for October. I never book my accommodation ahead in Greece and i usually travel in June, Sept or Oct.
You now know that there is budget accommodation in Matala, Paleochora and Elafonisi. Just go wherever you feel like going to and decide where you want to stay when there, that's one of the joys about travelling off season. You don't need to stay in the first place you walk in. Just ask their rates, ask to see the room, and think about it or check out the place next door as well. This way you are in the best position to negotiate or to get a discounted rate from the start and you will have the advantage of choosing for the best value for money, the nicest room, the best view, etc.

Just go.

18

re #16
The schedules are described in terms of the final destination.

There are certain buses that go only as far as Phaestos, for example, but these buses pass by Gortys because they're both on the same road. The Phaestos bus might drive right up to the parking lot.

Some buses go all the way to Matala, and these also are on the same road, passing by both Phaestos and Gortys. If you're on a bus and want to get off somewhere, ask the driver to stop.

As with the accom questions, I think you're worrying a bit too much about the fine details. The thing about Greece as a travel destination is that the national style of doing things seems to be "improvisation". This has unfortunately not worked as a large scale government strategy, but for the traveller on the ground it makes Greece a very easy place to get things done.

19

My concern with Elafonisi was whether there was lodging there at all - I didn't know if it was just a national park with no town/lodging at all. The other concern with a small place is whether any lodging stays open in the off-season - LP mentions some less heavily touristed areas basically shut down in the off-season. Whether the ferry service stops off-season is my biggest worry. I don't plan on phoning ahead - even though I'm buying an international SIM card for my phone, it will still cost $1 per minute so that will add up rapidly. Walking from place to place to get a bargain takes time and is only works with a heavy backpack when they are relatively close together. Having an idea of the rates (like getting from the web ahead of time) helps to know what to negotiate from. But as I said earlier, I don't plan on booking anything in advance for maximum flexibility except for my first few nights in Athens upon arrival by plane. Yes BthDth, I did come across a quote regarding "Greece time" and how they approach meetings; likewise whether they decide to run or cancel a ferry and what time it leaves - all improvisational - this is definitely not Germany where you can set your watch by the trains.

One other place I didn't know if there was any lodging is Famagusta in northern Cyprus. LP's guide did not even have a section for "sleeping" for that city. I found hard to believe there is no lodging in one of the major cities in northern Cyprus, especially with it being on the coast with the major archaeological site Salamis nearby. I couldn't even find anything with some booking engines. Fortunately LP's online search turns up a few hotels, although almost all appear to be run-down. Without lodging and almost no public transit there (to get to Salamis), I had been reconsidering even visiting Famagusta and Salamis, which would have been a shame as Salamis is the best archaeological site in all of Cyprus.

20

Backpacker, first half of October is before the off-season in Crete, it is still shoulder season.
In Elafonisi the two budget places are next to each other. In Matala most budget places are in the same 'Hotel Street'. In Paleochora they may be a bit more spread out, but it's a small town.

Strange what you are writing about Famagusta. I have an older copy of the LP to Cyprus (ed 2000) and they mention 3 budget accommodations there and one five star hotel.

For your peace of mind.... the RG publishes some of its listed accommodations online, just click on the place names at the bottom of the page.
http://www.roughguides.com/travel/europe/greece/crete.aspx

Edited by: artemis2