The subtleties of renting: how to look for housing in Greece yourself and how much it will cost. Why is it worth renting property in Greece with us? Renting real estate in Greece without intermediaries

Summer continues in Greece! You can enjoy a beach holiday here for at least another month - until the end of September. And the choice of housing in the fall in Greece is much greater. If only I knew from whom it is better to rent: turn to private owners or stay in a hotel out of habit... Everything is more complicated than it seems!

Independent trip to Greece: accommodation must be booked in advance, otherwise a visa will not be given

You have refused the services of the agency and are planning and arranging a tourist trip to Greece yourself. Then keep in mind: you won’t be able to look for housing upon arrival! Reserving a place of residence is one of the requirements of the Greek Consulate in Ukraine when applying for a visa. “Especially if a person is traveling for the first or second time. Accommodation may not be booked only if the traveler already has a Schengen visa from another country or a long-term Greek visa,” explains Anna Shumskaya, head of the EUEASY company.

So, let's say you're going to Greece for the first time. Question: where to book, are all sites suitable? After all, the embassy may say: this portal is not listed with us. In fact it is! Oddly enough, the Kiev Greek Consulate is skeptical about the world-famous booking.com. The logic, however, is ironclad: a person pays only for the intermediary services of the site, and not the rent itself. Therefore, you will have to book through booking.com with a 50/50 chance of being lucky or unlucky. To avoid any doubts, rent housing through sites that offer direct payment. Forums, groups on social networks, as well as portals of Greek tour operators can help you. The most famous: airbnb.com and hotelscombined.gr.

It would seem that all the documents for the visa have been collected. One catch: you have agreed on housing with a private owner: you want to rent not a room, but an apartment. But will a private owner be able to provide a document confirming your residence within a certain period of time? Moreover, the document that will be accepted at the consulate...

This is a very complex issue that deserves special attention. If you book through booking.com, for example, you will need to contact the hotel and ask for documented proof of your reservation. With the site airbnb.com everything is much simpler - there is a function that allows you to immediately pay for housing and receive confirmation of payment. If you rent from a private owner, he may send you an invitation: they say that he, as a friend, invites you to stay with him for free. Thus, the landlord receives the client, and he receives housing. But in practice, the consulate in Ukraine looks at such invitations with skepticism: it is obvious that they are fictitious. Therefore, along with the invitation, the Greek side requires a certificate of income, a passport and a tax return. It is clear that apartment owners rarely agree to such conditions

Now about how to pay: remotely - by credit card - or on the spot - in cash. Most often, you need to transfer money in advance. Only hotels allow you to pay for your stay at the time of check-in, and sometimes during check-out. According to Anna Shumskaya, private owners usually demand in advance, if not the entire amount, then most of it. For example, if you rent a house for two weeks, you must pay for the first one in advance, arrive, check in, and immediately pay for the second.

The most budget accommodation option in Greece for a couple of days

In case of a non-standard trip, when you are going on vacation with children or plan to visit many cities and islands in a short time, do not take risks and contact a tour operator. You will be offered different accommodation options, and it will be more profitable. For example, only charter flights fly to Crete and Rhodes, so purchasing tickets on your own will cost more than at an agency.

Best booking sites: airbnb.com, booking.com, tripadvisor.com. These portals occupy different niches, but all are recognized as the best - each in their own way. Airbnb.com contains private offers for rental housing (average cost - 20–50 euros per day per room or apartment). Booking.com has offers in different price categories: both expensive hotels and cheap hostels. But! The site is large, and you need to carefully check the accuracy of the information. And tripadvisor.com is something like an improved version of booking.com. The main emphasis here is on real customer reviews. However, tripadvisor.com prices are higher than other sites.

Long-term housing in Greece

When it comes to long-term accommodation, it is clear that the hotel option is out of the question due to the high cost. There are almost no hostels in Greece. There are two solutions left. First, you book an apartment through airbnb.com, agree on a long-term lease, and the owner removes his ad from the site. But this option is also not cheap: you will have to pay about 500 euros per month. Secondly, you rent inexpensive housing for a long period (from several months to a year) on the website studenthouse.gr, spitogatos.gr or xe.gr.

Anna Shumskaya, head of EUEASY:

It should be noted that without knowledge of the specifics of Greek rentals, it is better not to resort to the services of these sites. Portals often offer apartments without furniture (even kitchen furniture), appliances, and dishes. Therefore, at the stage of selecting options, you need to be very careful and not fall for the low price. In addition, rentals on these sites are offered for a year or longer. If you need an apartment for three to four months, you need to discuss the conditions with the owner in advance: most likely, your price will increase slightly. And don’t forget that you need to pay for the first and last months of your stay immediately

Briefly about prices. If you live in a hotel, prepare to pay monthly from 1000 euros, if you rent an apartment through airbnb.com - about 450–500 euros, and if through spitogatos.gr - from 200 to 300 euros per month (if renting for a long time: website specializes in such options).

Of course, you need to start searching in advance, especially in the summer. The best hotel rooms in Greece for August are booked in March-April. It’s easier with private travelers - you need to book a month before arrival. Owners rarely agree to “hold” an apartment longer.

I booked, arrived, but didn’t like the accommodation...

To avoid this situation, do not book unfamiliar properties. Ideally make a reservation for a week. Come, take a look around. Everything suits me? Then you extend the lease. Disappointed? So, the search is on again, only this time in place.

But no matter how long you book your accommodation, always carefully read the refund conditions. Do you lose very little or will you later “scrape out” at least a penny from the amount paid? Let’s say there’s a problem: we arrive, and the housing is not at all what it is in the picture. It is better to endure and ask the owner for improvements than to try to return the prepayment. Especially if you arrive in the summer: during the season you won’t find acceptable options during the day with fire.

Independent search/booking of accommodation in Greece: common mistakes of tourists

Do you think being on your own is cheaper and you’ll save on a trip to Greece? Unfortunately, it is not. Package offers from travel companies are much more profitable! Make an exception at least for the first trip - don’t rely on yourself. A tourist risks getting into trouble due to basic ignorance of all the nuances when processing documents and visas. And remember firmly: cheapness does not always guarantee quality. Don't believe everything you see and read on rental websites, double check the information!

If you have any questions, ask them to our expert Anna Shumskaya.

Are you dreaming of a wonderful holiday on the shores of the radiant sea in Greece?
Are you tired of the intrusive service of hotels, boarding houses, and the constant noise and bustle of tourists vacationing in them?
Do you want to enjoy a comfortable, relaxing holiday, combining it with a visit to historical monuments of the Middle Ages?
If yes, then our company “Greece-rent” will help you make your dreams come true. Our profile is renting a villa in Greece or any other real estate from luxury apartments to a small cozy apartment.

How to rent a house on the Greek coast?

Greece-rent company offers services rental property in Greece for the summer at competitive prices. On our website you can choose villas, cottages, townhouses, apartments, studios to suit your taste. A convenient search system using parameters will help you quickly find the house you need:

1. a country
2. region
3. type of housing
4. number of beds
5. Price per night

All properties have been selected and tested by us taking into account the requirements and preferences of modern travelers. Our database is regularly updated with new, attractive offers.

If you don't know which resort to choose, we will help you. Our website provides information about beaches, climate, attractions, cuisine, traditions of various regions of the mainland and islands. After familiarizing yourself with them, you will find the ideal place to relax, where you can rent a villa in Greece or a comfortable cottage.

Renting real estate in Kassandra, you ensure the availability of a developed resort infrastructure and the opportunity to be at the center of cultural, commercial and social activities.

Real estate in Sithonia allows you to enjoy the environmentally friendly environment. An atmosphere of relaxation, sophistication and regularity of life will be provided in this picturesque resort region.

To rent real estate on Athos means providing the comfort of a calm and measured life in the most beautiful places, the center of spirituality and in close proximity to sacred places.

We provide high-quality and efficient tourist services in more than 50 regions of the country.

Why should you contact us?

The goal of our company is to popularize the natural and spiritual beauty of the country, to help tourists and travelers choose their own piece of paradise. Regardless of whether you rent a luxury villa in Greece, an apartment or a stylish yacht, Greece-rent will make sure that all your wishes are fulfilled and your expectations of comfortable accommodation are justified. We guarantee that your vacation will be luxurious, magnificent, unforgettable.

In addition to renting real estate in Greece, the company offers an additional range of services:

• meeting tourists at the airport;
• transfer to your place of residence;
• provision in transport rental all types and classes: cars, boats, yachts, helicopters, airplanes;
• organization of leisure;
• conducting various excursions and cruises to the islands.

If you love this country so much that you want to buy a house in Greece, we will help you with that too. Our company offers for sale the best villas, apartments and development land. You can rely on our many years of successful experience in the tourism sector and in the foreign real estate market. Choose and book - renting a villa in Greece by the sea will be affordable and easy. Here you will receive the highest level of services at reasonable prices.

The company "Greece-rent" realizes your dreams and turns them into reality.

Beach or active holidays in Greece are the desired goal of tourists from all over the world. This Mediterranean country is hospitable to all people who wish to visit it. Organizing a holiday in Greece is equally wonderful for everyone - lovers of relaxation on impeccable beaches, fans of active entertainment, extreme sports or vibrant nightlife.

There are a huge number of hotels and inns in Greece, but experienced tourists are convinced that this is not the best accommodation option.

For all its modernity, the hotel remains a public place with strict rules of stay, daily routine, forced proximity to strangers and not always pleasant people.

But all these shortcomings are not a reason to refuse an exciting trip to Greece. At any time of the year in Greece, you can rent a villa, apartment or cottage and enjoy your holiday only in the company of loved ones.

On the website, you can choose the appropriate option, taking into account many parameters and at competitive prices.

Renting villas in Greece

The selection of spacious and comfortable Greek villas is best done by a large and active group of guests, which includes more than 10 people. The site offers rental villas with different sizes and layouts, modern finishes and attractive interiors. Most of the villas are located near the sea with beaches. There are also swimming pools in the landscaped areas of many mansions. The large living area and local area offer guests a lot of opportunities for shared leisure time.

Renting apartments in Greece

Renting an apartment in Greece is a low-cost accommodation option suitable for one or two people. The selection of apartments is often carried out by people arriving in Greece on a work visit or by married couples. Depending on your plans in Greece, you can rent an apartment in a certain region and city. For people who want to relax in silence and enjoy the beauty of nature, it is better to book an apartment on the outskirts of the city. Fans of shopping, local restaurants and entertainment venues should book an apartment in the center of the village. Renting apartments on the mainland under comparable conditions will cost less than renting living space on the islands.

Houses for rent in Greece

Renting a house in Greece is the optimal combination of comfort and competitive price. Renting a cottage is recommended for people who are used to traveling with their whole family or as part of a large group. The cottage can accommodate an impressive number of guests, so you can agree on a shared rental even with strangers. There is more space here than in a standard hotel room, and the prices are noticeably lower. The cottages are landscaped and have everything necessary for a comfortable stay.

Independent holiday in Greece

An independent holiday in Greece is much more interesting and profitable than an official tour, which requires compliance with a huge number of rules. The overpayment is compensated by the provision of a number of additional services, but you can prepare well for the trip without a travel agency. Everything you need for active independent travel is available on the Elinhom website. Here you can not only book accommodation from dozens of options, but also remotely submit a visa application, order tickets, airport transfers or organize a party. It is also possible to rent a yacht, car, plane or helicopter, and remotely sign up for excursions. For clients who find it difficult to select services, competent service consultants will help.

Currently, more and more travelers prefer to plan their trips on their own and not depend on the offers of tour operators. Moreover, the Internet offers many trust sites with which you can rent a house or apartment yourself without unnecessary fuss and risk.

Pros and cons of self-rental

An incomparable advantage of renting on your own is saving money, especially if you are traveling with your family. You don't need to book expensive family rooms or multiple hotel rooms. You will always have a shared kitchen with a table at your disposal, where you will dine together in a cozy home environment.

The second plus is for people who don’t want to feel like tourists. Rent a car and an apartment - and now you can be mistaken for a local resident. Many villas on the Greek islands are located in remote secluded places, and the only visitor to the beach will be you. We have already written in our article and this is an excellent rental option for large companies or families vacationing with children and grandparents - the benefits are clearly visible.

Let's add one more plus - independence from a travel company, which has little trust now. Many have repeatedly encountered a situation where the tour was paid for, but the travel agency itself did not pay for the reservation or you did not get the room you wanted and you can’t do anything about it. Situations are different, and there is only a visa risk (and Greeks rarely refuse visas).

Among the disadvantages, one can only note the lack of hotel service: the owner of the apartment will not cook you breakfast or build shaped compositions from towels.

As for the timing, in the high season you need to book accommodation at least 2-3 months in advance, especially in such popular resorts as Crete and Rhodes, otherwise all the “delicious” options will be sorted out, and only the most expensive or those that are far from beach We remind you that you first need to book air tickets, and only then an apartment or villa.

Booking procedure

Accommodation can be booked both with the help of intermediaries and without them. We recommend not to overpay for intermediary, especially since there is a very limited choice and the prices are too high. It will be much cheaper and faster to work directly with the property owner.

The largest platform today is www.airbnb.com, where housing can be rented directly from the owner (the site is in Russian). Naturally, the site takes a commission for its services, but it will be much lower than the commission of a real estate agency, and the more expensive the transaction cost, the lower the commission will be for you.

The site has very easy navigation and filters: select Greece, arrival dates, type of accommodation, number of guests, price range and amenities. On the right side there is a detailed map of Greece, and accommodation can be selected directly on it.

Next, go to the page of the selected housing. Here is a selection of writings, rules of residence, many photographs and, very important, reviews from guests about the accommodation and the owner himself. You can contact the host directly and ask him any questions, and Airbnb is connected to Facebook, so you can see the host’s page on the social network.

So, you have chosen accommodation and want to book it. What should be done? You must send a request with your details. Next you will see the payment methods available to you. Paying cash to the owner is strictly prohibited, booking, incl. its cancellation and payment only through the site, so the risk of fraud is zero.

Once the reservation has been confirmed by the host, payment can be made. The owner receives funds into his account one day after your arrival.

Some ask to additionally sign a lease agreement, which should be explicitly stated in the advertisement.

Cancellation

The booking rules are set by the host, so please read them carefully. Payments are usually non-refundable (except for serious reasons).

If the reservation is canceled by the owner of the apartment, then since the funds are still in the Airbnb system, you can easily find another accommodation. If it turns out to be cheaper, Airbnb will refund you the difference, and if it’s more expensive, you’ll just need to pay the required amount.

The booking confirmation will be your document that will need to be presented to the visa center in case you do not have Schengen.

Housing prices

Let's look at housing prices. All prices are indicated in euros per night, information is current for autumn 2015.

Athens

• From 16 euros/day per studio
• 76 euro/day for penthouse
• 95 euros/day for a house with 3 bedrooms.

Crete

• 25 euros small private house with 1 bedroom
• 30 euro studio
• 120 euros 2 bedroom villa.

Corfu

On this island, prices are higher, since the island is small and there is not much, and demand slightly exceeds supply.

• 25 euro studio
• 102 euros for a 2 bedroom apartment
• €980 for a 7 bedroom luxury villa.

Rhodes

• For a studio 20-25 euros
• a small villa can be found for 60-70 euros.

Santorini

Mykonos and Santorini are the most expensive islands in Greece, so the prices are steep. A small house here will cost 80 euros, an apartment with 2 bedrooms 110 euros, and 415 euros for a villa.

Mykonos

A room in Mykonos costs 46 euros, apartments 100-130, and villas from 500 to several thousand euros.

The minimum length of stay is one day, 3 days or a week. For a long term (a month or more) they usually offer 15-35% discounts. During high season, prices can be higher, so the sooner you start looking for options, the greater the chance of finding beachfront accommodation at a good price.

Security Guarantee

Now let's talk about such an important factor as safety. You don’t have to worry about money, since large agencies and Airbnb are reliable rental operators, all receipts and vouchers will be in your hands. The main thing is not to look for an apartment on the spot, but to rent in advance. Never send money directly, everything should be done through an agency or rental sites. There should also be no additional charges on site.

Many tourists wonder whether it is dangerous to rent property through Airbnb or other similar platforms, because it is unknown who the owner may be.

As noted earlier, in the profile of any room or apartment there are reviews, especially since you can correspond with the owner and understand how adequate a person he is. The profile of any owner is confirmed, since he sends his documents, including bank information, to register in the system.