My boyfriend and I are planning to go island hopping around the Cyclades in September and are looking for cheap accommodation on Santorini or other nearby islands. Has anyone any recommendations?

Thanks!

Emily

You didn't specify the type of accomodations you require. More information would be helpful. If you want backpacker level, try the Youth Hostel Oia in the most beautiful village of Oia on Santorini. It's a wonderful setting with an upper terrace for watching the sunsets over the sea at the north end of the island.

their email: smemories@otenet.gr

Overall, in September you should have no problem finding a good price for a room without a reservation no matter where you go. If you travel by ferry you'll be met by locals at the ferry ports with offers of rooms (domatia), or you can make your way into the village and ask around until you find what you want. Just know in advance which area of a particular island you want to stay in so you don't get stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

Folegandros is my favourite Cycladic island - stay up in Hora - not at the port. It's a wonderul village to fall in love in - one of the most peaceful places I've ever been to. If you're already in love, then all the better! There's a fairly expensive but stunningly positioned guest house called Anenomilos - perched at the top of a 400' cliff. We have stayed in the very pretty Hotel Polikandia which is on the edge of the village near to where the bus from the port stops - easy to find - it's a tiny village. If you like beaches and swimming, then you will probably find that you have the beach and the sea to yourself. Few beaches have much in the way of facilities, so take food and drink.

Unless things have changed there is no bank on the island so you'll need to take any cash with you and the ferries are most every other day.

Milos is rather lovely too. Well worth a few days. Naxos is mostly unspoilt and the main town can be quite lively without being too brash. Some decent restaurants as well.

Santorini is unquestionably spectacular and Akrotiri is well worth a half-day. I would agree that Oia is likely to be the nicest place to stay. I always find it a bit commercial though, so 2 nights is usually enough for me. If you aren't on a really tight budget, take the boat trip to the volcano and swim in the thermally heated sea-water cove.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions about the above.