Real experience of people from chats on «Housing» in Greece — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Georgioupolis is a recommended area on Crete, located between Chania and Heraklion, approximately 20 minutes from Chania. For dining in Agios Nikolaos, consider local fish tavernas where fresh fish is prepared on-site, offering a delicious and affordable experience.
Cancelling hotel bookings after obtaining a Schengen visa can lead to visa annulment. Consulates may verify reservations, and invalid bookings can result in serious consequences, including entry bans to the Schengen Area. It is strongly recommended to maintain confirmed or paid reservations throughout the trip and to notify the consulate of any unavoidable changes.
Prices for travel services like ferry tickets (e.g., Patras-Bari) and hotel bookings can exhibit significant dynamic variations (up to 30%) based on the geographic location of the purchase (e.g., buying from Moscow versus Greece). This applies even for identical dates, passengers, and vehicle types on official websites. Travelers are advised to compare prices from different locations, at various times, and potentially using a VPN. If a substantial price difference is found, consider canceling the original purchase (often with a small penalty, e.g., 5%) and re-booking at the lower price.
When applying for a Schengen visa, hotel bookings can be verified at multiple stages:
- **During Application Review:** Immigration officials may check bookings while processing your visa application.
- **Upon Entry:** Border control can verify your accommodation details upon arrival in the Schengen area.
- **Throughout Visa Validity:** Even after visa approval, authorities reserve the right to check your bookings and itinerary throughout the visa's validity period.
- **Risk of Annulment:** Significant discrepancies between your declared itinerary and actual bookings (e.g., using a Greek visa for extensive travel in other EU countries without proper justification) can lead to visa annulment.
Sleeping overnight in a car in Greece is generally permissible for resting during a long journey, especially in parking lots or at gas stations. However, setting up a campsite (e.g., deploying chairs, tables, umbrellas) is prohibited and may result in fines.
Changing hotel bookings after visa application submission carries risks. Consulates may verify reservation validity, and discrepancies can lead to rejection or visa annulment. If a change is necessary, inform the consulate immediately with updated booking details. Paid, non-refundable reservations are preferable for visa applications to minimize risk.
When choosing accommodation in Chania, Crete, consider areas that offer both good beach access and proximity to the city center. Utilizing resources like Google Maps with user reviews can help identify suitable locations based on preferences for beach type (sandy or pebbly) and accessibility.
Russian citizens may encounter difficulties paying for Greek accommodations through platforms like Airbnb using Russian-issued credit cards. This is often due to geo-restrictions. Using a VPN and potentially creating a new account or waiting 24 hours after enabling a VPN might resolve payment issues. The card itself might not be the issue, but rather the account's origin and access method.
For beach access near Athens, consider areas like Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni. Piraeus is primarily a port and lacks direct beaches, but offers ferry connections to islands with better beaches. From Piraeus, you can reach beaches via a 20-30 minute tram or taxi ride. Paleo Faliro is another option, marking the beginning of the coastal area. For a more upscale beach experience, Glyfada offers premium options at a higher cost.
Booking multiple hotels for your trip to Greece is generally acceptable. Alternatively, booking one central accommodation and renting a car to explore the island is also a viable option. Ensure your itinerary is logical and consistent with your accommodation bookings. Presenting multiple hotel reservations will not negatively impact your visa application.
Recommended itinerary balance: 3-4 days in Milos for beach exploration (e.g., Sarakiniko) and 2-3 days in Santorini. For Santorini, Imerovigli offers a better balance of cost and caldera views compared to Oia. To avoid peak tourist crowds ('cruise ship effect'), visit main hubs like Fira and Oia early in the morning (pre-11:00 AM) or late at night.
Changing accommodation bookings after obtaining a Schengen visa can be risky. While the first booked accommodation listed in the application is often the primary focus of checks, there's no guarantee that subsequent changes won't be scrutinized. It's advisable to maintain bookings as per the application or be aware of potential risks if changes are made.
If you modify your accommodation booking after submitting your visa application:
- **Minor Changes:** A change in the number of guests on an existing booking, especially if explained, is unlikely to cause significant issues. Consulates typically do not perform deep verification of booking details.
- **Explanation:** If concerned, consider writing a cover letter explaining the change, e.g., a family member joining the trip at the same accommodation.
- **Honesty:** Avoid fraudulent changes or misrepresentation, as this can lead to visa refusal or future problems.
Loutraki is a convenient base for exploring the Peloponnese region. It is approximately 1.25 hours from Athens by bus. Key advantages include lower cost of living compared to major tourist centers, compact layout, and proximity to major historical sites.
For ferry travel between Greek islands like Crete and Santorini, especially during peak season (early September), it is advisable to book tickets in advance through platforms like ferries.gr. When choosing accommodation on Santorini, both Fira and Oia offer beautiful views; Oia is described as cozier but can be crowded. For ferry tariffs, baggage is often handled within the cabin for shorter routes.
When using Airbnb for visa applications, ensure bookings are paid or cancellable. Users from Russia may face payment issues if the account was accessed without a VPN. Consider waiting 24 hours after enabling a VPN for successful payment. Ensure all travelers are listed on the booking.
In Greece, cash withdrawal may not be available for certain purchases. However, funds can typically be used for groceries and other essentials, but not for entertainment. Services like 'Trip.com' and 'Aviasales' can be used for booking flights and accommodation.
While booking hotels with payment on arrival is common, fully paid bookings may offer more security for a Greek visa application, as consulates occasionally verify reservations. If full payment is not feasible, opt for bookings with late free cancellation policies. Be aware that visa annulment is possible if misrepresentation is detected during verification calls to hotels.
For finding long-term accommodation in Greece, users can explore various online platforms and applications. While specific recommendations are not detailed in the log, general search for 'long-term rental Greece' or 'accommodation apps Greece' would be appropriate.
If your hotel booking confirmation for Greece incorrectly states your country of origin as Kazakhstan (potentially due to payment processing), it's advisable to contact the hotel directly. Request a corrected confirmation to avoid any potential issues during your visa application process. This proactive step ensures accuracy in your documentation.
For tourists staying in Athens, the Koukaki district is recommended for proximity to the Acropolis with a quieter environment. Nea Smyrni is recommended as a safe, residential area with good infrastructure (parks, cafes) and easy access to both the city center and the coast.
For visa applications in St. Petersburg or Moscow, if your permanent registration differs from your place of residence and work, providing a work certificate with the correct city indicated or a rental agreement can often suffice in lieu of temporary registration. This applies even if you are an individual entrepreneur with a different registered location. Ensure all supporting documents clearly explain your residential and employment situation.
If you booked a hotel for a Greek visa application and need to change it: 1. Notify the consulate/visa center. The address for Moscow is grgencon.mow.gr. 2. Provide the new hotel booking confirmation. 3. Be aware that visa centers have become stricter, and changing bookings might impact your application, especially for standard tourist visas. In previous years, hotel changes sometimes led to visa cancellations. Ensure all days of your stay in Greece are covered by accommodation bookings. For flights, consider refundable tickets or paying for them, as simple reservations might not suffice for visa applications. Check specific visa requirements on the consulate's website.
For travelers seeking authentic and scenic accommodation on Santorini, especially those relying on public transport, Oia is recommended for its cozy atmosphere and stunning sunset views. Staying in a cave-style hotel in Oia can enhance the authentic experience.
When booking accommodation in Athens, exercise caution with central locations like Omonia, which may have safety concerns. Researching different neighborhoods and considering areas such as Mets or Kallimarmaro is recommended for a more pleasant and secure stay. Always read reviews and consider the proximity to transportation and amenities before finalizing your booking.
If a pre-approved accommodation booking for a visa application is canceled, the applicant should secure a new booking and immediately inform the consulate. This should include an explanatory letter, screenshots of the cancellation, and details of the new reservation. Efforts should also be made to claim price differences from the booking platform. The success rate for salvaging the visa application in such a situation is approximately 50%.
When applying for a Greek visa, the choice of accommodation proof is crucial. If you are staying in Athens, it is generally recommended to book accommodation for no more than 3-4 days. For longer stays, especially during summer, it is advisable to book hotels in different locations, such as islands or coastal resorts, to present a more varied and credible itinerary. Some consulates may even verify accommodation bookings or require notification if a booking is canceled. Providing proof of accommodation at a seaside resort or a different tourist destination beyond Athens is often viewed more favorably.
Skopelos is a beautiful Greek island offering peaceful retreats and scenic beauty. While recent weather disruptions affected nearby Skiathos, Skopelos is experiencing improving conditions. Sea water is cool in the mornings, warming by evenings. Jellyfish, though non-venomous, have appeared, particularly on Skiathos. Accommodation options are more plentiful in the main town, with bus access to beaches. Loutraki and Neo Klima are also recommended areas. The island is gaining popularity among Russian tourists.