The Greek Islands are full of Athenians during the period 8 – 28 August, and consequently the price of a room increases by anything from 40 to 100% over the normal rate. On some islands it took up to five hours (this applies to both the popular islands and the smaller, quieter ones) to hunt for a room. The weekend of the 15 August should be avoided at all costs as it is the festival of the Madonna and all of Greece is in party mode so the chances of finding a room are very slim. It is a good idea to take a sleeping bag if you are staying on the islands at this time as you may be forced to sleep on a roof top or on the beach.
