We've just come back from Ag Stephanos (North East) and it's certainly the most expensive place we've been to in Greece - mind you, it does have a reputation for being pricey.

We were spending an average of 70 euros for an evening meal for four with moderate drinks.

OK, it's still marginally cheaper than the UK, and the food is better and the service markedly more friendly, but the days when Greek prices were comparable to those in Turkey (which is our other regular holiday destination) seem to be long gone.

My father had a lengthy conversation with the owner of the local supermarket on this topic. She was seething with resentment about the way prices had risen since the intrduction of the Euro.

Her basic argument was that she took no pleasure in having to charge higher prices, becasue her profit margin had actually been squeazed. She appreciated that Greece was no longer a cheap holiday destination for tourists, but they went home after two weeks, while locals were stuck paying spiralling prices year-round.

A waiter we became quite friendly with was also bemoaning the fact that after spending May-October working 14-15 hour days, he could no longer afford to take a few weeks off in the winter. Instead his father had found him work in a local quarry.

We stayed at Dassia last year which is just down the road from Gouvia. Didnt find it expensive at all. Obviously some Tavernas were more expensive than others but definately much cheaper than at home. Mr Gyros did an english breakfast including drinks for 4 euros and it was Enormous! Believe me we didnt eat all day afterwards until the evening. A large Amstel there was only 1.50 euros but I must say it was a bit dearer at other places. I would love to go back again as we had a great time. Enjoy.

dont think there is such a thing as a cheap holiday nowadays went to corfu last year and some prices were comparable to the uk but when you are surrounded by nice people under clear blue skies relaxing by the pool where would you rather be given the choice

We regularly visit Agios Georgios north which admittedly is a quiet resort but has a fair number of Restaurants and nice Tavernas. Being off the usual tourist routes maybe we are lucky but we find eating out still much cheaper than in UK.

Hotel meals in our hotel last year were extremely reasonable for substantial portions. I think the only main course which was above 10 euros was fillet steak at about 13 euros and there was a choice of a doxen delicious large pizzas made by an expert at prices from 7 - 9 euros . What can you get in the uK for less than £6 in a hotel ?

There are one or two specialist restaurants where the prices are higher than these as of course you pay for position or uniqueness.

I agree the old days are gone and all the business owners complain about their inceased costs since the coming of the Euro.

Compared with current prices of eating out in UK, it is certainly still cheaper to eat out in Corfu.

We cannot speak for 2005 yet and the exchange rate seems to be worse just now, but will find in 2weeks time !

We stayed in sidari, there were a lot of cheap places to each, I think its because there is so many places to eat, also so many differant types of food. As a snack we used to by crackers (large packet but inside the crackers were in smaller sealed packets) and goats cheese, that was really cheap.

Just returned from Sidari. I did notice that last week they were putting up the prices of food only becasue it was getting busier. But for a full english breakfast the most expensive one I saw was 4.50euros. If you go to Sidari, go to the Sweet Apple resturant. It is situated over the cancl d'amore bridge and up the road on the right hand side. Lovely food and quite reasonable. Also if you have kids, they treat them brilliantly. I have a 21 month old son and he got treated like a prince!!

I've been to Dassia once and Sidari twice and on a whole I found it too be fairly cheap. Obviously you have to look around as some places will be more expensive than others but the same can be said for anywhere in the world. I found the best places to be little cafe/restaurants that the locals use as they are clean, nice meals and very cheap, plus you know that your going to find a little piece of greek authenticity and value for money if thats where the locals are going. When you get to greece I highly recommend a chilled visit to Kassiopi where you can sit in one of the harbour cafes/tavernas for a nice afternoon meal or drink. Also Paleokastritsa (Sorry about the spelling) is very pretty and a visit to the local monastery there is a must along with a boat trip to the underwater caves. Enjoy and have a good time