Helena's Studios

Location wise is perfect. 10 minutes from the airport, close the beaches and some great places to eat nearby. Unfortunately the accommodation isn't the best. Very small for 4 people the kids beds being right under the eaves and my daughter constantly banged her head on them. The bathroom shower didn’t drain and was mouldy, not enough equipment for self catering, no wine glasses. The pool was disgusting! It was green and the one time I went in I was ill on the evening.

Apartments were clean and basic ,you wouldn’t be able to make meals and would not need to as there are lovely restaurants and take aways dotted around the village. Close to the road for the beach and no noise from aircraft as you are 5 minutes from the airport. You can catch a bus for 2€ into the capital . Taxi are 20€ . You can also hire a car from the owners . The downfall of the holiday not enough sun beds and very uncomfortable and broken, parasols all broken and only 3 available. The pool bar was awful no food or drinks menu with unhelpful staff. To be honest I never saw any food preparation and not even an ice cream sold. This is a good base to go and explore the island or if you prefer a short walk to the beach.

On arrival we were greeted by the lovely Helena with a smile. We chatted a little and she offered recommendations for evening dining and we happen to mention we had booked somewhere the following week for our wedding anniversary. Helena then showed us to our room and explained what was what and asked if we wanted aircon for 9 Euros a night (we knew about the additional charge as been to the area before), which we did, and collected the tourist tax. The apartment (16) was quite near to the bar area but far enough not to be disturbed by it, its typical Greek basic accommodation with a bed, shower, kitchenette and seating out front and back to relax in. If you want 5 star luxury then you in the wrong resort/island/country! what we need when we are away is clean, tidy and practical with a bed and shower as we spend as much time as possible outside the room - this was perfect for us and had no complaints or points worth worrying about that would make it any better. The bar area itself could do with a little spruce up as the chairs and tables felt a little sticky but that is the only comment to make. George who runs the bar seems to have been given some stick in other comments but if you actually take the time to stop and chat, say hello when passing or even buy him a drink, then he starts to open up a little. He works long hours and often open until 1 or 2 am - just be kind and say hello and that makes all the difference! Helena's is sat in lovely gardens with a pool that never seemed to be crowded. We didn't use the pool as prefer the beach. The beach is about a 5-8 minute walk away but be aware there are steps down to the beach, but more importantly there are steps UP from the beach! other beaches are available a longer walk, or short drive, away. The beach is lovely with one end having a bar with sunlounges you can hire and a place you can hire paddleboards and a jetski. The other end of the beach (that we prefer) is quieter and less crowded and great for snorkelling as nearer some rocks. Its shallow there and you have to go quite a way out before being out of your depth. The apartments are also near a couple of mini-markets which is great for supplies and a handful of eating establishments within 5 minutes. Will be reviewing them separately but try out Fois, La Calmer, Crazy Georges and Sea Salt whilst you are there. on the morning of our anniversary we were leaving the apartment for brunch and noticed that Helena had left a card and vase of flowers for us by the door from her and her husband Joseph. Such a lovely thought and that really meant a lot to us as it was just a passing comment 6 days prior. We travelled with Tui on a package and the transfer was only about 10 minutes (1 other drop off along way) by small coach. We will definitely be going back to Helena's as we loved the feel/atmosphere, location and facilities were just what we need.