Hi, We were in Alikes in October 1987, and loved it. Always said we`d go back again, but due to getting older, want to see as many places as possible before departing this life, so never did go back. I can remember a seasoned traveller staying at our hotel saying that in a few years it would be just like Majorca. Is it, or has it kept it`s typically Greek charm? I certainly hope so. I lost a couple of pairs of new knickers there, hung them over a chair on the balcony of the Asteria hotel on a breezy day, and never saw them again! Is the Zakynthos cockerel still in good voice? He woke us up every morning!

Hi Rita,
Yes, towels are provided.
There is no bar actually in the apartments, but right next door is Costa's Bar, which is open until about 6.00 and serves light snacks. It is very highly thought of, and was our first port of call when we arrived at the Villa.
Unfortunately the airport is as bad as everyone says, but the best thing to do is just chill, don't even bother trying to wait at the carousel for the luggage as it takes ages and everyone else is standing about four-deep waiting for their cases. I believe this year that it's even worse than ever. The seasoned travellers just go and sit in the sun until they see people off their flight coming out with their bags and then go back in to the arrivals hall.
Have a lovely time and let us know your impressions when you return.
Wendy
PS - Yes, the cockerel is still crowing!! And no, it hasn't turned into Majorca - it is still as relaxing (but maybe a bit more built-up) as when you were there.

we cant wait to go back Wendy and thanks to your helpful advice , about the villa pouliezos , we booked the same night , 5 weeks on Sunday and counting down , the people in all the restaurants last year were lovely , really friendly , and we did visit Julie & Spiros at the mill bar , i said to my other half they would remember us from last year and he said he didnt think they would as so many people go there each year , i said lets wait and see , cant wait to go back now , more exited this year than last as we know what to expect and were to go

Hi Wendy

Thank you!

I hope you don't mind another question! Did you ever go into Zante town in the evening? If so, was it easy to get a taxi back? and is there a time when they stop at night?

Thanks

Rita

EDIT: I have edited your enquiry about avatars/emoticons. Please check our Help & Assistance forum for further information on those.
David HT Mod

Hi Rita,
No, we tend to be a bit lazy on holiday, and seem to stay put! However, when we were at the Villa with my (grown-up) children, they took a taxi to Laganas one night, and had no problem getting one back in the early hours of the morning. I should imagine they are 24 hours. The cost to Zante Town should be about the same as to the airport - around 20 euros each way.
Don't forget to give us a report when you get back.
Wendy

Hi Rita
Taxi's are available 24 hours. Because of the nature of the bars and clubs and early start of the airport around 3am for the 1st check-in.

Just this week our Alykes friends @ alykes.com have started a new web site http://www.zantetaxi.gr/en_index.php

And with reccomended prices for various journeys loction to location..
http://www.zantetaxi.gr/en_prices.php

paul..

Thanks again for the info. Paul. It's useful to know approx how much fares are as we were conned in Estonia recently. Taxi driver charged us more than double for a 10 minutes ride to our hotel. I will definitely ask how much first next time.

Cheers

Rita

In 2002 me and my partner went to Litsa Studios before it had a pool etc we used Pool at Grapevines could anyone tell me what its like now its been done up? We loved it before basic but lovely,

Hi Wendy

Another question please. There's no air conditioning in the apartments but are there fans and how warm does it get in the apartments? Are they cooler because they're by the sea?

Many thanks

Rita

Hi Rita,
No fans, but I think if you were desparate you could hire them from a shop in the village. As you are right on the sea, there is usually a bit of a breeze, especially in the afternoons.
Wendy

Hi rmiceli,
Can personally recommend the following Restaurants in Alykanas: Alkyonis, Dionysos, Greedy Greek, Kostas Bar/Restaurant, La Caretta, Mantelena, Poseidon, Romanza & Paradosaiko(this is on road between Alykanas & Alykes). Also check out the Greek Night on the Train, this happens on Saturdays, suitable for people of all ages. Details from Jammin' Bar or Office in Alykes. Sorry couldn't help with any Restaurants in Alykes but i'm sure there is someone who can seeing as it is only a short walk away.

Hi Cruisecontroller

Many thanks for your recommendations. I will definitely make a note of these restaurants. Any other tips will be very welcomed. Five weeks and counting!!

Rita

Cruisecontroller

We are also travelling there end of July and wondering what the Greek night is on the Train. Any details please?

Cheers

Ali

Hi Rita & Ali,
You will find some more of my pieces on Forums Zante & Zante in May. The Greek Night by Train is very popular, so you need to book up early to get on the first one, departs 7.30, the 2nd at 8.30 Cost 20 Euros each. The Train goes out to a local Village. The Night is put on by a Family & some of the locals, as is the Entertainment. The wine is made by the owner of the Taverna & goes down well with the meal which was Meze Starter with Greek Salad, Main Course of Chicken & then a Sweet. You get one FREE bottle of water, after that, you pay. 99% of people return to Alykanas rather merry !!!! People in the Bars & Restaurants all wave & think you are a load of nutters !! Excellent value.
For Excursions we used Dionisos Tours, Heidi was very helpful, this is next to Greedy Greek. We did the 2 Day Trip to Athens on the Friday/Saturday, Costas was our Guide & was First Class. The journey is 5 hours but done in 1 1/4 hour stretches, so as you are not travelling all the time. Cost, 85 Euros each. For an extra 26 Euros each, Costas will take you to a professional Greek Night. For this you get a Bottle of Wine & a 4 Course Meal plus a Band, Male & Female Soloists, a Belly Dancer & a Troupe of 6 Professional Dancers who perform Dances in costumes of various areas of Greece. Water is provided constantly. Money well spent.
Olympia, if you are a Culture Vulture like my wife, then do it but take on Board the following:- You will only get 10 minutes Freetime in the Museum BUT, hang on to your Ticket as when the Guide has finished, you can return to the museum & go around at your leisure. Don't bother with the recommended Restaurant as it has very poor selection on Menu, go into the town. Olympia shops aren't cheap.
If you want anymore help just say, i will try & oblige. Les

Hi Rita & Ali (again),
Go on justZante.co.uk this is where i went in addition to this website. Click on Alykanas, click on subject & click on Search Now. I have written a lot on there in my real name of Les Kilsby. Everything you wish to know should be on there.
Zante Air Terminal is small, expect to wait at least an hour for your bags as there is only one carousel. Make sure you have plenty of fluids with you. Coming home is worse, we waited outside toilets until Flight was called, it was cooler down there. Upstairs, people were packed in like sardines. New Building SHOULD have been completed May 15th !!!!
Go & say hello to Maria & Kevin at Alkyonis Taverna, tell them you were recommended by a couple from Peterborough via internet. Also, visit Nick at Kostas Bar/Restaurant just a few yards away.
Wishing you happy times in Zante. Les

Les

Thanks for your much valued info - it really has been helpful

Ali

Hi Mari,
I did post a reply on here earlier to-day, making reference to another website but it was obviously blocked. The reports about Lista Apartments say that the Service & the pool are excellent. If it is the place i am thinking of then all i can say, is go for it, you won't be disappointed. We were just round the corner at Grapevines, this too is excellent, there are New Managers there & the BBQ Night on Thursday is well worth going to, book up one or two days before event.

Hi Wendy

Did the fridge in the villa Pouliezos have a freezer/ice box compartment?
They can be handy for ice making or keeping ice lollies, water etc.

Your replies are much appreciated

Rita

Hi Rita,
I "think" it did!! (Can't quite remember). If you email the family direct, they will come back to you with an answer straight away.
Is it this weekend that you are going?
Wendy