The Litsa Studios (Direct Greece) are in a good, slightly elevated position in Aghios Nikolaos which is a small working fishing village with superb fish restaurants. Great place for a relaxing quiet holiday & chance to see a traditional Greek village before it becomes too commercial.

Coach transfer south from Kalamata airport takes about 1 ¾ hours. Very scenic mountain drive.

Studio accommodation on ground & 1st floor. 4 rooms face rearwards overlooking adjacent properties and mountains beyond. The other 8 rooms overlook the swimming pool & established pretty gardens. 4 rooms on 1st floor which overlook pool also have good sea and village views. No air conditioning but free electric fans in each studio. Although fairly basic the studios are very clean & comfortable. The excellent gardens & pool are attended to everyday by the Greek owners. Plenty of sun beds on spacious poolside terrace.

A road runs through the village past the accommodation leading to the harbour area of Aghios Nikolaos. So some traffic noise is heard but wasn't a problem for us. Bus stop for the hourly bus to other nearby villages including Stoupa is just past the Litsa Studios garden gate.

A medical centre is adjacent to the Litsa Studios & a chemist just 30 yards down the road leading towards harbour. The village centre consists of 6 or 7 tavernas clustered around the picturesque harbour, 1 supermarket, 1 post office, 2 cafes, 1 fruit market, 1 bakery, 2 bars & a gift shop. Also a cycle hire shop near the post office & estate/car hire agent business.

Most restaurants served large selection of good quality food at reasonable prices. The best restaurants are the excellent 'Oi Kayapes' on the corner just before the harbour facing the post office, 'Vezuvio Taverna' next door to the equally good 'Faros restaurant' both overlooking sea at the end of the harbour near lighthouse.

I would avoid the 'To Nimani' restaurant overlooking the southern end of harbour near the gift shop"¦ Although the food was ok the service & attitude of the waiting staff there was extremely rude & ignorant. Very unusual experience to the good friendly service we usually experience from the Greeks.

Nearest beach (Pantazis Beach) approx 20 minutes walk away to south of Ag Nik - just keep going past harbour. Has 2 bars for food & drinks.

A pathway passing the Anna Maria Studios from northern outskirts Aghios Nikolaos runs along the coast to Stoupa. It is currently been concreted for its full length. Another path just opposite the Anna Maria Studios leads down to enchanting hidden coves with a swimming platform & deeply eroded caves, great for snorkelling & diving.

A 3km walk north to Stoupa takes about 50 mins. Cafe Maniatiko with free swimming pool is on the walk halfway between Aghios Nikolaos & Stoupa with superb sea views - stop & have a drink, light refreshment, & use the swimming pool!