Smargadi Ii Studios Reviews

We have just returned from a week at the Smaragdi 2 Apartments (they're actually called Emerald 2 Apartments when you get to the resort - I believe it was to distinguish between the Emerald apartments which are a Thomas Cook destination) and had a great week. Everyone seems to mention 'the hill' and some say that this ruined their holiday. Although, yes, the hill is quite steep and certainly not recommended for anyone with walking difficulties, those with wheelchairs or pushshairs, this hill should not put you off from booking. It did not spoil the holiday in any way, shape or form. And anyway, to get the fantastic views we saw from our balcony overlooking the bay, you do need to be quite high up. The owner is very friendly, but to see him you will need to go to the original Emerald apartments just across the road as the reception at Emerald 2 is closed! The beach is great, the sea is very inviting and great for kids as you can walk out quite a distance and the sea is still lapping around your ankles. The quickest way to get down to the beach/tavernas is to turn right out of the Emerald 2 and down the hill which brings you out in front of Hotel Fedra and Golden Sands Hotel. There is a small supermarket just on your left and another shop selling essentials. There is a cheaper supermarket if you turn right at the bottom of the hill and walk a couple of hundred yards along the road - opposite an Avis rental centre. To get to the beach, just walk past the Golden Sands Hotel and pick the best spot. 2 Sunbeds and Umbrellas are 7 Euros for daily hire. It wasn't very busy when we were there, so no problems with getting one even later on in the day. We found a couple of nice restaurants, the Vigli, which is also where we had the Thomson 'welcome meeting' - this can be found if you turn left at the bottom of the hill and walk a few hundred yards - you will see it's sign, you can either walk up the steps or up a hill - again a great view of the bay. The Fedra Restaurant was also very nice - and seemed to be the most popular, overlooking the beach. The only negative thing to say about the Emerald 2 was the fact that the linen/sheets should have been changed twice in the week, but ours were only changed once, and the cleaners didn't really seem to clean much either. The flights/transfers to the ferry and to the resort went smoothly, so all in all, a very pleasant time and we would certainly recommend this resort and accommodation to anyone.

We have just returned from two wonderful weeks at the Smargadi Studios - or 'Emerald' as we discovered when we arrived!

We didnt book until two weeks before we left and were a little apprehensive but we neednt have worried. The island is gorgeous - so green and lush. Our host, Costas, couldnt have been more helpful and his advice was invaluable - especially when we decided that we wanted to climb the highest mountain non the island! The studios were very clean and in the best position on the bay and we spent every night looking at stars, listening to the cicadas and hearing the Greek music echo from Viglis, a taverna in a wonderful postion on the hill overlooking the sea.We would recommend Smargadi without hesitation. The position up the hill means a walk at the end of a perfect day on a perfect beach, but was nothing too strenuous or unmanagable - and look how old we are!! A really romantic and special place - we shall definately be back. Thank you Costas and all who made it perfect.