Dimitra Apartments Reviews

I stayed at Dimitra Studios in Vasilikos during the first three weeks of October 2004. Vasilikos not really a resort, more an area, stretching for 7-8 miles south of Argassi. The settlements in the area are scattered along the main road, with large gaps in between giving a very rural feel. If it has a centre it is probably round the bakery, which is about 1.5 miles from Dimitra.

The studios are of a decent size with the usual (for Greece) equipment of a 2 ring hob and fridge. There was a kettle which was useful. Several things were missing from the crockery/cutlery etc. presumably owing to breakages during the season which had not been reported or checked. Things I requested (a bottle opener and clothes pegs) were quickly and willing supplied. The balcony doors and bathroom window were fitted with insect repelling mesh which helped in keeping the studio free of insects.

Dimitra and her husband, the owners, live adjacent to the studios. They speak little English, although their son who helps on the studios' servicing days speaks excellent English The studios were superficially clean although on closer inspection less so, as you might expect at the end of the season. Dimitra occasionally gave me eggs and on the last day brought me a cooked lunch, which was welcome. The road on which the studios are situated leads to the huge Louis hotel complex and Mavratsis beach and several noisy water tankers went past each day, annoyingly sounding their horns a lot. Their numbers decreased during the holiday as the hotel complex emptied. The studios have extensive grounds which contain chickens and other animals. As a result flies on the balcony were a nuisance. Also, the cockerels started crowing at 4.00am, although personally I was not disturbed by them after the first couple of nights. The studios are serviced twice a week, with bed linen and towels changed weekly. There is an occasional emptying of the bins in addition. There was always hot water available morning and evening, irrespective of the weather.

Porto Roma beach is about a mile away as it Gerakas beach, which is by the far the nicest of the local beaches in my opinion. This is one of the best Greek beaches I have seen, with not too many umbrellas and lovely sands. There was a large car park and it was obvious that a lot of people there had travelled from all over the island.

One of the worst aspects of the holiday was the fact that everything was closing down and before I left several tavernas and the bakery had closed. This could have been a problem for those guests there for the last week of October. A more pro-active Manos representative would have provided helpful information on this subject.

There was a small supermarket (Mais) within 5 minutes walk and a small café of the same name next door to the supermarket. The supermarket was very expensive (bread 1 euro, which was nearly double the price elsewhere). Joanna runs the supermarket and other guests found her friendly and helpful although I preferred her sister Angela who ran the bakery and was always cheerful, chatty and helpful. I pitied anyone having to buy a substantial amount of provisions at the supermarket.

Of the tavernas I visited I would rate Nikos (at Gerakas beach) and Babbis (next to the school) as being in the first division with Galini, Dionysos, Triodi, Delfinia. Mikri Plakia in the second division. All the latter group were quite acceptable though. Nikos and Triodi served excellent souvlakia pitta, which I think was based on pork. They were large and excellent value at 1.5 Euros apiece. All the tavernas served the normal Greek fare for 5-8 Euros for the main course and around 2 Euros for half a litre of house wine (quality varying from excellent down to not very good). Simple meals could be obtained from Café Mais (or more complicated ones if ordered the day before; I saw an excellent looking moussaka being served there for a group who had pre-ordered). The café was run by a friendly elderly couple who spoke little English- I think they were Joanna and Angela's parents. Lunches and evening snacks were obtainable from Bar Nikos, nearly opposite Dimitra. Bar Nikos had Sky Sports and was popular when there was football on. Unfortunately Babbis shut early in the month and by the time I left the only eating places I have listed which were still open were Nikos and Dionysos (apart from Mais and Bar Nikos).

There was a public bus into Zakynthos Town (only one practical buses there and back a day) but everyone used the Louis hotel courtesy bus, which was free, if crowded. Zakynthos Town had proper supermarkets which were used by guests who were self catering to avoid the very high prices in supermarket Mais. The harbour area was busy with several large ferries docking when I was there. The town had the usual tourist shops and tavernas and was well worth a visit. Unless you like the beach and walking (both of which I do) a stay in Vasilikos would benefit from a hire car.

The outbound flight (Monarch Airways) was delayed by 1.5 hours owing to a delay on its previous flight and, annoyingly, the return flight was put back by 2 hours, with the Manos representative only informing her clients about this less than 48 hours before departure. Zakynthos airport is really chaotic, with only one luggage carousel, when three are needed. It is in the process of being upgraded which should be finished for summer 2006.

Of the 20 days I was there 15 were virtually perfect with forecast temperatures (Greek TV forecast) of around 30° Celsius for the last few days. Two days were wet (violent thunderstorms) and three were dull with a little drizzle.

In summary, Dimitra in Vasilikos is a good quality accommodation in a very quiet area and, for those not staying at the Louis hotel complex, not for those wanting entertainment, discos, many bars, etc. For those holidaying out of season I think May would be preferable to October owing to the problem of things closing down in the latter month.

Dimitra's apartments are modern, very clean and well maintained.Set in a quiet part of Zante, we loved it. One supermarket run by Joanne,she was very helpful and friendly. Just across the road from our apartments was our pub and cafe for snacks, run by George and his wife,very helpful and knowledgable. If we wanted to eat away from the village he would arrange for one of the staff from the restaurant to pick us up and bring us back after our meal. Good deal, drinks before our meal with George, eat at the restaurant and back for drinks with George later.

Lots or beaches to choose from but not ideal for pushing a pushchair.They all took at least 20 minutes to get there. Sometimes quite hilly. The usual Greek dogs and chickens making their noise during the night but not excessive. Only problem is if you are in your apartment during the day VERY large water tankers go by about four or five times a day serving the big hotel complex about five minutes down the road.

Bibbis restaurant is about 10 minutes away on the road towards Zante town,but is worth it we went three times. George will recomend Dyonisys this is also very good. He will also recomment the Fish restaurant overlooking the fabulous bay,but we found the staff not as friendly towards tourists if they have local families in. Food expensive.

Hope this is helpful. We had a great time. Dimitra who runs the apartments was lovely, she supplies water at 2 euros, saves carrying it from the supermarkets, she also gave us some home made lemon rice pudding made from her own goats milk. We had eggs for breakfast, 1 euro for 4.her own chickens too. We were sad to leave and hope to go in September.