Skiathos Town, Manolas Studios

Manolas Studios was terrible. we couldn"t found them. they gave us a phone number to call them but they did not answer it. thanks god we found a man which he send us to the studios. they did not change towels and seets. they did not gave us paper toilet, we have to buy alone if we want. and all this for 80euros per day!!

Skiathos is beautiful, I would recommend hiring a car or moped to get round and see more of the island. There is an excellent bus service which runs to all the main beaches outside Skiathos town.

In gereral Skiathos it is quite expensive, Eur 18.00 for 2 gin & a splash of tonic, local beer Mythos is Eur 3.00 a pint but then again isn't everywhere more expensive these days!

All in all we had a fab holiday and would go back tomorrow without a doubt, totally relaxing & chilled.

If you have children who want more from a holiday than lying on a beach all day, don't go to Skiathos. There is nothing else there for them to do. Nothing! If you want a peaceful tranquil holiday away from the usual crowd, then this is the place to go. If you are staying in Skiathos town, be prepared to travel by bus to a beach as there is none within a short walking distance of the town. If you are staying in a hotel or apartments away from the town, be prepared to travel to the town for shopping and a choice of restaurants. The harbour and town are beautiful and the people very friendly with English spoken everywhere. Food is reasonably cheap and very good. Try out some of the back street restaurants for variety.All in all, we did enjoy our break but we wouldn't bother going back again. Been there, done that, nothing missed out on. (Nothing to miss out on!)

Skiathos is really a nice island! The Manolas Studios have enough space. It is not in the crowded centre. The shower was good. A nice garden in the shadow. There is a pool nearby. There is a television so if you can't do without). I would advice you to rent a jeep so you can see a lot of the island! And we went sailing - that is a great experience too.

Manolas House is lower end package and is good value for money. Because it is so cheap, you may be unlucky with your neighbours - we had to get up on our second day at 5 am to remonstrate with a noisy group who were having a final nightcap outside their rooms after being out on the town all night - but after that one incident they were quiet at night.

The Oasis Studios block is just round the corner with a bar and a sunning area with a small pool. Skiathos town is a few minutes walk away and there are some nice restaurants at this end of the town overlooking the harbour. Scunas is pretty good, very slightly more expensive than its neighbours. Book a table beside the water, when passing by during the day, for your evening meal - water side has the nicest ambience.

Skiathos itself is a wonderful island with friendly people and a truly relaxing atmosphere. Great beaches, very romantic harbour in the evening, and, of course great food. Try the Dyonisis restaurant (off Papadiamantis St) for really good cheap food. Bus service links all the beaches along the main road, but if you want to explore inland, you really need to hire a 4x4 jeep. Avoid the big operators like AVIS etc......far too expensive. Always go for the local firms. Nicos by the junction of Papadiamentis St and the harbour is by far the cheapest and the best. He owns the bar next door and will buy you a beer while he does the paper-work. Don't forget to pack your driving licence. Can't really say any more except to say that June 2008 will be our 8th time in Skiathos and despite trying other parts of the world (Turkey being a particular disaster) I cannot think of a more wonderful place to spend a holiday. ENJOY !!

The Manolas Studios are in a great location, close to the Tennis Club where there is free use of their pool. The guys there are friendly and welcoming and do a great club sandwich and Mythos beer for lunch.

The harbour is only a few minutes walk where you will find bars and tavernas a-plenty and superb views. Our favourite was the Scuna restaurant situated on the road towards the airport, it has that typical Greek feel; you can enjoy great food a lovely waterside view and exceptional service.

Koukounaries beach is a great beach to visit, the local bus that leaves from the bus station (stop 0) to Koukounaries (stop 26) runs regulary throughout the day. There are sunbeds to hire and good facilities, also water sports. If you want a small quiet beach with a nice taverna, a water taxi leaves the harbour to Kanapitsa. The beach is not big but it is tranquil.

If you want a day out, a trip round the island by boat is well worth it, and is a great way to see the north side of the island and beautiful beaches.

Skiathos town itself has a maze of streets to explore with lots of shops, and if you have a day where you are at a loose end, a few beers at the taverna at the end of the airport runway is an experience at take off and landing times.

Our holiday was great we had a fun time and would recommend the studios and resort to anyone.