Naxos – Naxos town – Hotel Alkyoni

This hotel is probably ideally located if you are into windsurfing. It is right at the end of the Naxos bay next to a surf station and a very nice bar. To get into the center of Naxos, you can actually take a very nice walk along the beach. The locals have built a wooden pathway that makes the stroll a nice one even when you are wearing “evening gear”. It probably takes about 15-20 minutes to get into the harbour area, but at the end of the pathway there are already some really nice tavernas and bars.

The hotel itself is very nicely built and has quite some charming elements like the decoration of the rooms and a really nice pool area. We tried the pool a few times and during daytime you can even have a beer sitting at the pool bar if that is your liking. On the downside the rooms – while being very nicely decorated – are actually so small that we had trouble putting our suitcases somewhere. There is really no extra space anywhere and you constantly move things from one side to the other. We stayed for one week which was alright, i would have considered moving out on a longer stay.

We had breakfast in the hotel as there was no chance preparing anything in our room and it was absolutely enough for us. It is a bit more scarce than in a 5* hotel, so rather greek/continental style. We never had dinner there, so i can not really say anything about the quality or price.

Subjective rating:

*** (Good)

Related links:

Website: http://www.alkyonibeachhotel.gr/

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Map (location not 100% accurate):

Samos – Kokkari – Archangelos Village

This is a very nice place run by an owner (Sissi) who has a true passion for hospitality and decoration. We have been to Archangelos Village several times now and it has always been a wonderful stay. The apartments are ideally located a little bit off the road that runs along the beach – don’t worry, it is not too loud at night. The waterfront is only 20 meters away and strolling into the village center is also only 5 minutes walk. In the close neighborhood you will also find quite a few really good tavernas (Meltemi is a good example) and bars (Cafe del Mar and Anemos) if you really feel like not walking at all.

The apartments have a decent size and are equipped with a good size kitchenette and balcony. There is a whirlpool available on the roof terrace (we have never actually used it) as well. The cleaners take some special care and one of them actually has a really nice hobby of building figures out of the fresh towels you’ll get everyday. I think she managed not to repeat herself in the whole week we stayed – it is really artwork with all the passion she puts into it. I think i should mention that she also is a very good maid keeping the apartments in excellent condition.

The owner is also decorating the place with pieces of pottery and art of which some seem to be selfmade. I think this gives you a good idea for the love and attention to detail that goes into this place. All in all – perfect location (next to beach and close to main square), very clean, nicely furnished and pretty spacious. Highly recommended!

Subjective rating:

***** (Excellent)

Related links:

Website: http://www.archangelosvillage.gr/

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Paros – Naoussa – Aspasia Maria

Aspasia Maria is a wonderful place run by two sisters that are giving the resort their names. The business involves the whole family and they are really taking care of it a lot. It is very clean and extremely well maintained. You will find lovely decoration and flowers everywhere and also the rooms reflect this magnificient flair. While they are not the largest one could expect they are not letting you miss a thing. From the top rooms you can enjoy a nice view to the nearby beach. Most of the rooms have direct sunshine in the morning which allows you to enjoy the upcoming of the evening on your balcony.

You will not see any plastic chairs or other cheap furniture here, everything Aspasia and Maria do, they do with style. The place is highly recommended for its affordable prices, charming family atmosphere and location.

It is only a short stroll downhill into the main town of Naoussa (maybe 10 mins) where you will find a wide range of tavernas, bars, cafes, etc. Truly enough for even more than a two week stay.

Subjective rating:

***** (Excellent)

Related links:

Website: http://www.aspasia-maria.gr

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Map (location not 100% accurate):

Samos – Pythagorio – Dias Studios

Effie and Nicos are running this family business since 2005 now. It is a truly relaxing place slightly uphill from Pythagorio’s main street. Some of the rooms have seaview, overlooking the harbour and all of them are nicely furnished, very clean and include some additional amneties that are not always common in greece. It is hard to book them nowadays as they are usually fully booked by scandinavian tour operators. Still worth a try. Typical price was 50€ a night when we last checked.

Subjective rating:

***** (Excellent)

Related links:

Website: http://www.dias-studios.gr

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Map (location not 100% accurate):