villa nikolaos

[stellajiow]

Hi has anyone stayed at villa nikolaos recently

we are going in may our first time.

am wondering how far from the beach

want to take as little as possible for a weeks stay

any info most welcome

kind regards

[Liz]

Hi and welcome

I've never stayed there but would say you are probably 5 minutes to Pondamos ( sandy beach) 20 mins to Ftenagia ( pebbly ) beach and you could pick up the bus for Kania

as for the luggage it depends what kind of dresser you are ? if you are casual ( like me ) you could probaby ...just ...get away with hand luggage, but then you'd have to buy all your toiletries on Halki which can be expensive but a small suitcase is plenty

[muriman]

Hi, Stellajiow, can't help with Villa Nikolaos, but as regards taking as little as possible for a week, a factor is likely to be the airline as well as personal preference, cost etc. If Easyjet, as you probably know there's no weight limit on cabin baggage and the size limit should be fine for a week. If a charter flight (eg Thomas Cook who currently I think have a 5kg limit on cabin baggage), maybe check-in one bag between two people (also may depend whether the 100ml liquids limit for cabin bags is a problem for you). In the past I've managed within a 5kg limit, but that meant stuffing pockets with some heavy items. As Liz suggests, for most people formal or posh clothing is certainly not needed.

[carol]

We havent stayed there but I know Lisa has, I will get in touch with her and get her to give you her opinion, I know she likes it as they have been there a few times ;D

[lisa]

Yassou Stellajiow

We have stayed at Nikolaos several times and will be there again just after you by the sounds of it.

Pondamos, sandy beach, is about 5 minutes walk away and our favouite beach Ftenagia is about 15 minutes either along the road or through the village and across the pathway at the back of the hotel which has been much improved over the last few years. Both journeys can often take longer when it includes chatting with the locals as they are so friendly.

The house is set in it's own grounds and it's my favourite as it gets the late afternoon sun. It has a lovely view from the top terrace. Both terraces are bigger enough for sunbathing if you don't want to venture as far as the beach.

Downstairs there is a lounge which I suspect never gets used, a well equipped kitchen with full cooker and sandwich toaster! and the shower room. Upstairs there is a very large bedroom with two single beds and off of it is a small room with a double bed that just fits in. We much prefer the big room and it means that I'm not right next to John when he is snoring after too much Metaxa! There is also sink and loo upstairs though last year the loo did tend to make an annoying dripping sound but was ok with the door shut. If you are using both bedrooms, access to the upstairs loo is through the big bedroom. There is a large wardrobe in the big room, a smaller one in the other and also a wardrobe downstairs. There are usually quite a few hangers, sounds as though you will be travelling light anyway. There is also an iron and ironing board but no hair dryer.

The house is well maintained though if you every need anything, Jane down at Zifos Travel will sort you out. You will meet her when you arrive.

There are several ways to get to the house from the harbour, all about the same distance so you will no doubt find your favourite route. The house is amongst a few of the locals just behind the school yard. There is some noise, passing vehicles, children playing and locals chatting, chickens and the odd goat. Do not let this frighten you as passing traffic in Halki is usually counted on one hand. None of the noise is intrusive, just part of the life in this idyllic island.

If you don't want to carry water UP from the harbour there is a shop less than 2 minutes away on the road to Pandamos. Out of gate, turn right past doctors surgery, left at end then right, the shop is on the right. It is more of a gift shop but does have some basics such as beer, crsips and icecreams!

If you have anymore questions please let me know. I hope that you have a lovey time and enjoy Halki as much as we do. ;D

[lemonique]

Hi I am also staying at Villa Nikolaos in June and would welcome any feedback, tips etc thanks.

[lemonique]

Hi again forgot to say I found Lisa's comments very helpful thanks. Would still like recent reports though.

[carol]

Is there anything specific you want to know Lemonique ? I thought Lisa's critique was fairly comprehensive.

[lisa]

Me too! but more than happy to answer any specific questions. We'll be staying there again on 30th May.

[Di]

See you there Lisa ;D

[lisa]

Still remains a lovely house to stay. The only negative that I can think of is that most of the cats use the garden as a toilet.

Great value for money compared to the very basic accommodation that we had through Olympic for our first week in Symi.