Thought we'd got a good deal of free upgrade from studio to two bedroom apartment. (previous studio on corfu very small) Two bedroom first floor apartment consisted of walk in kitchen (microwave, hob, sink, table, chairs, large wardrobe and tv) with bathroom off (including bath and shower curtain to powerful shower attachment) and two large bedrooms with a double plus wardrobe in one and three singles in the other with dressing table, suitcase stand, stool, chair and bedside lockers in each, and a large 3.5x7m balcony accessible from both bedrooms. Also had mini safe and air con unit fitted, extra charge for usage. Unfortunately it was located right above the reception area and bar, and opposite the lift and stairs, consequently was the noisiest location on the complex last thing at night and first thing in the morning. Added to that there was a large flock of continuosly squawking sparrows nesting in the roofs over the appartments. The nearby cockerel needs a new alarm clock as he usually commenced crowing at about 2-30am setting off the local dogs wanting to get in on the act. The apartments are set out in a double complex , each around a seperate deck pool located at a sharp 90 degree bend in the road about 2Km from the main resort. The local drivers and moped riders use it for grand prix practice at all hours of the day and night. Being on the airport flightpath wasn't noticable given the above. So much for a quiet peaceful holiday!

 

However, the staff are friendly, all speaking English. The pools are clean with plenty of sun loungers and parasols. Bath towel and hand towel per person changed every day. We didn't avail of the onsite barfood, prefering to self cater for breakfast and eat out during the rest of the day. There is also an attached minimarket.

 

Pre booked car by internet from EuroAlfa in Tsilivi, good friendly service. Aircon packed up other side of island but switch replaced by Euroalfa within five minutes got us back on the road. Toured all round island over four days, visiting Zakinthos town, Keri, Garakas beach (loggerhead turtles) Navagio beach (wreck) etc.. found some out of the way restaurants with great views and tasty greek food and local wine. Also some mediocre restaurants serving pretty basic food, but all with friendly staff. This time of year at the begining of the season its still fairly quiet and with so many restaurants and tavernas located side by side throughout Tsilivi the competition from next door neighbours must be sharp, yet no one seemed too pushy for your custom, not like Peurto Rico on Gran Canaria last year.

 

Weather was ok, mid to high 20's during the day with occasional patchy cloud, but had rain on two days. Evenings, walking back from Tsilivi were noticably cooler when extra clothing was often in evidence. Other contributors who have visted Filoxenia over the past few years made adverse comments over the unsafe bends with no footpaths into Tsilivi. We didn't feel quite so threatened as the road was reasonably wide at the bends, although still no footpath. A section of footpath along the straight leading to the bends was in the process of being finished and there are other lengths of footpath along the route. We thought that the winding road through Tsilivi with breaks in the very narrow footpath was perhaps more dangerous as there was more traffic.

 

Overall, we liked the island and the people, and might visit again, but would look for alternative accommodation (avoid apartment 302), but only due to the noise aspect.