We booked for seven nights from 3rd July 2008 until 10th July 2008 at Litsa Studios, Alykanas, Zante. I have spent two previous very enjoyable holidays in Kalamaki, Zante. We fancied a change in 2008 and a quiet peaceful week in the sun. A quick search of the internet and we decided that the "My Travels," description of "a quiet resort and a perfect destination for a relaxing beach holiday," sounded perfect, especially after a hard year.
Upon arrival the Litsa seemed everything that was promised, a picture post card setting, and basic, but very clean value for money apartments, a spotless well maintained swimming pool and sun-bed area with a small bar, which happened to be beneath our room, number 15.
The bar closes at midnight we were informed. Not a problem, folks are on holiday.
During the first night (Thursday) we were kept awake until 2.00 am by a single individual of French origin from the adjacent Rosa apartments who we were to find out was a nightly customer of the Litsa bar.
This would not have been a problem for us if the individual concerned had not shouted every sentence she spoke in a loud graveled voice whilst smashing what sounded like a glass off the bar shouting "Yamas" and "Viva le Grek" into the early hours whilst playing what I believe were card games with the owner(s).
A quiet and polite word with the friendly owners and a promise was given that it would not happen again. Great ,Magic! Hey! We only wanted a bit of peace, quiet and sunshine. Just like the advert had promised.
The second night started okay until 00:15 hours when we were awoken by loud "shhhushs" from the individual and her male partner in what was perceived by myself as ridiculing our request. After a few minutes the usual glass banging and loud guttural French which must have been at least one octave below the Salma character from the Simpsons TV show.
Day Three, a quiet word with our rep. Our rep had a word with the owners and again a promise of it would not happen again and the bar would close at midnight.
Not a chance! Come midnight normal service resumed. More banging shouting and lessons in French language until well into the early hours.
By the Monday evening I was forced to pay for air conditioning at 9 Euro's a night, not for the heat but in order that we would be able to close the doors thus reducing the noise and also masking it with the sound of the compressor. This still didn't do the job unfortunately but it did make things better!
One couple in the complex purchased ear plugs at 6 Euros a set and they had suffered for two weeks.
Every day of our holiday was enjoyable until the midnight hour when the noise problems started. We thought that the wild fun started at Lagana, not Alykanas! ??
Groups of people using the bar were not a problem in any way for us. People were courteous and well mannered having consideration for other residents. The problem was with one long term holiday maker who stays for up to three months every year and her anti social behavior.
The restaurants in Alykanas are good value for money with friendly staff. Most meals costing between 7 and 14 Euros. Good service and good food being the norm.
If you are self catering try to get out to one of the non resort non tourist supermarkets in Zante town (Lidls,Spar, Coop) for your juice and corn flakes, you will save a fortune! An example would be in the price of Corn Flakes – nearly 4 Euros in the tourist supermarket and only 1.35 Euro for the same ones in Lidl!
There are plenty of car hire deals and don't be afraid to haggle with the vendors who will be happy to be flexible. Quad bikes are popular and you should get one for between 20 and 25 Euros a day. You will save that iin one day if you get to an off resort supermarket for your supplies!
Not a bad holiday generally except for the anti social behavior problems that were not addressed.
Our Thomas Cook rep was brilliant. She was well informed about everything on the island from coach trips to car hire. She was caring, considerate and is a credit to the travel company. She also tried valiantly to sort out the noise problem. Thank You for your efforts Laura. We know you worked hard and tried for us.
Unfortunately, and it's a shame as the Litsa is a nice venue, I will not risk returning to the Litsa due to my fears of sleepless nights and the risk of picking a week during the annual three month stay of the person responsible for ruining the our holiday.
This would have been a 9/10 but due to the night time disruption and noise I can only give 5/10.
I shall return next year to Kalamaki as Zante is a fantastic place with fantastic people. |
- UK
This is view from our balcony.