So what's the fuss over Mermaids? We went there to have a meal and it was absolutely packed (which is usually a good sign), but it was very, very hot and had no air-con (yes, I know it's mostly al-fresco, but other places had cold air blowing!!). Compared to most other restauraunts in Kalamaki and Limnos the prices were twice as much. Because there were people waiting for tables, the waiters were rushing other customers. That put us off big time, so we went elsewhere

Overall, this was our fave restaurant. A detrimental comment was made lower down about the waiters - they were absolutely fab. Nothing was too much trouble - and they DID serve with a smile (probably something to do with our group being happy, non-demanding and being in Zakynthos to enjoy ourselves, not to complain and criticise everything we came across!!!). Anyhow, we sampled the chicken, beef, pork, rabbit, pasta and traditional meals and they were cooked to perfection - not a tough bit of meat in sight. They offer a large range of wines and they let you taste the wine before you buy, so if you get an awful wine (see comments below), IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT. The cheese pies are to die for, but careful - they are very rich.

This place ain't so bad, people. When we ate there, the owner's kids served us, and they were brill. The little girl was a miniature mama, setting tables, taking orders for drinks and glaring at her brother disdainfully when he broke into song or started to dance. The boy was a right little charmer, offering free ice creams to babes, and little posies of balsam to the ladies (balsam is a herb which belongs to the basil family, but doesn't smell so strong and tastes slightly minty. It's used in the cheese pies and stuffed vine leaves). As the restaurant is slightly apart from other buildings, there's a bit of wildlife zipping through the place, mainly mosquitos, but we had a visiting lizard scuttle through to the delight of everyone except a German girl who had hysterics and stood on her chair. This place wasn't my favorite but it wasn't awful in any way.

We went to Zakynthos with every intention of going on the 'Zakfari', but they weren't insured or something, so we went on the the jeep safari organised by our reps, which cost 33Euros. We had an absolutely fabulous time with Alan and Lewis (babe!) our guides. Girls, the taverna in Limnionas bay - check out the lads who run the place (brothers?). I didn't know if my palpitations were from the heat or the view! Jeep safaris are definitely recommended, but check their insurance.

Sue, the studio apartments are imacculately clean if a little on the small side. The rooms are basically for 2 people, but we had 3 sharing and the extra cot bed made it a bit cramped - but hey! - we only slept there. The water seems to be hot at 8am-ish and 6pm-ish, but we were there 13-27th June in a 40 degree heat so warm showers were definitely OUT!! The bins are emptied every day except Sunday, and your sheets are changed on the 3rd day. People have complained about the smell of the sewers. All I can say is - Greek plumbing + heat = a bit of a whiff. It's not that bad. We were in room 115, right by the stench pipe (about 20ft away) and it was no problem. The pool area is a bit on the small side for the number of sunbeds squeezed around it - you feel a bit like a sardine and if you are not out ther by 8am you won't get a bed - every one will have towel on it. So I went to the pool at hotel Klelia (this will be the hotel I'll stay in the next time I'm in Kalamaki). Go out of Cavo d'Oro onto main rd, turn left and it's 40yds on the right. The pool is bigger with a freestyle design, very children friendly if you have kids, and there is much more room. You will always get a sunbed no matter what time you get there. The barman is lovely and won't try to rip you off like the one in d'Oro. The food in Klelia is great too. Back to Cavo d'Oro - the Chives restaurant is very nice, especially the rooftop section. Do NOT use the apartment's phone unless you really have to. Half an hour's worth of calls over 14 days cost us 100Euros. The card phones don't work in Kalamaki, and the coin phones use your money faster than you can put the money in. Take your mobile (I forgot mine!). In summary , I thoroughly enjoyed Kalamaki, and would definitely recommend the Cavo d'Oro to others