Arrived back from Tsilivi yesterday (26.8.04). We regretted only finding this restaurant after our first week, but it was the best traditional restaurant (in our opinion) in Zante. After searching "Blackpool in the Sun" (Tsilivi High St) for a non-English restaurant (we can get Pukka Pies, mash and the like at home), we wanted REAL GREEK quisine. The Olde Vinyard was the highlight of our holiday. The delicious starters of grilled feta, and garlic mushrooms were out of this world (my mouth is watering just thinking about it). The main courses of roast cod in garlic, lamb kleftiko (so tender, the meat just fell off the bone!), and the beef stifado were to die for!!! The walnut cake for desert was mouth-wateringly gorgeous (though did nothing to help my waistline!). Would love to know what the warming dark liquor was, given to us at the end of our meal, had a cinnomon and clove flavour, just wonderful! If ever we come back to Zante, though we'll probably stay somewhere less commercialised like Keri (in the South of the Island), we will definitely have to come and revisit the Olde Vinyard. Thanks for the highlight of our holiday. Alma, Tony and boys (Tom and Mark).

Just arrived back from Tsilivi (26.8.04), stayed at Tom and Johns. Having been to several Greek islands and the mainland over the last few years, we were disappointed with Tsilivi. What keeps us returning to Greece is the traditional Greek villages and towns, with Taverna's offering traditional quisine, little boats in the harbour and lovely beaches with bluey green waters. Unfortunately, (and we are not oldies!!), Tsilivi for us was a commercialised, over-developed smaller version of Blackpool in the sun (minus the candy flosses and funfair). Pukka Pies and mash were on offer in many places, along with roast beef and yorkshire pudding. There were large screen TV's blarring away in all the bars and restaurants, and people pestering you with "offers" and "specials" for evening meals as you tried to walk down the crowded streets, or lounged on the beach. Our salvation was hiring a car for a few days, allowing us to view the north and south peninsulas of the island, special merit was the area around the lighthouse and small bay of St Nicholas in the north and the spectacular area around Keri in the south, both had unspoilt shorelines used by the locals in both peninsulas. If we'd not hired the car, we would have taken home the completely wrong impression of Zante. Chances are we will return, but not stay in Tsilivi, as it is quite clearly, Laganas little brother.

Absolutely breathtaking! After meandering through the village's narrow streets to get there (wonderfully typically Greek, not at all commercialised), we stoppped off at the restaurant at the top and had our lunch. It was beautiful (putting it mildly). The sheer cliffs going down to meet the bluey green waters and a speedboat going past, it was heaven. The food was delicious - had a lovely tuna salad lunch served with "potatoes in the oven", which were yummy - large potatoe wedges, cooked lightly with olive oil in the outdoor BBQ oven, and were sprinkled with oregano. It was so peaceful, just a handful of people enjoying the food and view, as we were. After choosing the resort of Tsivili to stay (which we were disappointed with as it was a miniature version of Blackpool in the sun), this place was heaven. No neon lights, no pukka pies/mash and no restaurants touting for your custom. Visiting Keri is an absolute must.

Someone must have deleted or previous comments. We arrived back on 26th August. Tom and John's was located in the quieter area of Tsilivi which we were grateful for, as we like the more traditional Greek experience and the resort is more like a miniature 'Blackpool in the sun', for our liking, but we enjoyned the sun, so all was not lost. Tom and John's apartments were clean and as expected (we've been to Greece many times, and though we love the country, we know what to expect in terms of plumbing and electricity). There was a damp smell under our sink unit, but didn't spoil our holiday. The beds were changed once a week, which was ok, as we liked the lie in - didn't have to get up so the cleaners could get in. We did find though, that we were over-charged (more than once) at Tom and John's shop, which was expensive, (expect to pay about 1.72E for tin of tuna, 2E packet biscuits etc. Charges at Tom and John's pool were extortionate too - you can get can of cola or orange for 59C and can of lager/beer for same at local shops. We paid 10E 60C for 2 beers and 2 soft drinks at the pool!!!!! You're being ripped off, so even though it says not drink your own drinks around the pools side, we did - we expected to pay extra but not be taken for a ride. Their souvenir shop also over-charged us (even after working it out on the till, it still was not right) - they really try it on with the tourists - watch your money!!!

We've been to Greece MANY times, but Tsilivi was a bit like a miniature version of 'Blackpool in the sun' for us. Pukka Pies and mash and big screen TV's everywhere. We're not an old couple but a couple with two young children who LOVE Greece. If you like little boats in the harbour where you can hear the bells tinkling as you eat your Greek salad, like to see little Greek ladies sitting on steps and old Greek men congregating in the streets, this is hot the place for you. We were disappointed with the resort. We do not go to Greece to have commercialism thrust in our faces and this, for us, is what it was.