Filia Studios & Apartments

1 reader found this review helpful

WOW, what more can i say.. I was a little unsure of what to expect after reading about the 'hill of death' or 'cardiac hill' as some of the locals called it but it wasnt that bad, just got the old ticker racing a little bit. If your unfit there is always the alternative way down around the villas... or if your cheeky like us im sure you could persuade Christos to give you a lift down in the bus... The Filia apartments are run by the family, they are basic but very clean and tidy, in fact cleaned every day. The views from the balcony are amazing, the pool is also cleaned every day and the bar area caters for everyone. If the pool isnt to your liking they will even take you to a very nice beach about 10 minutes away in their van/bus. The apartments are a little secluded and set back but your only a 5 min walk away from the nearest bus stop which will take you into Skiathos town for 1.8 euros. I loved every minute of my stay there and would recommend the Filia everytime!!!

3 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from two weeks at the Filia Apartments in Troulos and it was the most relaxing holiday I have had in a long time.
This had not been my first choice of accommodation but Olympic Holidays cancelled our original holiday flight and our travel agent had to book us another holiday over the phone without me even seeing the accommodation in the brochure to guarantee the travel dates. I was a bit concerned when I read some of the reviews but I need not have worried.
When we arrived on a very hot afternoon the transfer coach dropped us at the bottom of a very steep hill within seconds Christos had arrived with the mini bus to take us up the hill. Our party had two studios in a block of only 22 we were on the ground floor. At first we were disappointed that this did not give us the best of views but it meant that the rooms were shaded in the afternoons and it made it easier for us to sleep in the heat.
The studios were basic and typically greek but very clean and fresh with everything you needed for a self catering holiday.If you were wanting to cook there was an electric kettle, two ring electric hob pots pans etc. The bins were emptied every day by the hard working maid and sheets and towels were changed every three days There was a safety deposit box in the room and air con. if you wanted it .
The Taverna is set slightly apart from the accommodation and is run by Filia ,her husband Yanni and their eldest son Christos. He speaks excellant english and his mam speaks some but she encourages you to have a go at alittle greek even if it is just to order a beer.....Mia Mythos !!
The food at the Taverna is basic but is fine for breakfast or a lunchtime snack...Filia makes the best Tzatiki in Skiathos. ! The Greek Night is great fun. There were about 26 people there when we attended . Filia cooks all the food and leads the dancing so it is more like being at a family party.
The pool area is clean and well maintaind by dad Yanni there are plenty of sun beds and umbrellas and the pool is immaculately clean. There is always space round the pool and there are three tables at the end of the Taverna with padded seats where you can sit and read and look down towards the sea enjoying a cool breeze.
The beach is about a fifteen minute stroll away across a field at the bottom of the hill but most of this is through trees and past other apartments so it is not unpleasent. We had meals at 10 different Tavernas while we were there and they were all within 2 to 10 minutes walk away fro Filia. Troulos does not have a strip of Tavernas they are scattered across the hill side and down to the beach. We ate greek and did not have a bad meal while we were there. Our favourites were Nectar and Ambrosia opposite the garage on the Troulos Road and Kontiki in the Old Port at the top of the steps in Skiathos Town as much for the spectacular views as the food.
Christos or his Dad will take you in to town for 2 Euros per person and we did this a few times. It saved the walk down the hill to the bus and we arranged a pick up point and time. They never let us down. They will also transport you to a secluded beach and the Dog Sanctuary. This is a must if you love dogs . The English women who run it depend on visitors to walk the dogs and make a small donation for the pleasure.
The hill is the only reason I feel I couldn't give Filia a 10. It is very very steep and you need to be quite fit to get up it every day. If you do you will certainly be fitter by the end of the holiday. The steepest climb is straight up on a concrete road . To the right of this there is a dirt track that the minis bus usually comes up and this is longer but a lot easier. The climb however is worth it !
We travelled with our just sixteen year old daughter and her friend and we all had a fantastic time. Christos kept the girls entertained along with his little dog Boo Boo. I really did not have any complaints at all while I was there. Filia and her family were good hosts . However !!!!! This is Greece ...there are country lanes rather than marble promenades....there are no McDonalds....hurrah !......the accommodation is basic but clean and no you can't flush your paper down the loo BUT the people are warm and friendly the food is good the beaches are fabulous. Skiathos Town has a lovely harbour and good shopping an open air cinema where the girls watched Mamma Mia and then visited Skopelos to see where it was all filmed. All in all a great holiday.
Thanks to Filia ,Chris and Yanni ...Good Luck for the future.

1 reader found this review helpful

I had a fabulous stay in Filia.
It was typically greek and the rooms were simplistic (and clean) but thats all you need,
unless you plan to spend the whole holiday indoors! The only problem was the towels were small (this seems to be the case with most places in Greece), but out there you dry pretty quickly in the heat!
The pool was extremply clean, and the bar was cheap with good service.
The staff were very friendly although they dont all speak fluent english, i'd imagine all of their English is better than my greek!
The greek night was not an event too miss. We met lots of people and had a night we definitetly wont forget!
The staff also provided free transfers to the beach in there minibus and trips into town for prices alot cheaper than the taxis and way more pleasant than the packed buses! They were very reliable for pick up, etc.
it was a 15 minute stroll to the local beach and it took around 10 minutes to walk to the bus stop.
The apartments are on a hill, but this had lots of plus points! We were further away from the water so there were less mosquitos, away from the noise and main road and the views were fantastic.
The hill was not as bad as people make out. And there is a shorter way around, which was less steep!
Around the pool their were many sunbeds, which had comfortable cushions and unbrellas. There were also small tables for drinks etc.
The pool table was free and they had a large selection of books and magazines to lend and read!
The food sold at Filia was not expensive, but fresh and yum!
I would definitetly go back, and other familys on my trip said exactly the same!
Thank you so much to everyone at the Fila appts.
you work hard but it definitetly seems to be paying off!
Jen x

Our stay at the Filia, Troulos was our first experience of Skiathos. We were not disapointed! Apartments in a lovely position with great views over the Aegean Ocean and the neighbouring valley. Don't be put off by the very steep hill - there is an alternative route. The island is fabulous and there is fun to be had for those who seek a few thrills! Fantastic restaurants - would recommend the Tapas bar on the Marina at Skiathos, (lots of steps but you get amazin views). The beach taverna at Skithri (1/2 ml from the Infinity Blue), sorry dont remember the bus stop ('bout 13/14..) Both very special, but quite pricy. In Troulos Nectar and Ambrosia, sorry steps again but worth it for the grilled lamb chops .. ummm.
The only gripe we had for the apartments was the hard beds and the pillows ( we would take our own next time).
We have never visited the same resort twice, but would certainly make an exception with Skiathos, in our view it has everything, the beaches - could be in the Caribbean!

Stayed at Fillia in July 2008, very friendly staff, made you feel very welcome when you arrived and looked after you for the duration of your holidy. Rooms are very basic but clean, were'nt in them to much so wasn't bothered. Swimming pool nice size, very quiet round pool as many people seem to head for the beautiful local beaches.
Only thing I could find to moan about at the Fillia was THE STEEP HILL OF DEATH ha ha actually it was quite a laugh trying to make it up the hill to your apartments after a night out. Skiathos Town at night is a must, the food is great, people very nice, and quite a few shops. We are planning another holiday next year to Skiathos and we will certainly be booking back into The Fillia.

1 reader found this review helpful

We have been coming on holiday to Greece for many years now and visiting the Island of Skiathos for around 5 years. The food is lovely and the people are very friendly. We try and go somewhere different on the Island each time for change of scenery. This yea we decided to venture to Troulos we knew it was very quiet and tranquil the perfect place to get away and relax. The beach is about a 15 min walk through some back paths of the other apartments, (the best spot on the beach is opposite Troulos Bay hotel as you have the rock pools for snorklers, the tree for shade and you are away from the "noisy" greeks).
I would suggest having lunch a Troulos Bay Hotel as well the staff are very attentive and friendly and there is a fantastic view. The Filia studios are very basic yet clean and airy however air conditioning is most probably needed as the nights are hot. The rooms were cleaned through each day which was nice to return to. The mini bus to the apartments on arrival was a VERY good idea as the hill is a bit of a killer. The staff were rather quiet and not very cheerful but we spent most of our time at the beach and had dinner in town each night.
The place i would highly recommend is the taverna Dionisos, the staff are extremely professional and it is a family run business. They are smily and attentive and we are always made very welcome (especially now as we are "regulars"). You can find the Dionisos down the main street (Papadiamanti Street and it is the first turn to the left (when facing the harbour) its not hard to miss and it is near the art gallery. I would recommend climbing the clock tower at night there are fantastic views of the town and you can see into the open air cinema.
The buses are very good however they do get very busy around peak times (7 ish) and although the taxis seem the better option they do drive VERY fast and there are not always seat belts in the back so take care! We did one boat trip whilst we were there and we did not book this through our tour guide as they can be long and quite expensive instead when taking a walk along the harbour after a meal we saw an intersting trip to the other neighbouring islands Alonisos and Skopilos. We did barter a bit as they do think they can take tourists for a ride! The boat trip was very good with a lovely guide ( you could clearly understand her whilst she pointed things out on the boat and she spoke many different languages!)
I would suggest you higher a jeep as we have found that some cars cannot take the un even roads in Skiathos and they are great fun with the top down driving to the little beaches. We made our way round the Island visiting different little chapels and view points. There is a lovely restaraunt at Profitis Ilias called The Platanias. This is the high spot on the Island which spectacualr views to Skiathos town. It is advisable to buy a map if you are going to drive around and tour the Island another lovely beach we visited was Kastro the colour of the water was amazing a realy tropical blue. Also there is a short yet hilly walk on the cliffs where u can visit some of the buildings that were invaded by the pirates. Although the sea looks very inviting take care on windy days as I experienced an accident in the rapid waves and almost chipped my ankle bone!!!
Whilst we were in Greece last year we were caught up in the fires. It was a very scary experience as we didn't think that we would be able to get back to at least retrieve our passports. I will say that i did not find the Filia staff very helpful in this emergency as the father in the family seemed more intersted in his vegetable patch than his clients! However in the end we were driven down to the far end of the Island Koukanaries where we awaited the all clear. That night the soldiers were very good and kept watch and i did feel that the staff began to have a warmer approach to us and became quite chatty - better late than never. All in all i think that the holiday was very good and although the studios at Filia were very basic i think they are sufficient enough and i would return. The quite atmosphere and friendly staff made the experience that much better.

1 reader found this review helpful

The studios were a clean and pleasant place to stay, the rooms were tidied every day. 'The hill of death' which leads up to the studios is seriously hard work after a few beers but that's the only real drawback and there is a slightly easier route home.
Lovely view of Troulos bay from the balcony (glass of vino in hand naturally!!). For eats try the Taverna Varelli at the crossroads, lovely food and atmosphere, family run, George and Rosemary make you feel very welcome. Avoid Ti Steki up the hill by the harbour in Skiathos Town, if that was Lamb then I'm the Pope!!!
All in all a great holiday, best beach is at Koukounares, just 5 bus stops away, absolute bliss.

1 reader found this review helpful

Fantastic holiday Chris and Jennifer fantastic as were all the family and staff, nothing was too much trouble. Food excellent as was accommodation. Pool cleanest on island.
Greek night so funny and food and dancing superb. hill steep but not too bad and made us all laugh a lot and kept my wife and friends cellulite down, the mini bus also helped with suit cases.
Such a good time that we are coming back on 31st August 2007 get our rooms ready 1 and 2, we are looking forward to coming back.

1 reader found this review helpful

This was our 3rd visit to Skiathos but our first to the Filia so we knew the island very well. When we first saw the steep hill up to the Filia we did wonder how we would cope for a week but there is an easier way up to the apartments. The staff and family are all so lovely and their Greek night is a must!
The rooms are basic but very clean and better than some I’ve stayed in. But do take a towel as theirs are very small. Try Christakis sports bar (not how it sounds) they have some good night’s entertainment and there is a very pleasant pool-bar to sit in at night. The beach isn't to far away if you find the short cut! Just ask and someone will gladly point you in the right direction.
We stayed the week they had the fire and all the family and staff at the Filia couldn't have been more helpful & caring (lets hope they never go through that again). Apart from that very sad day, our stay there was great and I would go back and stay there again.

1 reader found this review helpful

This was our 3rd time staying at the Filia. It was another fantastic holiday. Filia and her family are very nice, especially 3 of her sons Christos, Takis and George and Christos's English girlfriend jenny who are all extremely lovely and would go out of their way to help.
They even took me and my sisters clubbing and the father Yannis who took me on a donkey ride! We got on extremely well with the family after knowing them the previous year’s also, and are definitely not moody or unhelpful. The family speak limited or no English except for Christos and George, who speak English brilliantly.
I personally think Troulos is the best beach on the island, with its clear, clean, and fairly shallow waters and the beach in general is also very clean and safe. You can also eat in the Troulos bay Hotel which is very good value for money and the food tastes great.
If you're wanting a bit more of a lively atmosphere in the day, head off to Koukounaries which can be very busy or Skiathos Town, where there are plenty of cafes and shops. Skiathos is very much a relaxing holiday and is very laid-back, and the nightlife is generally very low-key with lots of restaurants.
However, there are a few nightclubs in the town such as the 'BBC' which is a very nice place with cushions outside to sit on whilst relaxing and drinking, and there’s a huge dance floor.
There are also plenty of Greek nights, the best by far Filias BBQ Greek nights, which is a great laugh and includes dancing in a ring of fire and on the pool table, and is a very fun night to dance and socialise with other people.
Eating out, we often went to the Paradosi, where the owners Christos and Soula are extremely nice people and very welcoming to their guests. There are all the traditional Greek dishes on the menu such as Stifado, Moussaka, Souvlaki, Kleftika etc as well as pizza or burger if you don't like Greek cuisine. We also ate a lot at the pool bar at Filia, as the food there is absolutely gorgeous and is all fresh and homemade.
The year before we took a boat trip to Skopelos and Allonissos which was worthwhile - we saw gorgeous dolphins and enjoyed watching them as they followed the boat. We booked the trip through Kosmar but we might as well of booked it off the harbour like our friends did for much cheaper - and they were with us the whole time on the same boat.
It’s a nice trip to chill out a bit and do a bit of shopping and eat! We also went on the boat trip around the island, stopping off at Kastro and Lalaria, the only pebble beach on the island.
We also went to the dog shelter where we walked the dogs, as they heavily rely on tourists. Due to the Greek culture and their way of life, they’re not exactly animal lovers.
Overall our holiday again was fantastic, and we're off again next year! If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday where there is lots of sun - go to Skiathos - and stay at Filia if u can its brilliant!
The rooms aren’t exactly luxurious and big but you're on holiday to go out, not stay in all day; all that really matters is that the rooms are very clean, and all linen, towels, and bins etc are cleaned and changed daily. The maids do a brilliant job.