Paschalis Studios & Apartments

Just returned from The Paschalis and if there was a score of 0 it would have got one, it is up a very steep incline although access is easier on the new "zigzag" path I am reasonably fit but found it hard especially in the hot weather.
Trouble is when you get to the top all you have that is worth the effort is the view and that is the only thing this place has got going for it - it is outstanding and so peaceful, although because it is so high any noise from below does travel up.
It is true to say that the apartments are family owned (and built) the mother and father are very pleasant but speak no English so it is hard to ask for anything. The son Panios does speak English.
The bar is another issue, no food or bar snacks available and if Panios isn't around just help yourself to whatever you want - just remember to write down on a scrap of paper what you have had and settle up whenever.
This place could be a gold mine run properly, most of us had to make our own breakfast and lunch or go out. If you are at the bar in the evening after returning and they want to go into town, he just gets up and walks out TV or music on, lights on, bar unlocked.
The rooms are another issue, hopefully resolved by now. They have a lovely Bulgarian maid called Sofia who speaks neither English nor Greek and how they work her but gardening is given priority over room cleaning!
I have been too many Greek Islands over the years so I know what to expect in self catering apartments, I was not prepared for the cockroaches, woodlice, funny looking centipedes, spiders and webs everywhere.
On my second to last day I was delighted (!) to find I had been sharing my terrace area with RATS!!! Solution, stick an Amstel bottle in the exit/entry hole! There are 3 lovely cats that live there and if the family took more care of them they may be more willing to help them with the problem (the cats are terrified of the owners).
The resort is very quiet and isn't a resort as such just an area which contains Tavernas, 1 bar and several apartment complexes. It is a very safe place to be, the police have a zero tolerance to crime and only has 2 day policemen and 2 night policemen and a chief of police.
This year they have a police station rather than a shack. Hardly any apartments have safe boxes, there is no need. I went alone and felt completely safe out walking in the woods and deserted roads, I felt safer there than in my native home town.
There is very little to do on the island, it only has one town, that being the capital and once you have seen that all there is to do is eat or drink or sleep or sunbathe unless you want to travel further afield, i.e., Athens, Skopelos, Allonisis, etc. A must is the dog shelter at Troulos.
I love everything about Greece apart from the way they treat their animals so here was a place I could visit and know that I wouldn't see any of the horrors I have seen elsewhere. It truly is a happy place, the dogs are well cared for, loved, and re-homed, and as a dog owner, I missed my dog so it was nice to be around other less fortunate dogs.
The 2 women who run the shelter do so with so much dedication and love and yet the locals want it closed down. It is in the middle of nowhere and hurts no one. There are plans for a cat shelter as well. Most "Brits" are animal lovers so it is nice to go somewhere where there are very few strays and even better no signs of neglect.
The horse riding at Koukounaries is also an excellent way to do something a bit different, they like to see you first before you book and the rides are suitable for beginners to experienced riders you see some breathtaking scenery, the maximum number for a ride is 4 so it is good for couples or small family.
The owners are knowledgeable about the horses and match the horse to the person. I wish I'd done this in my first week then I could have done it again in the second.
I will come back to Skiathos but would stay somewhere different; if the accommodation had been better, I really would have found paradise.

Having stayed at the studios in July 2004 and July 2005 I found the studios to be sparse but clean. The studios are a family run business and all three staff are extremely pleasant.
The pool area is a lovely place to relax during the day and the bar is open during this time for drinks. No food is served at any time.
The views from the balconies overlook the Aegean in the direction on the mainland.
The beach is comprised of small grained, gritty sand but even during the high season it is not packed, and a boat arrives every morning to pick up passengers for a day tour around the island, having taken this tour, I would recommend it if you want a nice relaxing day taking in the natural sites of Skiathos.
The local bus travels from Skiathos town (stop1) to Koukanaries beach (stop 26) this route is the main road on the island and the prices are very reasonable. There are numerous tavernas in Troulos and a couple of bars. I would certainly recommend Zorba's on the main road opposite bus stop 19. Most resorts will allow you to use their pool during the day, in return for you buying a drink or two at their bar.
The island is not lively unless you wish to seek out the nightlife in Skiathos town, this whole island is more of a place where you can relax and take things slowly, having said that there are plenty of excursions provided by Kosmar. The Athens trip is worth it.
I stayed at a different location on the Greek mainland in 2006, sadly I should have returned here. Probably will return in 2007.