Avithos Resort

Just got back from a weeks stay in a superior studio (twin beds and a sofa bed - would easily take 3 people) and had a great time. The room was immaculate and the grounds were beautifully kept. Our studio was situated at the rear of the resort away from the pool. However, there doesnt really seem to be a "bad" location as the resort is small, well laid out and entirely away from any main roads. Despite being July and the start of the school holidays, the place seemed very quiet and the pool rarely had more than a handful of guests sitting around it (see pics). Strange for somewhere which was nearly full, but I can only imagine that most of the guests went out or were down at the nearby Avithos beach to benefit from the constant cooling breeze and the two great tavernas/beach bar. Not that the hotel doesnt have an excellent pool bar. The lunch we had was very good and there is a wide selection of drinks (including alcoholic) available until midnight. Compared to the beach bar, the prices didnt seem too unreasonable. However, it was again sadly underused for some reason and often had noone sitting outside at night. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that there is a nearby supermarket and the studios feature kichenettes so we tended to have a drink in our rooms/on the patio before heading out. That was, once we had bought a corkscrew, which was the only notable omission in the well stocked kitchen. Our only other gripe would be the very uncomfortable beds. We were only provided initially with one pillow each which were like cardboard, although they did supply additional (equally uncomfortable) pillows on request. Neither of us got a full nights sleep in the whole week were there, although if you are used to hard matresses, you might fair better. We had a car for the week that allowed us to explore some of the island, but we mainly used it for getting to the beach. I would recommend hiring one out there, perhaps for a few days, to make the jouney to the caves/Fiskardo. It is not really necessary for walking to the beach and there are plenty of good places to eat nearby (the hotel does not have a restaurant) which can be reached within a 10/15 minute walk. All in all, a lovely smallish resort in a great rural location. It might be nice with a few more people about to give it atmosphere and make the most of the bar, but then again, I wasnt complaining when I had the huge pool to myself!

we had a very nice room at Avithos Resort - well equiped on two levels, with a terrace. The hotel is not by the sea, but is set in a very green quiet area, with a large pool. Our main gripe was the service, or rather lack of it. When we arrived the porter left me to lug our cases up to our room, while he chatted to other guests. Things carried on from there. The multi-national staff varied between apathetic and unhelpful to enthusiastic and untrained. No-one seemed to actually be in charge - since it was August and they were full, you'd think they'd try a bit harder!

Arrived home on 1 July 2006 after 2 weeks of total relaxtion in excellent accommodation. We can't praise the Avithos Resort enough. We stayed in a studio which could sleep 3 adults. It was bright and modern and spotlessly clean. It was cleaned thoroughly every day and our towels and bedclothes were changed every 2 days. It was very well equipped and comfortable. The standard was as good as any hotel we have stayed in. The hotel is not in a town as such and would not be suitable for anyone without a car or unable to walk. There were however several tavernas within walking distance, and all serving a very good standard of food. We particularly liked The Acropolis as they always had fresh fish on the menu, and the atmosphere was always lively. We went into Agostoli several times and were pleasantly surprised to be able to park freely and without cost. There are numerous restaurants, especialy around the main square and we ate in a particularly nice one called Casa Grec, off the square and catering to very high standards. There is no obvious nightlife in Svoronata, but if like us the highlight of your evening is a lovely leisurely meal, eaten outside with very good and cheap house wine, after a lazy day around the pool, a drive around the island or a boat trip to Ithaka, then we can't think of a better place to spend your holidays.