Smaragdi II Studios

We enjoyed a lovely week Smaragdi II. Firstly the hill..... much seems to be made of this and it's really nothing to worry about. We're not youngsters, my partner will be 70 in a few weeks and we walked up and down a few times a day, probably a little slower in the afternoon heat, but the longest it took was six minutes up, only a few minutes down! Really not something to stress about. When we were taken to our room I was immediately impressed with the stunning views of the bay. The room was nice, typically Greek, simple but perfectly adequate. But it was the spacious balcony and view that was the star. Fresh bread and croissants from the bread van each morning provided breakfast, together with supplies from Anna's supermarket at the bottom of the hill. There are plenty of lovely restaurants nearby, I think our favourite was Sotiris, the oven potatoes are the best 😋 The pool area is really lovely, always quiet during our week, again beautiful views from there. Even the transfer from the airport is lovely, the ferry crossing is an enjoyable experience. Just be mindful that plug sockets may be lacking, luckily we expected this and had taken a four socket extension lead with us, so that solved that issue. All in all, well worth the price we paid and we wouldn't hesitate to return.

We are returners to Smaragdi around 8 times and will be back again next year. Why - we love traditional Greece and Kostas and Katarina provide it perfectly. Wonderful hosts, well stocked bar, clean light basic rooms, amazing views, bins emptied every day, plenty of clean towels and bed linen changes. Yes the hill is a little testing but in 30 degrees when you are in your 60's and 70's I don't think that is surprising. However - if you really don't fancy it there is a small pool with sunbeds - right next to the bar - and the staff are very happy to order you a takeaway which includes pizza and traditional Greek dishes. Smaragdi studios are not just for sleeping you can really enjoy the views either for your breakfast (bread man visits every morning around 9.00 with plenty of variety), drink before you go out for the evening when the temperature has cooled and the balconies are in shade, my husband also really enjoys sitting once the stars are out having a late night coffee upon our return out. Plenty of local Tavernas in Golden Beach we love Sitiris and Pefka. Setiris as you sit next to the sea and Pefka have Greek music whilst you are enjoying your meal 3 times a week. If you fancy something different Panagia has fantastic meat on the spit - goes really well with a salad and few fries. A visit to Thassos town will only cost a couple of Euro's each on the bus - Anna in the supermarket next to bus stop has timetable. Lived in Crete but holiday here !!!!

We came as a couple with a teenager and an 18month old. Do not be worried about the ferry transfer like I did when I suddenly spotted the ferry transfer! It’s a beautiful, huge, new ferry with fantastic facilities and huge windows for views of the beautiful sites all the way around the ferry! It’s about 20 minutes on the coach to the port, all bags stay on board the coach and you can leave none valuables on there. 40 minute ferry crossing and 20 mins on the coach again into resort. It’s a lovely way to travel so just enjoy the ride! I say marketed as Emerald Luxuary Suites as they are lovely but basic, the other luxury hotels are just that in the area. Just don’t want you to be disappointed. We were allocated room 3 which is in a separate block opposite the main hotel and pool. The staff we have met so far are absolutely lovely here, except one of the maids who seemed less than friendly yesterday. There was an entrance with no steps that led down the hill to the beach. Don’t worry about the hill if you are able to walk unassisted, think of it as a way to work off all the gyros and kleftico at the end of the night! It’s a pulse racer but not at all undoable. If I’m honest, the living room, bathroom is really dark which is a bit gloomy but it has everything you need. The bathroom is clean and compact. The bedroom is the most spacious area and the balcony is lovely. The trees and bushes have been cut whilst we are here so more of the sea view can be seen now which is nice. As we are on the bottom floor, we don’t get as good a view which i really was looking forward to but there is a sea view none the less. Golden beach at the bottom of the hill is lovely and if you go left, the restaurants are all right by the sea, if you go right, the restaurants are a bit further back from the sea. All we have eaten at serve beautiful fresh food. Just a tip, there is an Aviv car rental place at the bottom of the hill from the hotel. DO NOT GO there! 66€ a day was the cheapest... we carried on down past Aviv on our left, took the next left towards the beach then a right before the beach (5 min walk) and got a 6 day rental on a new fiat for £150€! The guys name was Peter. Protas car hire and his are right next to each other. Not sure of prices there as he was shut. But we were more than happy with our deal. To go around the whole island is 110km approx. Just so you know the ATM’s e change rates are dreadful! (Asda 106.3€ to £1.00 when I went, here 0.96€ to £1.00!) Use your credit card as it’s protected and a much better rate or bring your currency! Ours got delayed and it’s really cost us so just be careful lovelies x So far we have taken a 15 min drive to Skala Potamias which is a little busier and another lovely beach. This place is great for a quiet, relaxing family holiday. We plan to go to the waterfalls in a place in the centre-ish of the island, the Coralli Fish Tavern and the ports. I will update the review as we go along if I can. Never reviewed before whilst on location. Just wanted to let travellers know what we would have wanted to know before we came.