| From Rachael Alexandra Pielow,
East Sussex, England
28 Sept 2004 - "A few years ago now my family
and I went on holiday to Thassos and have been going back every
year since then. We discovered a lovely family run Hotel through
a local acquaintance - and the locals know more than anyone which
are the better places to stay in. The name of this delightful Hotel
is the Hotel Pegasus. Not only is the Hotel very welcoming in appearance,
but the surroundings and interiors are suitable for all kinds of
holiday goer. The hotel is situated about two minutes walk from
the ferry and the centre of Thassos and provides a perfect sized
swimming pool to cool yourself off in after a long day of travelling
or wondering around. There are restaurants, bars and beaches very
near by but should you want something more calming and idyllic,
the back of the Hotel looks over a lovely garden and the swimming
pool. The rooms - and trust me on this, as I've stayed in practically
all of them over the years! - are all of good size and have on-suite
bathrooms and balcony's. There is also a restaurant around the back
of the Hotel that is the perfect place to have a nice quiet meal
- and the food is very good and reasonably priced - in some incredibly
pretty surroundings before you either go to bed, or go out into
town for some fun, or if you just fancy a beer, there is also a
bar! The owner of the Hotel is a well respected and highly educated
man who is very welcoming, friendly and helpful to his guests. You
would have to be a very unreasonable person not to enjoy your stay
here. Oh, nearly forgot: there is a small gym in the hotel too,
but sadly I have always been too busy to visit it!"
From Sheila and John, London, UK
26 Sept 2004 - "The news about Golden Sun
is devastating for the island in general and for owners and GS reps
in particular. We have had 5 wonderful GS holidays and, after 2
consecutive years of hearing stories of non-payments to property
owners on the island, came home this year having made a conscous
decision not to use them again - its all very well having a cheap
holiday but not at the expense of the people who, on an island like
Thassos, are virtually welcoming you into their home. In the main,
you stay in family-run accommodation and, in the week or two you
are there, you get to know the people - that's part of the experience,
part of the pleasure of a holiday on an island like Thassos.
I can't really put into words how sad I am for everyone affected
by this collapse - I just hope that the other tour operators to
the island will take on the properties affected and help all the
owners rebuild their business."
From Ann, East Sussex, UK
26 Sept 2004 - "I know many visitors to
Thassos book their holiday through Goldensun. As of friday 24th
september 2004 they have ceased trading ie gone into liquidation.
This means if you are booked with them the holiday is no longer
valid. Since Goldensun were with atol you should eventualy get
back costs. For advice go to www.atol.org.uk.
where you can download a claims form. I have only just found this
out since we were booked on a holiday to thassos departing 29th
Sep. Good Luck"
From Peter Kerrone, Lancashire, England
25 Sept 2004 - "Well, I don't suppose many
of us are surprised at the demise of Goldensun. Regulars to Thassos,
knew of their unpaid debts to many apartment owners, and the cynical
amongst us could sense an impending financial crisis. I am sure
we all feel sympathy for our many friends on the island who could
be facing total ruin. Personally, my wife and I have enjoyed six
years of extremely competitively priced holidays with Goldensun,
and although they didn't over pamper their clients, if you knew
where you wanted to go, then you could certainly get a good deal.
Sometimes half the price of their competitors, (I suppose that's
where it all went wrong)?
So, what now? I am sure that with the internet, the more determined
amongst us will be able to book accommodation direct with the owners,
or possibly another operator will take over their customer base.
I feel somehow indebted to the island, for the many fond memories,
and friends that we have there, and would like to support them in
their hour of need."
From Liz Bellingham, Wolverhampton, England
24 Sept 2004 - "Breaking news . . . . following
the report on the consumer programme Watchdog, Golden Sun has
gone into liquidation. I have contacted ABTA about getting my
deposit back but they can't help. We'd booked Aliston for next
June and the Souzanna is full."
From Rebecca and David Croft, Peterborough,
England
14 Sept 2004 - "For our first visit to Thassos
we thought it was spectacular. We stayedat Nostos Studios where
everyone was friendly. We also went to Fedra's where there was no
football all the time and the chef was not bellowing. The staff
were all friendly and helpful and we found the food lovely. Compared
to places here the prices were relatively cheap. I can definitely
say that we will be going back."
From DAVE&MARY, WARWICKSHIRE, England
13 Sept 2004 - "Hello to every one that remembers
us.We have been to skala potomia on holiday for the past three years,
and absolutley love it.The first year we stayed at the suzie which
was very nice' the last two years we stayed at the semeli and will
hopefully be ther again next year. The taverna's are all very good
especially filippo the food very good and the owners very friendly.
Ore favourate bar is the corner bar/internet cafe which we are trying
to find email address as we became good friends with the owner and
his family. If you are looking for a nice relaxing holiday this
is the place to go."
From Alan, N. Yorkshire, England
13 Sept 2004 - "Visited Thassos for the
second time and it was even better than the first! Stayed at the
Dionysos, Golden Beach, fantastic view, but the climb is not for
the faint hearted. Favourite restaurant - Playa d'Ora, best for
breakfast CJ's in Skala Potamia.If you want a nice bar to drink
at try Starfish Bar (near the Vigli) owned by Katie - ex Thomson
rep. Can't wait for next year!"
From Catherine Mitrainas, London, England
08 Sept 2004 - "Hello fellow Thassian fans
I would just like to mention Rachoni as it appears that not too
many people visit this village and Skala Rachoni. The beaches are
wonderful,it is a quiet location and just 10 mins to Limenas and
Prinos either way. Louloudis apartments are an excellent place to
stay and there is a fab beach/ cocktail bar across the road open
until the early hours . . . . . . . . .
The whole of Catherine
Mitrainas's message can be found if you follow
this link - a new browser page will open, leaving this one
for your return.
From Rachel and Levent, Manchester, England
08 Sept 2004 - "If you have read all about
the Souzana studios in Skala Potamias on this website, in most accounts
it would appear a lovely place to stay. In fact, anyone would believe
someone connected to the place is writing in its favour! Are they
being paid to do this I wonder?
My experience this year has been totally different.
The whole of Rachel and
Levent's message can be found if you follow
this link - a new browser page will open, leaving this one
for your return.or on the "Souzana Studios
Debate" - click
here
Message
from the Webmaster
ENOUGH!!! No more Souzana Studios debate
PLEASE. I have no idea whether anyone is "getting paid"
for their comments - but I KNOW I'M NOT, and I'm now bored
with it.
I've included all comments so far in a single "Souzana
Studios Debate" page, and unless someone can find something
original, and preferably funny to say on the subject, it
is now closed - unless of course someone would like to start
paying me for entries on the site . . .
Until then, it's my site and my money, so my rules I'm afraid. |
From Michele Winterton, Berkshire, UK
08 Sept 2004 - "Hi, I've just returned from
a weeks holiday staying at the Marina Studios in Golden Beach.
I'd been there 3 years ago and loved the resort so returned for
my first "girlie" holiday with my best friend. The studios
are immaculate and the owners are extremely friendly. We were
greeted with coffee and hot home made cake on arrival which was
just what we needed after hours of travelling. The beach was exceptionally
clean and the water was crystal clear. Fedra's restaurant which
over-looks the beach, has friendly staff who serve amazing meals
- the lamb kleftiko was out of this world!! Would I go back again?
You try and stop me! Would I stay at the Marina Studios again?
Most definitely!"
From Stephanie Manning, Nottinghamshire, UK
07 Sept 2004 - "It is now september the 7th
and I am still thinking about the holiday that me and my mum had
in Pefkari thassos. We stayed in Thassos Hotel and it was beutiful!.The
rooms were a nice size with air conditioning,and the people there
were really friendly!and everything was perfect.Pefkari beach is
to die for,as the sea is so clear with little fishes that come swimming
up to your feet.The weather was nice and hot as we went in the middle
of august.I got a bit of a tan but not much as I'm fair.The restuarant
belonging to the hotel was fantastic! and the staff their are very
friendly and welcoming! George and John who work there are really
nice,plus George was rather fit:-).There is something about the
Island that is so beutiful,I can't quite dscribe it,the whole place
is just magical and the sunsets are to die for.I will definitly
be going back there,either in 1 or 2 years time.If I could I'd book
a flight and go to Pefkari tomorow but unfortnatley Im back at college
now and can't have any time off,not just yet anyway:-)Id also like
to say thankyou to the woman that owns the hotel for giving my mum
some olive oil to put on my foot when I got splinters from a sea
urchant!as it worked!:-).See you soon Thassos!!!Missing you already
luv stephanie aged 19"
From Matthew Hamilton, Yorkshire, UK
04 Sept 2004 - "We have stayed in many studios
and apartments in the Greek Islands over the years, and we would
like to say how impressed we both were with the Suzanna apartments.
We stayed there at the end of August for two weeks and found it
always bright and clean. We also found Alex's restaurant excellent;
so good in fact that we didn't bother finding anywhere else to
eat. If you are looking for somewhere to eat and sleep in Thassos,
I can recommend both."
From Jean, Yorkshire, UK
04 Sept 2004 - "We returned to Thassos for
the 3rd year in a row, and stayed for a second time at the Suzanna
Studios. We were greeted by Tassos like old friends and the studios
again were kept immaculately clean by Sofia. This year though Tassos
left at 9pm in the evenings to be replaced by Alex's girlfriend
and the bar was a lot quieter without him, some nights deserted.
We were saddened to hear on our last day that Tassos had been let
go as part of a cost cutting exercise, he will be sorely missed,
he was one of the reason for me and many of my friends returning
to the studios. I also think if the flight transfers remain as late
for next year as they did for this year that the management should
look into offering a courtesy room to guests, as entire families
were queing to wash and shave in a handbasin in the basement. Best
places to eat this year were the Green Sea and Nautilos
From andy & tracy gough, shropshire, UK
04 Sept 2004 - "been back two days loved
it,we stayed at the la luna studios whitch were clean& tidy
every night we would go into town which after 9 got a bit mutch
we are only young but just needed to chill.on the way back to
la luna 5 mins from town centre is cafe& bar called SPIROS
BAR mostly used by the locals this has to be the most frendly
relaxing bar we could find and also the cheapest if go there be
sure to say hi to tik/tak the cat who was wild but is well cared
for by spiros PLEASE GO THERE AND TRY IT BUT MOST OF ALL ENJOY
THASSOS
From Kim Tyreman and Family, Gloucester, UK
01 Sept 2004 - "Can I say how disappointed
we were to read the comments made by Antonia Harrison. My family
and I stayed at the Souzana Studios at the same time and we have
nothing but compliments. This was our third year running (my parents
have been 6 times), each time staying in Scala Potamias. We were
a little dubious about staying at the Suzanna, as we normally stay
in an apartment rather than a studio, but would have no hesitation
in doing so again. . . . . . .
The whole of Kim Tyreman's
message can be found if you follow
this link - a new browser page will open, leaving this one
for your return.or on the "Souzana Studios
Debate" - click
here
From Mick and Tracey, W.Yorkshire, UK
26 Aug 2004 - "Well, what can we say? Been
again, loved it, can't wait to go back!
Stayed at the Kouros this time, just outside Limenas. Clean &
tidy but with no pool or bar. This is no problem though, as residents
are welcome to use the pool area at the Aberdeen studios next door
(as long as they use the bar as well). Everyone is really friendly
and helpful as usual, and when I burnt the bottom out of the kettle,
I offered to pay but I just couldn't.
Highlights this year? We went to Limenaria for the first time and
found it beautiful and relaxing. Kev from Altringham falling in
the old harbour outside Remezo (there is a connection lol).
As far as food is concerned, we never had a bad meal but for excellent
value, service and a superb "Stamna" we would reccomend
"Toxotis" on the edge of town.
Next year, with any luck, we'll be back at the Macedon hotel again,
'till then.........
Mick & Tracey."
From Roy & Kay, Warwickshire, England
24 Aug 2004 - "11th July 2004
Second holiday on Thassos. last time July 2000. Has not changed.
Stopped at Dimitris on Golden Beach both times, rooms are clean,
comfortable. tv and fridge in room.also air conditioning available
for a daily charge.
Dimitris very friendly. Beach is beautiful and clean, plenty of
sun beds. The starfish bar run by Kate and Richard is a great
watering hole. Throughly recommend it. (opposite the kiosk at
the end of the beach) the last bar before the walk to the Blue
Bay hotel. Hope to have many more relaxing holidays on this island."
From Matt & Emily Osborne, South Coast,
UK
20 Aug 2004 - "Having picked up some useful
points on this site, thought I'd leave my own impressions for future
visitors to Thassos. We stayed at the Algari on the seafront at
Limenaria and found a week was enough to pack in the majority of
the sites of this beautiful green and mountainous island. The hotel
was clean and functional, Limenaria a good base to explore the island,
the people friendly and eating out was easy and reasonably priced.
A basic guide of things to do would include -
The whole of Matt &
Emily Osborne's message can be found if you follow
this link - a new browser page will open, leaving this one
for your return
From Terry & Pat Simpson, Manchester, UK
20 Aug 2004 - "Well, after 32 years of holidays
and never returning to the same place, we decided to buck tradition
and return to the Souzana Studios in Skala Potamia. This time we
took our son, aged 20 and his girlfriend aged 19 as we knew they
weren't interested in disco's, music bars etc. We had such a fantastic
time last year.
The studios were just as clean and tidy as usual . . . . . . .
The whole of Terry &
Pat Simpson's message can be found if you follow
this link - a new browser page will open, leaving this one
for your return.or on the "Souzana Studios
Debate" - click
here
From
Barry Maguire, Lancashire, England
19 Aug 2004 - "Just returned home 18/8/2004
my top tips for Tavernas are both in Thassos town. Terry at the
Harbour Lights fantastic breakfast and always a warm welcome and
a cold beer. Also Mousas tavern traditional greek slightly away
from town on the front past the ferry port. We tried all the specials
mm mm. The atlas bar was also real good specialy if you are a
cat lover."
From michaela, Lancashire, England
18 Aug 2004 - "i have just come back from
Thassos and i loved it, I went 2 years ago to thassos town, it was
alright but i still loved it, then this year, we went to Limenaria
and stayed at Christos Studios. It was Fantastic, the apartment
was literally on the beach, and the pool was just next door it was
amazing.
I went to Anna Beaches Bar, Vythos Bar, owners Dimitri and Tanya,
i ahd a cocktail tehre nearly every night and ate a few pizzas,
we made friends with Max and Mario, and we are only 13, 14 and 16
(i'm 14) They were cool.
Overall it was my favourite Greek island, as ive been to quite alot,
and im going back to Skiathos next year, so i cant go back, maybe
in a couple of years.
Oh yeah i HIGHLY RECOMMEND the parachute, you sit on the boat and
get lifted into the air it was incredible"
From Philippa Cabrey & Stuart Wilson, Wirral,
England
17 Aug 2004 - "Myself and my fiance Stuart
visited the beautiful island of Thassos for the first time in July
this year and instantly fell in love with it. with it's beautiful
beaches, picturesque scenery, fabulous restaurants and it's warm
friendly locals we feel we really have found our little bit of heaven.
In regards to our accomodation we couldn't have wished for more.
The Aliston studios are situated in the ldylic Skala Potamia and
are ideal for those who want to get away from it all. We were made
to feel so welcome by the owner Thanasos who really is a delightful
chap and it was a real pleasure to stay in such a well looked after
little place, in such lovely surroundings. So if your reading this
Thanasos a big hello from us and we will see you next July. I must
also give a mention to Suzanne and Paul and the staff and animals
at Pine Tree Paddock (Rachoni) especially Patches the dog (we'll
see you soon babes). They work so hard all year round to look after
the islands ill treated animals and if like us you are an animal
lover you can sponser one of the many stray cats and dogs for just
20 euros a month. I would love to hear from anyone who stayed at
the Aliston the same time as us 7th - 21st July 2004 and am counting
the days until our return visit next year. Philippa"
From Liz Bellingham, Wolverhampton, England
13 Aug 2004 - "I too am very surprised to
read the comments below. I've stayed at the Souzana studios for
two years running and been coming to Thassos for ten years. They
are the best apartments I've stayed in.
Kettle??!! you get a hairdrier, a shower curtain, a bath mat and
a TV - good grief, what more could you want!
The fact that they are already fully booked for the dates I wanted
to come next year shows how popular the apartments are. There
are a lot of repeat visitors. I have had to book to stay in the
Aliston which is only opposite I know, but I'm really disappointed.
Never mind Alex and Nat, we'll be over every day!
See you next June!
Sarah and Stelios - Hope you both are OK, write soon!"
From Alison and Chris, Newbury, England
13 Aug 2004 - "We were recommended to try
Thassos this year and we are glad we did. We stayed at Souzanna
and were pleased with both the accomodation and the hospitality
that we received. We had a fantastic room overlooking mountain scenary
. . . and no I am not telling you the number in case we want to
re-book! There was maid service every day which we have not experienced
before . . . . she even went in to remove our towels from the balcony
during a storm! Natalie is the veritable Shirley Valentine . . .
. younger slimmer prettier version!
Seriously tho', hearing about the Greek way of life without the
language barrier and from someone who is living it themselves added
another point of interest to our holiday. Alex also runs a taverna
'in town'. We spotted the menu in Suzanna offering free wine to
it's customers who also went to the taverna...it was a good pull
and it worked. Good business sense there. We felt that Souzanna
was a little more civilised and tranquil than a lot we saw . . .
even from Alliston across the way.
Other places to eat . . Green Sea for the Moussaka [with cinnamon!],
Captains, .but only if you have a humoungous appetite - don't order
starters. Tasty food at Captains but it could improve on service
and friendliness. Megas [?] Alexandros for astounding Pizza, especially
the Anchovy and Olive.
Villages, try Mikros Prinos and Megali Prinos for something a little
different.
If you want to see the fishing boats come in, get there before 6am
- our lad was out with his camera one morning at that time and he
still missed them."
From Mick Benson, Kent, England
12 Aug 2004 - "Hi all
I would just like to update my last comments on THASSOS. I have
now been to THASSOS 5 years on the trot, We always stay at the Villa
Lina in Thassos Town, The villa is owned by Lina & Panos who
are great host's. Also Wanda & Paul have the daily task of running
the villa's pool bar (exellent job very friendly) the garden and
the Pool (all exellent)
Plces to eat:
The zodiac bar (run by Jill and her husband) (try the Gavros)
New this year the Italian restaruant opposite the ferry port. (try
the Shrimp saginaki)
Various places along the side streets all exellent
Bars to reccomend:
The Harbour Light (owner Terry) great night very friendly.
The annonymous bar in the town opposite where the artist are (value
for money)
The Island bar for cocktails (lovely views of the sunset from here)
And not forgetting the very small bar for lunchtime snacks on the
beach before you get to tasarnas beach is Effies bar (small but
exellent).
Cant wait to get back again, it' become our second home now. The
Locals are so friendly. . . . ."
From Sheila and John, London, England
11 Aug 2004 - "How strange - we never realised
Skala Potamia was so big that it had two lots of Souzana studios
run by Alex and Natalie and two tavernas run by the same Alex.
Please, if you have booked to go to Souzana, do not be put off
by the comments below - go and enjoy. Alex and Natalie are friendly
and helpful if you need them to be and the taverna Megas Alexandros
serves excellent Greek food - in our opinion, Alex's moussaka
is one of the best we have had anywhere in 16 years of Greek holidays
and his grilled sardines and cabbage salad are delicious. The
studios are of an excellent standard - large and bright and cleaned
daily (except Sundays)with sheets and towels changed more often
than is usual in Greek accommodation. Judging from the people
we met there in June the opinion below is very much in the minority."
From Smith, England
11 Aug 2004 - "Having recently returned from
my third visit to the Souzana Studios in Scala Potamias I felt I
must let everyone know who has booked to stay there this year what
a fantastic place this is. Most of the guests were repeat visitors.
Alex (who has several years experience) and Natalie worked extremely
hard to keep all their guests happy (a job I would find very difficult
given the long hours and the arrogance of some of the guests who
are fortunately in the minority)if we had any problems they were
sorted almost immediately - a fantastic achievment and a change
from other places we have stayed.
There are several very good restaurants in the resort, we chose
to eat at Megas Alexandros Restaurant most evenings for the quality,
quantity choice and exceptionally good service. THANK YOU!
I find it very hurtful to see nasty comments on this website, comments
that can also be very damaging to the hoteliers and restaurant owners.
I believe these people deserve more respect, they work hard and
get very little in return. Being charged for damage caused to property
is not unreasonable I say, I'm sure if the boot was on the other
foot they would do exactly the same and how long have kettles been
supplied as standard in Greece?(comment from Harrison - Lancashire)
PS: Keep up the good work I have already booked 2 more visits for
2005!"
From Mr & Mrs H & C, Nottingham, England
09 Aug 2004 - "Had our 2nd hol in beautiful
Scala Potamia, we stayed at the Aliston studios in July.HOW RIGHT
you were- B and E, Yorkshire, England, we agree 100%.The sun &
moon run by Colin stays open for late arrivals, go out of the
Alistons back gate turn right at the end go left and you will
see the sun & moon on the left very nice NOT an english pub.Good
luck to Ian & Kath at the Dignity bar in Golden beach nice
place,again not an English pub.Thassos is a lovely Island, a truly
relaxing haven.Loads of taverna's serving good food, prices are
similar to home."
From margaret and keith jones, herts, u.k
08 Aug 2004 - "Just returned from another
fantastic holiday on Thassos... would like to thank panos and pato
from Green sea for all our fantastic meals and all the malamatina
they served us with !!!
Hired a car this time and ventured inland to Kasaviti
and rachoni met some lovely friendly people we will never forget
and can't wait to return (once credit cards are paid off a bit)
It's harder to leave each time and I know we're not the only ones
to feel like this everyone you meet has always either been before
or can't wait to go back, Heaven on earth !!!"
From antonia harrison, lancashire, England
06 Aug 2004 - "my family and i have just returned
from 2 weeks in skala potamias staying at the suzanna studios. as
we go to greece at least twice a year we are used to basic accommodation,
but the suzanna was quite good compared to others we have stayed
in. the rooms are bright and airy and there is a nice snack bar
area, patio area and even though the pool is not very big it was
very welcoming. during the day it was like being in your own private
house with pool, as everybody seemed to go out. the studios are
set in a very quiet back road but only a 5-10 minute walk to the
bars and restaurants.
the only complaints that we had and other clients
whom we spoke to was that in such a new property you would expect
a kettle, and at least more than one electric ring that worked!!
all the restaurants are about the same in quality even alex's (
owner of the suzanna studios)which is not very good by greek standards,
and we were very dissapointed as we love greek food!!! we ventured
to the next village called pannagia a couple of times, where we
found the food to be much better and the shops and bars were half
the price, it is only 5 euoro's each way in a taxi and it is well
worth a visit as it is a very beautiful traditional greek village.
we feel that the owners of the suzanna studios could have been a
lot more friendlier and gone out of there way a bit more to please
there customers although tassos behind the bar was fantastic!! maybe
with a few more years experience natalie and alex's customer service
skills will be up to standard and then they will get more repeat
customers, and maybe a busier bar area!! we really enjoyed our stay
in skala potamias and would reccommend the resort to anyone looking
for a nice peaceful break in beautiful surroundings.
p.s. i almost forgot, whatever you do don't get your towels dirty
as they charge you 11 euro's per towel. which is probably more than
all the towels in the hotel cost when they were new!!!"
From The Hall Family, Worcestershire, England
02 Aug 2004 - "We are just back from Thassos,
our first holiday abroad with the children (age 6 and 8), and what
a fantastic two weeks we've had.
We stayed at the Filactous appartments on the outskirts
of Limenaria (owned by Demitrias & Tanya who also own Anna Beach
Hotel. The appartment was a decent size, clean and with a VERY GOOD
hot water supply and wonderful air conditioning (worth the extra
money)! The owners were really welcoming and especially lovely to
the children (as was almost every local Greek we met).
Kostis Fish Taverna which is near the other end
of the sea front from Anna Beach has an excellent menu at really
good prices. We had fantastic lamb dishes, Stiffado, fish and very
good wine. The owners Demetris and Vana are very lovely people and
once again the children were spoilt rotten. We had no problem with
wasp!, two thunderstorms but which were entertaining rather than
a problem, and no travel problems. This is a fantastic island for
an unspoilt taste of Greece but with pretty good facilities for
families. We would definately visit again." |