Although we had asked before we went, we were assured by the man in charge that it's a peaceful place - even in mid August- and that yachts are driven out of the bay. Unfortunately not only the "almost private bay" but the whole island was swarming by yachts. Swimming and snorkeling was a dangerous activity. Someone had to be on the lookout for killing keels. There were some noisy neighbors in the other rooms with loud music and spoiled children. Any complaint was coped with steel cold cynicism. The rooms were filthy and the surrounding garden neglected. The villages, as well as the beaches, were not as picturesque as they had been advertised. No professionalism concerning tourism, no traditional greek hospitality. It' s a pity...

Just had a 2 week break in Porto Elia, Meganisi, Greece. The location of the accommodation was great - right on the beach - but the nearest village of Katomeri was up a very steep hill best tackled in the evening when the sun was going down. The accommodation was very basic but as I said the location more than made up for this. We did have comfortable beds, clean linen and towels and always had hot water (which is a bonus in Greece). The supermarket and bottle shop in the village delivered any supplies right to your door. We walked into Vathy most nights for our meal which was not a problem when the sun was down. The hotel Meganisi did have good food and we had lunch there and used the swimming pool but we did like the atmosphere of Vathy for our evenings. The island people were wonderful and couldn't do enough for you. We hired a motor bike to see a bit more of this wonderful island and also hired a boat - both well worth it. We will certainly be back to Meganisi again.

Heather

Wow. This place is amazing, absolutely secluded in a beautifully quiet setting.

It is the rustic Greece of years gone by so if you are looking for manicured lawns and entertainment etc, stay away and leave it to the people who want to get away from it all in total paradise.

The village of katomeri is like a picture postcard, the old men in the ouzeria, old ladies hanging out their rugs all stopping to wish you good day.

There is one main Taverna (Big Georges) which takes you in as part of the family. In the village is "the Bottle Shop" this supplies water, wine, spirits etc and if you are staying in Porto Elia delivers them to your door! Handy as you have just trekked up the hill.

At the next village, Porto Vathy, there are 3 main tavernas, Porto vathy, Stavros and The Rose Garden all excellent food and very personal service. Stavros and The Rose Garden were our favourites.

With a population of only 1000 you do get to feel part of the community as everyone goes out of their way to say hello. Spartohori over the other side of the island has more tavernas but we only tried one, Lakis where the food was again good.

All in all this really is the most amazing place to get away from it all, our 13th visit to Greece and this is going to be hard to top!