We booked a last minute holiday at the Ariadni, and had decided that as we knew Skiathos was such an easy island to get round, it wouldn't really matter where we stayed.

As it was, we couldn't believe our luck. These apartments are a gem tucked away in Aghia Paraskevi, and we were not disappointed.

Apartments were basic, but very clean, most with balconies that over-look the pool area. The pool is larger than most we saw, and the pool and surrounding area was cleaned every day by Vangelis and his family.

There is a lovely bar area next to the pool which serves food (wonderful home cooking!) and snacks during the day, and Vangelis would only shut the bar when the last person left.

The whole apartment block is on a bit of steep incline, albeit a short walk in all, but the pool/bar area is half way up so always worth having a quick stop off there before heading back to the apartment!

There are some neighbouring sheep, who you will hear in the morning and evening whilst they wait for Vangelis to feed them.

Vangelis is wonderful - very friendly and happy to talk to you if you are at the bar, and he did look after us. There is also a young lady called Joanne who works behind the bar and aside from being very cheerful (she is always smiling and singing), she makes the best cocktails!!

In terms of the situation of Ariadni, it is literally next door to a supermarket, so less than 2 minutes walk, plus along the same road are a number of tavernas, all within a 5-10 minute stroll (and I mean stroll as it was too hot to walk too fast!). It took about 10 minutes to walk to the bus stop (bus stop no. 16) every day, but the beauty of the bus is that because you are halfway along the route, the fare is slightly cheaper in both directions!

We definitely want to return to Skiathos as it is such a marvellous Island, and when we do go back, we will be heading back to the Ariadni.

Thank you Vangelis for a wonderful holiday, if you do ever read this!