Erofili Beach Hotel

For anyone keen to spend much of their days enjoying the splendid sandy beaches just east of Armenistis, and their evenings imbibing the food, drink and atmosphere of the village's delightfully traditional tavernas, the charming Erofili offers the ideal location. Set just above the sea at the entrance to the village, this small but comfortable hotel is just a couple of minutes' walk from Mesakti beach in one direction, and about the same distance from the village centre and the quayside in the other.

But it is not just the position that makes the Erofili such an appealing choice, for its thoughful décor, contemporary comfort and intimate size conspire to create a warm and welcoming ambience the moment you first walk through the door. There are just 34 rooms, mostly with twin beds but with some doubles available on request. Attractively furnished, all are air-conditioned (operational in July and August only) and equipped with minibars, satellite TV (limited channels), telephones and safety deposit boxes. Hairdryers are provided in the compact en-suite shower rooms. Most importantly, each room has a spacious east-facing balcony - thus catching the morning sun and allowing the rooms to cool down in the afternoon - with fabulous views of both Mesakti and Livadi beaches, and the lush forested slopes of the mountainous hinterland.

The same enchanting views can be enjoyed from the hotel's public terraces, one of which incorporates an enticing seawater swimming pool surrounded by sun-loungers. Other communal facilities include a small spa area with a heated thalassotherapy pool and a jacuzzi, as well as an internet corner.

Whilst the hotel's setting will be particularly appealing to beach-lovers, it also makes a comfortable base from which to set off along the hiking trails to the mountain villages of Rahes, or to explore further afield by car. However you choose to spend your days, a decent buffet breakfast, with hot dishes and cereals as well as the more customary Greek breakfast components, sets you up well for the day's activities, or lack thereof should you prefer complete relaxation.