Perivolos, Smaragdi Apartments

The rooms are very comfortable and all the appliances are very easy to use. We had an amazing week there. So relaxing. The pool area is fantastic and there are plenty of sunloungers for everybody and the pool is always very clean. Also, the food there is fantastic. We ate there almost every night and it was always gorgeous. We went in the first week of July so it was very hot but the rooms have fans and air-conditioning if you need it which means you can have a good nights sleep. My parents decided to take me and my brother to Santorini, as they came the first time for a honeymoon 21 years ago, and wanted to show us what it was like. It lived up to all our expectations and it was great to have a fantastic hotel to come back to every night. Can't wait to go back and stay there again soon! Absolutely fantastic!

The Smaragdi is run by a Greek family and all are really helpful, and speak good English. Stamos (the son in law) is the life and soul of the party, and has everyone joining in even the kids. The apartments are basic, but who spends all their time in there? But are spotless and are cleaned everyday, the towels and bedding are also changed, any problems and all you have to do is ask. The rooms are also cool and there is air conditioning if you need it, the rooms also have fans. The food is excellent although it is limited.

The beginning of May is the start of the season so it is very quiet but relaxing. There is no fighting over sunbeds!! there are plenty. We can't wait to go back. Even our 12 year old daughter can't wait to go back to have the pool to herself!

At this time of year the resort is very quiet and so may not suit everyone and there is nothing for young children. Also be careful as there is no pavement along the beach road and the cars and bikes do not slow down.

This is the first time we have been to Santorini, and we would highly recommend Smaragdi Hotel. The apartments were well furnished, and cleaned every other day by a wonderful cleaner. The owners were a lovely family. The bus stop is nearby for all buses to Thera and beyond. We did not have one bad meal the whole two weeks. Would recommend Acropolis, Best and Atlantis in Perivolos end of the road, and Cyclades and Fernika on the top road in Perissa.

This was the first time we had been to Santorini, and we loved every minute of it. The owners of the Smaragdi Apartments in Perivolos were wonderful. They were married in December 2005 and are so happy together. We did not think he was over the top at all, and our ten year old daughter loved him. We only went to the beach once, but we weren't that keen. There is a supermarket nearby, and further afield there is a large Co-op, where they will give you free transportation back to your accommodation. There are also one or two lovely restaurants nearby, and there is a lot more about a 15 minute walk away.

Overall, Our holiday to Santorini staying at the Smaragdi Apartments was a good holiday. Santorini is a beautiful place. Accommodation only average, and found the owner very over the top, and he was really only happy if you stayed and spent money on the premises.

Smaragdi is actually in 2 parts - the main part and the annexe, the 3 times we have been we have stayed in the main part; it consists of apartments which are situated amid lovely gardens, with a pool and bar and breakfast area. The main ones are in blocks of 4, partially submerged underground which makes them very cool and quiet, with shared patios covered with cane blinds which are essential in the mid-day heat (it sure gets really hot!) each studio has a small cooking area with fridge and 2 ring hob, sink & storage, bed area and small shower room with toilet (and shower curtain which is a bit of a rarity for Greece!) The annexe is across the road and seems to have single patio areas and the rooms are built above ground. The complex is run by the family of Smaragdi , her husband Dimitris and her daughter Maria and her fianc Stamos. They are very helpful and welcoming and will do their best to please and provide excellent service. The rooms are cleaned alternate days and the linen is changed at the same times. They provide a limited menu of food / bar snacks and breakfasts and have a well stocked bar. The black sand beach of Perivolos is about 2 minutes walk away and the centre of Perissa is about 15 minutes away on foot, there are plenty of bars / tavernas and restaurants along the sea front. It is an ideal place for a base for a holiday hence the reason we have been 3 times!