VILLA MAESTRALI GUIDEBOOK

VILLA MAESTRALI GUIDEBOOK

Welcome to Villa Maestrali! We hope you had a good trip, have settled in nicely, and are enjoying the lovely scenery around you. To make your stay a pleasant one, we have gathered regularly updated information and links in alphabetical order below.
Make yourself at home and have a wonderful vacation!

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A.

Appliances: Villa Maestrali comes well equipped with appliances to make your stay as easy and pleasant as possible. All appliances are regularly checked and updated. Please check “Appliances” folder in living room bookshelf for instructions on specific items.

Awning: The awning should remain extended throughout the season. It is waterproof and not affected by the rain.
When strong winds occur, it should also remain fully extended because slackening it to reel in will turn it into an extremely powerful sail and risks tearing. It is important for it to be taught to insure strength and stability.

Air Conditioning: Please keep doors and windows to bedrooms closed while using the air conditioning.
All AC units must be turned off before leaving the villa. Electricity costs are extremely high in Greece, and we would prefer to keep the AC costs complimentary.
The ACs are very efficient and will cool the rooms in no time, when you return.
The units also convert to heating when necessary. To cool the living room and kitchen, you can create cross drafts by opening the windows and doors, securing them with the white island stones on the floor near them.

Animals: There is a family of pheasants which has been living on the grounds now for several years. They live mainly in the big bushes up behind the house, outside the kitchen window. The rooster often squawks near the back terrace in the early morning. Occasionally there are wild hares and owls about. We have strewn snake powder around the villa, which keeps them away, but they are mostly harmless. Small pale lizards live in the cellar, and sometimes little green frogs appear on a window or shutter. Every so often, a stray dog or a cat will come by, hoping for some food or to be adopted. Please do not feed them. They will get the wrong message and stay. Under no circumstances are they allowed inside the villa. The cat hairs aggravate allergies and are very hard to remove from the seating and cushions. Please be considerate of our potential guests with allergies.

Activities on Skiathos: Skiathos offers over 60 beautiful beaches, all with fine gold sand and crystal clear blue water. (for more info see links under Beaches)

You will find the names and locations on our maps. On the Kalamaki Peninsula, where Villa Maestrali is located, the closest, Kanapitsa Beach and Vromolimnos Beach, both offer assorted water sports and tavernas.
From Kanapitsa Beach and Vromolimnos Beach you can rent a boat (see Boats for Rent) and visit the small island of Arkos. It has a great taverna, where Mama Akti cooks excellent, tasty, and fresh food. There are only ten sun beds on Arkos and it is wonderfully peaceful. If you’d rather not navigate yourself, you can have someone take you across and pick you up.

To rent a boat, inquire directly at the boat hire on Kanapitsa Beach or click here.
Also contact Gabi on WhatsApp: +30 6945334999 kanapitsaws@gmail.com gabi_mou@hotmail.com

For diving, go to Koukounaries Beach at bus stop no. 26: Skiathos Diving:
+30 24270 244 24

Mandraki Beach is situated on the northern coast, reachable after a 20-minute walk through a pine forest. It is less crowded and can be quite wild and windy, with sizeable waves.

Lalaria Beach is reachable only by boat on the northern side of the island, but well worth a visit to see its unique white pebble beach and spectacular natural arch.

We recommend a visit to Ampelakia Beach, next to Koukounaries Beach (at the end of the bus line, stop #26). There you will find excellent service, large sun beds, umbrellas, and an exclusive restaurant and bar.

If you are up for a small road trip and a hike, we recommend going north to Kastro Beach. In this rugged landscape you will find the old ruins of Kastro, where the people of Skiathos fled from attacking pirates and dwelled for over 400 years. The view is magnificent and the sea can be quite wavy and have a strong current. There is a fresh water shower fashioned with a hose to capture the water from the mountain spring. Be sure to have a meal at Apostolos’ place right above the beach. He built this simple taverna entirely on his own, using rocks, old crates and drift wood from the beach. He is very friendly and his food is wonderfully fresh, his fries are to die for. Sit back and enjoy the food and the view.

In town, at the harbour, you can choose from a large number of boats offering tours around the island, to Lalaria Beach, and the neighbouring islands of Skopelos and Alonissos.

Skopelos, the “Mama Mia Island”, is quieter and quainter than Skiathos. It also has lovely beaches, some excellent tavernas and beautiful little shops. If you are a fan, you can visit the Chapel used as a location for the wedding scene in the film.

Alonissos island has a marine park with monk seals and dolphins.

On the west side of Skiathos harbour you will also find sailing boats and catamarans offering day-sailing tours which include drinks and lunch. Check out: Nikolaki Swimming Trip , it is especially nice.
The only one we suggest you avoid is the “glass bottom boat”.

Walking a dog from the Dog Shelter can be fun and gratifying. You can visit their website here. Founded in 1995, the shelter has saved many dogs and found new homes for them outside of Greece. Contact: +30 24270 49 214

For Tennis, visit the Skiathos Tennis and Leisure Club
Contact: +30 2427 024054

Walking Around Skiathos Town A stroll around the town’s narrow streets behind the harbour will reveal cute white houses with red tiled roofs and bursts of colourful bougainvillea. You will find pretty little shops offering local produce, clothes and handmade souvenirs. Have a seat in one of the cafés at the picturesque harbour for a drink and gaze out at the four small islets opposite. Don’t pass up the chance to visit Bourtzi (view our Bourtzi Story), the small peninsula dividing the harbour, with its Venetian fortress set in lush vegetation. It is one of the most romantic spots in Skiathos town, thanks to its densely planted pine trees and stunning sea views. Enjoy a coffee and a great club sandwich and watch the boats go by.
In the western part of the harbour, towards the airport landing strip, Skiathos offers a bubbly nightlife, with a series of ultra-modern open-air clubs, which are totally safe for young people.
In the centre of town, right off the main street Papadiamantis, you can visit the fully intact house of world famous author, Alexandros Papadiamantis, after whom the street and airport are named.

Be sure not to miss the old open-air cinema midway along Papadiamantis Street. Enjoy the latest movies in English, with food and drinks, while seagulls swoop above your head, creating a very special atmosphere.

B.

Bathrooms: To keep the bathrooms dry and fresh after showering, please open windows to air, and always hang the wet towels to dry outside. Contrary to most Greek bathrooms, we have installed bigger pipes to allow for toilet paper - and only TP - disposal in the WC. Any other sanitary products must go in the bin.

BBQ: Due to the villa’s location in the forest and the island’s high risk of fires, we have opted for an electric grill for BBQs. It is to be filled with water and can be used outside on the large terrace. The electric socket is under the small table next to the kitchen door.

Beach & Pool Towels: All multi-coloured and Benetton towels are for the beach and pool. Kindly refrain from taking large white towels and the solid-coloured “house towels” to the beach and pool.
The white house towels go with the laundry for the staff, whereas the beach towels can be washed in the villa machine.

Bedrooms: The top sheets in the bedrooms are duvet slip covers. This way, in the hot season, you have only a “sheet”, whereas in the early and late cooler seasons, you can insert the duvets located in the upper closets above the wardrobes in the room. There are also assorted blankets to keep you warm if need be.
Doors and windows in the bedrooms must always be closed when running the air conditioners.

Best Places to Eat on Skiathos: Please click on: Best Places to Eat on Skiathos:

Bus Stops Along Scenic Route: Buses run every 20 minutes in the high season and every half hour in the low season. The blue bus stop signs are located all along the Ring road:

0. Terminus (Junior school & New Port)

1. Delta (crossroads airport road and ring road)

2. Sineterismos (road to Profitis Elias)

3. Ring road (second supermarket "Sklavinitis" and Medical Emergency Centre)

4. Akropolis (Kiosk)

5. Megali Ammos Beach

6. Poseidon/Megali Ammos (Taverna and apartments)

7. Annis (beginning of Vasilias Beach)

8. Vasilias Beach (main stop)

9. Between Vasilias and Achladies Beach

10. Achladies (beach and Hotel Esperides)

11. Villa Liva (Sklithri Beach)

12. Tzanaria Beach (Hotel Skiathos Blu & Kanapitsa Beach and Water Taxi into town)

13. OUR Bus Stop: Villa Maestrali, Vromolimnos Beach & Skiathos Holiday Apartments

14. Taverna Stathis-Lia and Kolios Beach

15. Platanias Beach

16. Aghia Paraskevi (Platanias Beach & Princess Hotel)

17. Poros

16. Troulos fork (road to Kounistra Monastery, Zorbathes & Aselinos Beach)

19. Victoria (petrol station)

20. Troulos Beach

21. Dirt road to Mandraki area

22. Maratha Beach (below Palace Hotel)

23. Mandraki (Caravos Hotel & path to Mandraki Beach, Elias Beach & Agistri Beach

24. Yiouvanakis (supermarket and road to Mandraki (Xerxes) Beach

25. Aghia Eleni Beach

26. Koukounaries Beach, Banana & Little Banana Beach and Ampelaki Beach (terminus)

Beaches: In the bookshelf you will find a white box containing several maps of Skiathos and its beaches. Click on: Best Beaches Link and Skiathos Beaches

Boats for Rent: Closest to Villa Maestrali, we recommend our two favourite boat rental companies. Both offer a wide range of water sports for all ages: 1. SkiathosBoats on Vromolimnos Beach: Contact: +30 24270 021299 2. Boat Rental Kanapitsa on Kanapitsa Beach: Contact: +30 6945334999 https://boatrentalkanapitsa.gr/home/

Banks & ATMs: Are located at “Hermes” supermarket opposite our bus stop 13, at the gas station on the way to town, as well as at the top, middle and bottom of Papadiamanti Street (Main Street). The banks close at 2:00pm.

C.

Cleaning: The cleaning staff is extremely efficient, very friendly and discreet. They will not bother you.
Housekeeping takes place twice a week, from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm on Tuesdays, with a change of towels and Fridays with a change of towels and sheets, and removal of garbage.

The pool is taken care of by Niko – please see under “pool”.

Cushions: If you are using suntan lotion containing carrot oil, or are wet from swimming in the pool, please always place a towel before sitting down on any of the cushions or sofa, since oil and chlorine spots are non-removable.

D.

Doctor:
Dr.Niko Egnatiadis
+30 24270 22111 and +30 6976011628

Dr. Egnatiadis is head of SKIATHOS EMERGENCY CENTRE: He is extremely well qualified, with an excellent bedside manner, and speaks English. His office is in town, just off Papadiamantis Street, at the beginning of Evangelistria Street, on the right hand side.
You will also find him at the Skiathos Emergency Centre, on the Ring Road, just opposite Sklavinitis Supermarket, at bus stop no.3. Please tell him Elisabeth Powers from Villa Maestrali referred you. You are in good hands with him.

Dentist: Dr. Kondylia Fengerou speaks English, is competent and gentle.
Her office is at Papadiamantis Street 22 (next to, and above the Chinese clothing store).
For an appointment, call: +30 24270 29330

Drinking Water: The villa has its own fresh water well, which has been tested and is fine for drinking, although we prefer cooling bottled water in the fridge.

Damage: Guests are required to report any broken or damaged items to us, so that we may make an assessment and swiftly replace whatever is needed. Many of our items are imported from Germany and not available on the island.
We do not charge a damage deposit, trusting our guests to treat the villa and its inventory as they would their own home. We will, however, require payment for any damages above €50.

E.

Electricity: Electrical power cuts are quite common during high season, but last for only a short while and shouldn’t worry you. If power were to remain cut for several hours, please do not adjust anything in the fuse box, it is an island issue.

Instead, please fill a bucket (in broom closet, next to fridge) with pool water to use for flushing toilets, since the water pumps will be shut down.

Feel free to call us at +49 176 241 20897 (also on Whatsapp) We will gladly be of assistance and send someone whenever necessary.

F.

Fire Risk: We are sure you are aware of the high risk of fire on the island, and especially out here on Kalamaki Peninsula, which is covered in resin-filled, flammable pine trees.

We urge and caution you to avoid the following:

· No disposing of ashes or cigarette ends on property grounds. Please always use ashtrays

· No leaving candles burning on the terrace walls

· No leaving the magnifying mirror unattended outside, as it can reflect sunlight onto, for instance, the shutters, and cause a fire.

Fire Prevention: The villa is equipped with two regularly serviced fire extinguishers, one in the main building (red bedroom), the other in the blue and green bedroom annex.

A fire hydrant connector is further located on the left hand side of the first steps from the driveway, outside the pool house.

Fire Department: +30 24270 21119
And/or Police at +30 24270 49297 In case of fire, the fire department will connect their hose to the pool.
Please also call us: +49 176 241 208 97

Flowers: Now that Ari has taken over taking care of the flowers, please do not water any of the potted plants, to avoid over-watering. The remaining flowers in the gardens are on a programmed water system.

G.

Garden: Our new gardener Ari comes regularly between 6:00 - 7:00 to tend the garden and potted plants. The two flower beds are watered automatically. You are welcome to use the fresh growing rosemary, thyme, mint, laurel, sage and basil from the herb garden, outside the kitchen door for your cooking.

Garbage: Once the garbage bins under the kitchen sink are full, please dispose of rubbish in the white garbage bins outside the kitchen door.
The lidded bins must be sealed at all times, to avoid attracting pests and their little friends to a dining hotspot. Please also never leave plastic bags containing food leftovers outside the kitchen door.
On housekeeping days, our staff empties the bins.

H.

Hot Water System: In 2012 we installed a solar panel to provide hot water.
As a backup for cloudy days, we have an electric boiler, a switch for which is located in the fuse panel in the hall behind the kitchen. To make a long story short, the fuse in row 2:

On sunny days, the fuse switch stays up. On cloudy days, the fuse switch stays down.

The solar and the electric backup fuses should never be up simultaneously.

Please remember to reverse process when the the sun is out again.

I.

Internet Access: Our guests are welcome to use the villa’s WIFI connection at no extra charge. We trust our guests not to abuse our connection for any illegal downloads. Any illegal activity can be traced back to the time frame of the guests’ stay.

The code/password is: b6gr8xre7rrj or scan QR Code:

When you turn on your device, it will find network “COSMOTE-646294": Click on it, then enter password above. Up to four devices can go online simultaneously.

The router in wicker basket in the bookshelf next to the kitchen door needs to stay connected to the surge protector (German “Mehrfach Stecker”) in case of lightning. Please do not remove it. There are double jacks and extensions in the electric drawer (living room “Electric Drawer”).

Ironing: In the broom closet beside the fridge, we provide an ironing board, and an iron in the top part of the closet.
Strangely, we have recently had guests use the outside terrace cushions as an ironing surface, causing us damage and great cost to replace all 10 cushion covers in order to maintain uniformity of colour. So, please always use only the ironing board.

K.

Kitchen: Besides the grocery welcome package ready and waiting for your arrival, all the cooking essentials in the large drawer are for you to use. They are checked regularly and updated.

When using the dishwasher, kindly rinse off all plates and silverware to avoid clogging the machine. In the shallow drawer directly above the machine, you will find tabs for your use.

Under the sink you will find washing machine detergent, and detergent if you want to do just a few dishes.

Garbage bags are located in the kitchen drawers left of the sink. Extra plastic shopping bags are in the white plastic container attached to the inside of the broom closet door. Here you will find other cleaning supplies (but since you’re on vacation, this is irrelevant! ).

We greatly appreciate your not changing the order and keeping the tidiness of all the drawers and cupboards.

Water Kettle The nozzle of the water kettle should be pointed away from the kitchen cabinet above it to avoid steaming up the lamps fastened under it.

Kitchen Counters Please always use a cutting board to cut citrus fruit when cooking. Lemons, oranges, and limes make indelible white stains on the marble counter tops.

Kitchen Sink and Drain Please never pour coffee ground or tea leaves down the drain. Greek pipes are not the largest and will clog. Instead, kindly use sieve hanging on hook on cabinet left of the sink to strain coffee and tea residue, and dispose of in garbage beneath sink.

Food Crumbs and Spills To avoid an instant invasion of ants, be sure to put away all food and food remains – especially crumbs and spills of any kind. Wipe down the counter and table surfaces after use. We are in the middle of the forest, so to speak. This goes for outside tables as well as inside.

L.

Liability: Guest agrees to hold Owner harmless of any injuries or claims caused by or contributed to by accidents, allergic reactions, or any other casualties or health problems, including viruses, which may arise during tenancy or as a result of said tenancy. Safety precautions undertaken by Owner are not foolproof, and Guest shall hold Owner harmless from all claims to person or property arising out of the use and occupancy of the premises.

Living Room: In the living-room you will find 3 IKEA “Malm” chests of drawers.
Feel free to use any of their contents which are:

3 Top Drawers: 1. Dish towels & kitchen rags; 2. Tools; 3. Gardening tools 3 Middle Drawers: 1. Place mats, napkins, candles; 2. “Mosquito” drawer (device refills & tabs); 3. “Electric” drawer (bulbs, batteries, ext. cords)
3 Bottom Drawers: 1. Office supplies, wrapping paper, sewing; 2. Cooler bags, beach bag, umbrellas; 3. Toys, games, playing cards.

We greatly appreciate your not changing the order and keeping the tidiness of these drawers.

M.

Maps: Even if obsolete in this Google day and age, in the living-room bookshelf you will find a pull-out box containing maps of Skiathos, other regions in Greece, and information pamphlets. There is also a Skiathos cook book you are welcome to use.

Monasteries: Evagelistria Monastery, or Monastery of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary, was built in the late 18th century.
After meetings of prominent military revolutionary leaders in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire, it became the birth place of the first Greek flag. It stands at the foot of the highest peak on Skiathos.
Having been fully restored in recent years, the monastery has an impressive collection of holy relics, icons, and a library with old books and manuscripts.
Its grounds are rich in olive groves, vineyards, orchards and herb gardens, allowing it to produce a great variety of seasonal products of excellent quality. These products are made according to traditional recipes with organic ingredients. It is well worth a visit (maybe on a rainy day) or even a picnic on the grounds near the stream, and their wonderful products are all for sale.

Kounistra Monastery is located high above Aselinos Beach, set in a pine forest overlooking olive groves and out to sea and the mainland beyond.
Built in the 17th century, Kounistra was restored in 1726 and contains a beautiful icon still used in the November 20th procession.
If you are interested in its legend and history, click here for our story on our Houfy listing:

Kechria Monastery is found by taking the foot path from Kechria Beach. Follow the small stream through the olive grove until you see it.
It is said to be the oldest monastery in Skiathos, built in the 15th century, later restored in 1738.

Mosquitos: The villa comes equipped with several anti-mosquito wall plugs. You will find them in the bedrooms and refills (liquid or tabs) for all devices are located in the living room middle drawer no. 2 “Mosquito Drawer”.
There are also burnable spirals which work like incense sticks. These are useful for outside. The locals use yellow scented candles in glasses, available at any supermarket, as well as basil plants (on the kitchen window sill). In a pinch, they also resort to burning Nescafé in a bowl or ashtray, like incense.

P.

Pool: We have a staff member servicing the pool, his name is Niko. By measuring the PH and monitoring the chemicals, his responsibility is to keep the pool clean and clear.
Sometimes, when the weather changes, the water can temporarily get cloudy. Yet, if you feel the pool is “off”, please feel free to call us (WhatsApp) +30 176 241 208 97 and we will send Niko.
After a day at the beach, to avoid clogging the pool filters, please rinse off the sand, using the terrace or back alley hose, before using the pool.

Please be sure to close the umbrella at the end of the day and when leaving the property for longer periods of time. Strong winds can pick up unexpectedly and seriously damage the umbrella.

The pool sign required by Greek law indicates that diving is not permitted.

Please be aware that children under 12 must always be under adult supervision in the pool area, parents/ guardians are liable for their children. The gate at the top of the stairs was especially installed for small children’s safety.

S.

Seat Belts & Helmets: Both are mandatory by law on Skiathos island. At times, police stop and check people, and issue fines.

Smoking: We have a strict smoking-outdoors-only policy.
When smoking outside, use ash trays and please never flick ashes or cigarette ends into the premises. The risk of fire is extremely high in this area.

Storage: The small blue door, located next to steps from driveway to pool and villa, leads to the owner storage room. Its contents are strictly private, accessible only to the owner and staff.

Supermarkets: HERMES is the closest small market, located at the bottom of our road, across from bus stop 13. They deliver free of charge: Call Enzo at Tel: +30 24270 49405
SPAR “Cash and Carry” is located opposite the EKO gas station at the top of the road leading to the town port. They also deliver free of charge: +30 24270 24231 SKLAVENITIS, located on the Ring Road, opposite Bus Stop 3, is the least expensive supermarket has a good assortment of vegetables and offers a wonderfully tasty take-out roast chicken twice a day, after 11.00am & 4:00pm.
TUTTI FRUTT is our other go-to fruit & vegetable stand, on the right, just past Sklavenitis, on the Ring Road.

T.

Transportation: Besides renting a rental car, bike or quad, Skiathos public transportation is well organised. Please view the various ways under “Bus Stops”, “Taxis” and “Water Taxis”.

Taxis: Costas is one of our favourites. He speaks English and German and is very friendly. Tel: +30 694 444 3225 There is a taxi station downtown, along the waterfront where the yachts are located. You can also flag them down along any road.
We do recommend agreeing on the fare before taking a cab. Some of the non-locals can set up the price, even though they are bound by a list of set prices. If you need a taxi for the airport or the ferry on departure day, be sure to book well in advance since many people come and go on changeover day.

U.

Umbrella: At the end of the day, or if you leave for longer periods, please always close and tie the large pool umbrella. Strong winds come up in this exposed spot and can cause serious damage to the umbrella. If you don’t know how to close it, please ask owner or our staff to show you.

Useful Phone Numbers & Links:

Police Station: +30 24270 21111 100

Fire: +30 24270 211 99 199

Tourist Police: +30 24270 23 172

Airport: +30 24270 22049

Port Authority: +30 24270 2222 2 166

SKIATHOS EMERGENCY CENTRE: Dr. Niko Egnatiadis

+30 24270 22 111 and +30 6976 011 628

Trips: Ferry Office +30 24270 22018

Supermarket: “Hermes” +30 24270 49 405 (free delivery)

Post Office: +30 24270 22011

Taxi Station: +30 24270 24 461

Taxi Costas: +30 694 444 3225

Taxi Dimitri: +30 697 909 4550

Car Rental: Niko Pappas +30 6945 388 725 (vicpap@otenet.gr)

Banks: Close at 2:00pm

Piraeus Bank: +30 24270 29 340

National Bank: +30 24270 29 254

Internet Help: Migelos Tanasis +30 697 449 2376

Skiathos Guidebooks by Elisabeth

Best Beaches

W.

Water Taxis: Water taxis are one of the charming, fun ways to get to town and back, without having to worry about parking in town.
Drive down to bus stop 12, and take the first path left to Tzaneria Beach. Park and hop on to the water taxi. It will take you on a relaxed 20-minute boat ride, with lovely views of the island from the water.

Welcome Package:

You have safely arrived, and we are sure the first thing you want to do is get into vacation mode. To help with this, and to spare you having to shop after a long trip, we have stocked the fridge with water, juice, beer and wine and some local produce for a small meal

Thank you again for choosing Villa Maestrali for your holiday stay on Skiathos island!
Feel free to call us any time for assistance or local tips of any kind. We wish you a great time, hope you create wonderful memories during your stay and come back to us soon!