Mother in law just come back from Acharavi. Not much change apparently. Skondros only open at weekends at the moment. Pumphouse as relaible as always and lovely. Adonis and Orpheus open. She also ate in Uruga in the old village which she said was lovely but quiet. Prices similar to last year. She said the only disappointing thing was how quiet it was (early in season) and how little investment (if any) has been put into the area.

Completely understand the money situation in Greece at the moment Trisa, but I think the problem with no investment at all is that properties and the area in general can look a little more run down, year on year, with half built buildings etc...

I cant see much wrong with Acharavi at the moment, nor Roda for that matter. Yes, there are not many jobs and Greece has serious money problems but to say there is no investment and the place is looking rundown is seriously untrue. The main problem is that it is quiet,more so than normal for early season, but there are new and revamped businesses recently opened awaiting the arrival of holidaymakers. That arrival is key. Prices are the same as last year despite tax increases and rising costs, and eating out or a taverna visit is relatively cheap.  There is no civil unrest on the island and you can feel as safe as you ever did. People are skint,yes, but the hospitality and friendliness has never wavered.   

Is the Hilly Billy still open

Sorry, GJJW, You seem to have taken my words as an attack on you!! ...And I never said that the resort looked as good as it ever has..I said that I could not see much wrong with it...ie, even in the current economic climate, there is nothing to stop anyone having a good holiday there. There are also businesses recently opened on the High Street too. I do not think anyone coming to Acharavi or Roda would be disappointed...and if they were, then it would probably be down to a lack of visitors meaning that owners would not be able to afford acts, DJ's,etc I sincerely hope that the island has a prosperous summer season. 

GJJW wrote: Completely understand the money situation in Greece at the moment Trisa, but I think the problem with no investment at all is that properties and the area in general can look a little more run down, year on year, with half built buildings etc... It doesn't exactly encourage new tourists to visit the area, and to be honest with you, we are questioning whether to keep our apartment on next year also. Love the Skondros though.....it's where I proposed!

Hi the Hilly Billy is a cocktail bar next to Versus used to be the Acharavi cafe

We also have been going to Acharavi for about 17 years , and whatever changes each year we still feel the same love and desire to be there as we did all those years ago. I think the tour ops are making it difficult to book self catering apartments, which we like the freedom so we can visit our favouirte restaurents for our evening meal and therefore support the local business's. I know we could always book independant but we prefere package, and price wise it is about the same for the time of year we can go.Although I must admit we have booked roda for August due to having all the family including 7 grandchildren of varying ages with us, apart from a little more for them to do, price wise it worked out cheaper.