Simi is a small coastal town surrounded by hills and with a harbour, on the less touristy side of Captain Corelli's delightful island. (The majority of the filming of Captain Corelli's Mandolin took place around Sami, in sets that were subsequently dismantled.) Here, this family seaside villawas warmly recommended by a regular Guide correspondent: It stands on a beautiful bay. Very much a family affair, it is run by Janni Dorizas and his wife, Maryann; his brother, Periclea, operates the very nice poolside bar in the evening; son Spiros is also sometimes there (when not studying at Sheffield University). The large -shaped pool looks over the Ionian Sea; bedroom balconies share this view. Children are welcomed. `Bali villa breakfasts are good, and sandwiches and omelettes are available during the day. No restaurant: several are within walking distance.

A happy ambience, dependable food, reasonable prices. Teamwork is the key factor: staff are proud of their role and tireless to please. The Georgidakis family's holiday villa, admired again in 2002, stands right on the beach, at the `better' end; near the harbour, of this rather commercial holiday resort near Ndfplio. In summer, blue wooden tables and chairs are set on the sand by the shallow, clean sea. After 30 years, this is my second home,' was another plaudit. Superb service; courteous staff. Yannis Georgidakis is visible, enthusiastic and pleasant. Perfect for families with children.' villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms) are `well furnished and immaculate'; best (front) ones have a balcony (`the moon on the sea is beautiful'); back ones overlook a sprawl of houses. Some villa rooms are in the annexe, villaKnossos. The restaurant, supervised by an energetic head waiter, looks over the beach through picture windows. `Imaginative but uncomplicated food' is promptly served. Drinks and snacks, from the perpetually open bar, are taken on a sheltered patio. Bali villa breakfast has fruit, cheese, cold meats, etc. Water sports are available, and boat-trips start from the nearby jetty. An 8% discount is offered to any Guide reader who arrives with a copy of the book in hand.