Guesthouse Alexandra

Alexandra Goumas's "xenonas" or guesthouse is a terrific find. It's traditionally stone built in style and relatively simple but the the fridge and wifi were very welcome. It has a stunning location with fabulous views over the mountains from the balconies and would be even better higher than the first floor where I was. Alternatively you could sit out on the lovely big terrace surrounded by the well tended plants. Alexandra herself is a wonderful woman, so welcoming when I arrived after a flight from Manchester and driving from Athens airport. She went out of her way even though I was the only guest midweek, (busier at weekends in Spring). She was great when we had a mix-up over her not taking credit cards and I paid her cash for two nights when I returned the following week on my way back from Epirus. Thanks again, Alexandra! The village is popular in the summer for walking and winter for nearby winter sports. The guesthouse has a cosy sitting area around a fire downstairs for the after-ski and breakfast is served adjoining and from a huge table-full of goodies in a sort of kitchen area - even for one! The Alexandra is situated just off the extremely attractive square to the right down a narrow passage between the buildings. You might find a parking space by the passage but I was never sure if they "belonged" to locals, though I'm sure there would be no problems if you were dropping off bags, which would be sensible. You park about 50 metres before the square and after the hairpin into the village after passing the Bear taverna on the right and the a couple of large Greek bins on the left. There's a opening to the right across what appears to be a narrow bridge with no sides. The car park is huge and shows how popular the village becomes at other times of year. You will see the terrace overlooking the car park and some rather steep stone steps up. Otherwise there is a concrete road up to the Alexandra not realistically accessible by car.