A client review of mr. Imre Lapitsch on their stay at Themelina studios…

Thelmelinas apartments in Emporios are located in a sleepy a quiet part of Kalymnos. We had originally intended to stay in Myrthes as we were meeting my wifes sister and her husband (coming from Australia) and another friend, but were so glad that we chose Emporios instead. This is not the place to stay if you are looking for nightlife but is somewhere to chill and walk from. We (my wife and I) stayed at the apartments from 10th to 17th June 2014. We had come to Kalymnos at short notice and were glad that we chose Thelmelinas apartments although we had seen Harrys Paradise gardens I do not recommend them to stay as the views are not what we would have wanted as we have a splendid garden but hardly ever see the sea in England (however the food there is very good). There are other apartments available but generally not over the internet. The bus to the port goes twice a day at this time of year and costs 3 euros taxi (25 to 35 euros).

The apartment (38 Euros a night) had a good size bedroom and kitchen area with a clean bathroom and hot running water for the shower. The balcony was spacious and afforded an excellent sea view across the bay with views to Tolendos and the headland. It appeared as a lake below us rather like a Swiss lake calm and peaceful most of the time. However there was a strong wind on thurs 12th June that made it quite choppy.

Thelmelina (the owner) cleaned daily and was very friendly, we had arranged the holiday with Panormitis her son who spoke excellent English . The beach is split into two halves one with Tavernas lining the front and the other with pebbles and shady trees. It is a short walk to some beaches in the area and following the coast northwards we saw no one only goats.……………As the sun sets the area is bathed in a warm pink glow reflecting of the hills which we enjoyed from Kastris taverna on the way to the headland. But to watch the sun setting we went to the headland with a couple of beers.

The village of Emporios had 5 tavernas and one small supermarket. Be aware that there are no ATMs and the supermarket and not all tavernas accept credit/debit cards so ensure you have enough cash. Fresh fruit and veg came in a truck several times a day and was exceptional value. While we were there several touring yachts stayed overnight and the tavernas seemed to have most of their trade from them and the occasional tourists that turned up on (mostly hired scooters). There are tourist boats that come from Myrthes bay in the summer but we did not see any while we were there.

The footpath to the Sytarki caves although marked on the map is very difficult to find. But the walk on the ridge from Stavros church is well worth the effort giving as it does spectacular views across the island and views of Leros and Pserimos.

We liked the food at Kastris best and Maria made us most welcome. The Greek salads came with olives which has become rare nowadays although this was standard years ago.
We like to go to Greece in June or September (preferably both) as it is more suitable for walking then, otherwise all you can do is just sit back enjoy the sun, the view and the sound of the waves which is a real hardship.

I was reluctant to write a review as it is usually better to keep the best hidden secrets a secret but I cannot imagine such a wonderful place remaining secret for long.

Thank you again Thelmelina for making our holiday so memorably wonderful.