Christina

I am lucky enough to be staying at the Christina/Girillo at the beginning of July, however was wondering as this is my first time in Greece:

 

1) as the Christina doesn't have safety deposit boxes, where is the nearest/cheapest place I can use?

Unless it has changed massively, Mastihari is renowned for low crime. My kids left their DS in a bar (we didn't realise) and a bar man spotted us several hours later and ran out with it. You will certainly not have any problem with the locals and it is not the sort of resort which would attract a criminal element. I personally wouldn't feel the need for a safety deposit box (I am a lone parent and felt 100% completely safe). I work hard for our hols and sometimes find bargains to posh hotels with giant pools but for me and the kids Mastihari always wins.

2) where in the resort is the best/economic place to change traveller's cheques?

There is a car hire place (anyone will direct you) just off one of the side roads off the main beach which offered the best rate. No ATM in the resort but they will give you cash from credit cards also. Last time, as I used it a few times, they reduced my commission (I was trying to budget myself).

 

3) what sort of prices are the meals/drinks in the resort?

First time I went, about 6 years ago, on a budget as always, I actually brought money home with me (first and last of any holiday I have been on - without having to dip into my credit card at all). Excellent meal for 4 (my kids eat like adults) with drinks for about 20E. Last time I went (approx 2 yrs ago) the prices had gone up (they had opened a water park down the road and the resort was starting to grow - mostly in terms of a few new establishments being built on the back of the village and a couple of older buildings being renovated) but still good value. I think I paid about 10E per person including drinks. Not sure of cost now, I am sure it hads gone up plus exchange rate not so good. Really recommend El Greco, lovely English lady with Greek husband. I remember ordering a couple of starters (2-3 Euros each) and we couldn't eat the main meals (5-8 Euros). I remember she did a large jug of lovely dry Greek rose wine for 2-3 Euros. Also a lovely restaurant at the end of the strip next to the park. Food more basic and traditional but park a Godsend if you have restless kids. They also give you free (comfy) sun beds if you buy drinks there from the beach or they recognise you. There is a cheap large supermarket at the back of the village for provisions. We went over to Kalymnos where everything was really cheap (especially away from the main port)!

 

4) is the cash machine reliable?

See 2. I think the nearest may have been iat the airport, next Kos Town (so noisy after the peace of the resort I would avoid unless you really want to do the history/architecture thing. Cherish the picture of my kids under Hypocrates tree more due to the fact that we had to conquer the noise and traffic to get it)! The car hire place is totally secure though.

 

I am looking forward to a lovely quiet time and would appreciate any answers to take my worries out of the run up to the holiday.

 
I hope you will love it. If you are more into lively nightlife then you can get a taxi to Kardemena. Even if Mastihari has grown a bit more, it will still be a village. Best sunsets in the world. Superb beach (has seeweed but that is soft on the feet). Cool breeze. Lovely locals. Child friendly. The water park was really expensive and food awful btw - take a packed lunch. It was excellent fun though (and empty two years ago - though I am sure more popular now). Cost about E5 for taxi there - is a bus but a bit unreliable in terms of timetabling - two years ago so not sure of costs now.

Thanking you in advance