It's not often that something booked online exceeds your expectations but Casa Kalami certainly did. The young Italian English speaking owners are so friendly and helpful and responded to questions quickly via email before we booked. We arrived after midnight yet Davide met us off the transfer coach and they had left some water, fruit and mosquito repellent for us in the room which was really thoughtful.

We stayed in Room 8 which was meant to be a studio but was far more spacious and well equipped than we anticipated. A good assortment of utensils and crockery in the modern kitchen area, lots of storage in the bedroom and a large new comfortable bed. The balcony had an airer and good quality wooden furniture, not the usual plastic patio chair. Definitely way above the average you would expect in self catering accommodation in this price range and all newly decorated and furnished in a very homely shabby chic style.

As for the view from the balcony, it is absolutely breathtaking at any time of day or night and so lovely to sit and listen to the cicadas and gentle lapping of the waves on the beach below. Way too easy to spend hours just sitting there relaxing and enjoying the view and tranquility. Casa Kalami is on a hill (hence the spectacular views) but it's only a 10 minute walk down to the beach and the path is lit if you end up walking back at night.

Kalami is a small friendly resort, ideal for families or couples. There are two bars and 3 tavernas which take credit cards as there is no ATM in Kalami but you can change money in the tourist offices. There is also a lovely fish taverna in the next cove (Kouloura) which you can walk to in about 15 minutes from the bottom road in Kalami or you can book at the restaurants in the cove the other side (Agni) and they send a water taxi to get you. We stayed for 9 nights and only booked a car for 2 days to see some of the rest of the island and although we went around the entire north coast and some of the west coast, we were still really pleased we had stayed in Kalami. If you don't have difficulty walking around a car isn't essential and Casa Kalami is just below the bus stop.

There are day trips you can book from the tourist offices in the town. We used Blue Bay Travel a few times and Natalia in the office is really friendly and helpful and speaks good English. Can definitely recommend the boat trip to the Blue Caves, Antipaxos and Paxos. A full day with lots to see and a few hours in a port for lunch for only 30 euros.

Our only regret is that we didn't book for longer as it was a real wrench to leave. Can thoroughly recommend a stay here for people who don't want to be in a busy clubby resort but don't want to be anywhere too remote either. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday in really friendly clean comfortable accommodation.