genuine, well taken care of, cosy, it felt like home.

Ioulida is a remarkable, ancient hill top town, so its all built into the hillside with narrow passageways and sometimes steep steps. You need a reasonable level of agility to stay here! The accommodation is very spacious, and situated right on the edge of the spur which is the site of the ancient castle (hence 'Kastro'), so there is a clear view out over the hills and valleys - and also towards the upper town. It gets the full morning sun - you need to go to the other side of the spur for the sunset. Its only two minutes walk from the 'Piatza' where the taxis drop off. There are basically two vaulted rooms side by side - one reception, one the bedroom alcove, which is literally carved into the rock. Maria, the owner, is very friendly and helpful, but does not speak much English.

We are not keen on cats. . . which, like everywhere it seems, are in profusion.