athilia

English is spoken by the hotel team, and German is spoken too, so the practical conversations should be straightforward from the start. Athilia is an aparthotel in Nikiana, with the sort of layout that suits divers who appreciate having somewhere to sit, make a coffee and keep the day's small necessities in order.

The mood is more independent than full-service resort. You have a garden, a broad terrace, sea and mountain views, free WiFi throughout the property and daily housekeeping, while the private check-in and check-out service keeps arrivals and departures relatively simple. It is also a workable choice for families, with family rooms, babysitting and a children's menu available.

You are in Nikiana, Greece, on the coast of Lefkada rather than in Lefkada Town itself. The property is on the seafront, with a sandy beach directly in front, while Limni Beach is about an eight-minute walk away. Nikiana Beach is roughly 0.7 miles away by road, and Lygia Beach is about 2 miles away.

The setting gives you access to both water and inland excursions without putting you in the middle of a busy town. Dimosari Waterfalls are about 3.3 miles away, and Lefkada's archaeological museum and central squares are around 5 miles away. A cafe bar is about 0.2 miles away, while restaurants and the port area are further afield, so a car is useful if you want to explore beyond the immediate shoreline.

The choice is between loft-style accommodation and maisonettes, with the larger maisonette layouts making the most sense if you are travelling as a family or simply prefer not to stack dive bags, dry clothes and evening kit in one room. The smaller lofts suit a couple who want a more compact base, while the larger layouts can accommodate up to four people. Family rooms are available.

These are apartments rather than anonymous hotel boxes. You have a kitchen with a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, kettle, coffee machine, dining table and kitchenware, plus a sofa and seating area. That means breakfast coffee before an early departure, cold water waiting when you return, or a simple meal when the appetite is there but the enthusiasm for finding a restaurant has gone missing.

Air conditioning, heating, soundproofing and tiled floors cover the less glamorous but more useful parts of the night. Each unit has a private bathroom, balcony or terrace, wardrobe space and views that can include the sea, mountains or a local landmark. Daily housekeeping keeps the apartment arrangement from becoming an excuse for chaos, and a flat-screen TV, radio and free WiFi are there for the quieter hours.

Athilia Restaurant handles breakfast, lunch and dinner on its terrace, with Mediterranean cooking and views over the surroundings. Breakfast is included and served as a buffet from 07:30, which gives you a useful starting point before heading out for the day. The dress code is casual; nobody needs to arrive in a jacket after a morning in the water.

There is one bar, the Pool Bar, with cocktails and a swim-up position beside the main pool. It is the place for a drink without changing into anything more ambitious than dry clothes. Room service is available on request, while the apartment kitchens give you another option when you want to keep supper simple or use provisions picked up locally.

There is no continuous-snacking arrangement described, so plan around the restaurant's breakfast, lunch and dinner service rather than expecting food to appear at every hour. That suits some divers perfectly: eat properly, have a drink, and let the evening become uneventful.

The main pool is outdoors and large enough for a proper swim, with a swim-up bar alongside it. Sun loungers and parasols are available on the sandy beach in front of the hotel, so you can choose between a few lengths in the pool and a horizontal afternoon by the sea. A public bath is also available for a slower sort of reset.

If you still have energy after diving, the hotel offers bicycles, hiking opportunities, island tours and other cultural excursions. On the water, you can try snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and boat excursions, with equipment rental available. These are practical choices for a non-diving day or for a partner who wants something more active than the sun lounger.

There is also a fully equipped gym for those who prefer structured exercise to wandering around in holiday clothes. Families have access to babysitting and a children's menu, while the garden and terrace provide somewhere to sit when the best plan is simply to stay put.

Aktion Airport is about 18 miles away by road, roughly a 30-minute drive. An airport transfer is available for an additional charge and should be arranged with the hotel. Car hire is available, and free private parking is provided nearby, which is useful if you want to reach beaches, waterfalls and Lefkada Town under your own steam.

Check-in is given from 14:00, with the booking conditions giving 15:00, so confirm the applicable arrival time before travelling. Check-out is given as 12:00, with 10:30 also appearing in the booking conditions. You should tell the hotel your expected arrival time, and photo identification and a credit card are required at check-in. Luggage storage and express check-in and check-out are available.

The minimum age for check-in is 18. Smoking is not allowed, parties are not permitted, and quiet hours run from 23:00 to 09:00. Pets are not allowed. Payment is accepted by Visa and Mastercard, and the hotel also lists cash as an accepted method; check the conditions for your chosen accommodation before arrival.