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Plakias => Plakias => Topic started by: ostraco on June 29, 2020, 03:17:52 PM

Title: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on June 29, 2020, 03:17:52 PM
Hi everyone. Is anyone else still hoping to make it to Plakias this year. I am! Currently booked for early September. We've booked EasyJet flights, so if they are forced to cancel we can use a voucher later - next year if necessary. Personally I'm happy to go in October if I must.

I see from 'Keep Talking Greece', flights will NOT be allowed from the UK until July 15th at the the earliest,

Article:https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/06/29/no-direct-flights-from-uk-sweden-to-greece-until-july-15/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepTalkingGreece+%28Keep+Talking+Greece%29 (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/06/29/no-direct-flights-from-uk-sweden-to-greece-until-july-15/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepTalkingGreece+%28Keep+Talking+Greece%29)

We've booked accommodation on a 'no fee cancellation' basis, similar with car hire. Fingers firmly crossed!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Peter G on June 29, 2020, 11:51:20 PM
Hi, we are still hoping to travel to Plakias on Tuesday 8th Sept staying with KC. Flying Jet2 from Manchester to Chania. I have been in touch with a few other friends who we meet every year and they all have fingers crossed. I hope to be in touch with KC soon and hope all our Cretan friends are safe and well and are able to survive this terrible time.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Colin & Sandra on June 30, 2020, 07:01:19 AM
Still planning to go Sept. / Oct.  Have just changed our flights and accommodation from 14 nights to 23 nights.....going out via a Tui flight, returning with Easyjet
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: JBMouse on June 30, 2020, 12:08:24 PM
We booked for Plakias last November on the day Easyjet released their flights to Crete, got a really good price for the flights into Chania (first time there ever in over 20 years going to Plakias), taxi with Zacharias, staying at KC, booked direct with Kostas before we left last October, on his 'new' B&B basis, given the problems he has had with Olympic and we were convinced the independant deal is better, more flexibility to where we fly into, Olympic don't do transfers so Zachs taxi was always used, and we can stay wherever we like, though to be honest, we have never stayed anywhere else than KC! Would love to try Nikos at On The Rocks, maybe next year, depending on his prices, he will never tell me when I ask him, even after a few ouzos.
This will be our only Greek holiday this year as our trip to Kalamata was cancelled, and our other trip to Lesvos is impossible with no flights now that TC have gone.
Always look on the bright side of life as someone once sung, we WILL be in Plakias 1st October, but 12 days might not be long enough, maybe don't return and stay the winter?
Ta leme Plakias
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on June 30, 2020, 12:32:33 PM
With 'Local Lock-downs' in the news, I think any problems we might have in getting to or from Plakias are more likely to be a reflection of the UK situation rather than hassles in Greece.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: JBMouse on June 30, 2020, 03:26:14 PM
I agree with Ostraco, the UK side of things will be more of a problem, the Greek way of doing anything is much better, - if it doesn't make sense, then don't do it. Some of the videos of Greek resorts after the lockdown has finished show tavernas open and working with a typically Greek attitude to rules, made for the blind obedience of idiots and the guidance of wise men, and the Greeks are a wise people. At least in Plakias us repeat visitors will be greated with the usual warmth as old family, and probably not have to adhere to some of the OTT regulations. And to set the record straight I am not being cavalier to the risks, I am in the high risk catagory due to age and pre-existing, but have enough common sense to avoid any situation that would be a threat.
As Mr. trump said, drink lots of ouzo and you will be OK, big things.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: teignkall on June 30, 2020, 04:04:33 PM
We are hoping to get to Plakias as well in October having lost out last year to Thomas cook. JBMouse we are also fans of Lesvos and planned to fly with Jet2 from Manchester this year early July, flights not commencing now until July 11th so lost out again. Jet2 planned to fly twice a week to Mytilini pre COVID.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: JBMouse on June 30, 2020, 04:32:48 PM
Off topic, but we are close to Gatwick, so that is the only sensible option. Stanstead journey would be a nightmare, not going to do it, especially as many Lesvos ouzos can be bought in other parts of Greece and at duty free. Not such a good choice ( eg no Giannitsi) and Angelo at KC buys Mytilini, quite good stuff. I always buy loads in Plakias and more at Duty Free.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ian s on July 01, 2020, 09:13:17 AM
Booked for 22nd September with EasyJet from Edinburgh.  Usual accommodation booked.  Will just wait and see what the next few weeks/months bring.  Only missed 1 year out of 30.  My stock of metaxa is fast running out.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 01, 2020, 04:08:44 PM
I'v been watching the Keep Talking Greece website for a few weeks now - thoroughly recommended for Greek news in English. Click https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/ (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/)

Here's their take on the opening up of flights - including items about both Heraklion and Chania
https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/01/greece-tourists-first-welcome-july-1/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepTalkingGreece+%28Keep+Talking+Greece%29 (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/01/greece-tourists-first-welcome-july-1/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepTalkingGreece+%28Keep+Talking+Greece%29)

Fingers still crossed!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 02, 2020, 11:23:03 AM
There is a solution.

https://twitter.com/TomEPPayne/status/1278594574986944512

Ferries are now operating form Piraeus (Athens' port) to Crete (Heraklion) although I think you'll need to go via the Cyclades.

I've always tried to avoid getting political on my site, so I just offer this as a travel option!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Barny on July 02, 2020, 03:03:42 PM
I'm an August person so I've missed out this year, not taking risks at airports ETC. My Mythos will just have to wait I suppose.....

    Barny.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Davos on July 05, 2020, 07:50:17 AM
HI,  What do the locals think about the Brits coming this year?
Also, what are the rules about face masks?
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 06, 2020, 12:57:04 PM
Greece opens up to UK flights from July 15th!:

https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/06/greece-opens-its-border-to-uk-on-july-15-sweden/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepTalkingGreece+%28Keep+Talking+Greece%29 (https://www.keeptalkinggreece.com/2020/07/06/greece-opens-its-border-to-uk-on-july-15-sweden/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KeepTalkingGreece+%28Keep+Talking+Greece%29)

Fingers still crossed!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Frank And Julie on July 10, 2020, 07:01:01 AM
HI,  What do the locals think about the Brits coming this year?
Also, what are the rules about face masks?

The locals are counting on you coming! its still very quiet here and the local taverna's and bars will welcome you as always, face masks are being worn by all servers and kitchen staff as this is now law, but you can come and go without anything, I would keep one in your hand luggage as in confined areas like supermarkets the locals would appreciate you using one, obviously they are a bit nervous of the situation but more worried that they will have nothing to live on for the winter.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 10, 2020, 10:54:19 AM
Fingers still crossed here for early September. I'm fully stocked with masks, sanitiser and wipes.
I must admit though that I watch the UK news every night afraid that it's conditions here that will ultimately stop me from getting to Plakias this year.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: conway s on July 10, 2020, 02:27:21 PM
Like yourself got all the gear ready for 8th October and my only worry is that some idiots here will mess things up for us.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Peter G on July 11, 2020, 02:05:02 PM
Just been reading up to date info on TripAdvisor Plakias forum from people who live there. It sounds as though things are quickly getting back to normal, most tavernas now open with staff wearing masks etc. I've been in touch with KostasX who are all well and hoping we can make it back in September.
As Ostraco says our main problem may be here in UK if further lockdowns happen. Still too many people who think that rules/advice only applies to others.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 12, 2020, 12:22:27 PM
Sad but true Peter.
I live in Plymouth - local newspapers today report full beaches, drunks and stabbings in the street and a general deterioration of behaviour since lock down was eased. This is happening all over the country.
Foreign governments must be looking at what's going on in the UK and wondering if it's sensible to let Brits in. Whilst I would be very upset if this resulted in us being refused entry to Greece, I would certainly understand why!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: mickydripping on July 12, 2020, 04:40:13 PM
According to the Telegraph today Greece is contemplating a second lock-down...as tourists have brought a spike of new cases.The increase in positives is up to the level of April 23rd...60 new cases a day. Can't say I blame them.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: fdwplakiatorix on July 12, 2020, 08:19:26 PM
Yes, we do and we are booked at the beginning of September and flying in from Hamburg via Munich directly to Her. Our flights are firmly confirmed by LH.  Hope you w`ll be lucky as well. Staying at Livikon.
Plakiatorix
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on July 14, 2020, 01:52:29 AM
The full beaches, drunks and stabbings in the street are probably normal for this time of year, wouldn't make the press at all under normal circumstances, trouble is these are not normal circumstances, and the behaviour is in the spotlight. People elsewhere - the Greeks here - will see it and think, rightly, to my mind, not letting those idiots in.

I'm booked for Aug 27th and Oct 6th, I was feeling quite hopeful,. but now...
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 14, 2020, 10:29:39 AM
I can't agree Richard. Levels of 'bad behaviour' post lockdown are much higher than usual for this time of year. To be fair, I think it's a reaction to the heavy restrictions and closures which were in place, and hope it will calm down over the next few weeks.

But living in an area which has had a very low rate of infection compared to the rest of the country, I do worry about what will happen when we get an influx of 'grockles'. I know we need holidaymakers to support the local economy. We need their cash in the south-west, but what else will they bring with them?
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on July 15, 2020, 08:23:54 PM
Copied from the 'Keep Talking Greece' website:

The first direct flight from UK landed at Ioannis Kapodistrias airport on the island of Corfu at 2 o’ clock Wednesday afternoon. To honor the first UK landing after the pandemic lockdown, two fire service vehicles formed a welcome water arch.

The only scheduled flight for Wednesday was from Birmingham with about 90 passengers on board. Two more flights from East Midlands and Machester are scheduled to land on Corfu on Thursday.

According to state-run news agency amna, the British tourists were tested on Covid-19 based on the risk indications obtained form the special barcode QR which they received after they completed the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before their check-in.

A total of 52 flights from UK onboard are scheduled to land at several airports Wednesday and Thursday, including Zakynthos, Crete, Rhodes and Athens.

It is estimated that COVID-19 tests will be carried out to 6,000 British tourists on Wednesday, reports daily ethnos, adding that the rate of positive tests will determine if the borders will remain open to UK. The same was reported by Alpha TV.

The daily notes that according to Greece’s plan almost all tourists arriving in Greece will be checked and if the number (and percentage) of those who are found positive is low, that is limited to less than 30-40 cases, the Greece will remain open to the UK’s tourism market.

“However, if things turn out differently and the confirmed cases are much higher, then the government is determined to close the border again, considering that the cost of the risk of coronavirus spread is far more important than any benefits from the tourism, in a year that is considered a a lost tourism year and with a fairly reduced turnover, ethnos reports.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on July 16, 2020, 12:50:16 AM
I was being slightly tongue in cheek, it's unsurprising that letting people off the leash after months cooped up results in this sort of thing. It is true, though, that any bad behaviour will be under the spotlight now, whereas it likely wouldn't receive the same amount of attention or have the same effect on opinions under different circumstances.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Colin & Sandra on July 16, 2020, 09:44:05 AM
I can't agree Richard. Levels of 'bad behaviour' post lockdown are much higher than usual for this time of year. To be fair, I think it's a reaction to the heavy restrictions and closures which were in place, and hope it will calm down over the next few weeks.

But living in an area which has had a very low rate of infection compared to the rest of the country, I do worry about what will happen when we get an influx of 'grockles'. I know we need holidaymakers to support the local economy. We need their cash in the south-west, but what else will they bring with them?

I'm insulted by the term 'Grockle' it a word that should be banned, I'm going to start a new movement - the G.N.H.T. +, .........The 'Grockles Need Holidays Too' movement, we'll come down there and throw you locals into the dock.

LOL, seriously where will it all end?
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Barny on July 16, 2020, 09:50:17 AM
I'll be a member.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: mickydripping on July 16, 2020, 10:03:15 AM
I'm amused by "Grockle". Most holiday areas have a derogatory name for their visitors "Emmets" in Cornwall, ect. Do the Cretans have one for us or does filoxenia preclude it?
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: JBMouse on July 16, 2020, 11:34:08 AM
From the way we are greeted each year in all parts of Greece that we are lucky enough to get to, Filoxenia trumps everything, especialy if you return their greetings with a warm smile and a few words of Greek.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Arnaki on August 03, 2020, 01:45:02 PM
We have had a marvellously relaxing week in Plakias, and received a very warm welcome everywhere. The break (booked at last minute) has done us no end of good and boosted our physical and mental wellbeing. We are just sorry it wasn't a fortnight, and don't really want to return to lockdown Manchester tomorrow. There are very few British holidaymakers at the moment, and most of the voices you hear around are Greek, but there are just enough people around to give the place atmosphere.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ian s on August 21, 2020, 10:01:32 AM
After much deliberation we have decided not to travel this year.  We will sure miss our Plakias fix but the good news is we have been able to reschedule our EasyJet flights for September 2021.
Must say I’m impressed with EasyJet and how easy it was to rearrange the flights (it even gave us our extra legroom seats automatically).  We only had to pay the difference in fare which was pretty modest.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on August 22, 2020, 11:30:33 AM
I'm hoping to be there soon. I've filled-in the PLF here, know I need the 'activation code' which'll be sent, but any other tips anyone? It seems straightforward on the Greek side, but have I missed something...?
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Colin & Sandra on August 22, 2020, 01:36:26 PM
Have you done this British one for when you return?

Link here: https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/public-health-passenger-locator-form
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on August 22, 2020, 06:59:05 PM
No - thanks! This is the sort of thing I was worried about. I've looked but missed it. Seems obvious but...
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Peter G on August 22, 2020, 07:23:32 PM
Have sent you a personal mail Ian
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on August 29, 2020, 08:58:47 AM
I arrived on Thursday and it's a lot busier than I expected, though I usually come in May or early September so it's difficult to say if it's busier than usual for this time of year. Not heaving, by any means, but not the tumbleweed scene that I was half expecting, but hoping not, to see.

Atlantis is the only Taverna I noticed that looked closed, though I didn't look specially, just caught my eye. Gio Ma and Medusa were full last night (Friday), I've been to Siroco twice, which was half-full both times, food good as usual. I had a look at Manousos first but it was empty, though it was about 21:30 when I passed it. Will go to Gio Ma early tonight and bag a seat - my favourite!

Beaches look OK, loungers out, people there, but again I didn't look too hard, not a beachy person, really, prefer snorkelling.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Peter G on August 29, 2020, 02:26:21 PM
Good to hear your thoughts Richard, we are still geared up to arrive on 8th September in Chania. Did you have a good and uneventful journey?
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on August 29, 2020, 03:36:38 PM
Yes, got to T5 in plenty of time, anticipating queues, but through in 5 mins, flight landed 30 min early, taxi waiting all the same, all was well.

Had a look at the new hotel earlier, if they really had to build it then I'll (grudgingly!) admit that it's not as intrusive as I'd expected, in fact they've done a reasonable job of making it pretty low-key. I'll try and post a pic once I've figured out how....
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Davos on August 29, 2020, 05:11:37 PM
Thanks Richard, good to hear what you have to say about the new hotel. I too was thinking did they have to build it.
We get there on the 4th, and looking forward to my first swim and Mythos, but where to eat ;) .
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on August 29, 2020, 05:25:09 PM
I'll try Gio Ma later favourite! It's been pretty full the last two nights, though, and I've gone to Siroco instead. Meant to book a table but it's 19:25 already, I think I've relaxed a bit too much if that's possible, day flies by.... Manousos otherwise, but a bit too empty (as in completely) last night, sadly
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: bryhy on September 01, 2020, 03:44:58 PM
Arriving tomorrow and looking forward to Sirroco again!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: ostraco on September 01, 2020, 05:56:56 PM
I feel I'm tempting fate by saying: we're due to arrive in the early hours of Sunday morning. Fingers tightly crossed.

Sunday night dinner will be at Elia in Selia - that's been a firm favourite for several years.
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Peter G on September 01, 2020, 07:31:17 PM
Kalo taxidi to all. Yamas!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2020, 11:52:07 AM
Just waiting for taxi for the airport. Can't say it was hugely different to any other year, managed to extend by a day while I was here but forgot to bring extra meds, so longer wasn't possible; incredibly sad to leave, even though I'm hopefully back before long....

Good luck everyone!
Title: Re: Still hoping to make it this year!
Post by: Richard on September 05, 2020, 11:53:16 AM
PS Don't forget to fill the form in, to re-enter the UK. I nearly did!

https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/public-health-passenger-locator-form