Messages

211

Where to eat...or not! / Re: Kastro

« on: July 26, 2013, 09:28:37 AM »

Never been to the Kastro but it looks lovely......will try in Sept. Looks like there could be something of a Forum party as we're there too (17/09 to 03/10) !.......less than eight weeks and cant wait !!!!

212

Where to eat...or not! / Re: VAT reduction on food

« on: July 17, 2013, 11:07:58 PM »

An interesting move by the Greek Government as they have recently admitted that a massive number of eateries across Greece (including Crete) have paid little or no VAT for years. Perhaps this is their round about way of trying to persuade them to be more upfront in terms of coughing up (who knows ?) but I cant really see it making much of an immediate effect.....mind you, would be nice if it does !

213

Plakias / Re: FIRE

« on: July 10, 2013, 09:12:39 PM »

Well...if you tried that in Plymouth you'd attract far more attention....and, possibly, an ASBO or a fine ! Don't think we'll be going down that road.

214

Plakias / Re: FIRE

« on: July 10, 2013, 12:20:45 PM »

Hmmm...can feel a Plymouth Plakias twinning coming on !....I know there are a few other Plakias fans in the area. We'll have to see if we can find a UK watering hole in common...I am sure we'd find something to talk about !!!! Any ideas ?

215

Plakias / Re: FIRE

« on: July 09, 2013, 02:35:57 PM »

Horrible news but thank you for letting us all know. Plakias is such a part of our lives and anything like this is devastating. Nature is a wonderful thing and it will compensate in many ways but the loss of livestock and livelihoods is always so sad. Please pass our best wishes on to all involved and our thanks to everyone who helped to tackle the fire. Nothing would stop us coming back and if there is anything we can do...even though we're half the EU away...please let us know via the Forum.

Jackie and Dai in Plymouth, UK.

216

Plakias / Re: Cretan Safari

« on: July 05, 2013, 11:36:25 AM »

Hmmm.....we saw the 'safari trailers' in Plakias for the first time last year. As they had booked in to one of the tavernas for lunch they brought welcomed and predictable income to the village...you cant blame the local owners for that.
The safari organisers do tend to go for the 'experience' and, unfortunately, that commonly means roaring on to a secluded beach (whether or not there are other users and regardless of their state of dress)...it's a bit of a 'they came, they clicked...they buggered off' scenario. It can be very disturbing. They make their money by filming the day as a souvenir.
However it does depend on the company doing the organising. We took part in a safari a few years ago that visited inland Crete (including a working monastery) and then toured the really remote south coast. I can safely say it was one of the most amazing things I have ever done as the landscapes and the access to hidden Crete was unprecedented...but, the company we used made it clear...no booze...especially for the drivers....and be aware of those around you.
I wouldn't say it's disgusting but it can be an intrusion depending on the approach.....not sure there's much that can be done though.

217

Plakias / Re: Gorgona

« on: June 28, 2013, 04:44:42 PM »

I'd agree with that. From memory I think Costas (of Costas Chrysoulas) is now involved with the Gorgona and has been since 2011 at least. Things have changed ......a lot.....and the staff now are lovely and very welcoming and the food is good too. Things change all the time but we're looking forward to being back and will definitely be eating there again this year.

218

Plakias / Re: bars

« on: June 27, 2013, 10:39:44 AM »

Hey....that's not nice !...Stellios has character and charm ! That's one of the reasons we spend most of our mornings up there !!!

219

Plakias / Re: bars

« on: June 25, 2013, 09:57:03 AM »

Quiet, very Greek and with a limited choice but great food and fantastic views...see Stellios at the Aponema next to the On The Rocks.

If you're staying at Costa Chrysoulas then you cant beat their bar......with one of the best barmen in the business !

I like the Ostraca (great cocktails) but the Livikon's drinks are great too...it really does depend on what you like.

220

Plakias / Re: End of an era Dismantling of Meltemi

« on: June 25, 2013, 09:52:05 AM »

Really sad.....I had some great evenings (nights ?) there in the late 80s when it was one of the only music bars in the area but it was also sad to see it there in ruins.

I suspect the 'activities centre' will be closely limited in what it can do. I remember a discussion with a former mayor about a ban on things like jetskis and watched a couple of years ago when a visitor to the village was asked to remove his jetski as it had left a very smelly and horrible-to swim through film of fuel over the whole bay. OK, so kite surfers (there was one last year) and windsurfers (we've watched several over the years and yes, there was a wind surfing school) need space that could compete with swimmers but they often go further out and, at least, they are eco-friendly and quiet. I think there are also limits on what can be built on that are...something to do with archaeological remains...although I don't think its anything to do with the Lamon Palace as that's further up the hill.

I will be playing some Bob Marley and sinking a raki in memory of the Meltemi bar later on......

221

Where to stay / Re: Good hotels?

« on: June 23, 2013, 12:46:51 PM »

I was going to suggest the Lamon...several friends have stayed there and loved it. I would also recommend the Livikon almost next door (they have a great reputation for breakfasts and they do great cocktails and ice creams)...plus the usual apartments (such as Kosta Chrysoulas) and the Dora just up the road from the Ostraca bar. They would all meet your requirements and Im sure you'd have a great time wherever you choose.

222

Where to go / Re: Cretan beaches

« on: June 20, 2013, 01:08:51 PM »

I love travel and I always swore I would never go back to the same place twice......so why have I been going back to Plakias since 1987 ? I have introduced several people to the village and they too have fallen in love and returned. It is a very...very special place does there have to be a reason ?

223

Where to go / Re: Live Bouzuki

« on: June 20, 2013, 01:04:16 PM »

Assuming that the dates are the same, the tourism festival is usually the 27th Sept.........and there is usually a wealth of music, dancing, food and wine. Apart from the advertised events it might be worth asking at one of the main tavernas as most of the locals will be aware of where the most unplanned evenings occur.....we tried that and ended up having a great evening in one of the backstreets. Well worth trying.

Jackie

224

Where to go / Re: Mirthios/Myrthios Tavernas

« on: June 20, 2013, 12:59:46 PM »

That poor old, dear little train......conveyor of many happy visitors. It took us to Mirthios on several occasions...I could have walked up in less time but never mind. It also took me to the raki festival as Kalli Sekia (sorry about the spelling) on the night before my 40th birthday....great evening even though we did need to get up at 6am for the trip to Samaria the next day. Great memories  (I think....couldn't really vouch for their accuracy in the circumstances) !

225

Plakias / Re: Boat trips

« on: June 19, 2013, 04:45:41 PM »

Does anyone know if the trip to Gavdos is available this year ?.....it was advertised a few years ago but didn't seem to be available last year.