Messages

31

Where to stay / Re: Bookings this year (2013)

« on: May 27, 2013, 10:00:06 AM »

I strongly recommend Aphrodite. It's at the back of the village - about 150 metres up the little street opposite Thetis.
All rooms are immaculately clean, well maintained and have fridge, kettle, hairdryer, safe, TV, vaporiser, AC.
Contact via kasel@hol.gr
I'll be there for the whole of July, as I always am.

32

PlakChat / Re: General review

« on: November 15, 2012, 06:33:30 AM »

Glad you enjoyed it. I was in Plakias for 15 days from 8th October and also enjoyed fabulous weather. Like you, I feel that Plakias is just the best place.
I would like to use this forum to thank the guy who had the concession for the far end and Marianna at Amoudaki for maintaining both beaches to such a high standard this year. Apart from some problems with overcrowding neither, in my opinion, has ever been better.
Looking forward to next year already.

33

Holiday Companies / Re: Using the buses

« on: September 16, 2012, 06:33:50 AM »

Young? I'm drawing my pension!
And I always travel light. Just what need on my back (not much).
It makes me laugh when I see all those people queuing at the airport to check in their luggage, looking as though they're moving home. It's a beach a holiday for heaven's sake; what's there to take?
Travel light and travel cheap. It makes for a much more interesting journey and leaves lots of money for Mythos.

34

Holiday Companies / Using the buses

« on: September 11, 2012, 08:53:27 PM »

Mike and I have sort of started this topic under "Sun Beds" but as there is enough irrelevant material already under that topic I thought I'd start a new stream.

I like to travel independently for many reasons but, of course, my big disadvantage is the transfer.
However, I always use the local buses to get from Iraklio Airport to Plakias (and from Chania to Paleachora) and return. They are cheap, comfortable and reliable. You just have organise your timings and be prepared to wait around for the odd hour here and there.
Admittedly it makes a difference that I travel alone. A taxi costs minimum €100 each way whereas the one way bus fare this year for one person is €13.20.
I would encourage more people to use this option.

35

Plakias / Re: Beaches around Plakias

« on: September 09, 2012, 08:10:16 PM »

The obvious choice is Micro Amoudi. It's still suffers the same wind as Plakias but it is more sheltered. Its only problem is that it's at least half an hour's walk away and, if the weather turns inclement (which it can in late September/early October) it's a long walk in the rain. If you have a car it won't be a problem and also, if the weather's set fair, it won't be a problem. It's a great beach with plenty of beds and umbrellas and a bar where you can buy coffee, soft drinks and beers.

You'll find most people are nude and it's a small beach. However, nobody give a hoot whether you're clothed or nude so just go there and feel comfortable in yourself.

36

Plakias / Re: Sun Beds

« on: September 09, 2012, 08:56:24 AM »

Just for the record there were many more than 20 beds when I was in Paleochora in July this year and none of the parosoles was tatty. In fact, as an alternative to Plakias, I think it's an excellent choice. Beautifully kept beach with plenty of beds available at the "far end". The rest of the beach also is much better than the rest of Plakias beach.
Now that easyJet flies to Chania it's easy to get to. Taxi to the bus station (this is the only annoying bit) and then bus to Pal.
Incidentally, Sunvil still does packages to Pal.
Sorry to use this site to promote Pal. I still love Plakias just as much.

37

PlakChat / Re: Plakias beaches October

« on: August 27, 2012, 07:41:44 AM »

I also am going in October (8th for 16 days).
There's no guarantee of the weather in October. I was there during the same period last year. We had one day of total washout, two partial washout but the rest were lovely.
There won't be any problem with sunbeds at that far end in October (there seems to be much scaremongering).
Micro Amoudi was cleared completely of beds and bar during the middle weekend last year. However, it's a delightful beach in its natural state; you just have to take your own drink.
You will need jumpers for the evenings.

38

Plakias / Re: Sun Beds

« on: August 17, 2012, 05:49:03 AM »

Sorry, but this stream has deteriorated into a private conversation nothing to do with the subject of "beaches"!!

39

Plakias / Re: Sun Beds

« on: August 16, 2012, 07:47:41 AM »

Having just returned from a week in Plakias I wish to make the following contributions.

I know it was August so the resort was not so busy with Northern Europeans, plenty of Greeks but they tend not to favour the Far End.
Only once was I aware that all the beds and umbrellas were occupied and then only for a short period.
In my opinion the beach is better than it's ever been. The guy who is attending this year is charming and extreemely polite. Not only does he conduct running maintenance on the chairs and umbrellas, ensuring the maximum numbers are kept in use, he has provided each umbrella with a terra cotta pot for waste. He empties each pot and washes it clean every day or when people leave during the day. He ensures the main refuse bin is never overful and he keeps the sand meticulously clean by picking up even the smallest items of litter and jetsam he sees.
I don't know if he's the concessionaire or is employed by the concessionaire but he's certainly made a difference.

On the subject of sharing with textile, I also visited Micro Amoudi which, being August, was packed with Greek people, although we North Europeans were also in evidence. As a result it was usually about 85% textile and 15% nude. I felt no hostility to either group and everybody rubbed along just the same.
Also, the new attendant at Micro Amoudi has improved that beach by keeping it immaculately clean and providing waitress service for drinks from her bar.
Overall, a great experience.

40

Forum and Website discussion / Re: cash in plakias

« on: July 25, 2012, 09:17:52 PM »

It seems to be very much a cash economy (no guesses why!!). I'm sure some of the tavernas take cards although I





It seems to be very much a cash economy (no guesses why!). I have used card payment in the shops.
I know some of the tavernas do take cards but I have only ever seen someone pay by card once. Cash is king.

41

Forum and Website discussion / Re: cash in plakias

« on: July 25, 2012, 09:12:41 PM »

Yes. There are four ATMs in Plakias but you need to be aware that they are regularly out of use, individually and together. Don't leave drawing money for your villa until the end of your stay. When I was there last year all four ATMs were out of money at the same time and people were having to travel to Spilli to get cash to pay their hotel bills. Always keep a few days' money in your wallet.

42

Plakias / Re: Sun Beds

« on: July 13, 2012, 06:57:21 AM »

Mark
I know I shouldn't say this the Pakias Forum (I love Plakias just as much as you do) but if you do want to look for somewhere else, try Paliochora. The nude "end" of the sandy beach there is just as good as Plakias and there are always plenty of sun beds with friendly attendants who keep the beach clean daily.
Also, it's a lovely little town with all the amenities. It's only problem is it's position; you really need to fly to Chania.
I've just spent a fabulous week there and would have gone on to Plakias but family problems prevented me staying away.
If the locals don't get it then maybe, we should "vote with our feet"- (bare ones).

43

Where to eat...or not! / Re: Traditional Greek Tavernas

« on: July 12, 2012, 10:07:38 AM »

I think Laura's got it completely wrong. It's the "discreet" tavernas which are the tourist traps.
I still go for the open kitchen and seeing what I will eat before choosing every time. And I don't believe local avoid the open kitchens, they just eat at different time from we "tourists".

44

Where to eat...or not! / Re: Traditional Greek Tavernas

« on: July 02, 2012, 08:32:52 PM »

I generally eat at Sofia and Gorgona specifically because they show their dishes and I always choose from something from the window. It rarely fails to satisfy.
My only exception is when I want Giros and then I go to Sifis - always good food and very amenable service.

45

Plakias / Re: First timer to Plakias 26th June :-)

« on: June 21, 2012, 10:02:47 PM »

Like many others I travel to Plakias alone every year and I guarantee you will love it. It's such a relaxed and friendly place that you will certainly meet others. Just get talking to people when you're walking to and from and on the beach.