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Messages - happyashellas

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46
PlakChat / Re: Top 100 Cretan Travel Sites
« on: December 07, 2013, 01:38:57 PM »
Just tried to vote but the link isn't working

47
Plakias / Re: Plakias in slow decline
« on: November 15, 2013, 11:30:57 AM »
I can assure you my view is not through rose tinted glasses, more based on experience and reality. If you wish to see more resorts that appear to be in terminal decline then I would suggest a visit to the north of the island where many open prisons are now in operation (all inclusive hotels). These places have a terrible effect for the local tavernas, restaurants, kafenions etc. As much as I hate them, we'll have to get used to them as they are very successful. They undercut the price for a self catering package holiday and supply all food and drink, meaning you don't need to take a penny "spending" money with you.
Many places in Agias Pelagia were feeling the pinch last year and it wasn't unusual to be the only diners in a restaurant. I fail to see how this is rose tinted. As for the present political and socio economic climate in Crete, if you feel my view on this is rose tinted then you completely misunderstand. I could go on about the natural beauty and the welcoming people, but you don't want to appear to acknowledge this, which is a shame, as they are the paramount reasons for returning year after year.

48
Plakias / Re: Plakias in slow decline
« on: November 14, 2013, 09:20:57 AM »
The olive harvest in Crete has declined by 80% this year, attributed to unrelenting strong winds in the spring, and this has an adverse effect on the whole island, not just Plakias. Given the present political climate in Greece it perhaps isn't surprising that more negative feelings may be brought into the open now the tourists have all gone for the year. All resorts and villages depending on tourism have to adapt and change to some extent, or fail. We love to remember the old days with no air conditioning and no windows in any bathroom, just a bit of wire  mesh crudely stuck in place. If these apartments were still the same there isn't a tourist operator that would touch them. I think time moves on relentlessly and it's us who fail to keep up. Plakias was fantastic in October, the people as welcoming as ever, and where else apart from Crete can you walk along the coast and watch an eagle soaring above and have beautiful surrounding countryside? The latter will hopefully never change, and therefore I fail to see any problems for Plakias.

49
Plakias / Re: Just Returned
« on: November 02, 2013, 09:43:11 PM »
We travel to Greece every October and really have never witnessed this in any great way. The only one occasion that sticks out was on the very last day of the season when the reps just looked done in and sick of the sight of us. None of the locals ever seem to be bothered by this though - at least not that I have witnessed.

50
Plakias / Re: car hire
« on: November 02, 2013, 09:28:25 PM »
We only tend to hire for the one week when we go on holiday. The first few days we spend around whichever resort or village we happen to be at, just unwinding in general. The next week we spend in the car, seeing as much as we can in the surrounding area and then the last few days back at the resort to get the last bit of sun before returning home. We did hire for the two weeks once, and while it is handy for the airport, we tended to find that you wanted to use the thing every day to make it worthwhile. Different strokes I suppose....

51
Plakias / Re: car hire
« on: October 31, 2013, 11:33:40 AM »
When we were in Plakias we went to every car hire place and the prices were all expensive compared to quotes given online. The cheapest we found was 156 Euros for a week, class A. Not being happy about this we went online and found Imperial car hire who claimed to be in Damnoni, for 98 Euros per week, and they would deliver the car to our rooms as well. We booked with them, and on the day of delivery they phoned and said they were busy but the car was waiting for us at Monza car hire, next to the Lamon hotel. We walked along and picked up the car and everything was fine. I'm not sure how this works, as Monza quoted me 156 in person, but then another company online using the same people can give you the same car for 30% less. Seems like a bit of a tourist trap if you just turn up.

52
Plakias / Re: Begging etc
« on: October 29, 2013, 10:44:40 AM »
We had seen the usual guys selling all sorts of things like caps with built in lights, but these guys actually have a van load of the stuff so I would imagine that this is a business of sorts, legal or otherwise. One disabled guy walked along the prom shouting to every person on the beach with his hand out, and we witnessed an Asian girl being told to leave a restaurant somewhat abruptly by the staff. I know there are problems in Crete as you can't help to notice the large camp just outside Heraklion airport - perhaps they've just spread down south now as the pickings might be better there?
It's always a tricky situation - if you give do you just encourage begging, but maybe the beggar in question has no other options.

53
Plakias / Begging etc
« on: October 27, 2013, 12:22:17 PM »
When I was fishing in the harbour at Plakias, I offered a fish I had caught to what I thought was a local guy. It turned out he was from Bulgaria and unemployed. I ended up giving him 4 fish, hooks, weights and other bits and pieces. We also came across a few beggars of Asian origin as well. I have come across this sort of thing in the north of the island before, but this was a first for the south. Is it a big problem in the southern areas now?

54
Plakias / Re: Just Returned
« on: October 25, 2013, 10:00:50 PM »
If it's one of your favourites then that's great - for you. There are many differing opinions on what makes a good night out etc. and I wouldn't read too much into any reviews. We stayed at the Dora apartments with perhaps some apprehension after  reading some of the reviews. It turns out they are in a great location, very clean and we had the room with the so called lousy view. None of the reviews stated that if you sit on the balcony and look to the left you have a great view over to Timios Stavros which I thought was just fine.

55
Plakias / Re: Just Returned
« on: October 25, 2013, 08:12:26 PM »
Doubting I would be brave enough to say something to her is rather derogatory towards me don't you think? The inference being I am perhaps too cowardly to speak my mind. I did not say anything after the meal as the food itself was fine, as I mentioned. I merely stated why I would never go back there. Had the food or service been below par I would certainly have made myself clear. As I said, you are spoilt for choice in Plakias where food is concerned so it isn't a big deal.

56
Plakias / Re: Just Returned
« on: October 23, 2013, 04:19:42 PM »
Just back after two glorious weeks in Plakias. The weather was fantastic and the food was great as well - especially the prices. We averaged about 25 euros per night which included starters, mains and drinks for both of us - after Symi in the summer this was a welcome surprise. The car hire places were all a bit expensive, ranging from 156 to 224 for a compact car for a week. We went online and found Imperial car hire who quoted us 98 for the week which was from one of the locals in Plakias who had quoted over 150 earlier. Plenty of exploring was done although I cannot recommend the road to Finix as it took half an hour to get back out to the top of the hill.
There is a Kafenion in one of the side streets called Ξεζονων, and the welcome there was incredible. The food was lovely, all cooked on the spot, the prices dirt cheap and the amount of Raki thrown in at the end was fantastic. Do not ever attempt to drive home from here!
Worst meal of the stay was probably the Lysseus. The matriarch was not talkative at all, there was no atmosphere or background music, just everybody talking in hushed tones in case they got a row from grumpy knickers. The food was fine, but there are plenty of friendlier places to choose from. Many lovely walks and climbs in the surrounding area as well, coupled with the warm greetings from the locals which makes it a fantastic place. Just a bummer being home again.

57
Plakias / Re: Walking near Plakias
« on: October 04, 2013, 08:06:08 PM »
Thanks for that, I'll check out the local literature

58
Plakias / Walking near Plakias
« on: October 02, 2013, 10:05:39 PM »
Although we have stopped for a day in Plakias before, this will be our first time staying there. I'm not much for sitting on a beach all day and prefer to go off exploring around. Any interesting walks nearby that you can recommend? I do not have what is termed "good walking shoes", preferring flip flops or trainers at a push. I noticed an interesting old mill not too far away - how long does it take to walk there? Appreciate any replies or advice.

59
Plakias / car hire
« on: September 29, 2013, 08:22:05 PM »
We will be arriving in Plakias on October 8th and wondered if anyone knows of a good car hire place? By good, of course, I mean dirt cheap! Also, what are the best routes for any gorges nearby - by which I mean is it easier going up or down, where to park etc.

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