Messages

1

Where to eat...or not! / Re: No more Harakas ?

« on: January 01, 2019, 12:12:31 PM »

Sent Sonia an email wishing them both a happy retirement and received a lovely response last night. They will be missed...I've been eating at the Harakas since 1987 although I'm not sure they've been there that long....just me !

2

Where to eat...or not! / Re: No more Harakas ?

« on: December 24, 2018, 07:24:19 PM »

Whaaaaaaat.........now what do I do for Lemon Chicken and all the other lovely food they do. Wishing them both all the best for 2019 and beyond. Happy retirement. xx

3

Where to stay / Re: Apollo Philoxenia

« on: November 24, 2018, 12:40:59 PM »

I think it is the Apollo apartments at the back of Costas Chrysoulas....our room overlooked them last year. They always seem very nice....lovely pool, small bar, yoga classes....popular with German tourists and just as close to the village centre.

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Where to eat...or not! / Re: Fresh Kalamari

« on: November 03, 2018, 12:17:00 PM »

I would imagine the Tasomanolis does.....but it's worth asking any of them as I agree....there's nothing quite like fresh kalamari and I have my doubts that frozen stocks are used much. I've had some lovely kalamari dishes at various tavernas in Plakias - especially the Gorgona. Enjoy !

5

Holiday Companies / Re: Olympic 2019

« on: October 17, 2018, 12:51:41 PM »

Booked from Bristol for Sept 2019 but no transfers (we'll call on Takis for these) and an extra £58 each for hold luggage - so much for a 'package' holiday ! Talking to our travel agents they were hinting that all the holiday firms are worried at the moment so they are withdrawing from anything that might cause them a problem and that includes certain flights, charters, transfers and some accommodation........Brexit has a lot to answer for as I am sure some of the hosts won't trust the UK to honour its commitments post 29th March.

Personally I fully intend to be in Plakias next year even if I have to spend a little more to do it as I have local friends and businesses to support !

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Holiday Companies / Re: Olympic 2019

« on: September 15, 2018, 08:26:40 PM »

Brexit kicking in by any chance ?

7

Plakias / Re: Olive oil on tables

« on: August 27, 2018, 11:11:39 AM »

Has caused some concern. It's about the ban on the olive oil bottles made available with the salt, pepper and vinegar. I guess in some places they found it had not been refilled or changed for ages and was substandard. The original suggestion was to introduce individual sachets of oil...........which adds to the unnecessary plastic in the world. I suspect most places will still offer oil but, perhaps, from a bottle kept behind the bar. I can't see this lasting long but can understand why the Govt wants to improve standards.....not that I've ever had a problem in Plakias !

8

Plakias / Re: This forum is commin' like a ghost town

« on: August 24, 2018, 10:12:38 AM »

September is always very popular for Plakias judging by the number of 'regulars' (never been described as regular before - usually extra large !) but I dont think there are fewer Brits visiting. Maybe just the usual pattern of visits and the fact that lots of people seem to have chosen somewhere else for a change - no harm in that. We'll be back as usual in Sept.

9

Plakias / Re: This forum is commin' like a ghost town

« on: August 23, 2018, 10:20:44 AM »

I was thinking that too........not even much about the recent visit of the shark !

10

Plakias / Re: Shark

« on: August 14, 2018, 01:18:11 PM »

Probably hungry and following the squid.....think it was only a baby and of very little threat to humans. Hoping no-one caught it...the Med is its home too !

11

Plakias / Re: first timers

« on: May 19, 2018, 09:41:56 PM »

I dont swim that well but even I managed the cave just off Souda beach. It is very easy to find......head out on the beach road in a westerly direction as far as you can go. Souda is the tiny hamlet just before the road turns to go up the valley. The 'reef that protects the whole of the bay is great for diving and snorkelling - my friend David found a Moray Eel..or, rather, it found him ! All teeth and the like...scared the bejabers out of him ! I really hope you enjoy Plakias. It is a very special place.

12

Plakias / Re: first timers

« on: May 14, 2018, 09:39:38 PM »

Yup and, boy, has that place changed !...in fact, back in 1987 when I first landed I don't think there was anywhere to stay in the village so we didn't stop there. It is 62 x+ though the gorge(s) though. You'd think I was used to it by now but it gets me every time !

13

Plakias / Re: first timers

« on: May 13, 2018, 12:16:09 PM »

Hi......I think the simple answer is 'you're going to love it' ! It is perfect for relaxing on the beach or round the pool (loads of sunloungers), fantastic tavernas (some really excellent food and a great welcome), a few shops and loads of walks of all sorts of lengths and types. If you don't mind not having the loungers there are some amazing secluded beaches (some of which are clothes optional). There's nothing like lazing in a warm sea, looking up and watching an eagle flying above you.....or, better still, being woken up by the cry of an eagle hunting. It is that peaceful.....even though there is music and entertainment if you want it...a sort of all inclusive resort in one village.

The two closest villages Sellia and Mirthios, are well worth a visit...especially for dinner at sunset overlooking the bay and you have some lovely places to visit...including Preveli (both the palm beach and the monastery) and the local life museum at Asomatos. Along the coast, going west, are the villages of Rhodakino (split in two by an earthquake), the Imbros Gorge, the fortress at Frangokastello and, eventually, the port of Chora Sphakia (ferry to Samaria). There are some great tours on offer too if you decide you don't want to drive and the bus can get you in to Rethymnon. Matala has a great vibe to it too so enjoy that....oh, and it's always worth having a closer look at the two gorges that lead in to Plakias...some amazing landscapes.

There is a Dive School on the seafront at Plakias so it might be best to ask for advice on the best places to scuba but there are some excellent reef structures and if you take the road out of Plakias, there is the tiny hamlet of Souda which has a great beach and cave swimming (did that a few years ago).

I'm not going to recommend anywhere to eat or drink in particular as they are all excellent and it's just a matter of seeing what they offer. and what you fancy..... I really hope you enjoy it.

It will be my 31st visit when I get back there in September......so, like me, you'll be hooked hopefully ! Enjoy !

14

Plakias / Re: Any Plakias Updates?

« on: May 10, 2018, 10:10:54 AM »

From the look of it (and the webcams at the Morpheas) someone has re-tarmac-ed the footpath along the beach ...it is showing up as a rather hideous salmon pink.....is there anyone out there who can confirm this ? I dont think it's just 'the light'. I much prefer the subtlety of Plakias...dont really want it to become the next multicoloured Disney style seafront but it may be too late !

15

Holiday Companies / Re: Olympic 2018

« on: April 30, 2018, 09:56:58 AM »

Yes Mike G ...Elspeth will be there this year.Really looking forward to seeing her again.