Plakias Forums

Plakias => Where to stay => Topic started by: alisos on June 27, 2003, 08:44:02 PM

Title: Help!!!
Post by: alisos on June 27, 2003, 08:44:02 PM
My brother and I will be visiting Crete for the first time in Sept '03.  We are looking for a laid back, village atmosphere and from all the descriptions I've read on the site, Plakias could be it.  Would anyone know if accommodation is easy to come by if we just turn up?  We quite like to travel independently rather than using tour companies, then we don't have to suffer the reps. We would be looking for 2 rooms/studios.

Also what's the best way to reach Plakias (and the best airport to fly to).  We would probably hire a car from the airport and make our own way there.

Any information would be gratefully received and worth a drink if you're there 09/09/03.

thanks
Title: Help!!!
Post by: John R on June 27, 2003, 09:38:08 PM
I don't think you will have too much problem finding a room in Plakias in September. Early last October some friends had a minor problem but they had specific requirements for a large group. Either airport is ok for Plakias (Chania or Heraklion). I always arrive at Heraklion and I think most people do. It is a nice drive from airport to Plakias through spectacular gorge (choice of two) on approach to Plakias. From either airport you head to Rethymnon and then go South from there - all good fast roads.

You can arrange for a hire car to be waiting for you at airport from some Plakias hire companies.

My favourite - the one we have dealt with for years is Anso (based in Plakias) :-

http://www.ansotravel.com/rentals.html (http://www.ansotravel.com/rentals.html)

You might try http://www.pangosmio.gr/ (http://www.pangosmio.gr/) but I know nothing about them. Other people on this forum may come up with equally good suggestions.

Driving in Crete I find to be great (some don't like it much though) - especially away from the main East/West highway on the North of the island  - just be a bit defensive and expect some cars to be overtaking coming towards you. They will miss you but expect you to drive in consideration of their actions (ie move over a bit). Not much traffic around and roads generally quite good.

Won't see you in September but will be following you in Early October.

John R
Title: Help!!!
Post by: RobM. on June 28, 2003, 01:13:40 PM
 
 The bus from Iraklion to Rethymnon runs regularly and costs €5.90 each way. Taxi from Rethymnon cost me €25 or the bus costs €3 each way. Ever happy to save a few euro's!

Rob.
Title: Help!!!
Post by: Karen T on June 29, 2003, 08:27:17 AM
It cost us €700 for car hire for 2 weeks which included 2 transfers from Iraklion to Plakias and back from MotoPlakias.  Their phone number is 0030 28320 31785/31908/32234 and their e-mail address is  (). They are part of the Finikas Travel group based in Plakias and they arrange transfers with the local taxis who will drop you either at your accomodation or take you straight down to the office to pick up your car.  

There should be no problem finding somewhere to stay in Plakias since most of the accomodation is not tied to the brochures.  I would recommend Finikas Pension/ Fedra Studios which is owned by a friend of ours, Kostas Galanakis.  He has rooms, studios and apartments for families and his phone number is 0030 832 31290 (mobile 0945355654) and e-mail is  ().  (He also has allegedly got a website but we have had difficulty in finding it - the address he gave us was www.finikasstudio.com but possibly he wrote it down incorrectly or maybe the k was meant to be a c!).  Finikas also has a taverna which does excellent food thought the choice is limited (this isn't necessarily a bad thing since too much choice leads to indecision!).  The complex (based in 3 buildings) is slightly out of town on the brow of the hill which leads down to town and has the advanage of having the best view over the bay of anywhere in Plakias itself.

Hope this helps!

Karen
Title: Help!!!
Post by: RobM. on June 29, 2003, 08:31:36 AM
 

I can only agree with Karen's points about Finikas taverna - the only problem there for me was they seem to serve a lot of pork and I can't stand it!!    :"(   It's not a difficult walk to/from town - downhill on the way back which is the best!

RobM.
Title: Help!!!
Post by: ostraco on July 06, 2003, 11:48:19 PM
I stayed up that way a few years ago at the Erato rooms. It meant a little more walking than usual, but I liked it there - good view, and an easy walk down to the far end of the beach. Good rooms too!

Main problem way carrying the necessary bottles of water up from the supermarket - and walking back after a late night in town - although we often got a lift.

We never did get to the Finikas taverna though - as we always ambled down into town before dinner.
Title: Help!!!
Post by: Robin Young on October 10, 2003, 11:44:12 AM
For information Costas Finikas website is http://www.finikas-studios.com (http://www.finikas-studios.com)

Robin Young