Topics

16

PlakChat / Lift Request / Taxi Share - Sept 2009

« on: January 06, 2009, 09:46:31 PM »

We arrive at Heraklion around 2pm on Sunday, 13 September. If anyone's arriving around that time and would be interested in sharing the taxi cost (and the taxi!) or has a hire car with room for two littl'uns for suitable recompense, let us know.

The last two years we've hired a car but fancied relying on shanks's pony this year. However, that wish doesn't extend to the transit from the airport.

17

Where to go / Elafonisi

« on: October 04, 2008, 08:13:44 PM »

Our friends wanted to see the pink sands at Elafonissi and,as we fancied a meal in Chania in the evening, we decided to give it a try. We got there in just under 3 hours. The roads were fine - scenery interesting but not quite as stunning as the road down to Paleochora. Good points - nice sand and it's on the E4 walking route so you can do some exploring on foot from there. It's kept very clean and, although busy immediately in front of the car park and close to the island, it's a large beach and there's plenty of space 100 yds north and south for everyone. The photo below was taken from the south side.
Minus points are: the distance, obviously. Also, the sand, although pink in places, was not the 'natural miracle' mentioned in some information we read. So, ok if you really like driving and combine it with something else but we wouldn't go again because it's just too far away.

18

Where to go / Preveli Beach

« on: October 02, 2008, 08:49:06 PM »

This year we visited Preveli beach for the first time. In previous years there used to be a boat doing trips from Plakias but we didn't see it doing the trip this year. First point to make is - before you go, think about how much you want to go - if you're not too fussed, then don't bother - it's not the easiest of beaches to get to. A couple of years ago we made the mistake of driving down the road to Preveli and following signs to the Preveli Beach Car Park. Only when we had paid the exorbitant fee did we realise that the beach was a few hundred feet down a cliff. Lots of steps and didn't fancy carting beach towels, mats etc all that way. So, if you park at the top, be prepared for lots of steps down (and then up!  ).
This year we parked at Preveli Bridge, then walked down the dirt road, over the cobbled bridge, then veered off the road, following a track to the beach. I think the path might have been more difficult to follow in previous years but a lot of the walk was through areas affected by fires so it was easy to see the way to go (follow the red dots painted on the rocks). Foolishly, we imagined a a, mainly downhill walk, following the river. In fact, most of the walking was uphill, ending up at around the same level as the cliff top car park  . Fortunately, this time we were in walking mood so we enjoyed the exercise. The beach itself was nothing special and there was a steady stream of coach parties making their way down the cliff path from the car park. We avoided the river pedaloes but, seeing the signs for 'Palm Forest -->' we thought "what the heck, while we're here ...". We were pleasantly surprised - a pleasant walk, getting more interesting, the further up the valley you get. Ideally, we wanted to walk right up the valley to Preveli Bridge where we'd left the car but when we got to the point that involved wading waist deep in water, and with the path uncertain beyond that, we turned back. After getting back to the beach, we crossed to the beach east of Preveli, started walking back by the dirt road, then rejoined the path, retracing our outward walk.

It would be good to hear from someone who's walked up from the beach to Preveli Bridge, following the river as we'd like to try that next year.

I know Graeme thought the water was oily. I can't comment as I don't think we bothered to go in the water while we were there.

19

Where to go / Asomatos Museum

« on: September 27, 2008, 09:38:37 PM »

Regulars will be familiar with this museum but thought it was worth a mention for anyone who's new to Plakias or has not visited yet. We first went there in 2004 and again this year. It's one of those places where, the closer you look, the more there is to see. Not at all like most museums - the varied collection of items brings an earlier, simpler way of living, back to life. Some exhibits would benefit from English explanations/translations but the guy running the museum is never far away if you have questions. Entry is 2 Euro and, in my opinion, well worth it.

P.S. If you are keen on walking, we found the hills behind Asomatos easy to explore - the dogs guarding the sheep were all either friendly or safely behind a fence  (some places we've been to, though, you see a dog tied up in the middle of nowhere guarding nothing  )

20

Where to go / Events in and around Plakias

« on: September 03, 2008, 05:23:42 PM »

On a few occasions when in Plakias we've found out about events the day after they've happened. Feel free to add info about any events in the Plakias area.
I have two specific questions:
1. Is there a date set for the Raki festival at Kali Sikia - we've managed to miss it in previous years and would like to go this year.

2. Last year we went up Timios Stavros, coincidentally on the day of the Feast of the Holy Cross - we would like to attend the service this year - does anyone know what time it is? I assume, we've got the date correct - 14th September.

Thanks

21

Gossip / Camera Advice Please

« on: March 27, 2008, 12:32:34 PM »

Not directly to do with Plakias but I'd appreciate forum members' thoughts on small, lightweight digital cameras.

Specifically, I'm thinking of buying a Pentax Optio S10 and was wondering whether any forum members already had this camera. If so, I'd appreciate hearing what you think of it.

At 10MPix. it's more than I think I need (7MPix. would be enough for our 'snaps') but it's small, lightweight and at around £130, just within my budget.

The other camera that I'm considering as an alternative is the Olympus FE280 (aka C520) so experiences with that would also be useful.

22

Holiday Companies / Stansted to Heralion Flights

« on: February 25, 2008, 08:22:24 PM »

I suppose it shouldn't come as a shock - flights changed and, surprise, surprise, it means we are travelling at less convenient times and losing 11 hours from our holiday  .
Stansted flights are quite expensive but worth it for the convenience (for us). With the Easyjet flights now, we'll put up with the extra travelling to Gatwick if it means better times and saving about £70 per person. With luck the cancellation charges won't be too high.

There ... I feel better already

23

Where to stay / Stella Studios Query

« on: December 05, 2007, 08:00:59 AM »

We've reserved rooms at Stella's for 2008 for us and our friends.
Markos has explained that he is just about full so we will need to switch rooms.
I think we are ok - with studio 4 for 1 week, then studio 5 but when I later wanted a studio for our friends, he said he had

free rooms [ with double bed air condision and freegze ] behaind .       If you  wond to stay 6 days and after your friends take a studio dowstairs for the next  days.

 
I'm not familiar with the studios - are the back rooms proper studios with balconies and are the downstairs studios ok. Much as we like Stella's, I wouldn't want our friends to feel they'd got worse accommodation.

Enlightenment appreciated

24

Where to stay / Accommodation Question

« on: November 29, 2007, 08:41:09 PM »

We're staying at Stella next year but are now looking for somewhere close by for our friends. I was wondering if anyone has a name and possibly contact information for the rooms that you come to walking down from Stellas. It's at the T junction on the opposite side of the road. I remember it has a swing in the garden.

Thanks,

Graham

25

Forum and Website discussion / Article System Request

« on: September 23, 2007, 11:58:09 AM »

Paul,
How about adding 'Beaches' as a new category for the article system. We visited several new ones (for us) this year and would like to post some comments

26

PlakChat / A Plug for the Article System

« on: September 19, 2007, 10:58:19 AM »

Just got back from 2 weeks in Plakias that matches any we've previously had. Lots of snippets of information and thoughts to pass on but in the main we'll do it through the Article System where it will be easier for forum members to find out quickly what's been said about particular establishments. With September being a busy month, between us we should be able to expand its content considerably. Having at least 4 or 5 comments about a place gives a  more balanced idea of what a place is like -

27

Plakias / Tesco Deal Tokens

« on: August 16, 2007, 07:57:29 PM »

We shop at Tesco and have lots of Deal tokens so this year's trip to Plakias I got a quote for car hire from Avis. They wanted over 610 Euro for 2 weeks (a 'special' Tesco Deal price) which would have still been good (=£105 of Tesco points) but there was also a £500 excess on the insurance . Maybe I missed something but it all seemed too much hassle and not clear what was covered. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has used their Tesco points for car rental abroad.

Aslo has anyone used Tesco points to pay for XL flights - this seems more straightforward but as we tend to leave it until the last moment to book, we've never had enough time to book it with Deal Tokens.

28

Forum and Website discussion / Change in Message display?

« on: July 31, 2007, 08:46:47 PM »

I've noticed that message threads are displayed now instead of displaying all messages in full in chronological order. Is this an 'upgrade' or is there an option I can select to go back to full message display.
 

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Holiday Companies / Taxi / Car Hire from Heraklion Airport

« on: July 31, 2007, 06:47:43 AM »

We are looking at booking independently for this September but the First Choice flight from Stansted arrives at 03.10am and the return flight leaves at 04.10am. (BTW I know the XL flights are at a more reasonable time). Has anyone had experience of arriving and leaving in the early hours of the morning? Specifically:
a Are there taxis available from the airport at that time?
b Are they much more expensive after midnight?
c Can you hire a car at 3am?

Thanks in anticipation -

30

Gossip / Happy New Year

« on: December 31, 2006, 05:14:52 PM »

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Hardly a day goes by without me looking at the latest postings so I feel I know many of you even if we've not met. Here's hoping that Plakias, changing as it must, remains the 'home from home' that it's become for many of us.