Plakias Forums

Plakias => Plakias => Topic started by: compage on February 24, 2007, 11:06:51 AM

Title: Plakias
Post by: compage on February 24, 2007, 11:06:51 AM
Plakias is the way it is because of where it is, a fair distance from both airports.

There are similar sized resorts with similar beaches much nearer to both Heraklion and Chania and they have developed faster and in different ways from Plakias.
Lots of people choose their holidays based on cost as the most important factor.
So the resorts nearer to the airports (and therefore cheaper) get those holidaymakers and develop accordingly.

If you don't mind the crowds, the burger bars, the noisy discos and the obnoxious drunks, go to one of the 'popular' north coast resorts.

People who like Plakias are prepared to pay the price of the extra travelling time from the airport.
Title: Plakias
Post by: Steve Jones on February 26, 2007, 09:35:15 PM
Quote from: compage
Plakias is the way it is because of where it is, a fair distance from both airports.-TRUE

Lots of people choose their holidays based on cost as the most important factor-NOT EVERYONE THOUGH-QUALITY VERSUS QUANTITY ALSO MATTERS

So the resorts nearer to the airports (and therefore cheaper) get those holidaymakers and develop accordingly-HAVING CHUCKLED OUR WAY THROUGH THE TV PROGRAMME 'BENIDORM', WE TOO NOW REALISE WHAT WE ARE 'MISSING OUT' ON!

If you don't mind the crowds, the burger bars, the noisy discos and the obnoxious drunks, go to one of the 'popular' north coast resorts-IF WE DID THIS WE MIGHT AS WELL GO TO SPAIN-THE FLIGHTS ARE EVEN CHEAPER!.

People who like Plakias are prepared to pay the price of the extra travelling time from the airport-THE £110 TAXI FARE RETURN EXTRA IS WORTH PAYING TO STAY IN A PEACEFUL PLACE,  WHICH IS NOT OVERCROWDED EVEN AT THE HEIGHT OF THE SEASON!
Title: Plakias
Post by: Mike G on February 27, 2007, 10:33:18 AM
Quote from: compage
Plakias is the way it is because of where it is, a fair distance from both airports.

There are similar sized resorts with similar beaches much nearer to both Heraklion and Chania and they have developed faster and in different ways from Plakias.
Lots of people choose their holidays based on cost as the most important factor.
So the resorts nearer to the airports (and therefore cheaper) get those holidaymakers and develop accordingly.

If you don't mind the crowds, the burger bars, the noisy discos and the obnoxious drunks, go to one of the 'popular' north coast resorts.

People who like Plakias are prepared to pay the price of the extra travelling time from the airport.
Hello John,

When I first read your E-Mail I thought that it wasn't true about Plakias being the way it is because of its distance from the airports and greater cost. However, I had a look at the Cretan properties offered by Olympic and Kosmar and it is true that the resorts furthest from the airports (Plakias and Paleohora were the examples I looked at) were a bit more expensive than those nearer, both at the times I tend to go (May) and high season. It wasn't a huge difference though (up to 10%) and there were discrepancies.

I would be interested to know from someone well versed in the social history of Greece why different resorts have evolved so differently and I don't have a particular theory myself. Indeed some islands such as Kos, Zakynthos and Corfu are relatively small so none of their resorts involves a lengthy and expensive transfer. However, they have widely varying resort types. Compare Kardamena and Tingaki on Kos, Kavos and Agios Georgious (often referred to St George South) on Corfu and Laganas and Vassilikos on Zakynthos.

Clearly main stream tour operators believe that price is the main consideration. One of the reasons First Choice pulled out of Plakias may have been that their offerings were so cheap that they couldn't make a profit and that they believed the market wouldn't bear a price increase. However, Olympic, offering the same Kostas Chrysoulla for 5-10% more, presumably can.

Anyway, I'm glad that Greece does have such a wide diversity of resorts because there is no way I would ever go to the likes of Malia or Faliraki. Plakias is changing, but so far none of the changes has made it significantly less attractive to me and I hope that some of the things flagged up on this Forum for the future won't change that any time soon.

Mike
Title: Plakias
Post by: Allan Barham on February 27, 2007, 11:18:38 AM
Hey Mike,

Don't dismiss the Malias and Falirakis of this world out of hand.  Malia has the third largest Minoan palace, an excellent beach and out of season is full of wrinklies rather than the 18-30 crowd.  Faliraki has an official nudist beach in a sheltered cove with marginally better facilities than Plakias' far end.  Mind you I can't dispute that Plakias is the better choice in high season.

See http://greeklandscapes.com/greece/crete/malia.html (http://greeklandscapes.com/greece/crete/malia.html) and http://www.faliraki-info.com/faliraki-map.htm (http://www.faliraki-info.com/faliraki-map.htm)

Allan
Title: Plakias
Post by: jenny on March 27, 2007, 07:52:43 PM
Quote
Faliraki has an official nudist beach in a sheltered cove with marginally better facilities than Plakias' far end.  Mind you I can't dispute that Plakias is the better choice in high season.

Well we are official nudists LOL so of course have been to the beach at Faliraki, complete with gays cavorting openly at one end and elderly Greek men sitting on a rock about 2 ft away from us jacking off, also openly - at the other.  Delightful.  We had only to arrive for the men to appear, emerging suddenly like meerkats.  Whilst I have absolutely nothing against either gays or, in fact, cavorting - it's the 'openly' I object to, very strongly, by anybody of any sexual persuasion whatever.

Whilst we were there last Autumn we had a slight query on more than one occasion as to whether a certain couple way up by the dunes at Plakias were having a bit of a cavort - but if they were, they were extremely discreet about it, and that's fine by me. (Couldn't really be sure, even when Pete accidentally ahem checked with my little binoculars, damn)

You may not be surprised to discover that whereas we have absolutely no plans to re-visit Crete (which - don't get me wrong - is a lovely island - as long as you are not beach nudists!!) we certainly intend to re-visit Plakias as often as the fancy takes us.

So there!

Jenny
Title: Plakias
Post by: Noopsy on March 28, 2007, 10:14:19 PM
Quote from: jenny
You may not be surprised to discover that whereas we have absolutely no plans to re-visit Crete (which - don't get me wrong - is a lovely island - as long as you are not beach nudists!!) we certainly intend to re-visit Plakias as often as the fancy takes us.

So there!

Jenny


Plakias is in Crete: how can you revisit one without revisiting the other?  And why is Crete not good if you are a nudist?
Title: Plakias
Post by: harribobs on March 28, 2007, 10:42:23 PM
Noops

i suspect Jenny meant to type Rhodes! I have been once, thank you and that was enough
Title: Plakias
Post by: Noopsy on March 28, 2007, 10:46:38 PM
Thanks harribobs.
Title: Plakias
Post by: George on March 29, 2007, 08:40:12 AM
Quote from: harribobs
Noops

I have been once, thank you and that was enough

I've been to Rhodes more times than I've been to Crete, we used to use it (before we found Crete) as a quicky holiday early in the season, and stayed in Haraki, as has been mentioned on the board somewhere else.

I've still got a soft spot for Rhodes, but as you said Chris there is no comparison between the two, but my preference now is Crete hands down.

I've done a lot of the Islands, and nothing, in my opinion even comes close to this place, it never ceases to amaze me.

And for getting your bum done, the far end at Plakias has all the requirements, by far!!  
And no pervs., well none that I've noticed.  

george g...
Title: Plakias
Post by: Allan Barham on March 29, 2007, 09:37:15 AM
Quote from: George
Quote from: harribobs
Noops

I have been once, thank you and that was enough

I've been to Rhodes more times than I've been to Crete, we used to use it (before we found Crete) as a quicky holiday early in the season, and stayed in Haraki, as has been mentioned on the board somewhere else.

I've still got a soft spot for Rhodes, but as you said Chris there is no comparison between the two, but my preference now is Crete hands down.

I've done a lot of the Islands, and nothing, in my opinion even comes close to this place, it never ceases to amaze me.

And for getting your bum done, the far end at Plakias has all the requirements, by far!!  
And no pervs., well none that I've noticed.  

george g...


I think that Jenny had a poor experience in Rhodes.  When I visited in May two years ago, the main Faliraki naturist beach was occupied by the usual mix of British, German and Scandanavian couples, the beach was patrolled by council officials, the loos were cleaned regularly and there was a small taverna for snacks and drinks.  We saw no signs of objectionable behaviour.

I have spent many a happy hour on Plakias' far end and of course the village is an amazing place to spend a relaxing and refreshing break.  But let's be realistic, there are naturist beaches that are nearer to home, more extensive and better equipped.  My particular favourite is Vera Playa in Spain's Almeria Province - a mile long stretch of fine sand and safe bathing which absorbs literally hundreds of like minded couples and families without feeling crowded.  Better still it is only 2 hours flying time with budget airlines, there are loads of really high class self catering apartments available at very reasonable prices out of season and they don't get the Meltemi!

So look for me on Plakias' far end in the Summer but you are more likely to find me at Vera for our month-long early spring break.

Allan
Title: Plakias
Post by: George on March 29, 2007, 09:57:33 AM
I don't think anyone on this site is as tunnel visioned as to say that Plakias is the best place for everyone, and I personnally would not acually recommend Plakias/Crete to anyone unless I had a really good idea that they might like it (Pete and Dawn for example).

There was a young girl in the office once and she asked my advice for what she wanted and I sent her to Malia. She almost got run over running across the road to thank me when she got back, she loved it  .

I think Benidorm has been mentioned lately, and probably everyone has their opinions about it, but for some it's the perfect place and good for them.

Everyone to their own!  

george g...
Title: Plakias
Post by: Mike G on March 29, 2007, 10:17:31 AM
A few comments on this thread.

1. I have experienced the sort of unpleasant behaviour Jenny describes and am happy to say that Plakias doesn't seem to attract these types. I think extensive dunes seem to bring out the worst aspects.

2. I was interested in Allan Barham's comment about Vera Playa and would be interested to hear from him whether the weather is as good in Spring as it usually is in Plakias. My perception is that for early and late season holidays the eastern end of the Med. is more reliable than the western.

3. The meltemi is mainly a summer wind and you are less likely to be affected by it early and late in the season.

4. If Allan is suggesting that the standards of self catering accommodation are lower in Greece than many other places in the Med I would probably agree. Greek property owners will ignore this at their peril.

5. Like George, I too enjoyed Haraki (Rhodes)- it just lacks a decent beach otherwise I would return.

6. I agree that nowhere betters Plakias but Paleohora (SW Crete) and Petra (Lesvos) come mighty close.

7. Finally, it is as well that everyone has different requirements and expectations for their holidays otherwise Plakias would be overwhelmed. I just hope the developements which are happening don't spoil it.

Mike
Title: Plakias
Post by: Noopsy on April 03, 2007, 08:51:38 PM
Quote from: Mike G
2. I was interested in Allan Barham's comment about Vera Playa and would be interested to hear from him whether the weather is as good in Spring as it usually is in Plakias. My perception is that for early and late season holidays the eastern end of the Med. is more reliable than the western.
Mike


Had a quick look at the Vera Playa website: didn't like what I saw.  Beach is stony in places, sea conditions vary enormously: dead calm first thing in the morning, and getting rougher as the day wears on to the extent that swiming can sometimes be "inadvisable".  

 

No, give me the far end at Plakias any day.  
Title: Plakias
Post by: Allan Barham on April 04, 2007, 09:41:12 AM
Quote from: Noopsy 500
Quote from: Mike G

2. I was interested in Allan Barham's comment about Vera Playa and would be interested to hear from him whether the weather is as good in Spring as it usually is in Plakias. My perception is that for early and late season holidays the eastern end of the Med. is more reliable than the western.
Mike


Had a quick look at the Vera Playa website: didn't like what I saw.  Beach is stony in places, sea conditions vary enormously: dead calm first thing in the morning, and getting rougher as the day wears on to the extent that swiming can sometimes be "inadvisable".  

 

No, give me the far end at Plakias any day.  


As far as the weather is concerned have a look at http://www.veraplaya.info/whentovisit.html#weatherstats (http://www.veraplaya.info/whentovisit.html#weatherstats)

The beach is a mile long and some parts are shingly but the vast majority is sandy.  The sea always seems calmer in the morning than in the afternoon but then it can be in Plakias too.  The beach is well managed - cleaned each day with loos and lifeguards in the season.  There are a number of apartment complexes, some naturist and some textile and many offer heated or indoor pools when the weather is cooler.  The big attraction for visiting in Winter, Spring and Autumn is the standard of apartments there.  There are so many available that owners fall over themselves to rent out of season at prices that can barely cover overheads.  We had a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment complete with comfortable lounge seating, satellite TV, DVD player, dining room, full kitchen with dishwasher and even a private rooftop terrace for 28 days in January for the princely sum of £500 which included electricity, space heating and private secure car parking.  Given that shoppuing in Mercadona, Consum. Intermarche and Lidl is about 30% cheaper than Tesco or Sainsbury here, we can't really afford not to spend the coldest months in Spain.
Title: Plakias
Post by: Mike G on April 04, 2007, 01:59:06 PM
Quote from: Allan Barham
[url]http://www.veraplaya.info/whentovisit.html#weatherstats[/url] ([url]http://www.veraplaya.info/whentovisit.html#weatherstats[/url])

The beach is a mile long and some parts are shingly but the vast majority is sandy.  The sea always seems calmer in the morning than in the afternoon but then it can be in Plakias too.  The beach is well managed - cleaned each day with loos and lifeguards in the season.  There are a number of apartment complexes, some naturist and some textile and many offer heated or indoor pools when the weather is cooler.  The big attraction for visiting in Winter, Spring and Autumn is the standard of apartments there.  There are so many available that owners fall over themselves to rent out of season at prices that can barely cover overheads.  We had a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment complete with comfortable lounge seating, satellite TV, DVD player, dining room, full kitchen with dishwasher and even a private rooftop terrace for 28 days in January for the princely sum of £500 which included electricity, space heating and private secure car parking.  Given that shoppuing in Mercadona, Consum. Intermarche and Lidl is about 30% cheaper than Tesco or Sainsbury here, we can't really afford not to spend the coldest months in Spain.

The weather data certainly surprised me but they seem to have been taken by a reliable meteorologist. The small number of days of rainfall in a year is particularly surprising as is the fact that the Vera Playa website quotes somewhat lower temperatures.

It is true that the sea at the far end of Plakias beach can get roughish in the afternoon.

With a few exceptions food in most Greek supermarkets is more expensive than at Tesco's.

I think the standards of self catering accommodation in much of Greece are lower than elsewhere and the Greeks need to be aware of this.

Mike
Title: Plakias
Post by: George on April 05, 2007, 08:41:26 AM
I personally always book a self carering acommadation.
I need a kettle and a fridge, to store all the obvious, but have never ever cooked a meal with the facilities.
I wouldn't waste my time, when the numerous choice of good cheap tavernas are available and so close to hand.

As long as the room is clean and serviced regularly, I'm happy with that, after all I only sleep there, for the rest of the time, I'm out and about on holiday.

I have never had a reason to complain in Plakias/Crete about anything, let alone the standards of the room, so see no reason why they/Greece should examine their standards. This is Greece not Spain!

They do vary obviously, but basically you pay for what you get.

'Everyone to their own!  '

george g...
Title: Plakias
Post by: Mike G on April 05, 2007, 09:46:32 AM
Quote from: George
I personally always book a self carering acommadation.
I need a kettle and a fridge, to store all the obvious, but have never ever cooked a meal with the facilities.
I wouldn't waste my time, when the numerous choice of good cheap tavernas are available and so close to hand.

As long as the room is clean and serviced regularly, I'm happy with that, after all I only sleep there, for the rest of the time, I'm out and about on holiday.

I have never had a reason to complain in Plakias/Crete about anything, let alone the standards of the room, so see no reason why they/Greece should examine their standards. This is Greece not Spain!

They do vary obviously, but basically you pay for what you get.

'Everyone to their own!  '

george g...
Hello George,

I agree with a lot of what you say and I, too, wouldn't dream of doing any catering. However, significant numbers of people do and if it is called self catering that is what it ought to be. I know that you also often go alone and I often find there aren't enough coat hangers for one let alone two. Ditto storage space in general.

My main point is that the numbers wanting to go to the Med areas probably aren't increasing significantly (more now go further afield, balancing more going from new EU countries) and the supply is increasing (Crete is a good example of this) so the Greeks need to be aware of this.

My needs are similar to yours but many require higher standards. Re. the price we pay, yes it is excellent value but so are several other Med areas.

Enjoy Plakias this year- I'm sure you will. I hope to return in 2008.

Mike
Title: Plakias
Post by: George on April 05, 2007, 11:38:18 AM
The standards are in Plakias, after my 'Independance' research, there are some really nice apartments in town, that are a cut above the tour company offerins. Unfortunately the majority of opinions are based on what they get from them.

As I said in that thread, one does have to pay a little more for them, but they are there and as far as I can see well worth the extra.

I don't want to compare Plakias with anywhere else in Europe/World, 1. It's a choice thing, I go to Plakias/Crete/Greece because I like the way of life. 2. I like the people. etc. and personnally I'd rather it didn't change.

As the thread implies 'Plakias... why go there? I don't think that 'I like Plakias better than Benidorm or visa versa really applies, but the people, the countryside, the scenery, the food, the welcomeness (is that a word??) is what we should be portraying.
I'm getting a bit heavy here, sorry guys...  

I'm going...

george g...
Title: Plakias
Post by: Mandy Harrison on April 05, 2007, 01:46:15 PM
Quote from: George
Quote from: harribobs
Noops

I have been once, thank you and that was enough


I've been to Rhodes more times than I've been to Crete, we used to use it (before we found Crete) as a quicky holiday early in the season, and stayed in Haraki, as has been mentioned on the board somewhere else.

I've still got a soft spot for Rhodes, but as you said Chris there is no comparison between the two, but my preference now is Crete hands down.

I've done a lot of the Islands, and nothing, in my opinion even comes close to this place, it never ceases to amaze me.

And for getting your bum done, the far end at Plakias has all the requirements, by far!!  
And no pervs., well none that I've noticed.  

george g...


No pervs?  Mmmm I think I can safely say i've noticed the odd one or two  


Quote from: Allan Barham
Hey Mike,

Don't dismiss the Malias and Falirakis of this world out of hand.  Malia has the third largest Minoan palace, an excellent beach and out of season is full of wrinklies rather than the 18-30 crowd.  Faliraki has an official nudist beach in a sheltered cove with marginally better facilities than Plakias' far end.  Mind you I can't dispute that Plakias is the better choice in high season.

See [url]http://greeklandscapes.com/greece/crete/malia.html[/url] ([url]http://greeklandscapes.com/greece/crete/malia.html[/url]) and [url]http://www.faliraki-info.com/faliraki-map.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.faliraki-info.com/faliraki-map.htm[/url])

Allan


I cant disagree about Malia beach - it is lovely with those sand dunes - especially on a windy day - you can tuck in nicely and top up your tan
Title: Plakias
Post by: harribobs on April 05, 2007, 09:42:39 PM
Quote from: Mandy Harrison
No pervs?  Mmmm I think I can safely say i've noticed the odd one or two  

oeeew!!


we've had a royal visit!!!
Title: Plakias
Post by: jenny on April 06, 2007, 04:40:54 PM
No pervs?  Mmmm I think I can safely say i've noticed the odd one or two

In all seriousness, I truly believe that pervs are a fact of life, up with which we (naturists) have to put.  Annoying.

Faliraki - loos?????  Council officials????  Blimey! - changed a bit since we were there then.

Vera Playa - we went there a lot in the 70's as my best friend has a house at Retamar - not naturist, sadly but does have a nice enclosed back patio where she removed the ubiquitous stone laundry sink from, to accomodate a couple of loungers.  (She was correct, we never did much laundry when we were there!)

I remember turning the telly on at home, one winter's day back then to see and hear David Bellamy telling me 'Here I am in the desert' - the prog was all about the Cabo de Gata which he told us was the only official desert in Europe.  And the Cape of the Cat lies between Almeria airport and Vera.  And in those days, the odd 'scorpio' in your shoe or under the sink, was the norm.  Not lethal by any means, but could give you a nasty nip if you didn't take care.  So as far as I am concerned, that explains the extremely mild climate.  But I have heard people say that Spring/Autumn in Vera can actually be quite rainy?????

What's the weather like in Plakias in mid-May, then? - we might be able to squeeze a week between the two Bank Hols - should it be on our 'possible' list?
Title: Plakias
Post by: Nancy & Ian on April 09, 2007, 08:40:23 PM
Quote from: jenny
No pervs?  Mmmm I think I can safely say i've noticed the odd one or two

In all seriousness, I truly believe that pervs are a fact of life, up with which we (naturists) have to put.  Annoying.

Faliraki - loos?????  Council officials????  Blimey! - changed a bit since we were there then.

Vera Playa - we went there a lot in the 70's as my best friend has a house at Retamar - not naturist, sadly but does have a nice enclosed back patio where she removed the ubiquitous stone laundry sink from, to accomodate a couple of loungers.  (She was correct, we never did much laundry when we were there!)

I remember turning the telly on at home, one winter's day back then to see and hear David Bellamy telling me 'Here I am in the desert' - the prog was all about the Cabo de Gata which he told us was the only official desert in Europe.  And the Cape of the Cat lies between Almeria airport and Vera.  And in those days, the odd 'scorpio' in your shoe or under the sink, was the norm.  Not lethal by any means, but could give you a nasty nip if you didn't take care.  So as far as I am concerned, that explains the extremely mild climate.  But I have heard people say that Spring/Autumn in Vera can actually be quite rainy?????

What's the weather like in Plakias in mid-May, then? - we might be able to squeeze a week between the two Bank Hols - should it be on our 'possible' list?
Title: Plakias
Post by: harribobs on April 09, 2007, 09:15:37 PM
Hi Nancy and Ian

welcome to the forum

if you post your message after the quotes it should come through OK!


Quote from: jenny
What's the weather like in Plakias in mid-May, then? - we might be able to squeeze a week between the two Bank Hols - should it be on our 'possible' list?

quite nice really!,    

we go every year usually in the last two weeks, we find it's more mixed in the first week but we had a heat wave in the second (IIRC) nearly 40 degrees
Title: Plakias
Post by: Nancy & Ian on April 09, 2007, 11:07:39 PM
Hi Everyone

Had a wee problem posting hope now have it sorted!
Although I am a new member found this forum a few months ago and have enjoyed reading the postings and viewing the photographs.
We have been going to the north of Crete since 1984 but only found Plakias in 2000. We love the island and its people and know that they have to earn their living but hope that Plakias does not become too commercialised like the north of the island.
We shall be "coming home" to Plakias in June and cannot wait dont care if it is windy!
Title: Plakias
Post by: harribobs on April 09, 2007, 11:16:58 PM
good to se you got it sorted nancy!
Title: Plakias
Post by: Greecemad on April 10, 2007, 07:23:41 PM
I should be in Plakias again sometime in June. I've booked a flight on GB Airways to Iraklion from 8th to 20th June. (I've followed the advice given on this board that it's the cheapest way of getting to Crete).I'll have to spend one night in Iraklion as I arrive late at night - anyone any ides for that?  The plan is to go to Paleochora, Sougia and Plakias, so I'll be in Plakias from round about the 16th June.

Greecemad
Title: Plakias
Post by: Stuart & Hilary on April 11, 2007, 10:22:03 AM
Quote from: Greecemad
I should be in Plakias again sometime in June. I've booked a flight on GB Airways to Iraklion from 8th to 20th June. (I've followed the advice given on this board that it's the cheapest way of getting to Crete).I'll have to spend one night in Iraklion as I arrive late at night - anyone any ides for that?  The plan is to go to Paleochora, Sougia and Plakias, so I'll be in Plakias from round about the 16th June.

Greecemad

For the last few years we have used www.mirabello-hotel.gr

 
Its adequate for a short overnight stop and its close to Tavernas for your first Mythos.

Stuart
Title: Plakias
Post by: Greecemad on April 12, 2007, 12:52:21 PM
Quote from: Stuart & Hilary
For the last few years we have used www.mirabello-hotel.gr
 
Its adequate for a short overnight stop and its close to Tavernas for your first Mythos.

Stuart

Thanks, Stuart. By chance that's the hotel where I have already made enquiries.

I don't suppose you know how to get to it from the airport bus, do you?

Greecemad
Title: Plakias
Post by: Mike G on April 12, 2007, 01:13:37 PM
Quote from: jenny
What's the weather like in Plakias in mid-May, then? - we might be able to squeeze a week between the two Bank Hols - should it be on our 'possible' list?
Hello Jenny,

Having had several holidays in July/August, owing to having school age children at that time, I really appreciate being able to travel out of season (mid May and late Sept/October). I can't guarantee you won't have a shower occasionally but the temperatures are generally very good (around 30C) although you may need a light cardigan/pullover in the evenings. These are the advantages from my perspective.

1. Hot enough for beach/sea and eating outside in the evenings but also cool enough for walking outside the hottest hours.

2. Air conditioning not normally needed.

3. Tavernas/buses etc generally uncrowded.

4. Few school age children.

5. Half the price (literally) of high season.

Plus you might see Mr and Mrs Harribobs (look for the queue). Seriously, Chris is right that last May it became really hot.

Enjoy.

Mike
Title: Plakias
Post by: Stuart & Hilary on April 12, 2007, 03:16:17 PM
Quote from: Greecemad
Quote from: Stuart & Hilary
For the last few years we have used [url=http://www.mirabello-hotel.gr]www.mirabello-hotel.gr[/url]
 
Its adequate for a short overnight stop and its close to Tavernas for your first Mythos.

Stuart


Thanks, Stuart. By chance that's the hotel where I have already made enquiries.

I don't suppose you know how to get to it from the airport bus, do you?

Greecemad


http://www.mirabello-hotel.gr/English/Location.htm (http://www.mirabello-hotel.gr/English/Location.htm)

That web site should help. Its a very central location, jut a few minutes from Lion Square and a shortish walk for the buses to Chania. Of recent years we always seem to arrive after the buses have stopped so it has been a taxi ride for us.

Stuart
Title: Plakias
Post by: Greecemad on April 12, 2007, 07:23:20 PM
Quote from: Stuart & Hilary
[url]http://www.mirabello-hotel.gr/English/Location.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.mirabello-hotel.gr/English/Location.htm[/url])

That web site should help. Its a very central location, jut a few minutes from Lion Square and a shortish walk for the buses to Chania. Of recent years we always seem to arrive after the buses have stopped so it has been a taxi ride for us.

Stuart


Stuart,

Thanks once again, but I had already seen that web page. The hotel have told me that it is 200m away from the bus stop. Although I have a rough idea of the centre of Iraklion I can't remember where the bus goes after it leaves Platia Eleftherias. Their map doesn't show the bit where I think the bus goes as it is really showing you how to get there by car. No doubt I'll find it somehow. It may be that I miss the last bus anyway as I am supposed to arrive at the airport at 22:30.

Greecemad
Title: Plakias
Post by: Chas on May 21, 2007, 11:26:40 AM
Hi, everybody,

As a (http://www.abestweb.com/smilies/newb.gif) to this board, I'll put in my 2€ worth.

We chose Plakias for this visit because:

1.  It came up on a "late deals" discount search {I can hear the groans}.

2.  It has a wealth of web-based info for our research.

3.  The research ticked most of the boxes for our "wants" (the rest, will have to wait until we get there).

****

Our "boxes" don't have proper labels but other places that have ticked them are:
* -- Stoupa on the Messinian Mani
* -- Mastixari on Kos

Plakias has "reported" similarities to both, the gastro-delights of Stoupa and the working life of Mastixari.  It also has this forum, which has a solid core of enthusiastic members which manages to make their community extend far beyond Crete.

Thanks to all the regulars, it was you that clinched it for us. (http://www.chatitaliachat.it/serpe/ride/113.gif)
Title: Plakias
Post by: harribobs on May 21, 2007, 08:58:23 PM
Quote from: Chas
Thanks to all the regulars, it was you that clinched it for us.  

you'll love it mate!  

and if not, you'll get your money back!  see this link for details
money back (http://forums.plakias.co.uk/index.php?showuser=31)
Title: Plakias
Post by: George on May 22, 2007, 08:26:57 AM
Hi Chas welcome

You've made a good choice, and hopefully you won't be dissappointed.

Going by your comparisons, your going to love it. Never been to Stoupa but have experienced Kos, just the once  .

Let us all know how you get on, good or bad it's always good to hear other opinions  .

george g...

Quote from: harribobs
Quote from: Chas
Thanks to all the regulars, it was you that clinched it for us.  

you'll love it mate!  

and if not, you'll get your money back!  see this link for details
money back ([url]http://forums.plakias.co.uk/index.php?showuser=31[/url])


Thanks Chris, that makes two and a half including the missus  

Kalo Taxidi
george g...
Title: Plakias
Post by: Chas on May 22, 2007, 11:56:43 AM
Quote from: harribobs
.... and if not, you'll get your money back!  see this link for details
money back ([url]http://forums.plakias.co.uk/index.php?showuser=31[/url])


(http://cablehell.co.uk/forums/uploads/av-28822.gif) ..... suckered, AGAIN (http://zorbas.de/scripts/phpBB2/images/smiles/icon_exclaim.gif) (http://www.smileypad.com/v202/Cache/Feelings/Doh.gif)


Technical note for comparisons:

Stoupa does not have a "far end" - the beach is too small, however, with a car, you can find several "endless, deserted" beaches around the Mani.

Mastixari has a terrific "far end", although it's actually in the middle
(http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/5577/2240030760046486184S600x600Q85.jpg)

.... the real far end has a "dreadful" (Holidays Uncovered) All-Inclusive Resort (http://www.chatitaliachat.it/serpe/humor/25.gif)