Plakias Forums
Plakias => Plakias => Topic started by: B.Edelsten on May 18, 2011, 10:20:39 AM
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Plakias Report
We have been going to Plakias for twenty years, either May or September, and staying at Elgini Studios for the last ten. Ironically, we moved out of Plakias because it was getting too busy and noisy. The visit this year was a bit weird; partly because the weather was so poor, and partly because Plakias was so quiet, there was little incentive to spend an evening in Plakias, thus acerbating the situation. It can be debated whether it was quiet because of the weather or because of the financial situation. On Saturday 14 May, which was a nice sunny day, Souda Bay which, like Plakias bay, had no sun umbrellas or sun beds set out, had only about 25 people spread along the whole length whereas, in previous years, the beach and sun beds had been fairly well populated with many cars lining the road side.
Because the winter has been so wet, the wettest for 40 or 50 years depending or who you speak to, instead of lying on the beach and swimming, we did lots of walking among the profusions of wild flowers. At least it looks like a bumper olive harvest in the autumn though we heard one complaint that this means the price paid for olives will be very low.
I have posted some pictures on the Internet: http://edelsten.org.uk/PhotoAlbums/Crete-2011/ (http://edelsten.org.uk/PhotoAlbums/Crete-2011/)
Being inside most nights, I decided to keep a diary. First couple of days below:
Sun May 1
The journey from Heraklion airport to Plakias took 1 hour and 40 minutes, inlcuding a stop to fill up with petrol and where I could, though not always where I should, maintaining a steady 100kmph. It is always quite a joyful experience, on the Spili road, on the downward slope, turning off to Koxare, going through the gorge, Osomatos, Legkoyia and, finally, with windows wound down letting the herby aromas, we are rolling down the main road into Plakias where the sun, bouncing off the waves, is dazzling in its brightness. We stopped at the supermarket before the Alianthos, partly because parking is easy but also because the vegetable shop there has the best choice; non EU-compliant cucumbers which taste of cucumbers and big red squishy tomatoes which, when topped with local feta and olives, complete the perfect Greek salad. Then onward to Elgini, up the impossibly steep drive way, unload and up the steps to room No. 5, beer on the balcony and flop. It is a long journey from the north east of Scotland.
Monday 2 May
It was a long winter in Crete, some say the wettest for 50 years, with quite a bit of snow still lingering on the hills and (hopefully) the last of the winter rains only the week before. It had been a bit weird watching the weather from home where temperatures in April were sometimes warmer than Crete, while in SE England temperatures reached 27 over the Easter weekend. However, we were going to benefit from all water because the fields and verges were a profusion of flowers and the air heady with the aromas of herbs.
Almost the first thing we noticed when we arrived in Crete was how green it was, much greener than last year, in May 2010, which was after a particularly dry winter. Where last year there had been dry brown dusty tracks these were now tracks with verges of green mixed with a wide variety of flowers. And up the slopes and on the hills, greens of various hues predominated.
On our first full day we did our orientation walk; up through the tracks and terraces of olives at the back of Elgini, up to Sellia for coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice (sunshine in a glass) then back via a different route through the tracks above Souda, stopping frequently to look at the plant life, stuff we would struggle to propagate at home, here nonchalantly growing at the edge of the path. There were also lots of what looked like wild oats and barley and other tall grasses amongst all the flowers. The olive trees were well on the way to a bumper harvest, though many had infestations on mites which produce white fluff on the stems.
In the evening we headed into Plakias to top up with food items missed the day before - the brain is always a bit fuzzy when we first arrive, had an orange juice at the beach bar (which, at E3 each, will probably not be repeated and, while the sound system is impressive, the choice of music less so- but it is good sunset photo taking point), souvliki on the sea front then beer at Ostracos. For a local May Day holiday, Plakias was rather quiet, no sun beds out on the beach yet, a few places not yet open and the cafes and tavernas with only a few customers. It was just us and two others in Ostracos. Signs of the times perhaps or is it still a bit early in the season?
Bruce Edelsten
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Really enjoyed reading your report. Hope the rest of the holiday will follow soon
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wonderful pictures and an informative post,i always liked it at that time of year. i used to camp by the stream,down by the old mill. Bought back a few memories.
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wonderful pictures and an informative post,i always liked it at that time of year. i used to camp by the stream,down by the old mill. Bought back a few memories.
I couldn't agree more. Plakias and the surrounding areas looks like a different place to what I know. I usually go late August/September (love the heat), so the landscape is somewhat different. I'll have to make the effort and get there early one year, it looks wonderful!
Thanks Bruce!
george...
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it's a shame that more people don't visit in the early part of the year, its surprising how beautiful the island is in spring.
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We are also just returned fron 2 weeks in Plakias and these are our thought on the holiday:
We flew from Manchester with Monarch on Tuesday 10th May to Chania and had no problems with the flight or the airline.
Hire car from the usual firm was ready and waiting for us to pick up.
Chania to Plakias took about 1 hour 40 mins at a steady pace.
We spent 2 weeks staying with George at Creta Mare ( our 5th stay with him)
As usual, the place was just what we wanted and the view from our room over the beach and sea, towards the Dragons Head, was outstanding.
We were really well looked after by George and Joanna.
The first week the resort was as quiet as we have ever seen it, to the point of being almost deserted at times.
Bars and tavernas almost empty most evenings.
Also, very few English people were in the resort for the first week but a few more arrived for the second week (but far less than previous years).
The mix of nations in Plakias was very marked.
Spanish, Italian, French, Norwegian,Latvian, Czech,SriLanka,German and of course the English.
But the English were far from the majority there.
The weather was poor for the first 2 days but improved after that, but at night it was cool/cold.
It is the first time in Plakias that we have had blankets on the bed at night, and that lasted until the last 2 days of our stay.
Sea was cold but swimable.
The beaches looked strange.
Very few people on them, even at the far end.
No sun beds or umbrellas at all the fist week and very few out by the time we left on the 24th.
Not a sun bed to be had at all at the very far end.
Just 15 beds and umbrellas outside the beach bar.
Most odd.
But the late spring and wet winter made the wild flower show really worth seeing.
It was the best that we have ever seen it.
The price of food, accommodation, drinks etc semed very much as before.
We ate at Harakas, Lyssos,Kri Kri, Sifis and Medusas and all very very good with Medusas being marginaly the best.
But fuel for the car is more expensive.
We paid 1.76 euro a litre for it.
The biggest shock to us was that our favoprite taverna, Sirocos, was closed and not due to open until sometime next week.
The owner George has had heart problems and his son, Bachcus, has left to join the monastary.
But they say that they plan to reopen soon.
George is back at work and says that he is now fine.
But without his son as front of house, well.......
We are back in Plakias on 13th September and wait to see what the place is like then.
We will probably return to Plakias in May and September in 2012 but the May visit will be 2 weeks later next time.
We will hope then for warmer weather and a few more people in resort.
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We spent October and November here last year (last swim Dec 4th) and now this year we've been here for a month with another month to go - hurray. We'll probably go home before the heat of July and August. Still lots of Spring flowers around. And BTW - last year at the end of October when it started to rain a bit there was a second Spring - everything turned green again and more flowers sprouted up.
No beds at the far end - thats because there's a dispute about the licence/concession - apparently they can't agree a price so everybody loses. The actual lack of beds and brollies doesn't really affect us - we don't use them but it also means that the beach hasn't been cleaned up the way it usually has been. It's not dirty - just a bit of debris and that funny grey stuff that looks like small bits of pumice stone - and the showers aren't connected.
At the other extreme Amoudaki is getting roofed out with extra beds - about 1/2 the beach is now occupied with them - but still plenty room for those who don't want them.
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We spent October and November here last year (last swim Dec 4th) and now this year we've been here for a month with another month to go - hurray. We'll probably go home before the heat of July and August. Still lots of Spring flowers around. And BTW - last year at the end of October when it started to rain a bit there was a second Spring - everything turned green again and more flowers sprouted up.
No beds at the far end - thats because there's a dispute about the licence/concession - apparently they can't agree a price so everybody loses. The actual lack of beds and brollies doesn't really affect us - we don't use them but it also means that the beach hasn't been cleaned up the way it usually has been. It's not dirty - just a bit of debris and that funny grey stuff that looks like small bits of pumice stone - and the showers aren't connected.
At the other extreme Amoudaki is getting roofed out with extra beds - about 1/2 the beach is now occupied with them - but still plenty room for those who don't want them.
It must feel a bit odd with no beds at the far end, and no Freddie to wind up. Hopefully he and Emma are still around town somewhere.
george...
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The beach was cleaned with a tractor during the first days in May. We have seen it but it was not very successful.
I believe they moved the rubbish for one to the next point.
Really, we missed the sunbeds because there are so many stones in the sand and therefore it was not comfortable.
As always Emma works in the Livicon and at this time Freddie was waiting for the papers as to work.
We do not know what happened in the meantime.
Kerstin
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Turns out (I think) that the bed prob is due to local authority restrictions on number of beds (30) in one group and spacing between bed groups so - last bed owner wouldn't pay the price for the reduced number of beds.
BUT some beds n brollies have now been restored (30 I think) but VERY squashed together for some reason. So now there's one group of 30 just in front of the Paligremnos / beach bar then a gap then the new 30 then a long space to the tree (strange they didn't put the beds nearer the tree) and a few odd beds round the tree.
A few days ago there were only about 20 people at the far end (I was beginning to like it like that) but the new beds have now attracted more people but not the in same numbers as previously - I think the local authority has goofed with this law.
Freddie no longer chairman
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An open letter to the Plakias authorities
"The joys of Plakias are being eroded by greedy commercialism. What was once a quaint Shangri-la of a village is turning ugly and one fears for it's future as a quiet escape option.
For instance, there is now, on the sea front, the architectural nightmare of a housing estate, so ghastly, that visitors call it Stalag 13.
This season there were no sun beds at the far end until the second week in June (normally in place the first week in May) while the new Mayor decided which highest bidder would be awarded the licence. The winner then installed 41 parasols to a regulation measurement space instruction, so tight that you can touch the naked body alongside you. - men a foot away from the nearest boobs, women face to face with men's essentials, smokers blowing clouds all around and everyone getting up at dawn to secure the outside units of bed-parasol to avoid claustrophobia.
It looks like a giant blue sardine tin with humans as fish - all in the name of 5 euros a throw.
Who is responsible for this disgusting obscene development? May God forgive him for his greed.
Tourists by the hundreds are making alternative arrangements for future holidays.
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No, surely not that bad?
Barny.
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Joining the thread a bit late as i've not visited the site for a while (addicted to facebook). Fantastic photos, Bruce - we've only ever visited in September so have missed out on all the colour.
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An open letter to the Plakias authorities
"The joys of Plakias are being eroded by greedy commercialism. What was once a quaint Shangri-la of a village is turning ugly and one fears for it's future as a quiet escape option.
For instance, there is now, on the sea front, the architectural nightmare of a housing estate, so ghastly, that visitors call it Stalag 13.
This season there were no sun beds at the far end until the second week in June (normally in place the first week in May) while the new Mayor decided which highest bidder would be awarded the licence. The winner then installed 41 parasols to a regulation measurement space instruction, so tight that you can touch the naked body alongside you. - men a foot away from the nearest boobs, women face to face with men's essentials, smokers blowing clouds all around and everyone getting up at dawn to secure the outside units of bed-parasol to avoid claustrophobia.
It looks like a giant blue sardine tin with humans as fish - all in the name of 5 euros a throw.
Who is responsible for this disgusting obscene development? May God forgive him for his greed.
Tourists by the hundreds are making alternative arrangements for future holidays.
Surely a case for the boycot of those beds!
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No, surely not that bad?
Barny.
''men a foot away from the nearest boobs, women face to face with men's essentials''
You cannot be serious Barny?????
Seriously though, if the bed layouts are as bad as Boxlover suggests, it sounds horrendous! We all need a reasonable amount of space as we'll be moving the beds around if we're in for a full days session. The original spacings were perfect and gave the occupants a certain amount of privacy as well.
george...
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An open letter to the Plakias authorities
"The joys of Plakias are being eroded by greedy commercialism. What was once a quaint Shangri-la of a village is turning ugly and one fears for it's future as a quiet escape option.
For instance, there is now, on the sea front, the architectural nightmare of a housing estate, so ghastly, that visitors call it Stalag 13.
This season there were no sun beds at the far end until the second week in June (normally in place the first week in May) while the new Mayor decided which highest bidder would be awarded the licence. The winner then installed 41 parasols to a regulation measurement space instruction, so tight that you can touch the naked body alongside you. - men a foot away from the nearest boobs, women face to face with men's essentials, smokers blowing clouds all around and everyone getting up at dawn to secure the outside units of bed-parasol to avoid claustrophobia.
It looks like a giant blue sardine tin with humans as fish - all in the name of 5 euros a throw.
Who is responsible for this disgusting obscene development? May God forgive him for his greed.
Tourists by the hundreds are making alternative arrangements for future holidays.
Assuming Boxerlover hasn't already done this, is one of the Plakias residents going to arrange for this well-reasoned letter to be sent to the relevant authorities?
Mike
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ANOTHER OPEN LETTER TO PLAKIAS
My wife and I have been visiting Plakias every year for the past 16 years, this September will be our 17th, visit. If the sun bed situation at the Far End is still as described it will without doubt be our last. The Mayor and those responsible may think at the end of this season that the new arrangements made little or no difference to visitor numbers this year, the reason being that most of us have already booked, some of us reserve our accommodation for the following year before we depart.
The complaints will really start when people like us tell our hotel owner we are not booking for next year because of the sun bed fiasco. That will meand we will NOT require a hire car, we will NOT be eating in the restaurants, we will NOT be spending in the supermarkets and we will NOT be paying for SUN BEDS.
This letter may be one of only a few from people who bother to take the time and trouble to write and in my experience for everyone that writes many, many more people just whinge verbally and then vote with their feet and don't come back they book somewhere else for their holiday.
WE visitors can do very little to change the present situation, it is up to you the business community of Plakias to sort out the person or persons responsible for this situation before it has an adverse effect on your collective business
An open letter to the Plakias authorities
"The joys of Plakias are being eroded by greedy commercialism. What was once a quaint Shangri-la of a village is turning ugly and one fears for it's future as a quiet escape option.
For instance, there is now, on the sea front, the architectural nightmare of a housing estate, so ghastly, that visitors call it Stalag 13.
This season there were no sun beds at the far end until the second week in June (normally in place the first week in May) while the new Mayor decided which highest bidder would be awarded the licence. The winner then installed 41 parasols to a regulation measurement space instruction, so tight that you can touch the naked body alongside you. - men a foot away from the nearest boobs, women face to face with men's essentials, smokers blowing clouds all around and everyone getting up at dawn to secure the outside units of bed-parasol to avoid claustrophobia.
It looks like a giant blue sardine tin with humans as fish - all in the name of 5 euros a throw.
Who is responsible for this disgusting obscene development? May God forgive him for his greed.
Tourists by the hundreds are making alternative arrangements for future holidays.
Assuming Boxerlover hasn't already done this, is one of the Plakias residents going to arrange for this well-reasoned letter to be sent to the relevant authorities?
Mike
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As much as I agree with Mike (16) and John (17) and probably several others on this subject, I personally don’t think that the layout/availability of ‘Sun beds’ is a major issue. OK, it’s an inconvenience and a change to the norm which humans dislike but I’m sure it will not restrict the Plakias veterans from returning on a regular basis as always.
We all go to Plakias for our own reasons and as much as I like to use the ‘Far End’ facilities I don’t believe that this minor problem is a reason for not returning to a place that we all fondly appreciate.
Plakias and the surrounding areas and the people of this incredible resort/ Island are the reason for our return each year and the fact that they have Sun beds on the beach or not, is relatively immaterial.
Rant over...
george...
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I agree with you George, there is much much more to Plakias than just a beach holiday, those of us that go year in year out feel they are going home! Daisy
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''more to Plakias than just a beach holiday, those of us that go year in year out feel they are going home! Daisy''
Your comment has been and will be repeated again and again by so many others Daisy.
george...
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George:
Your thoughts echo ours almost exactly.
We will not let the sunbed problem on a 100 yard stretch of a 2 mile long beach change our view of Plakias and we will continue to go back there twice a year for as long as we are able to do so.
Sure, the place is changing but nothing stays the same for ever.
When it changes so much that we no longer enjoy going, then we will have to find somewhere else to go.
But that time is not yet .
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Thank you Daniel
This discussion arises regularly whenever there is the slightest change in the village.
There are numerous changes that I dislike, the road and 'pavement' from the top of the hill for one (I thought this was an unnessary expense as the road was perfectly good before), obviously Stalag13 and the other development at the top of the hill to name just a few but it hasn't as far as I'm concerned detracted any of the atmosphere of Plakias.
The jet skis or any other powered pleasure crafts were banned by the Mayor some years ago so he/she (?) obviously still has sympathy with the tourists and their comfort and safety. So as far as moneytary gain if this is the reason for this sun bed fiasco, which is always a factor, I don't think the Mayor is doing a bad job and still has the visitor in mind.
Besides, Plakias would be a bit lost without us wouldn't it, and let's be honest us with it!?
george...
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I'm in total agreement with George and Daisy,
Plakias is so much more than 'sunbeds' there are plenty of other places in the world where people that want to can lie on a beach on a sunbed!!! to those complaining I don't think you will be missed
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I'm in total agreement with George and Daisy,
Plakias is so much more than 'sunbeds' there are plenty of other places in the world where people that want to can lie on a beach on a sunbed!!! to those complaining I don't think you will be missed
Personally I don't use the sunbeds Boxerlover is referring to but whenever I have been at the far end plenty of people are using them. They are the only umbrellas in the "clothes optional" part of the beach so I do think it is a significant inconvenience for many.
Stalag 13 is an eyesore that risks altering the nature of the far end (look what happened at Damnoni) and was totally unnecessary as the Med has a massive over-provision of holiday accommodation as it is.
What Boxerlover has highlighted is the fact that the Plakias authorities seem intent on doing things to reduce the enjoyment of many of their visitors. They periodically ban tables in the evening being set on the promenade at the back of Mousses, Gorgona, etc.
Mike
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Congratulations and many thanks to whomsoever has seen the necessity of restoring the far end beach parasols to their original decent distance apart today.
Whether it was tourist protests or just plain commonsence doesn't matter. It had to be done.
Those of you who wrote on the forum about there being more to Plakias than sun beds are quite right. But to me and many many more old people they are an essential requirement to enjoying Plakias when mobility is restricted.
John
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I have been going to Plakias for many years and yes, there have been changes, however, nothing that would prevent me from returning, unttil now. I love Plakias and the beach at the far end is a big part of my holiday. I work hard and want nothing more than to lay under an umbrella reading my book with a bit of sunbathing thrown in and lunch in the Paligremnos where we also stay. I don't want to be on top of everyone else and I know all the regular farenders will feel exactly as I do
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Congratulations and many thanks to whomsoever has seen the necessity of restoring the far end beach parasols to their original decent distance apart today.
Whether it was tourist protests or just plain commonsence doesn't matter. It had to be done.
Those of you who wrote on the forum about there being more to Plakias than sun beds are quite right. But to me and many many more old people they are an essential requirement to enjoying Plakias when mobility is restricted.
John
That's fantastic news John
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Congratulations and many thanks to whomsoever has seen the necessity of restoring the far end beach parasols to their original decent distance apart today.
Whether it was tourist protests or just plain commonsence doesn't matter. It had to be done.
Those of you who wrote on the forum about there being more to Plakias than sun beds are quite right. But to me and many many more old people they are an essential requirement to enjoying Plakias when mobility is restricted.
John
Sounds like a result Guys!! WOOHOO!!!
Who ever decided to put them back the way they were this is for you. All together now... 'For he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a...
Panic over
george...
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Sunbed jokes anyone?
Barny.
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Sunbed jokes anyone?
Barny.
I must admit to seeing a few Barny and mostly at the far end! :'(
george...
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A man was sunbathing naked at the beach. For the sake of civility, and to keep it from getting sunburned, he had a hat over his private parts.
A woman walks past and says, snickering, "If you were a gentleman you ' d lift your hat."
He raised an eyebrow and replied, "If you weren ' t so ugly it would lift itself
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Good start Jann, LUVIT!!
george...
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I resemble that remark, George!
Barny.
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I resemble that remark, George!
Barny.
Didn't know you wore a hat Barny!
george...
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Sunbed jokes anyone?
Barny.
I must admit to seeing a few Barny and mostly at the far end! :'(
george...
Any news on Freddi, won't be the same if Freddi's not there
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. But to me and many many more old people they are an essential requirement to enjoying Plakias when mobility is restricted.
John
at least you have Tom to help you
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Sunbed jokes anyone?
Barny.
I must admit to seeing a few Barny and mostly at the far end! :'(
george...
Any news on Freddi, won't be the same if Freddi's not there
ANOTHER OPEN LETTER TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SAID PLAKIAS IS MORE THAN SUN BEDS AT THE FAR END, I agree but for many people who go to Plakias every year it is an important part of the holiday. My wife and I are very fortunate in that we take several holidays each year, we have tried many naturist beaches both in Europe and the Caribbean and can assure you we have yet to find one that comes anywhere close to Plakias with it's close proximity to the town, ease of access, friendliness of the people using the beach, a naturist beach where LONE females feel entirely safe. A fact that must be credited to FREDDY who keeps a watchful eye on the sun beds and for his diplomatic control of the odd undesirables who turn up occasionally.
I would also say we are not against change, Plakias has changed over the past 16 years and will continue to change in the future, the changes have been very gradual and with the exception of Stalag 13 have had only a minor effect on the town, with most of the changes in our opion being for the better.
To Jann you said the people who complained about the sun beds would not be missed, I'm sorry I must take issue with you on this rather stupid statement of yours. Plakis collectivelyis a business, it's custommers are tourists, any person in public office (i.e. THE MAYOR etc.) has a duty and responsibility to the citizens and business people of Plakias, to ensure that actions taken by them are considered very carefully in so much as not to alienate any one group of tourists. As tourists are Plakias's customers and any businessman will tell you in these difficult times, business need all the paying customers they can get.
John Gloucester
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John, I actually said 'I don't think you will be missed ! purely my opinion which I think I am entitled to have
If you think it is 'stupid' then that is your opinion
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John, I actually said 'I don't think you will be missed ! purely my opinion which I think I am entitled to have
If you think it is 'stupid' then that is your opinion
Jann, You are totally correct in that you are fully entitled to your opinion as I am to mine and let me assure you in no way did I wish to infer you were stupid, it was only the remark that Plakias council could in some way afford to do things that would alienate it's regular customers and if others like me did not like what they did and stoped visiting , we would not be missed. I am sure the owner the hotel that I stay at would miss the £700 plus I spend with them each year, to name just one.
John Gloucester.
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Congratulations and many thanks to whomsoever has seen the necessity of restoring the far end beach parasols to their original decent distance apart today.
Whether it was tourist protests or just plain commonsence doesn't matter. It had to be done.
Those of you who wrote on the forum about there being more to Plakias than sun beds are quite right. But to me and many many more old people they are an essential requirement to enjoying Plakias when mobility is restricted.
John
Hello John and Tom,
enjoy the last days of your holiday. We think on you both.
Kerstin and Peter
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ANOTHER OPEN LETTER TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SAID PLAKIAS IS MORE THAN SUN BEDS AT THE FAR END, I agree but for many people who go to Plakias every year it is an important part of the holiday. My wife and I are very fortunate in that we take several holidays each year, we have tried many naturist beaches both in Europe and the Caribbean and can assure you we have yet to find one that comes anywhere close to Plakias with it's close proximity to the town, ease of access, friendliness of the people using the beach, a naturist beach where LONE females feel entirely safe. A fact that must be credited to FREDDY who keeps a watchful eye on the sun beds and for his diplomatic control of the odd undesirables who turn up occasionally.
John Gloucester
I couldn't have put that better myself John. I've always found it very comfortable and friendly there often seeing people that you've met the night before or regulars who always nod and say good morning even if you don't know them and that includes all nationalities whether male or female. It feels like a community of like minded people who enjoy the facility and the comfort of feeling safe while enjoying the sunshine in total freedom in surroundings second to none.
george...
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Plakias Report
We have been going to Plakias for twenty years, either May or September, and staying at Elgini Studios for the last ten. Ironically, we moved out of Plakias because it was getting too busy and noisy. The visit this year was a bit weird; partly because the weather was so poor, and partly because Plakias was so quiet, there was little incentive to spend an evening in Plakias, thus acerbating the situation. It can be debated whether it was quiet because of the weather or because of the financial situation. On Saturday 14 May, which was a nice sunny day, Souda Bay which, like Plakias bay, had no sun umbrellas or sun beds set out, had only about 25 people spread along the whole length whereas, in previous years, the beach and sun beds had been fairly well populated with many cars lining the road side.
Because the winter has been so wet, the wettest for 40 or 50 years depending or who you speak to, instead of lying on the beach and swimming, we did lots of walking among the profusions of wild flowers. At least it looks like a bumper olive harvest in the autumn though we heard one complaint that this means the price paid for olives will be very low.
I have posted some pictures on the Internet: [url]http://edelsten.org.uk/PhotoAlbums/Crete-2011/[/url] ([url]http://edelsten.org.uk/PhotoAlbums/Crete-2011/[/url])
Being inside most nights, I decided to keep a diary. First couple of days below:
Sun May 1
The journey from Heraklion airport to Plakias took 1 hour and 40 minutes, inlcuding a stop to fill up with petrol and where I could, though not always where I should, maintaining a steady 100kmph. It is always quite a joyful experience, on the Spili road, on the downward slope, turning off to Koxare, going through the gorge, Osomatos, Legkoyia and, finally, with windows wound down letting the herby aromas, we are rolling down the main road into Plakias where the sun, bouncing off the waves, is dazzling in its brightness. We stopped at the supermarket before the Alianthos, partly because parking is easy but also because the vegetable shop there has the best choice; non EU-compliant cucumbers which taste of cucumbers and big red squishy tomatoes which, when topped with local feta and olives, complete the perfect Greek salad. Then onward to Elgini, up the impossibly steep drive way, unload and up the steps to room No. 5, beer on the balcony and flop. It is a long journey from the north east of Scotland.
Monday 2 May
It was a long winter in Crete, some say the wettest for 50 years, with quite a bit of snow still lingering on the hills and (hopefully) the last of the winter rains only the week before. It had been a bit weird watching the weather from home where temperatures in April were sometimes warmer than Crete, while in SE England temperatures reached 27 over the Easter weekend. However, we were going to benefit from all water because the fields and verges were a profusion of flowers and the air heady with the aromas of herbs.
Almost the first thing we noticed when we arrived in Crete was how green it was, much greener than last year, in May 2010, which was after a particularly dry winter. Where last year there had been dry brown dusty tracks these were now tracks with verges of green mixed with a wide variety of flowers. And up the slopes and on the hills, greens of various hues predominated.
On our first full day we did our orientation walk; up through the tracks and terraces of olives at the back of Elgini, up to Sellia for coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice (sunshine in a glass) then back via a different route through the tracks above Souda, stopping frequently to look at the plant life, stuff we would struggle to propagate at home, here nonchalantly growing at the edge of the path. There were also lots of what looked like wild oats and barley and other tall grasses amongst all the flowers. The olive trees were well on the way to a bumper harvest, though many had infestations on mites which produce white fluff on the stems.
In the evening we headed into Plakias to top up with food items missed the day before - the brain is always a bit fuzzy when we first arrive, had an orange juice at the beach bar (which, at E3 each, will probably not be repeated and, while the sound system is impressive, the choice of music less so- but it is good sunset photo taking point), souvliki on the sea front then beer at Ostracos. For a local May Day holiday, Plakias was rather quiet, no sun beds out on the beach yet, a few places not yet open and the cafes and tavernas with only a few customers. It was just us and two others in Ostracos. Signs of the times perhaps or is it still a bit early in the season?
Bruce Edelsten
Holiday Report May 31 - June 14 2011
Just back from 2 fantastic weeks in Plakias and i thought I would update the Forum on latest news etc.
Flights
We flew LGW with Strategic Airlines. Left on time and arrived on time o/w. I/w left early and arrive early!!! Comfort was not quite as good as Monarch but ok.
Transfer
Arrived at Heraklion at 1715, bus left at 1830 (no Rep) arrived at Plakias 2100.
Accomodation
We stayed at the Irida where we last stayed about 8 years ago when it was First Choice. Now has new pool which was very handy as it was hot! Maria and Manolis as friendly as ever. We noticed a bit more road noise that before and there was some noise up to 2300 at night due to Manolis having a beer or 2 with friends by the pool. Didn't bother us as we having a last glass of wine or 2 on the balcony!
Weather
28 - 35 degrees by day and virtually all sun down to 25 at night.
Plakias
We had not been back for 4 years so noticed some changes. The town was the quietest we had seen it and the "Brits" were definately in the minority. The new development on the front was not as obtrusive as I imagined and I heard that the developers had gone bust so were only completing what they had started. Quite a few new commercial premises, new shops next door to Irida and a new carwash a 100m further down. We wondered if we would be remembered after 4 years but within 20 minutes of arrival were greeted by several waiters etc and Adonis (Mouses) came out of the kitchen to buy us a beer. New "Front of House" at Mouses - Gerry and son Sifi, very nice but we missed the sense of humour of the previous crew. Denis and Emma at the Livikon were as great as ever. Prices had gone up, but as I said we had not been there for 4 years and a lot of the increase was due to conversion back to a devalued pound. For those interested, wine(500ml) was 2.50 at Mouses and Sifi's, 3.00 at Medousa, 3.20 at Sofia and 4.00 at Kri Kri and the Livikon. Mythos was 2.00 at Lamon, 2.80 at Mouses, 2.70 at the Livikon and 2.50 at others (Sellia etc). Food was reasonable, 6-9 Euros for mains etc and 4 for greek salad. Most disappointing lunch was at Gio-Ma. We normally have our lunch there on the first day, mixed appetisers, used to be 8 euros but now 12 and no sausage. no octopus and no prawns!! I don't know if it had changed hands but I didn't see Manolis the 2 weeks we were there.
We did lots of walks in the area which was hard going due to the heat, but kept off the weight off after large consumption of food, beer and wine!
There appears to be a bit of a "sun beds" war going on at the "Far End" with sand being moved to create new areas. Not sure what was going on as I don't spend hardly any time on the beach.
All in all a great 2 weeks. It was fantastic to return after 4 years.
Grahame
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Well - the beds have been moved back to the far end of the far end and spaced out like they used to be and the Earth is back spinning on its axis and Freddie is working up at the Vrisi.
Re the Plakias Resorts development. It's not like any 'estate' I lived in or near and I'm sure that the inmates of the Stalags would welcome the chance to move in there. I reckon that if I was a local wanting to keep my kids in the area instead of moving to Athens or London and I had an exploitable resource like some scrub land near a great beach I'd be looking to sell it or develop it - especially with the price of olive oil so low it's hardly worth selling. Aesthetically I don't think it's too bad - I've seen a lot worse (except I don't understand why they have the rooms pointing the wrong way), especially compared with some of the bog-standard white concrete blocks in the main town, but it's all a matter of personal taste. With August rates of 800E p.w for a 'studio' (bed and cooker in same room so you can fry chips while you're still in bed I suppose) and 1500E p.w. for a 'villa' it looks like they want to appeal to a more up-market set and I can't see the locals objecting to that at all. (BTW the original plan was for the units to be sold (e.g. 625kE for a 'villa') until the authorities pointed out that they had only been given a license for a hotel so now it's 'rent rooms' luxurious but 'rent rooms' just the same)
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With August rates of 800E p.w for a 'studio' (bed and cooker in same room so you can fry chips while you're still in bed I suppose) and 1500E p.w. for a 'villa' it looks like they want to appeal to a more up-market set and I can't see the locals objecting to that at all. (BTW the original plan was for the units to be sold (e.g. 625kE for a 'villa') until the authorities pointed out that they had only been given a license for a hotel so now it's 'rent rooms' luxurious but 'rent rooms' just the same)
Can you clarify Paleo? Originally this development was intended just for personal purchase, I spoke to the developer personally when this all started to get more info from him.
Now you're saying that they are renting out and have a license for a hotel and the possibilty of purchase for @ E625K.
Just being inquisitive P, for that kind of money I would want something a little more exclusive so I'm not a prospective buyer... or renter .
Nice to know that the far end is still the 'Far End'.
george...
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Well - the beds have been moved back to the far end of the far end and spaced out like they used to be and the Earth is back spinning on its axis and Freddie is working up at the Vrisi.
Re the Plakias Resorts development. It's not like any 'estate' I lived in or near and I'm sure that the inmates of the Stalags would welcome the chance to move in there. I reckon that if I was a local wanting to keep my kids in the area instead of moving to Athens or London and I had an exploitable resource like some scrub land near a great beach I'd be looking to sell it or develop it - especially with the price of olive oil so low it's hardly worth selling. Aesthetically I don't think it's too bad - I've seen a lot worse (except I don't understand why they have the rooms pointing the wrong way), especially compared with some of the bog-standard white concrete blocks in the main town, but it's all a matter of personal taste. With August rates of 800E p.w for a 'studio' (bed and cooker in same room so you can fry chips while you're still in bed I suppose) and 1500E p.w. for a 'villa' it looks like they want to appeal to a more up-market set and I can't see the locals objecting to that at all. (BTW the original plan was for the units to be sold (e.g. 625kE for a 'villa') until the authorities pointed out that they had only been given a license for a hotel so now it's 'rent rooms' luxurious but 'rent rooms' just the same)
With perfectly respectable studios/apartments going for about 30€ a day in the town (I'm told) I can't see their doing too much business.
I agree with other posts that it is good news that the far end is restored to its former state but sad to hear there is no Freddi.
Mike
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George can be the new Freddy!!
Barny.
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George can be the new Freddy!!
Barny.
He has the perfect job as I've told him on many occasions Barny, and threatened to undercut him, but let's be honest could anyone on here do his job? He walked around most of the day on sand in those temperatures, humping and moving beds around. He has my total respect for his stamina and then he goes on to another job in the evenings. Personally I wouldn't last a morning if that.
george...
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I do so hope that Freddi is aware of this site so he will know how much we all appreciate the fun, care and hardwork he has shown us all over the years and that also goes for his lovely wife!
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I do so hope that Freddi is aware of this site so he will know how much we all appreciate the fun, care and hardwork he has shown us all over the years and that also goes for his lovely wife!
I was talking to him last year and he told me he did look at this site. Hi Freddi!
Regards, the man who turned Rakki into water!!
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With August rates of 800E p.w for a 'studio' (bed and cooker in same room so you can fry chips while you're still in bed I suppose) and 1500E p.w. for a 'villa' it looks like they want to appeal to a more up-market set and I can't see the locals objecting to that at all. (BTW the original plan was for the units to be sold (e.g. 625kE for a 'villa') until the authorities pointed out that they had only been given a license for a hotel so now it's 'rent rooms' luxurious but 'rent rooms' just the same)
Can you clarify Paleo? Originally this development was intended just for personal purchase, I spoke to the developer personally when this all started to get more info from him.
Now you're saying that they are renting out and have a license for a hotel and the possibilty of purchase for @ E625K.
Just being inquisitive P, for that kind of money I would want something a little more exclusive so I'm not a prospective buyer... or renter .
Nice to know that the far end is still the 'Far End'.
george...
Yes - I spoke to the developer as well , and to someone I know who they approached to work for them as a salesman.
My understanding is (and who knows what gets lost in translation) that as you state they built the development with the intention of selling the units. I was looking to buy something at the time and I was given a price of 625kE for the top spec villa with private pool (and like you - no thank you very much !). So at that time they were definitely selling (or trying to sell). But I'm told that they had ignored/overlooked the fact that the building license was for hotel/rental accommodation so they were banjaxed and reverted to plan B - the luxury rental market and now none of the units is for sale and they are hoping to get a grand a pop for a mid-size apartment in mid Summer - let's see. That's what I was told - maybe somebody else can correct or refine the story.
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But I'm told that they had ignored/overlooked the fact that the building license was for hotel/rental accommodation so they were banjaxed and reverted to plan B - the luxury rental market and now none of the units is for sale and they are hoping to get a grand a pop[color="#FF0000"][/color] for a mid-size apartment in mid Summer - let's see. That's what I was told - maybe somebody else can correct or refine the story.
As much as we all love Plakias, there's no way on earth anyone in their right mind is gonna pay a grand to stay there but we'll see! We all thought the developers were in cloud cuckoo land when the development originated. It just seemed so out of place, now we know for sure!
george...
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But I'm told that they had ignored/overlooked the fact that the building license was for hotel/rental accommodation so they were banjaxed and reverted to plan B - the luxury rental market and now none of the units is for sale and they are hoping to get a grand a pop[color="#FF0000"][/color] for a mid-size apartment in mid Summer - let's see. That's what I was told - maybe somebody else can correct or refine the story.
As much as we all love Plakias, there's no way on earth anyone in their right mind is gonna pay a grand to stay there but we'll see! We all thought the developers were in cloud cuckoo land when the development originated. It just seemed so out of place, now we know for sure!
george...
From their web site
Prices per night in July/August
Studio 100 , per couple = 100, p.w.=700
1 bed appt 110, per couple = 110, p.w.=770
2 bed appt 150, per couple = 75 , p.w. = 1050
3 bed villa 180, per couple = 60 , p.w. = 1260
So per couple its *only* 2 or 3 times the price of a regular place
Also their site mentions not only rental but real estate as well - so maybe I was wrong and they *are* still trying to sell. I know of at least one other development (not in Plakias) where the units are for sale but due to the current climate are temporarily being rented out - both long and short term