Messages

1

Where to eat...or not! / Re: Harakas !

« on: November 17, 2015, 08:43:47 AM »

I am a little surprised that Antonis Place is not so well known by people.

As far as I know, it is not new (Barny can probably confirm that), has been there ever since my first visit, loved by my daughters for the fresh orange juice after a day on the beach.

Location on the beach front road. About, but not quite half way along towards the Paligremnos and near (before) the first beach bar. It is shown on the map, linked above.

Recommended, though from memory it is not a place to eat late into the evening - think they close about 10pm, and a bit of a shame it is tagged in a thread about another eatery.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Antonis+place+plakias

2

Where to go / Re: Agios Nikolaos, Peloponnese

« on: November 09, 2015, 10:31:53 AM »

I spent a week based in Agios Nikolaus about 10 years ago. It is a beautiful village around the harbour. At the time, went with Greece Direct.

The harbour is pretty much the only focal point, tavernas around it and nearby served ok food, but never ate anything outstanding there. There was at least one 'gift shop' which reduced the charm somewhat.

On a daily basis, a little fish sale happened (I think preceded by a ringing bell). the term little can be taken in two ways, there were not many sellers and what they usually sold was pretty small - not like what can be seen at Tasomanolis for example. Despite the abundance of the famous Kalamata olives, the oils produced are nothing like the ones found in Plakias.

Despite extensive sea frontage close to the village centre, the nearest beach is between 1/2 and 1 mile along the road to the East, it is small but was then not overly busy, this may have changed of  course now. There was from memory at least one taverna next to the beach. The beach shelved fairly dramatically into the water.  The best local place for swimming was a rocky area just on the edge of the village, complete with a little church cut into the rocks, the water was well over 3 metres deep, though there were small channels in the rocks that could be paddled - beware of sea urchins there though!

Nearby places - the bigger resort of Stoupa, with larger beach, pedalos and a larger selection of eateries/drinkeries/hotels (still not a huge place), this is reachable by local bus and was I think about 10-20 minutes away. If you are up for hiring a car then further afield you will find the ancient abandoned hill town Mystras and if you take the correct route back you could make a stop off at the beautiful village of Limani with a perfect waterside taverna.

As I said it is some years since I was there, it is a beautiful part of greece and may well have experienced the same kind of expansion Plakias has seen in the intervening time.

 

3

Holiday Companies / Re: Olympic Loyalty Bonus (or not)

« on: November 09, 2015, 10:28:33 AM »

moved to more relevant thread in "Where to go" section

4

Plakias / Re: Chania airport to Plakias

« on: July 29, 2014, 12:57:14 PM »

As others have said, it is a pretty straightforward drive....the only slightly messy bit is getting to the highway at Souda - there are a couple of alternatives at that point.

The choice can be seen in the link below - either down the smaller side road (to the right) which makes (I am guessing) the 'odd left junction' mentioned by Bwian an easier right turn, or continue on the main road down to the traffic lights which will lead you to the odd junction (It's not so bad though)

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@35.49111,24.060274,3a,75y,165.32h,73.18t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s_lvbjeUyHW1xX7ofLpVDGQ!2e0

You can use the street view to have a virtual drive around the area before you go and identify your own landmarks.

Depends on the time you arrive, but have you considered leaving the highway at Vrisses and driving over the mountains and Askifou plateau, then down towards Chora Sfakion and on to Plakias from there? Its a great trip, far better than the main route IMO - though it does take longer.

5

Plakias / Re: Plakias far end v Souda

« on: June 26, 2013, 07:27:21 PM »

The track heading out west from Souda beach...where does it start?...from the beach itself or by the taverna. Several times have wanted to wander in that direction, but never even investigated starting to do it. The photos above have inspired my resolve to get on and go for it this year.

Souda may be is less popular because the water always seems so much cooler? because of the water depth and rocky bottom. But as mentioned by Lampyland, I have seen more sea (wild) life here than any other local beach excepting Schinaria.

Lovely beach.

Oh, and thanks Draper, for sharing with us all a few minutes of each of your days over the last weeks...its been good to read your updates.

6

Plakias / Re: Looking forward to these views soon.

« on: June 26, 2013, 07:12:12 PM »

Looks like an interesting place...some where in Myrthios....care to tell?

Did you ever notice the infinity pool 'glowing' on an evening at the Plakias Hill villas from way down below at the beach...The idea of a soak (complete with an ouzo on ice) in there at sunset appeals...imagine the views must be hard to beat.

Hoping you get your trip/ holiday with good health this next month.

7

Where to stay / Re: Corali Studios location/quality?

« on: June 19, 2013, 08:24:56 AM »

Yes it looks like the booking dot com map was built by someone wearing a blindfold.

Daza, I think you nailed the location....one of the photos is from a balcony looking down the alleyway that ends by the Corali kitchen, think the studio block as you say sits between Minoikas, KC and Apollo.

8

Plakias / Re: Gorgona

« on: June 17, 2013, 07:42:56 PM »

Agreed, maybe not the best, but not so far behind the best either....honest food, good value, tasty, and the best kitchen window in the village...(Paligremnos ain't in the village) Two years since was last there....I remember food from here more than any other eating place.

9

Plakias / Re: massage

« on: June 17, 2013, 07:30:08 PM »

Ok, I'm lost..

10

Where to stay / Bookings this year (2013)

« on: May 17, 2013, 08:47:00 PM »

Having missed out last year due to unforeseen circumstances, I have spent a few hours this last week trying to secure a fortnight back in Plakias in mid July for 3 people.

Always with an eye on the Olympic site, after having got two weeks a couple of years ago at Kostas C for daughter #1 and myself at a ridiculous price (c.£250 inc flights, accom & xfer), I lost my bottle and fell sweetly back in to arranging independently. At this weeks prices (for Dora studios) I beat it for daughter #1, daughter #2 and myself. I am sure the
Olympic prices will fall on a weekly basis, turning this 'win' into a 'loss' in the next few weeks, but it's the price I am glad to pay for peace of mind and standard of accommodation. Independent was certainly more expensive last year (when I missed out).

Several emails were sent enquiring of availabilty, and all received a reply. Some offering what I think were spectacular bargains, others whilst not being able to give exactly what we needed seemingly were bending over backwards to try to help. Some were more expensive having possibly misinterpreted what I asked for and offering twin apartments.

Even after thanking the owners for their replies and informing them I had found alternative accommodation, I received further emails thanking me for my negative advice and wishing us a happy holiday. Almost brings a tear to the eye; some of them we can patronise, via their tavernas (and we will), others we cannot. I think this spirit of friendlyness is what has got me hooked on the place and into returning year after year (when I can). 

I just wanted to highlight the possibilities to those caught in two minds; cost of self arranged flights and a well chosen apartment might get you something that exceeds that on offer in a more 'convenient' package, and you can make new friends. Ok, so I am missing out on the transfer, but the 3 hour+ coach ride is a two way trip to be endured in my mind.
Driving down from Chania (missing out Iraklion airport altogether;-) ) via Imbros gorge & Rodakino is almost worth the hire costs on its own.

So if a bit of blatent advertising is allowed to support our Plakias hosts:

From Georgia at Paligremnos.com
Thank you for letting me know your plans.  Perhaps we will see you when you come to the taverna.

From skinos-plakias.com
Hello again from Plakias!
Everythink is fine for us!!
Hope you have found a nice place and wish you to have a great time in our beautiful place!!
Family Katsaragakis.

From Eleni at plakias-studios.gr (located back road beyond Medusa I think?)
Thank you
Have a nice holiday.

others:
manolis-apartments.gr
enploplakias.gr
thetisstudios@gmail.com

and there are dozens more I didn't contact on http://www.plakias-filoxenia.gr, and some of you might wish to add your favourites?

Check 'em out
Ian

11

Where to stay / Re: Olive Grove

« on: May 16, 2012, 12:33:26 PM »

Hi, I have stayed there a couple of times in the last three years.

Overall a nice spot, with a terrific view over Plakias and the bay. It sits up behind the village and is usually sheltered from the worst of the wind when it blows. You get a good sense of space there despite one or two other small apartment blocks nearby. No road / traffic noise worthy of real mention either, just a small road that loops around and well behind to the properties further up the hill.

Not sure about the top floor apartments/studios but those on on the middle level have a wonderful shared terrace with sun loungers and a recently added wooden sun canopy if you should need the shade. The apartments are spacious, well furnished (maybe take your own sharper knife for fruit etc) and maintained and were serviced by the owners parents who live in the accomodation at ground level. Air conditioning was available on request, but I cannot recall whether there was an additional charge for this.

It is quite a steep walk up the hill for the last 100 metres, but it now is a cement roadway rather than the rough gravelly surface some of the old website pictures depicted previously.

I would say you made a good choice, hope you enjoy it.

Ian