Messages

1

Plakias / Re: Begging etc

« on: October 29, 2013, 08:51:54 AM »

Hi

"Charlie Chaplin" was on main beach when we where there beginning of October.
Whenever anyone put money in his bowl he posed for photos with them striking lots of famous poses. He had obviously done his homework and looked & acted the part very well.
Restaurant owners however were not too happy whenever he tried to go in & soon gave him short shrift.
He never uttered a word & under make-up it was impossible to tell his nationality, however he was very polite and did not try to muscle in on anyone who was not interested.
We also saw a couple of enterprising young boys who came down the stoney beach with a cool box selling soft drinks; very welcome, even thought they were double the price!
However due to the effort of carrying the loaded coolbox it was worth it!

2

Plakias / Just Returned

« on: October 14, 2013, 01:09:09 PM »

Hi All

Just returned from a fabulous week at Plakias.
Temperature on our first day (Sunday) was about 24 and with a chilly breeze, but from Monday onwards the wind dropped & temperature kept climbing until Friday & Saturday when it was 33.5. You did need a light jacket/cardie on a couple of evenings walking back to Hotel but it wasn't bad at all.
Was amazed at how busy the resort still was, with plenty of tourists still about (mainly German I think).
Had fabulous meals at Gorgonna, Sirrocco & Gio Ma again where food was excellent and service second to none. Once again Babis, Gorgeio & Irene in Gorgonna were in fine form.
This was the first time we have visited so late in the year, but will def go again next year at same time.
We were hugely entertained every day on the Rocky beach (near Creta Ma hotel) by a pair of Kingfishers which dived in & out of the rock pools catching small fish. Also saw owls, eagles & buzzards plus a cormrant drying its wings outside rocks near Gio Ma.
As usual stayed at Horizon Beach Hotel and loved the fact that we didn't need the aircon so could sleep with the patio doors open all night with the sound of the waves lulling us to sleep.
Now having withdrawal symptons looking at the rain outside, will hit the village wine we brough back tonight to help remember the good times until next July when we return again.

Yamass

3

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

« on: September 30, 2013, 08:45:10 AM »

Gorgona is always one of our favourites, we eat there at least twice during our stays and meals have always been good.

Staff are superb andhave become good friends over the years.

Will be there next week - can't wait!!

Yamass

4

Plakias / Re: car hire

« on: September 30, 2013, 08:43:08 AM »

We always use Just Car Rentals, and have done for many years.  Picking up a car on Saturday 123 Euros for week - everything included, even second driver.
No hesitation in recommending them.

5

Plakias / Re: It's gone very quiet !

« on: September 12, 2013, 08:54:16 AM »

Hi All

Anyone there at the moment?
What's the weather like, according to the Prevali weather website it is scorching (over 30 deg) and very little wind.
Just wondered how accurate this is.
Regards
Sylvia

6

Gossip / Re: How did you first find Plakias?

« on: September 12, 2013, 08:51:13 AM »

Hi Barny

We found it through the dreaded Olympic brochure!
After a few years under our own steam touring the island or staying at Palechora we decided to try a pacakge with Olympic staying at Costa Chrysoula.
We were hooked on Plakias immediately.
After about 7 years we decided to go it alone as the transfers and flight changes completely did our head in! Also wanted room with a sea view.
From then on (about the last 10 years) we have continued under our own steam, staying at Horizon Beach Hotel and hopefully will continue for many years to come.
Roll on October 5th!!
Regards
Sylvia & Steve

7

PlakChat / Re: Car Hire

« on: August 29, 2013, 10:11:56 AM »

Hi

Can't speak for the rental company you are using, we always use Just Car Rentals and have done for well over 10 years now.
Prices are good, but the main thing is there are no hidden charges, all insurances, CWD, unlimited mileage, even a second driver is included.
I have seen couples at the airport picking up cars & being told they have to pay extra for this, that or the other! Not a good start for your holiday.
The cars are always brand new and in good condition, the one we had in July was brand new that day with 23 Km on clock.
They meet you at the airport & take you to the car (just a short walk over the road). The lads are brilliant and always recognise us straightaway, their English is really good and they explain everything to you.
The 2 occassions we have had problems with breakdown (and 1 was our fault we didn't notice we had caught the light switch so consequently drained the battery!!) we were dealt with and back on the road within a couple of hours.
We started using them after reading someone's recommendation on here and can't praise them highly enough and will be using them again in October.
If not too late to cancel & change your rental, I would suggest you do.

Hope this helps!

8

Plakias / Re: It's gone very quiet !

« on: August 27, 2013, 02:41:22 PM »

Well I've been & gone & done it!!

Arrive back in Plakias on October 5th for 1 week - can't wait!

9

Plakias / Re: It's gone very quiet !

« on: August 22, 2013, 08:52:38 AM »

Hi All

Frantically doing sums, to work out if we can possibly squeeze another week in Plakias.
If we can, it won't be until last week Sept or 1st week October - we have never been at that time of year, as we always go June or July.
What's it like weather-wise etc?
Presume a lot of the Tavernas shut down about then?
Any of you regulars who go at that time, what's it like?

10

Plakias / Re: NEW TOPIC

« on: August 13, 2013, 01:34:51 PM »

Did not see any last night, here in North Yorkshire it was still a bit overcast at 10.00pm when I went to bed, Hubbie said he had stood for a while at about 1am after sky had cleared but he did not see any either.

However, (and back on subject), a few years ago we were travelling to Plakias and had arrived after dark. 

We were driving through the Kourtaliotis Gorge about 22.00 enroute to Plakias and decided to stop to admire the stars without any background light pollution.  They were absolutely spectacular and we stood awestruck for at least 10 minutes. All of a sudden (and we had not been drinking), a bright light appeared to hover over the edge of the canyon and float on downwards for a couple of minutes! We were dumbfounded and unless there was someone "lamping" right up in the gorge, which is highly unlikely, to this day we have not been able to explain it - spooky or what??

This another reason we love staying at Horzon Beach Hotel - on the walk back we always stargaze, there is a spot on the road where the street lights do not reach and you get fantastic views of the Milky Way, particularly on moonless nights. We never tire of it no matter how many times we go and it makes you realise just how small and insubstantial we all are.

11

Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines

« on: August 08, 2013, 08:47:36 AM »

We do tend to travel as light as poss, but once snorkelling equipment, toiletries & suncreams are added to the bare minium of clothes, we do need a case. 

However we have plenty of spare allowance on return to load case with plastic bottles of the village wine (well wrapped in towels and dirty clothes) to bring back and enjoy!!!

Yamass
 

12

Holiday Companies / Re: Small Planet Airlines

« on: August 07, 2013, 09:50:13 AM »

We have gone independent for many years now as we used to hate the long transfers with Olympic and have had many which lasted well over 3 hours!
We contact the apartment owner by email.
Book flights with Jet2 which have always been excellent & without a hitch.
Hire a car from Just Car Rentals for the duration, excellent service and no hidden charges.
Last time we got off the plane, reclaimed our luggage and were in our hire car in less than 40 mins.
The drive over takes between 1.5 & 2 hours depending on traffic but it is very straightforward and it couldn't be easier.
Going independent may work out more expensive but it gives you so much freedom.
Also having the car gives us the option to visit the surrounding countryside or go on excursions if the wind gets too strong.
We met a family during our stay who had flew with Small Planet from Birmingham and had lost a full day of their holiday due to last minute flight changes, they were dreading the return flight and were constantly having to check to make sure it was still on!

13

Where to eat...or not! / Re: Sirocco Restaurant

« on: August 02, 2013, 11:26:00 AM »

Hi All
After reading posts on this Forum we decided to try Sirrocco this year - quite simply we had the best meal of our holiday!  Very extensive menu and the owner re-assured me that if I tried something and I didn't like it, he would gladly replace it "No problem". We went back on our last night and again it was delicious.  Can't think why we haven't tried this before but it will be our first port of call next year, probably because like others on this Forum we have our favourites which we like to visit at least twice during our stay.
Our other favourites are Gio Ma (best beef stiffado and stunning location), Gorgonna (great food & the best waiters in Plakias - Geogio, Babis & Irenie), Muses & Harrackas.
On another note we tried Christos this year  (next to Gio Ma) and it was the worst meal we have EVER had in Plakias. Staff were not interested and did not even greet us when we arrived. My husband's meal arrived first and he had finished his before mine appeared - Klefftico - which had obviously been microwaved from the freezer and was greasy and tasteless and by comparison to other Tavernas it was quite expensive - definately one to avoid.

14

Where to stay / Re: Good hotels?

« on: August 02, 2013, 10:06:11 AM »

Hi All
I am new to the forum but have been an avid reader for years and finally plucked up the courage to post!
We have been going to Plakias for at least 15 years, originally with Olympic staying in Costsa Chrysoula, but for at least the last 10 years we have gone under our own steam and  stay at HORIZON BEACH HOTEL just "round the corner" towards Souda
I can not rate it highly enough, the views are fantastic, the rooms are big and spotlessly clean and the breakfast is served on a beautiful garden terrace.
Just got back on 20th July and can't wait till next year!
Yamass