Messages

1

Plakias / Re: Oct 2020 - a few general impressions

« on: October 13, 2020, 12:59:10 PM »

Gorgona changed hands? Not owned by Kostas from KC? If true quite worrying, but I do know Giorgos leaves mid October, so maybe just him missing? Will check the KC website. Any one else have news, we are planning to go for Greek Easter end of April for a couple of weeks.

2

Plakias / Re: October ?

« on: September 11, 2020, 10:58:29 AM »

Easyjet have cancelled our flights, so we are getting a refund, limited availability to Crete on other dates, and at a much higher cost, so that, together with needing to quarantine makes Crete a no go, such a pity, never missed a year yet to Plakias. However, my grey matter has been hard at it to work out how to get to Greece this year as we love it, and my ouzo stocks are dangerously low, so Kalamata area looks possible for similar dates, though only 9 nights, no need to quarantine (at the moment) but we were due to go there in June then it was cancelled, so might get another crack at it, just hoping the early October weather will be as good as southern Crete.

3

Plakias / Re: October ?

« on: September 10, 2020, 02:00:08 PM »

It looks like our holiday on October first will have to be scrapped if Crete remains on the No non-essential travel advisory from the FCOD, as our insurance would be invalidated. No problems quarantining, but the insurance side of things makes it a no go. Easyjet still flying those dates, so no chance of a refund, possibly only vouchers for next year, which we might not be able to use, so we selfishly are looking to easyjet to cancel all flights, then we get a refund, as we did when our June Greek holiday was cancelled (Kalamata).
All the best to everyone in Plakias, after over 20 years going there I hope I can get there again soon as I have not said my goodbyes.

4

Plakias / Re: Midnight closing

« on: September 05, 2020, 09:58:52 AM »

Yes, midnight closing decreed by the Greek government, not a major problem for us Saga Louts, well past bedtime! (mostly). I wonder how Angelo at KC will cope with midnight closing? Or will he ignore it as he is hidden away in the back lane, and Angelo also acts as the reception desk for the middle of the night arrivals & departures, so possibly a get out clause there for him?
We will be back October 1st. no UK govt. announcement will stop us now as we lost our other Greek holidays this year, and Greece has a lower infection figure than the UK presently, I respect the risks of Covid-19, but the worst is over and I refuse to be afraid of my own shadow as the UK government would like us to be!
Nearly time to start packing 😎

5

Plakias / Re: Still hoping to make it this year!

« on: July 16, 2020, 11:34:08 AM »

From the way we are greeted each year in all parts of Greece that we are lucky enough to get to, Filoxenia trumps everything, especialy if you return their greetings with a warm smile and a few words of Greek.

6

PlakChat / Chania Duty Free shop

« on: June 30, 2020, 04:38:05 PM »

Can anyone answer my query about Chania Airport Duty Free shop? We have always flown out of Heraklion for over 20 years, and I always buy Ouzo from Lesvos in the Duty Free there, always a good selection, but Chania is a much smaller airport (nice) so does anyone know what sort of selection of Lesvos Ouzos are available at Chania Airport?
This is assuming that Easyjet don't cancel and then consolidate our Chania flight to one landing at Heraklion!
Thanks

7

Plakias / Re: Still hoping to make it this year!

« on: June 30, 2020, 04:32:48 PM »

Off topic, but we are close to Gatwick, so that is the only sensible option. Stanstead journey would be a nightmare, not going to do it, especially as many Lesvos ouzos can be bought in other parts of Greece and at duty free. Not such a good choice ( eg no Giannitsi) and Angelo at KC buys Mytilini, quite good stuff. I always buy loads in Plakias and more at Duty Free.

8

Plakias / Re: Still hoping to make it this year!

« on: June 30, 2020, 03:26:14 PM »

I agree with Ostraco, the UK side of things will be more of a problem, the Greek way of doing anything is much better, - if it doesn't make sense, then don't do it. Some of the videos of Greek resorts after the lockdown has finished show tavernas open and working with a typically Greek attitude to rules, made for the blind obedience of idiots and the guidance of wise men, and the Greeks are a wise people. At least in Plakias us repeat visitors will be greated with the usual warmth as old family, and probably not have to adhere to some of the OTT regulations. And to set the record straight I am not being cavalier to the risks, I am in the high risk catagory due to age and pre-existing, but have enough common sense to avoid any situation that would be a threat.
As Mr. trump said, drink lots of ouzo and you will be OK, big things.

9

Plakias / Re: Still hoping to make it this year!

« on: June 30, 2020, 12:08:24 PM »

We booked for Plakias last November on the day Easyjet released their flights to Crete, got a really good price for the flights into Chania (first time there ever in over 20 years going to Plakias), taxi with Zacharias, staying at KC, booked direct with Kostas before we left last October, on his 'new' B&B basis, given the problems he has had with Olympic and we were convinced the independant deal is better, more flexibility to where we fly into, Olympic don't do transfers so Zachs taxi was always used, and we can stay wherever we like, though to be honest, we have never stayed anywhere else than KC! Would love to try Nikos at On The Rocks, maybe next year, depending on his prices, he will never tell me when I ask him, even after a few ouzos.
This will be our only Greek holiday this year as our trip to Kalamata was cancelled, and our other trip to Lesvos is impossible with no flights now that TC have gone.
Always look on the bright side of life as someone once sung, we WILL be in Plakias 1st October, but 12 days might not be long enough, maybe don't return and stay the winter?
Ta leme Plakias

10

Gossip / Re: greek attitude to uk lockdown, Guardian

« on: May 26, 2020, 01:00:06 PM »

Ouzo is considerably cheaper in Greek resorts and at the airport, as Greece does not high rates of duty on spirits over 37.5% ABV as the UK does. This is why you can buy 48% Gin at Gatwick if you are flying outside the EU, but only get 37.5% if staying in the UK. The really good ouzo is at least 42%, and other really great ouzos can come in at 48%, but cost very little in Greece, appx 14 Euros max, so with a good exchange rate quite a bit lower  price in sterling.
The problem is when we leave the EU, then we will be restricted to 1 litre of spirits per person on return. October trips to Plakias and Lesvos this year then (Plakias already booked!)

11

Plakias / Re: October ?

« on: May 19, 2020, 02:36:23 PM »

Hi Daza, like you I am concerhned for my Ouzo supply. I was luck to have been back to Lesvos last June and brought back at least 10 litres, plus I could buy Ouzo Mitiline and Barbagianni in Plakias, and even more in duty free at Heraklion (Aphrodite/Mini etc) so I thought I was good to get through till June and our next trip to Kalamata, but I am getting low now. Lidl has Greek week starting on 21st May, so I will test drive one of their bottles with a view to more if it is drinkable! Lidl are doing lots of yummy Greek food as well, including Bougatsa!!!
Yiammas to all

12

Gossip / Re: greek attitude to uk lockdown, Guardian

« on: May 12, 2020, 12:14:25 PM »

Maybe we can have some local news of how Plakias is coping, and of any plans there to re-open the hotels and Tavernas. We have a trip booked for very early June to Kalamata, independant travel through easyjet, and are forever hopeful it may go ahead, but looking less likely now, but local info about anywhere being open on June ist. would help. Our Plakias trip is 1st. October, again independently with easyjet and KC, and would certainly hope that will go ahead.
Well done Greece!

13

PlakChat / Re: Covid 19

« on: March 22, 2020, 11:43:36 AM »

We are due to go to Kalamata in June, but suspect that will not happen, but really hoping our normal trip to Plakias can take place in October.
All the best to all Plakias residents, I'll be back!

14

PlakChat / Re: Pool bars for non residents in plakias

« on: February 24, 2020, 11:35:58 AM »

I'm sure Kostas Chrysouilla wouldn't mind if buying drinks/food, they have so many different accomodations that they use, there are always 'strangers' coming and going!

15

Where to eat...or not! / Re: Any recommendations

« on: February 24, 2020, 11:33:20 AM »

Nearly all are favorites, but can concur with others that Sirocco is very good, but do try Ton Kzoni down the side street to KC, it's next to The Cozy Backyard.