Been back from Crete for two weeks now and it all seems like a distant dream but in fact it was our best holiday EVER in Crete. I should explain that after years of Plakias holidays, the fields in front of the villa we've rented in Lefkogia for the past few years have been developed since our visit last June. When we realised that a major development adjacent to the"luxury villa Thymari" was in the offing, we decided it was time to move on and explore new parts of Crete. So this year we had one week in Gavalahori to sample the North coast and two weeks in Agia Galini. The heat wave and constant hot wind from the Libyan deserts that surprised us for a few days we even began to enjoy!
On the day we returned to Plakias to see Ikarus Jewellery studio in Sellia, Marcus in Candia, Sofia at Limani appartments et al. friends, we drove up the road opposite the gas station outside Lefkogia, took the first left then a right at the T junction to see our beloved villa again, but now totally drowned by a development of impressive looking stone built villas. The pool was empty and the villa looked deserted.
We set off for Shinaria where we've spent many happy sun filled hours over the years and even that didn't feel as it once did. We've now refound Liggres Beach, newly discovered Kommo, Farago and other South coat paradise beaches, new tavernas and music bars etc. and had a wonderful three weeks in this superb island.
Chatting to some of the Plakiots, we were really surprised that they didn't seem to want the expected growth in permanent residents which would have helped their businesses grow, but the opinions seemed to be that they were happy with the way things were and didn't want any change despite the feeling Ive had that Plakias is quieter now than when we started holidaying there. Anyway, I was told the plan is to have a permanent resident population of 4,000 in Plakias year round. So if that ain't change, what is? and will it be good or bad for Plakias?
We loved Ag. Galini and I hope that that doesn't upset the friends of Plakias and have us drummed off the forum. I still have a soft spot for Plakias and will follow the forum news as before. Plakias and Ag Galini. Each has it's own merits and each of us has our own holiday priorities and objectives! One thing Maree and I agree on totally, the South of Crete rather than the North coast, has a magic that stirs the soul and that is where we will always enjoy the fun, food, drink and friendship of Crete and Cretans.
Happy days and all the best
Doggie
