Re Damoni - I think I started this, as I suggested Souda or Damnoni as less windy alternatives to Plakias - however, I did mean Mikri Amoudi, but did not want to assume that Stewart wanted an all over tan. I am no more fond of Damnoni itself that the rest of the contributors to this string.
We were in Plakias for the last two weeks in August this year, and it was indeed pretty windy most of the time (Force 5 and 6 with stronger gusts). We went to Souda one morning about 9.30 and found the beach pretty empty except for some Greek families under the trees and a group of about 6 naturists on the sunbeds. The sunbeds filled up with textiles, and eventually the naturists covered up as well. We had chosen one of the coves, but put cozzies on for swimming. Souda was actually still pretty windy and the area near the tavernas was empty due to the sand storms. Even at our end of the beach it was pretty uncomfortable at times, and there was the usual sport of watching people chasing after towels, clothes, beachballs, etc.
Mikri Amoudi was about half and half dressed/undressed, whereas on our previous visit (one June) there was not a stitch of clothing in sight.
We managed to go swimming pretty much every morning in Plakias, but we did not hang around long for sunbathing at the far end, unless we were settling down for a longer perid under the trees. We did try sunbathing, and one day when I stood up from my towel my outline remained, picked out by deposits of wind-blown sand. The morning we left was absolutely gorgeous - the sea was like glass and there was a gentle light breeze.
Still, all in all a great holiday, where we were made to feel like old friends by the taverna staff (how do they remember?). We had some really good food, at excellent prices, in particular the Monastic Pork at Mousses (I'm off to become a monk any day now, if that is the way they eat!). Thinking of going back again to Plakias next year, with fingers tightly crossed for a bit less wind.
Arnaki
