Deciding

[philj]

We have a spare week at the start of June and intend to go abroad for a relaxing few days.

Despite having the time of my life in Plakias last year I always thought that we would try somewhere else just to experience a different holiday environment. I always thought that people who returned to the same place year after year were a bit 'unenlightened' and should venture to different countries/resorts to have different experiences.

However, over the last week (we are intending to get a late deal) I have come round to the idea of returning to Plakias. We had such a good time last year why risk a change and a worse holiday? Also, seven days is a short period of time - by the time you settle in and relax it is time to start thinking about going home. I now know Plakias well enough to immediately feel comfortable there and relax on the very first day. I know where to go and what to do. Plakias would be very appealing and comfortable.

On the down side, perhaps a second visit just wont compare to the first. What if I am remembering Plakias too fondly and it will never be the same. I have great memories, is it best to leave it at that. Should I now seek out and 'risk' a new destination.

Anyone been through this dilemma before or have any thoughts on returning to Plakias year after year. Is it as good the second time round?

[Allan Barham]

Welcome to the club!  Like you we never visited the same holiday destination more than once - until we went to Plakias that is.  Its great walking into a bar or taverna and being recognised and welcomed back.  Its nice to see how little has changed since the previous year.  You know how to get the holiday off to a great start and get maximum enjoyment from your 7 days.  Go on don't hesitate - get the trip booked straight away.  I'll tell you one thing though if you do go back to Plakias for a second visit, I'll wager it won't be the last time!

Best wishes,

Allan

[ostraco]

I can only echo what Alan's said.
Depends what you want out of a holiday I guess. For me, when I go to Plakias I know I will relax, have fun, meet old friends and return home refreshed.
I'm not really into looking at ruins or climbing mountains - so Plakias has all I want - and I can't wait to get back there in June - for what is about my 20th time!
I have been to a few other places in the last few years, and had some interesting holidays - but there's nothing like Plakias for me!

[Greecemad]

I used to think the same about people who go to the same place year after year - I used to go somewhere different every time. However for the last 12 years I have never been anywhere but Greece (apart from one year when I went to the Algarve with some family and decided on not doing that again!). However, I don't always go to Plakias. I have settled into a routine of having two holidays a year with the second one always island-hopping around the Kyklades (Cyclades) at the end of the summer - I have my favourites but usually try at least one new one as well. The first, in June, is a bit more varied but I've been to Kriti (Crete) an awful lot and usually visit Matala and Plakias on these trips. Plakias was my first introduction to Greek Islands back in 1990 and I've been back about 6 times, the last time being last June. This June, however, I'm going to Skiathos and Skopelos.

Like you say, it's more relaxing going to places that you know and I've got people who recognise me on several islands.

Greecemad.

[Susan K]

It might sound just a tiny bit sad but we love Plakias and always look forward to going back. Standing in the arrivals hall waiting for our luggage I know it will only be a matter of a couple of hours before we will be sitting under the tamerisk tree with our first beer, one of many I hasten to add!
Every few years we take a year out and try another Island. This is the year for us and we are going to a little Island called Halki which is just off Rhodes, however, rest assured we will be back in 2004.
My advice to you is go for it again this year, you really won't regret it. As everyone else has said, you only have seven days so at least you know what to expect and there will be no hidden surprises.  

Susan

[hopper]

I can only agree with the others, in my Greece travelling time, I tried the Peleponne's, Paros, Naxos, Karpathos, Lefkos, Gavtos, Rodos Turkey), all over Krete (NSEW) but I never came across a nicer place. Going elsewhere you just find yourself comparing constantly. I never found the same nice beaches, valleys, streams, mills or restaurants. It also helps if everybody knows you. It is definetely the most interesting and picturesque landscape I have ever seen. Mind you, I would probably have problems now seeing those deckchairs and umbrellas at my favourite beach in Damnoni and other development. Was last in Plakias in 1989. However, there are still many more hiding places, I am sure.
Cheers Hopper

[philj]

Thank you to everyone for all your replies, they have confirmed that it is definitely the right thing for us to return to Plakias rather than ‘risk’ anywhere else. I have nothing but good memories of the place and am really looking forward to being back there to experience the sights, sounds and tastes all over again.

We intend to leave it quite late to book in the hope that prices will be lower the closer the date gets (3rd June). At the moment the lowest price I have found with First Choice is £325 pp for a weeks self-catering. This still seems a little high for 7 nights but I will willingly pay it if that is still the case in a couple of weeks.

Again, thanks to all for their thoughts.

philj

[ostraco]

Hey Phil - see you there!

We booked with Olympic - months ago, and I'm paying about £240 for 2 weeks in a single room!

Doesn't always pay to wait!

It's worth checking with Olympic to see what they can offer, although the choice of departure airports is more restrictive.  We did get a good short notice deal with them to Kefalonia last year - but Plakias does seem to be popular! (and we all know why!)

[philj]

Well John, I think I owe you a Mythos.

Having been into the local First Choice office at the weekend and come away disappointed (by the high prices and the reasonably unhelpful service) I decided to give Olympic a call. Five minutes of efficient and helpful service later I had booked a week at the Dora Studios for £219 pp including insurance. I know that is what some lucky people   are paying for two weeks in Plakias but I am more than happy with the price considering I thought I would have to pay £300 + with First Choice.

If it hadn’t have been for this site, and the information given about Dora, I would probably not have booked without seeing the accommodation in a brochure let alone going into a travel agents.

Really looking forward to being back in early June. Is that when you are in town John? No doubt we will bump into each other if it is. Would be good to meet up with an experienced Plakias connoisseur over a beer or two.

In anticipation I have been looking back at my photos from Plakias last year. I took something like 140 in two weeks, a good percentage of those at the alcohol fuelled Cretan Night. For anyone that is interested, a small selection (of the non Cretan Night variety) can be found at http://uk.photos.yahoo.com/philmj55

[Allan Barham]

Nice set of pictures....but sunRISE!!  Was this a very late night or a very early morning?

Regards,

Allan

[ostraco]

Hey Phil,
Leaving for Plakias on June 3rd - so it looks as if we will be able to share a beer or six.
How will you find me - well I'll be in Dora too - part of a party of 8 - just ask for John!

And I agree wih Allan - nice pics!

[philj]

Alan,

The ‘Sunrise’ picture was taken in the early morning at around 5:30 am.

It doesn’t look it from that shot but it was so warm that night, and this, (or was it the food and drink??) meant that I didn’t get a good nights sleep. I got up before 5am and walked to the far end of the beach with my camera taking pictures as it gradually got lighter. I don’t remember seeing a sole on the walk to the end but the town was beginning to stir by the time I got back.

Phil

[philj]

John,

I will make sure I find you. I have added a picture of myself to the collection on Yahoo. If you recognise me, say hello.

If we haven’t met before the evening of Wednesday June 4th we will very likely be on the Ostraco balcony at around 10:30pm for after dinner drinks and to watch the world go by below.

Ah, just the thought of it. I can’t wait!

Phil

[RobM.]

I shall be there (first time) June 3 to 10. Look for the long-haired blues guitarist type (that's me!) with  George Cross flag with "SunakedBeach" on it.   . I have been to many Greek isles bot not Crete yet.
  See y'all there!

[ostraco]

Crete is womderful - and there's no where better than Plakias!
Where you staying Rob?