Get your ar*ses down to Plakias

[Steve Jones]

Probably preaching to the converted here, but if anybody who reads this who is procrastinating over whether to go to Plakias or not over the summer, please go and show your support!

We have just arrived (July 15th) and many of the local businesses are finding it very tough going.

The numbers appear well down on what we experienced at the same time last year.

The restaurant businesses affected by the fire in May also get hit by the double whammy of not being able to serve to outside tables when the infamous Plakias wind blows, and it has been doing so since July 8th (8 days) with the winds forecast to carry on for at least another week

The plan is for the installation of 1.8m (?) glass/perspex windbreakers to surround the affected area, but no covered spaces will be allowed in future. Due to financial restrictions this won't happen until at least 2016.

Steve & Dawn

Sent from my Hudl 2 using Tapatalk

[StuartF]

  Thanks for the update Steve, it is still our desire and intention to come to Plakias in six weeks.  I hope everyone is OK.

[triton]

We' ve just recently come back. Nearly three lovely weeks in the area, love the place and can't wait for another three next June !!
We actually drove twice to Matala for the 60's Hippie Music Festival.  1.5 hrs drive from Plakias. Liked Red Beach too.
In the meantime it's 18days to Kos in September----- lucky us !

[JackieatUrbanAgenda]

Will be there for two weeks in September...wouldn't dream of not visiting, especially this year !

[conway s]

Been going since 1992 wouldn't miss Plakias no matter what happens, heaven on earth. Many friends there locals and people we meet year in year out, some you know by name some not that's the nature of the place. You are all there because of the beauty of the place and the very friendly locals.
We will be there in October cannot wait to see everyone. I digress what I would like to know is which tavernas  have burnt down ? I believe it was from musses forgive spelling on to the end by the harbour.     

[Steve Jones]

Heard that Mousses was where the fire started due an electrical fault.

No buildings lost, just the original pergolas, which are unlikely to be replaced.

Rumours are that it may have been started deliberately though.

[MossleySmiffy]

Hi - Newbie in peace !

Heading out from Manchester on 28th July for a week - wallet packed with Euros - and ready to do some serious walking (and drinking).  Have had a brief peep around this site for some info - although some stuff seems to be a few years (?) old.  Staying at Oasis so already looking forward to a nice hilly walk (no probs for me - a Pennine village postie !!)
Ideas so far include Samaria Gorge and (if excursions do exist) Knossos - would Anso Travel Office be the best place to find out ??  Also on the look out for some more walks in and around the town.

What's the Greek dialect like in Crete - Mrs Smiffy spent a year working in Giannitsa near Thessaloniki so we've got a bit of a start (hopefully).

Any other tips for a first-time visitor gratefully received - efharisto !

[Steve Jones]

There is also a travel shop next to Harakas Taverna as well as one next to Hotel Lamon.

Preveli is a good place to visit especially if you like walking.

Hopefully you will get the Plakias bug which draws you back year after year. Seven days in Plakias for forum members is just too short!

If Plakias is windy (as it often can be!), don't be put off as it is a great way to offset the effect of the heat.  Expect the air temperatures to be 33°C-35°C by the end of the month.

[Yvonne]

You will be able to walk up to Mirthios and Sellia from the Oasis. The views are fantastic! So are the tavernas to cool off. The opposite direction will take you to Lefkoia and beyond.

[JackieatUrbanAgenda]

You'd probably like the Imbros Gorge too....that's not far away and they may still be running the walk through the local gorge down to the beach at Preveli (with a boat trip back to Plakias). The Samaria trips seemed a little few and far between last year but it is possible to do the long way (all the way from the plateau at the top down to Aghia Roumeli and the ferry back to Chora Sphakia or, if you'd rather cheat, the ferry to A Roumeli which gives you enough time to walk up to the narrowest part of the gorge (the Iron Gates) and back again for a well earned drink before the ferry back. I'm sure they'll be able to advise you at Monza Travel (on the seafront) or the new shop next to the Herakas Taverna. Some of the other trips are worth it too......Gortys and Phaistos (Roman and Minoan) with a stop at Matala at the end of the day or, if they are still arranging them, the trip to Knossos. All very worth while.

[MossleySmiffy]

All those names ... think we'll need a map for starters 

[spottttttt]

Harakas taverna has had a few metions in this thread, I can honestly say the food they serve is not just good, its outstanding!! Having said that I've never had a bad meal in any of the Plakias tavernas.

[JackieatUrbanAgenda]

Don't worry....they're all easily found.....just passing on some of the amazing places we've found over the years. Whatever you do...have a lovely time !

[phillip]

Samaria can be booked through Anso Travel. A long day but you must do it. 18K long and well worth it. Imbros can be reached with a hire car (not too far away). Park at one of the tavernas on the main road and they will run you up to the start of of the gorge. Only 10k this one. Have fun.

[phillip]

P.S
Forgot to tell you that you do not have to carry litres of water at Samaria. They have springs at regular stops and the water is crystal clear, clean and no tummy problems... Enjoy.