Thanks!

[gems]

Just wanted to say a huge thanks to all of you who spend time updating the webste and chat bit as we found it v.helpful when we paid our first visit to Plakias about 3 weeks ago!
We booked a last minute deal with First Choice and were more than a little dubious as the brochure was a little lacking on detail, however after reading all the info here we thought we were pretty clued up - and I can officially say you were of a lot more use than our so called rep!
We had a wonderful time, stayed at the Stella apartments, which whilst lovely and clean we did notice was more than a little noisy with the crickets in the olive trees (no one mentioned that?!)  though I'll be the first to admit that I'd rather listen to that, then a binch of lager louts!!  Also there were signs up encouraging people to book independently with Stella as 1st Choice were pulling out (our rep didn't shed much light on that one -  surprise, surprise!)
We loved Souda bay - really quiet and fab taverna - amazing calamare, and also Damoni (although it seemed a bit over run with a German hotel/holiday camp kind of place), the taverna there was also really good and we got to meet the DONUT MAN - new quote "extra sugar extra vitamiiiiiiins" - oh yes!
Food wise - lysessos was our favourite, really good food and nice staff although not the best of locations, the food does definately make up for it!  Also went to a fish restaurant around the corner from the harbour (as if you're walking towards Souda) can't remember the name I'm afraid but it did have a fab novelty boat wheel outside...excellent seafood pasta.  Also for a tasty gyros head to this tiny place (also forgotten the name) but if you walk over the bridge, you'll pass the Lysessos & the pizza restaurant (also very yummy, but busy) on your right, then its on your right just before a road turning on the right - lots of tables and chairs outside and lots of locals, so good the owner recognised us by the end of the week!!!haha!
Also for drinks, music etc we really liked the Forum bar above the supermarket, they've got really big pool tables (really cheap 6 euros for an hour) plus its air conditioned if you want to escape the heat for a bit, you'll probably feel more than a little outnumbered by the locals though!
We also made a trip up to the old mill and the chapel in the rock - be warned anyone that travels with First choice and is given a homemade map  - it is quite a long way, it's steep and it's really rocky towards the end - wear trainers (not flipflops-my mistake) and take some water!  the views worth it though, have a little climb and an explore.  The only disappointment being that the chapel was locked - oh well.
We had a fab time, it's so different to any other tourist resort that I've been to in Greece...we just hope it doesn't get too discovered and can keep its magic!
Enjoy!

[Ploppy]

Hi,

Thanks for a great update on your trip, sounds like you had a fabulous time.
Have not tries Lysessos personally but think I will now after a couple of glowing reports.

Yes I imagine your First choice map is the same one we got last year, actually quite useful but not about to win any awards for cartographical accuracy!
Haven't tried Forum either, usually ending up at Ostraco. Maybe we'll 'broaden our horizons' this year.

Glad that you found the website and forum useful and happy that you enjoyed Plakias.

Cheers,
Paul

[fraoula]

[

QUOTE]We had a wonderful time, stayed at the Stella apartments, which whilst lovely and clean we did notice was more than a little noisy with the crickets in the olive trees (no one mentioned that?!)  though I'll be the first to admit that I'd rather listen to that, then a binch of lager louts!!  Also went to a fish restaurant around the corner from the harbour (as if you're walking towards Souda) can't remember the name I'm afraid but it did have a fab novelty boat wheel outside...excellent seafood pasta.  Also for drinks, music etc we really liked the Forum bar above the supermarket, they've got really big pool tables (really cheap 6 euros for an hour) plus its air conditioned if you want to escape the heat for a bit, you'll probably feel more than a little outnumbered by the locals though![/QUO

Hello there gems, glad to hear that you enjoyed your holiday!! The 'crickets' you were hearing are an insect called cicade ( I think that's how you spell it, said like sicarda) they're a strange looking bug, not very pretty! I'm probably alone in saying that I love and miss their chattering sound!
 Was the fish resterant Taso Manolis?  And you mentioned you drank in the Forum bar?! Wow!   That place brings back memories-(used to work there!) I should Imagine Nikos still owns the place?? You're right though, the Forum bar has always been 'the locals bar'very friendly  , lots of greek children early evening and then the restaurant/bar workers would retreat there after their shifts-still the same? and I tell ya, I learnt alot of Greek there!   Hope we hear from you again soon gems   !?

[compage]

Hi Gems,  Welcome to the forum.

I'm glad you enjoyed Plakias and found the forum helpful.
And I have to agree with you about Lysseos as I think it's one of the best tavernas in town.  But it's a pity it's next to the stream as it attracts more hostile natives than other places (mosquitos).

As far as the cicadas are concerned, I love them.  Not a noise I would want to be without.

Nor would I want to be without the doughnut man (Leftheris) and his 'extra vitamina!'.

Ploppy, I'm surprised you've never eaten at the Lysseos.  Perhaps you'll join us there for dinner this year?

Only 11 days until I'm in Plakias again.  Come on clock!  Spin faster!

[ostraco]

We never miss out Lysseos.
The welcome is warm - the food is hot - and the raki burns! !
My tip - look out for their smoked pork fillet!

[harribobs]

did someone say the Lyseos? pork aphelia for me........

[John R]

  Also there were signs up encouraging people to book independently with Stella as 1st Choice were pulling out (our rep didn't shed much light on that one -  surprise, surprise!)
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=2248\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

That pleases me a lot. I DO hope she gets plenty of bookings. We will very probably book with Stella for September 2005 when we are there in 4 weeks time (WOW   ) - flights already booked. We thought we might have gone to Livicon until we read this report and are going to be torn for choice. Very difficult - far too many excellent places to stay.

John R

[Pritch]

Reading all the various reports over the weeks/months especially those on places to eat, what has tsruck me is I can't remember a post saying 'don't eat at........'.

Think that says it all doesn't it.......

And yes the restaurant with the 'wheel' outside is 'Tasso Manolis' but the wheel is from Tasso's first boat (his new one is the yellow one at the end of the boats on the harbour). Tasso gets most of the fish himself for sale in the restaurant. My wife reckons (more an arni eater me) that they are always fantastic, and always has a plate of 'mixed fishes' i.e. whatever has been caught, and not stupidly priced either !!


Cicade's - could listen to them all night !!!

Haven't eaten in Lysseos, haven't quite worked our way that far down the Town yet, keep getting stuck in the ones we know, but hey, can't be bad.

Think the Taverna you mention at Soudha is 'Gallini' - one of my most favourite places to be in the World (just wish the seats were a tad wider - but then I'd probably only spend longer there - shame !

Indeed, there is much good to say about Plakias, and everyone see's a different bit of it I guess dependant on where they are staying, which makes life all the more richer.

Enjoy,

Pritch

[Noopsy]

I am writing this in...  Ostraco's bar, here in sunny and very windy Plakias!!

Mention was made earlier on of the Lysseos, and it just so happens I ate there last night.  So I might as well give you my impressions hot off the press, or plate, rather than wait till I got home.

The first thing that struck me as unusual, and good, is that it has wheelchair access which I know some us will find useful.

The menu is limited, but thankfully limited to Greek dishes which is no bad thing at all.  They have the thickest paper napkins that I have come across in any restaurant I have been to here so far.  (You really wanted to know that!)

As always I gave my order in Greek, but mispronounced one or two words so the lady taking the order read back the order to me in English.  I explained to her that I try to use every opportunity I have to practise my limited knowledge of the language.  Her response was most tactful, "The pronounciation is a bit tricky so I have to make sure I've got the order right."     Oooooooooops!

For a change I had seafood, and ordered cuttlefish.  After the first mouthful I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but persevered, and found it was quite O.K.  The fish itself is quite tasteless, but to make up for this it is cooked in a very herby,  flavoursome sauce.  Give it a try if you're feeling a bit adventurous.

At the end of the meal a violinist appeared and played one number not very well.  Then a little bowl appeared.  I thought he was one of the waiters supplementing his income, so gave him 10 cents for his "trouble".  But he wasn't.  After doing his round he left the restaurant, and disappeared into the night.  You have been warned!

The other incident which slightly spoilt the evening was a young (Greek) boy going to and fro in front of the restaurants shouting something.  The word "skilos" was used.  And howling noises were made.  Friendly natives...?

Noopsy