The Skiathos Bulletin Board

Diamond · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 379 Location: Hertfordshire

11-25th July – Skiathos Town

Make a cup of tea or pour a Mythos. I have attempted to write about our holiday like you all do and hope not to bore you all !!

We always book flight only, usually with XL from Gatwick south terminal, leaving the car at Summer Special car park. This year chose to fly with First Choice who go from north terminal and the cost was £45 cheaper !! Same car park, different terminal. Couldn’t figure out why but didn’t ask. So at £66 for 14 nights we were thrilled. Got up at 2am, tired but flew down the M25 and walked straight up to check-in an hour before the due time – no queue and straight through for breakfast. First time we’ve had to remove our shoes at security, its getting tighter but not complaining. First Choice are excellent. Same price as XL and you get more baggage allowance, free meal on board and no stop-over on return.

As we flew around Skiathos to land, my heart as always missed a beat. Sounds crazy but I always feel really tearful when I come into land – it’s the most amazing view and I just think ‘this is home’.

Straight through to Victoria Car rentals desk – fast, efficient as always and a brand new jeep handed over to us. Drove round to the cemetery car park at the top of town and then spent over ½ hour trying to find Hotel Orsa. We knew where it was located and thought we knew the town streets off the top of our head!! Should have gone straight to the old harbour and up the steps – so close. Fantastic little hotel perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bourtzi. Had booked independently and asked for a top room which we got. Amazing views everyday (wont bore you on this as have put a link on Accommodation section).

That evening walked 2 mins down to Jimmys Bar and had some cocktails (which we did every night!) before walking up to Taverna Selini above which had been recommended and we had never tried before. It was nice with lovely views over the harbour.

Saturday straight off to Kechria, our favourite beach and what changes have been made. Its like his own little haven, his back garden for everyone to share. Hammocks in the trees, more sunbeds, ornamental designs from driftwood perched all over the rocks. And a huge welcome and excellent food in the taverna. Spent many days here.

Went to Hellinikon that night which had been our favourite last year. Don’t know what had happened but it was very disappointing - tough meat, cold plates and dishes arriving 20 mins apart. Lots of people were complaining. Shame as I like the musicians there. It may have been a bad night but we didn’t return unfortunately. After that The Admiral Benbow to see Mick and Elaine and we spent every single night in there, at some point, with so many old and new friends and had some great evenings. Mick and Elaine really do run an excellent bar and are a warm and lovely couple. Halfway through the evening Mick waved someone in from the street saying “this is Mo&balconies”. Mick says to Sue “this is Diamond”! Why did I choose that name!! Anyway, whenever anyone asked, they all knew the name so it must work. We found that the same people we met there last year were back again even though we were two weeks earlier. So nice to meet old faces and catch up.

Sunday decided to find Krifi Amos (Hidden Beach) another recommendation from the Board. Glad I wore my trainers for the walk down! and not flipflops. Its not that steep but a bit slippery. Nice bay but getting busy – hidden no longer ! Taverna run by lovely friendly lady. That evening Asprolithos taverna with a huge welcome – I don’t know how they remember everyone but the food there is still excellent and then off to Roof Top Bar for a drink.

Monday, Tony persuaded me to walk to Kastro. Hadnt done this before and I am glad I did. After the walk to the top, came down to a table under a tree by the church, where bottles of ouzo and nibbles of greek delight had been laid out for everyone to enjoy with a little honesty box placed on the table. It was so enjoyable sitting and mixing with different people and nationalities and enjoying a glass of ouzo and water from the spring. Walked down to Kastro beach and watched the boats coming in and the fittest of the daytrippers hurtling up to the top of Kastro and even funnier, tearing down again when they thought they were going to miss the boat !

That evening went to the Boomerangers dinner arranged by Guy at Varellis’ taverna in Troulos. Always sceptical about evenings like this it was a success and great to put faces to names. Yiorgos and Rosemany were great hosts and the food was excellent. Wish I was returning for the September event.

Tuesday visited Kanaptisa beach and then off to Dionissos taverna that evening where we met Sue (Mo&balconies) again. Spent several enjoyable evenings there and the food was excellent. Huge plates, complimentary ouzo, nibbles and fruit and still reasonably priced. Sue is a great ‘front of house’ and really knows how to get the punters in. A lovely lady and hopefully Steve will be back on the island with her soon. As we left, huge winds were wipping up along the streets. We had this last year when it culminated in Tony, a bit worse for wear after many drinks in a bar, having to jump into the hotel swimming pool to retrieve all our towels from the balcony – swiftly sobered him up. With that thought in mind, albeit this year he would have been jumping off the cliffs into the sea, he raced back to the hotel to just save my bikini flying off across to the Bourtzi ! What a night. The noise from the wind was crazy and so on Wednesday knowing that the seas on the north side of the island would be amazing, drove over past Agistros which had been flattened. No tops on the brolleys and the taverna roof half gone. The taverna owner was still recovering several days later. Went on past Krifi Amos where the sea had taken away the beach. Nowhere to sit if you wanted and so we carried onto Kechria where we sat under a tree on the grass and took some great pictures. It was quite sheltered here but the sea was raging.

Thursday sought out Ag Elini which we had never visited before. Been to nearby Banana and Koukanaries but we find it just far too noisy and clubby there now. Many years ago Banana was my favourite when you could relax on big banana, take your clothes off and feel unbothered. Not anymore – mind you, far too old for that now – wouldn’t dare ! Ag Elini is sheltered and as it was still quite windy it was a good bay for a swim and some of the boats were coming in rather than going around the island. We noticed they then went over to the Pelion which I have never seen before. We never did discover how that trip gets organised. Would have liked to have done that. Returned to Asprolithos that evening with friends of ours who had spent two weeks on Skopelos and decided to have the night before their flight in Skiathos. Good thinking considering the high winds for the ferry crossing. They had been to see Mamma Mia and so that was next on our list.

Friday dropped our friends off at the airport and went to Portobello for one of their full English breakfast. Good value and thought I could eat it all but the heat beat me ! Visited Kolios Bay where we could see that the shrubs and trees were slowly recovering from last years fire. In the evening had an early meal at Taverna Alexandros before going to see Mamma Mia. What an atmosphere, people dancing and singing in the aisles. Headed off again to Admiral Benbow where we met Chris and Jan who used to run a bar on the island and now, although back in the UK, have a pretty holiday house in the town. Never did find out the name of the bar they had owned opposite Asprolithos. Their daughter had a session on the drums that evening in Chocolate Bar so I went off to see her perform. She was excellent and so were the band who played mostly reggae. What a night. It was 4am when I eventually staggered home and spent all Saturday paying for it, lying on Kechria under a tree dying ! Back to Dionissos taverna that evening and actually had an early night, wonder why. Honestly, just cant take it anymore.

Sunday visited Mandraki for the first time. I do hope I have the right Mandraki here as there is also Mandraki Elias which on the map is called Ghournes. I always get confused. In the evening we made the effort to get out early in the hope of a table at Maria’s Pizza. Every time we had passed during the week, it was packed with queues down the street. We had seen the place full at 7am, far too early for me, so I guessed if we got there just before 8 we might catch the people leaving. We were in luck and the food was excellent. The only trouble is that you do feel obliged not to linger at the table enjoying a drink as there are so many people queueing you feel a bit guilty.

Monday spent the whole day walking and exploring Skiathos Town. Always enjoy this, looking for new places to perhaps stay and ultimately somewhere to buy or rent for the summer in a couple of years time. Always on our mind and having met Val and Kev and seen their home last year and then Chris and Jan this year with their home, we never stop looking and thinking about it. Had lunch at La Scuna on club row which was very good and fed bread to the masses of fish along there.

Tuesday went down to see Nikotsara bay – quite a drive and somewhere to be seen but it was too hot to stay with no beds or brollies but great for snorkelling. So off back to Kechria. Walked through the woods this time and found the house, still standing but even more dilapidated and the Sale board still there. You’d have to be brave to take that one on.

Wednesday went over to Asselinos and saw the new places being built. It could get quite big down there over time. We stayed in Asselinos at Villa Angela 4 years ago and it is a beautiful valley but we now prefer to stay in the town and use a jeep to get out to the beaches each day and then at night we can park up, and drink without worrying.

Our last day Thursday was spent on Kechria again (boring aren’t we) saying goodbyes and then went to Dionissos again to see Sue and give her our good wishes for Steve and a quick return to the island. Off to Admiral Benbow, lots of people to say goodbye too, many of whom live now on the island or spend the summer there and how I admire their lifestyle and bravery for taking that step. Also met several more people from this Board but didn’t recognise their names as they seem to read the site rather than leave reports. But we all had such good fun as we all have a common interest – our love of Skiathos.

Friday off to the airport, very strict check-in (handluggage too) and the couple in front of us were overweight and got charged €10 for each 1kg over. They seemed surprised and said they had never known it before. Its so helpful that this site keeps us all informed and forewarned. Onto First Choice aircraft and wonderful to be told it was a non-stop flight. Bliss. However, I would rather they had announced that they couldn’t take off for a further week and left me stranded on this most beautiful island.

Had a very relaxing, mainly beach holiday this year. Always trying to keep something new to do next time but it gets harder. Hopefully will get to meet Geoff one day and we didn’t get over to Tsourgria this year since the taverna has been built. Skopelos, even though we’ve done it before, would be nice to visit again but a day would be enough – it doesn’t compare to Skiathos even though the town is kept immaculate. Would love to do that trip over to the Pelion that the boats were doing on the stormy day. Anyway know what that is?

Anyway that’s it. A truly wonderful holiday again. If you’ve got this far, you haven’t gone to sleep with boredom. I can see the yawns following after this link !!! Wink

Christine (Diamond)
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suejet · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 6:12 pm Post subject:

Lovely read Diamond, your photos are fabulous too. I'll check in to see more on Clearpsray too!
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Diamond · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 379 Location: Hertfordshire

Oh Suejet. Nothing on ClearSpray for this year yet. Not as popular or read as thoroughly as this wonderful site unfortunately !! But there are lots of photos and previous years reviews. Will put some more pics on the Photo forum when I get round to finding some time !
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Elle · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject:

Lovely report Diamond... glad you liked the Orsa.
Were there any begging kitties at your breakfast there? (a few of 'my' street cats beg a meal there now and again)

The boats going to the mainland are going to a quiet (I guess that term is relative... it was quiet in June, but July? August? I doubt it..) little village called Katiyorgi... Some of the boats go over there even when weather is calm...

Tsougria did have a new taverna on the 2nd beach - last year - but this year no one opened it up. It was just a shell with junk laying around when we were there in May-June. The taverna, run by Mikhalis and.. Vasilis? (can't remember the older guy's name - ) is on the main beach, as usual. I can imagine that this time of year Tsougria is a bit like New York's Coney Island - I wouldn't want to be there...

Thanks for the trip report! I am counting the days until we go back in December - or actually, more likely, November....

Elle
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BB & LB · Joined: 17 Dec 2006 Posts: 238 Location: Lincoln, UK

Excellent read Diamond. We left the morning of the high winds! Pool side beds and tables in the pool at the Plaza Hotel. We didn't think the aircraft would get in, but there were no problems in the end and it meant we were able to get back non-stop as well.
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Diamond · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 379 Location: Hertfordshire

Yes Elle there were plenty of kittens begging for food, some newborns also whilst we were there. And a lovely little puppy also appeared during our first week. He was gorgeous. Have you stayed at the Orsa? Thanks for the information on the Pelion trip. What seemed strange was that it was the main boat, the blue one, cant recall the Greek spelling! which normally does the 'round the island' trip so the winds must have changed their plans. I have never seen a trip over to the mainland for the day like that advertised on the harbour. Something to look for next time around. I would love to see the island in the winter, you are very lucky. It is something we are looking towards in the near future hopefully - a little place in town for holidays and maybe ulitimately retirement Laughing

It would be wonderful.

BB & LB Those winds were incredible - glad you got away from the island although I am sure you would have been happy to have been left behind! Its good to get a non-stop flight for a change I have to say.
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Cheshire Cats · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 128 Location: Chester UK

Diamond - can honestly say that we too have the same "heart flutters" as the plane comes in to land on the beautiful island!! It certainly feels as if we have come home and a feeling of calm washes over us - this happened the very first time we stepped onto the tarmac and we knew we were about to have the best time ever. Very Happy

This feeling has never diminished and can't wait until it happens again on 3rd September!!! Wink

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Darrell · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:51 am Post subject:

The place ran by Chris and Jan was called Daskalio.We used to go there for a roast on Sunday night.It is now a couple of shops with studios on top.I remember the daughter when she was in her buggy.
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Elle · Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject:

Diamond, we know about Orsa because we stayed there years ago and actually told you a bit about it when you were first inquiring on the board... we live in Plakes when we visit Skiathos...

glad to hear kitties were being fed. I feed the Plakes cats kibble and wet food whenever we are there, usually May-June, and stress so much when I leave - I leave HUGE bags of cat food all over the neighborhood, w/ notes in Greek, asking that the cats please be fed.... Most of the neighbors there oblige, very kindly... One of the places I always leave a big bag is the Orsa.

One Plakes cat, white with orange markings, I've been feeding for three years! She comes running at the sound of my bracelets... once, even after I've been away for a year... She looks better in winter than spring so I think someone takes care of her through the winter months. Another, a solid male brownish tabby with kind green eyes (Meow Meow) has come for food for two years... there was a lovely, sweet fluffy brownish tabby who was pregnant in June, living just below Orsa. perhaps that is where the wee kitties came from.
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"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
- HH The Dalai Lama
--
modern folk music
http://www.cdbaby.com/all/kammmac
http://www.myspace.com/paulkammandeleanoremacdonald

Diamond · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 379 Location: Hertfordshire

Hi Elle

When you say you live in Plakes when you visit Skiathos. Do you own a home there or have a favourite place you rent. We are looking for something a little cheaper than hotels. Even though we loved the Orsa if we want to return more often to the island we have to find somewhere less expensive. Do you have somewhere you can recommend to me?

Kind regards

Christine (Diamond)
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Elle · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 6:00 pm Post subject:

Hi Diamond.. we have a secret place we love in Plakes... a friend's place.
No frills -
Just a room... a secret, secret room.... Cool

_________________
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion."
- HH The Dalai Lama
--
modern folk music
http://www.cdbaby.com/all/kammmac
http://www.myspace.com/paulkammandeleanoremacdonald

Diamond · Joined: 06 Sep 2006 Posts: 379 Location: Hertfordshire

How wonderful - you are so lucky Laughing

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allan · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 102 Location: Preston Lancashire

Loved your report Diamond...Although you and the other 2008 feedback subscribers are now going to cost us a fortune !! Confused

We had an extended holiday in the USA for the whole of June so was only planning on going back to Skiathos for our 14th trip in 2009.

But after reading all the feedback...we can't wait a whole year,so today we are trawling the internet to find a deal for a weeks much needed "Skiathos fix" this September... Very Happy

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Kriandos · Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:29 pm Post subject:

Get it booked Big Al ... may see you and Ethel there but we are going quite late ... 26th for one week.

allan · Joined: 04 Jan 2007 Posts: 102 Location: Preston Lancashire