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Post by bvrc on Sept 1, 2019 7:58:45 GMT
Day 5 We woke earlier than I thought we might due to our late night out. Probably seeing as we’re still in our first week, we decided to give the beach a miss today and head to town. We had breakfast/brunch in the Aristan bakery on the ring road, massive croissants - yum! Headed in to Bus stop 0 to check out the times of the Monastery bus and we had half an hour to wait. I took the opportunity to start my book that had gone unopen until today! We sat in the shade of the little square adjacent to the bus stop, a little area that we never really noticed before. We were the only passengers up to the Monastery and very few tourists were about when we arrived. The peacefulness and views are really special up there. After a wander, we had a cold drink in the cafe, and then back to town, again us being the only passengers. We went straight to Cosi cafe for a sandwich and yogurt/fruit and were treated to the organised chaos of not one but 3 boats! I still haven’t worked out why some cars drive in and others reverse in when loading up. A lorry reversed in and during the tight manoeuvre, hit a sign post right in front of where we were sitting. Not a jot of concern, he simply kept reversing with the corner of his lorry around the headlight hanging off. People, bikes, mopeds, quads, cars, lorries, buses, taxis all in the melee but it seems to work!! Show over we made our way back along the ring road and stopped in Deli Skiathos - what an experience! Think of a jumble sale, car boot sale, January sales, all rolled into one and not one cm of space wasted! They have everything covered! We continued round to the garden centre beside the police station just for a look, it has always surprised us how tidy it looks especially since lots of Greece is so untidy 😄. Got back to hotel for about 5pm and had an hour by the pool reading before getting ready for going out. Bussed it to Koukanaries and after looking at a few of the menus outside the eating places, we opted for Taverna Hera, part of Hotel Muses, simply as it was the only one with stuffed peppers and tomatoes, something we have seen very little of on the menus so far on this holiday. We had a beer at the pool bar in Hotel Muses beforehand as it looked so inviting. Well, the stuffed peppers & tomatoes which came with oven potatoes were so worth waiting for, perfectly cooked and so tasty. We had a complimentary ouzo (which I’m not that keen on), walked to the supermarket for an ice cream and then into Agustera. Music was great, live versions of all sorts of songs played on a big screen - we sang along, drank (too much), promised ourselves we’d be earlier home than last night, and caught the bus at about 0100 back to Kanapitsa. Another late night - oops 😬
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Post by dennisn on Sept 1, 2019 8:15:15 GMT
Somebody put a video on Facebook of that lorry bending the signpost. Impressive lack of concern. The guiding man looked as though he was going to try and straighten it up, but it was too inflexible and he left it.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 3, 2019 8:39:42 GMT
Day 6 Not an early start but felt well rested! We decided on Asselinos Beach today and stopped in Troulos at the Angelika pool bar for breakfast. Took the fork in Troulos over to Asselinos and once there it was breezy and the sea much cooler than yesterday. I like a breeze though when on the beach rather than the sticky conditions of constant heat. There were the remnants of a wedding set up from the previous day, white tables, flowers on stands, candles, ‘love’ sign, which were cleared away during the course of the day. Very relaxing day 😄. In the evening we took the boat into town from Kanapitsa beach and on seeing the balcony at Yanni’s place empty we made a beeline there for gyros, second visit this holiday. We really only wanted the view from the balcony 😄. We strolled for a bit and had a drink in the bar opposite Totem bar and then one for the road, on our way to the bus, in the little coffee shop/cafe which is very dimly lit in the new harbour - very atmospheric place but more pricey than other bars. Bus back and in bed at a more reasonable hour!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 3, 2019 8:40:10 GMT
Day 7 We surfaced for breakfast at the hotel today, stunning views that breakfast at home doesn’t provide 😄 Headed off on the quad with no firm plans but headed west. Found ourselves on the dirt track heading to Mandraki again so continued further than previously and decided on Mandraki Elias - we had never been here before and it didn’t disappoint. A beautiful beach, big and a wildness about it, so different to the beaches on the south coast. We swam loads as although it’s only next to Asselinos the shallowness of the waters means it’s warm, it’s beautiful, best of both worlds with warmth and waves. We had greek salad and chips in the taverna, best chips yet! The loos, though quite basic, could qualify for a best loo with a view award. The taverna has a rusticness with it like the old Greece, no fancy pants food or surroundings but I think that appeals to tourists rather than the swish eateries springing up with swish prices to match. Once back to the hotel we had a quick turnaround and went to the taverna on Kanapitsa beach, we like it but it has changed over the last few years to be more upmarket from its humble past. We had the salmon and anchovy bruschetta for starters and other half at the stifado whilst I had stuffed tomatoes & oven potatoes - potatoes were amazing (the Irish can’t even make them this tasty 😄), but the tomatoes weren’t as tasty as taverna Hera. Huge portions and we couldn’t finish it all but we made room for the complimentary pannecotta to finish - an orange flavour to it and delicious 😋. We walked then to the bar at Hermes on the main road for a couple of drinks before bed. The main road is quieter this year, especially at that time so not as dangerous, but I was still wary of the buses hurtling around the corners. Bed earlier tonight as we’re setting the alarm for tomorrow morning to go to Skopelos (shamefully never been before in the 19 years we’ve been coming to Skiathos!)
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Post by bvrc on Sept 3, 2019 20:17:42 GMT
Day 8 Alarm after 0800, and we headed into town on the quad to get our tickets and then grab breakfast. We parked at the top of Papadiamantis St and walked down, lovely atmosphere as people opened up shops and set out their wares for the long day ahead (same shops are open gone midnight) cafes opening, mopeds with staff rushing to work, delivery lorries, taxis, all on the main st. Tourists were breakfasting, wandering around and even window shopping! The 0950 boat wasn’t going as it was ‘broke’. The nice guy in the ticket office suggested we take the 1030 boat to Skopelos, first stopping at Glossa. We grabbed a quick breakfast in Cosi cafe, their croissants are lovely, and huge. We have always loved watching the boat chaos at the harbour and today we were part if it - although it seemed to go by chaos-free today, just as it does every day; must be a case of the observer only thinks it’s disorganised. The blue lorry that collided with the lamppost was there today too taking part in our melee 😄 (his bumper has been repaired). It was a wonderful sight pulling away from the port, up high observing the beauty of Skiathos town, a different outlook from what you see from the taxi boats. Glossa stop was half an hour later, so picture postcard perfect. Much smaller than I imagined with the town perched above the port, the beach quiet and perfect. We set off again and I caught up with my updates. Docked just after noon and my first impressions were that it was similar but different to Skiathos. The harbour side cafes were busier, and there seemed to be more of them but that’s maybe because they are in a continuous line, rather than in bits split by the Bourtzi and Papadiamantis St. We mooched around a bit, ate a late lunch, went for a beer, then an ice cream and then another beer. There were lots of steps to navigate throughout the back streets but very pretty. We probably had a bit too long there waiting until the 6.30pm boat but we’re glad we saw it. The busyness of the cafes when we arrived was due to an incoming boat and once it collected its passengers half an hour after we dat down the entire row of cafe bars was like a ghost town. Return journey went quickly and we docked about 8pm. Both outward and inward boats weren’t that busy once on board & a very pleasant way to travel over to Skopelos. Once back we grabbed a gyros in Little Balcony and made our way to Kanapitsa. Quick shower and we caught the bus over to Koukanaries to Agustera for a few drinks before bed.
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Post by dennisn on Sept 4, 2019 8:39:55 GMT
Good job I was out on the road all day yesterday, otherwise you'd have got an earful for not waving from Skopelos. Mind you, being a techy sort, I could have watched from my iPhone, so small earful administered.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 4, 2019 15:44:36 GMT
Like everything we have been doing, we decide at the last minute therefore can’t give much warning 😄. I tried to locate where the camera might be when we were waiting to reboard for the homeward journey and couldn’t work it out!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 6, 2019 8:01:15 GMT
Day 9 We don’t bother with breakfast in the hotel so headed into town, stopping en route at the Drop Inn bar beside the Bontzoi hotel for a quick bite to eat. Watched the world go by for a bit and decided to go to Xanemos beach - it was pretty windy there and the waves were good! The OH went off for a bit, back up towards town to the place whee the road goes over to Punta to do a bit of fishing (he caught 2). We chilled out to more music late afternoon but the wind drowned out a lot of it. We returned to the hotel and after a freshen up we headed for Agia Paraskevi. We ate in Kohyli, there was quite a few in, actually the island seems busier the last day or so. We dropped into the Iguana bar to catch the last of the quiz, it was rammed so a successful night for that! Afterwards we continued on up the lane to Dimitri’s bar for a drink and to say hello, a few years back we stayed in Paschalis studios and used Dimitri’s bar every night on our way back to the apartments - it’s a great spot! Got the bus back to Kanapitsa about 1230.
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Post by bvrc on Sept 6, 2019 8:01:57 GMT
Day 10 The late nights are catching up with us as we had a late start. Had breakfast at the Panorama hotel whilst others were stopping for lunch! My usual of yoghurt & fruit, OH had bacon and eggs. Continued on to Ag Eleni beach and continued our laziness with swimming and tanning. The little jack russel at this beach continues to accompany everyone on their waterspouts adventure (always first at the shoreline to jump aboard) and was even paddle boarding today. Took taxi boat into town in the evening for a mooch around and ate in Scuna, down the club strip. Food very good but service very slow, our bread didn’t arrive for 45 mins after we ordered. We had it demolished before the salad arrived. OH had a massive pork chop, I had sea bream, potatoes & salad. They were busy so I’m guessing everyone was out and about before change over day tomorrow. We continued over to Mythos bar for a drink, then to the King & Queen for 1 or 2 before back to the hotel.
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Post by katet on Sept 7, 2019 12:21:15 GMT
Great reports, Veronica! Am really enjoying them. You’re certainly packing a lot in .... puts us to shame 😉
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Post by bvrc on Sept 7, 2019 15:48:54 GMT
Great reports, Veronica! Am really enjoying them. You’re certainly packing a lot in .... puts us to shame 😉 I feel we haven’t done enough and have run out of time to still squeeze things in that we want to do or repeat seeing as we only have 2 full proper days left 😢
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Post by bvrc on Sept 8, 2019 22:35:19 GMT
Day 11 Gosh, the days are really gathering pace now, so much we still ‘need’ to do 😄. We had brunch at Hotel Muses pool bar and ended up at Mandraki Elias beach again, our new favourite! Lovely relaxed afternoon. The waves were huge, swept me off my feet more than once, water still warm though. Again, we had chips and Greek salad - it’s so good we couldn’t resist. Back to our hotel for a quick turnaround and caught the 7.30pm taxi boat from Kanapitsa beach. On arrival into the old port we took ourselves up the steps at the other end of the harbour, beside the Ginfish bar. I had forgotten how steep they really are! Made our way round to Taverna Plakes where we had never eaten before, beautiful spot. I had ‘chicken curry’, the OH had lamb chops. We were entertained by the numerous cheeky cats being squirted at with a water pistol by the staff to keep them from climbing all over the customers! We sauntered down to the old port and had a quick drink in one of the bars before hitting the King & Queen bar again. Got the last bus home at 0100, it was packed!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 8, 2019 22:36:03 GMT
Day 12 Lots of movement around the hotel this morning, the OH wasn’t happy that our neighbours’ alarm went for 15 mins at 0800 and they were obviously oblivious to it. We got up after 1000 and decided on the Bourtzoi for brunch, I had yoghurt, fruit and honey (surprise, surprise) which came in a jam jar snd the OH had scrambled eggs & salmon. Laziness has set in and we couldn’t be bothered heading west so we settled on Xanemos beach again. Water was cooler today but I find this beach difficult to navigate, in and out! Those beach shoe things would certainly help as the stones are quite sharp underfoot. Evening bus to Koukanaries and we ate in Taverna Hera again, simply to have the stuffed peppers & tomatoes again for me, the OH had chicken souvlaki. I wished I had chosen something different as mine weren’t as good as the first time I had them, good but not amazing. It’s testament to this restaurant that it was almost packed this late in the season where a lot of restaurants have plenty of empty seats, and there are a lot of tables here. We had a few drinks in Agustera and bussed it home, not the last bus but near enough the last!
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Post by bvrc on Sept 8, 2019 22:36:44 GMT
Day 13 I decided to spend an hour first thing by our pool, which wasn’t to be as there weren’t enough loungers! Not sure if it’s because it’s later in the season but there’s only about 10 around the pool area. Scrapped that plan and headed out for brunch. We stopped in Agia Paraskevi and were going to use the very nice beach bar belonging to the Skiathos Princess hotel but it has already closed for the season! We continued on to Koukanaries and decided to try out the pool bar at the Skiathos Palace hotel - we have often looked at this as a contender of where to stay but have only driven up to it in the past, never ventured in. On arrival, the reception area resembled an airport departure lounge, heaving with people either arriving or leaving, suitcases everywhere. It is very large, probably a bit too big for us. We went poolside and the views are amazing, our brunch not so much - the most expensive toasts we’ve had on the island and pretty ordinary; the accompanying crisps were stale - we guessed they might have been left over from last night’s bar offerings 😄. Ended up on Agia Eleni beach, swimming, sun bathing and had an ice cream in the beach bar - lots of Greeks chilling out today seeing as it is Sunday, great relaxing music on beach. We stayed later than normal and called at Vromolimnos beach for a beer en route back to the hotel. Quick shower and caught bus into town, we even got seats 😄 amazing singing in the grounds of the school at the top of Papadiamantis St, seemed to be quite an event taking place. Mooched down the main street, noticing autumnal clothing making an appearance in some of the shops. We stopped at Nikos taverna for a gyros pitta, chips, pork chop and drinks and then decided on desserts at Cosi cafe along the front. Finished the night in the Old Port House bar, perched on the bench outside as it was so busy inside. I vowed we wouldn’t be on the last bus so we caught the quarter to 0100 one, not that full and we didn’t even stop at bus stop 4 for a collection!
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Sept 9, 2019 6:08:53 GMT
How are you finding it ‘late season’ in general?
Just the missing sun loungers, or are other things starting to wind down?
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