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Post by katet on Jul 26, 2017 21:32:18 GMT
Through the 'biosphere'? But, more important, have you discovered a shortcut from the Palace to Kouk beach? Happy hols!
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Post by kevb on Jul 27, 2017 8:25:17 GMT
What they really need as a short cut from the Palace to the beach is a very long zip wire, sadly only works one way.... Glad to hear YM is enjoying his first taste of Kouk. My first Skiathos hol was at the Caravos and being the adventurous type I soon spotted the gate over the road by the bus stop and used that route through to the little bridge at the harbour end of the beach.
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Post by dennisn on Jul 27, 2017 9:21:04 GMT
What they really need as a short cut from the Palace to the beach is a very long zip wire, sadly only works one way.... Glad to hear YM is enjoying his first taste of Kouk. My first Skiathos hol was at the Caravos and being the adventurous type I soon spotted the gate over the road by the bus stop and used that route through to the little bridge at the harbour end of the beach. Ssssshhh. Only you and YM know about that shortcut! The other well known shortcut is to call the town Kouk instead of Koukounaries.
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Post by dennisn on Jul 27, 2017 9:24:35 GMT
shortcut from the Palace to Kouk beach? You come out of the Palace, cross the road, turn right, then at the fourth tree on the left, turn left and step boldly forward. (Experienced shortcutters wear their cozzies and swim to the harbour from here).
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jul 27, 2017 12:09:58 GMT
The shortcut is through the reserve. Last night we got the bus back from 22 to 23 and were amazed how long the road journey was in comparison.
On Maratha. Lovely morning, but...it's raining!
Just a little drizzle really, and a bizarre experience.
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jul 27, 2017 16:20:13 GMT
First impressions., we much prefer Maratha to Koukounaries beach.
Because it's smaller it feels less crowded.
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Post by Tre on Jul 27, 2017 21:12:30 GMT
That's exactly how we felt when we stayed there. Loved Maratha Beach. Wishing you & your family a fabulous stay.
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Post by katet on Jul 27, 2017 21:38:25 GMT
Except there's no toilets!!!! (and a very long hike up to the hotel - so forward planning is necessary ) Looking forwards to hearing more about your visit, YM ~ especially the eating bits!
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Post by Tre on Jul 27, 2017 21:42:40 GMT
Lol, Kate, I forgot about the toilets!! Do remember racing back up to the Palace one lunchtime though..... was glad about the shortcut!!
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Post by katet on Jul 27, 2017 21:46:08 GMT
Hahaha! Tre, our poor friend had eaten something a bit dodgy the previous evening and had to sprint back up to the hotel like an Olympian .... we were all amazed at his speed!!
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Post by kevb on Jul 28, 2017 8:22:13 GMT
Next assignment for YM (should he choose to accept it) is going down to Gyros under the pines, up the lane through the woods and on to Mandraki beach, one of my personal favourites and they have a toilet (albeit slightly 'rural'). You feel like you deserve a pint in the shade by the time you get there. Nice walk back the long way round on the coast road back to Kouk too. Great views and often see Elenora's falcons up that way.
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jul 28, 2017 9:09:41 GMT
Okay, time for a bit of catch up.
The Palace is great - better than I'd thought.
I'd been warned the breakfasts were spartan, but they're anything but. Selection of breads, jams, fresh fruit, cereal, 'full english', the kitchen sink.
Rooms are fine.
Hotel in general is great; fantastic views.
We were a bit fearful. My initial thoughts were that it looked isolated. Quite a way from the beach, big steep hill, quite a way from the tavernas, difficult to get to town. When we arrived SWMBO (who I'd not discussed this with) said she felt the same.
HOWEVER...
I think anyone who complains about the hill hasn't been to a lot of other places in similar situations. Yes, it's a walk, but it really isn't that bad. I'm fifty, fat and unfit, and it's no issue at all. If you had very small children/pushchairs, or were medically infirm, it might be an issue. Everyone else, no worries.
It's closer to the beaches than I'd thought, and beach to tavernas is a very short walk. Nature reserve was closed last night, but there's a road next to it which was almost as quick and we never saw a car.
Town. Now that's different. Was passed by two full buses last night. Buses going the other way wouldn't stop for us. One lass had been at the stop for an hour and seen four full ones go past.
I think we need to plan ahead and book seats on the mini bus, or walk to Kouk to get the bus.
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jul 28, 2017 9:44:28 GMT
Food. First night, Stamelos. I felt sorry for Steve (another Steve from Yorkshire), as their ordering system had just gone up the swanney and they were struggling. But he kept his , despite some quite unforgiving guests, and kept a lid on the delays. The food was...'fine'. It was fairly standard, workmanlike, basic, not too flash. I wouldn't sing to people about fantastic cuisine, or recommend it as a top eatery, but it was a typical Greek taverna. House red was passable at best, but there you go. Second night, The Big Bad Wolf. We were almost forced into here by a storm - just missed getting drenched. I was a little apprehensive as if heard it wasn't brilliant. Many people rate it, but some say it's average food in a large portions. I have to offer my opinion that the Lamb Kleftiko was the best I've ever had. This is a simple meal which can be relatively bland, or too tomatoey, but they'd got this one spot on. The potatoes were that sticky roast/boiled that makes the dish do special. Wine was very good. I had a merlot rosé, €24. Steep for Greece but £20 for a good bottle of wine in a restaurant isn't too bad, I think. It's a shame the tavernas here only ever appear to do their house wine by the glass. Tonight we're booked into the White View rooftop taverns on top of the hotel. Looking forward to it.
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Post by yorkshiremouth on Jul 28, 2017 10:07:17 GMT
And finally, for now. Back on Maratha.
I'd not thought about the toilet situation. Still, not too far up to the hotel. The 'back steps' route is pretty quick.
I think it's a question if 'go before you set offf'.
SWMBO got up at 9:00 and brought some towels down - no worries getting sun loungers.
A few clouds, but they're fast clearing.
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Post by kevb on Jul 28, 2017 11:12:58 GMT
Good to hear you are having a good time. Never had a duff meal in BBW personally so I'm glad at least the kleftiko was still on form, they do a decent stiffado there too, though 2 yrs ago it turned into a flying visit as the mozzies were out in force. There are reports on tripadvisor about how difficult it is at the moment with buses, lots of young folks from Italy & mainland on the island at present and when they are on the move in numbers it fills the buses.
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