Plori Villa

Stayed at Villa Plori (Kosmar) in Makriyalos 13-27th May 2005. Excellent as right on the beach so you can get the full benefit of self catering if desired, we took the easy option of Lunch in the Tavernas.
Basic accommodation as expected in Greece, but good-sized studios. Ours (no 1) had a double bed plus a single bed, beds are the concrete based style. Each Studio has its own balcony.
Towels changed twice a week, sheets weekly. Also cleaned (mopped thru) twice a week. Have known far better cleaning, but also have known worse. Studios are next to Ravens Bar, we did not notice any noise problem with this.
In fact Makriyalos seems a very quiet resort and seems to go to sleep around midnight, so excellent for Families or those seeking a quite relaxed holiday, not for any party animals.
Beach in front of the Studios is Sandy with Sandy access into gently shelving clean sea; walk in 25 yards and still only up to thighs. Beach did get pebbly further along.
There is another Beach passed the Harbour that shelves quicker for serious swimmers/snorkellers.
Every night the meals out were very good, also local wine was acceptable to very good, the only one not was at XAVI.
Tavernas used, the number of times was not a reflection of quality, simply the location of the ones near the Harbour we found more pleasant with the views etc.
AKROGALI Used once Best House Wine, good food. Some special Greek Dishes needed a days advance order.
GUSTO Used once (Italian) Wood oven Excellent Pasta with large choice of very good Thin Based Pizzas.
KAVOS Used three times. Very friendly waiter, Great Green Beans. The sort of place that runs out of menu items.
FAROS Used three times. Very friendly, great GIGANTES. Good bottles wine under own label from Sitia.
CORALI Used twice. The best Stafardo I had it both times. Plate full of Stafardo and nothing else.
Can’t remember this ones name but just east of Knossos. Very good Moussaka. Be careful of Dakos for starter as enormous portion. (Dry bread heaped with Tomato Feta Olives excellent only too much).
We found the walk up to PEFKI via the Gorge a good outing, we took the higher route along the top of the Gorge, we did mean to go thru bottom but Red way marks led us up.
Trips sold by Reps/Travel
Spinalonga trip is a long day for only an Hour at Spinalonga and 45 Mins at a small beach. Best if you drive to go to Elunda and catch the local ferry and make your own timetable.
Village Life Tour we found very enjoyable. Stops at KRISTA, good craft shops. Small Church PANGIA KERA excellent 12th cent FRESCOS. Then stops PRINA and KALAMAFKA here we used local back down the street the bus comes in on rather than café on the Square. A KALAMIRISAS and a TA KENIS as you go in works wonders not only here but everywhere.
To sum up MAKRIYALOS is a real CHILL OUT resort. Complete rest with nothing but sun, Sand, Sea and GOOD FOOD and don’t forget the excellent little OLYMPIA Bar by the Harbour with DIMITRI as an excellent host.