Message posted by zebedee on 26 September 2007 at 1:07pm - IP Logged
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zebedee
Just got back from a fantastic two week holiday staying at Bastas in Lakka. Would highly recommend the bleasdale book and map - however be prepared to get lost in some beautiful places! Met some wonderful people who made our holiday so much fun hope to see them on here soon. Trip round the island and Anti paxos was amazing especially diving off the boat and the ouzo! Hotel was good though i would recommend self catering rather than B&B. Overall a wonderful place to go walking snorkelling and fishing - even caught a fish for my tea! Happy holidays Cathie
Message posted by Yammas on 28 September 2007 at 12:09pm - IP Logged
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**Please Note The Following Comments are My Opinion**
Bastas Hotel could definately do with some money throwing at it, rather dismal and tatty,the trees and foliage at the front needs cutting back, and the reports I read prior to departure regarding the pool not being in tip top condition were correct. Kostas is lovely though
Paxos was too quiet for me for 2 weeks.
Over 6 hours waiting for a blummin' ferry was a joke!
There were too many cats and too many wasps!
The Paxiots weren't the most friendly and welcoming Greeks I have come across.
It was very expensive!
Not sure if I would return - not at least until the transfers facilities are much improved
Moan over!!
********************
Paxos is very beautiful and tranquil.
Anti Paxos is stunning!!
The food albeit expensive, was some of the best I have ever tasted anywhere. I didn't have a bad meal whilst there.
The bus service run by Spiros is good value for money and punctual.
The boat trip around the island/ Anti Paxos, and the Cultural Evening coach trip were great.
Tina B .... Jane is a lovely person and I had a lovely treatment at her salon.
I too met some lovely people who helped make my holiday special.
Message posted by ElaineK (Paxos) on 29 September 2007 at 10:23am - IP Logged
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Sorry to hear that Paxos wasn't everything you expected, but I'm glad it wasn't all bad.
As I've mentioned on another thread on here, I too found September a little too quiet for my liking and probably wouldn't go back so late in the season again. However, as we're currently trying to find flights to fit in with our more usual 3 weeks for next July, we definitely haven't been put off returning altogether
Too late for you now unfortunately, but for others thinking of going to Paxos for the first time, maybe a little more research prior to booking would be worthwhile. I'm thinking particularly about long waits for the ferry in Corfu Town, which must be grim if you're just sitting in a bar or wandering around wishing the time away. However, there's so much to see and do in Corfu Town to easily fill 6 hours - you just need to know where to find it and look upon it as the start of your holiday rather than an unwanted delay.
Better luck next year. I hope you find your dream destination, as many of us here have done
Elaine
Message posted by zebedee on 29 September 2007 at 2:13pm - IP Logged
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zebedee
Hi Dee Yep I remembered our Wednesday thing was between kids classes but took 5 mins to think about swimming at anti paxos it was amazing wasn't it. Hope your ok really enjoyed your company. You take care Cathie xx (& Paul xx)
Message posted by lindaf on 30 September 2007 at 12:55pm - IP Logged
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Good thing we're not all alike, isn't it? Some of the reasons Yammas didn't enjoy Paxos were the very reasons I did, i.e. the peace and quiet and the cats. Don't like the wasps of course but, from looking at other posts, there seems to be an abundance of them at this time of year all over. Like Bastas, the Amfitriti could do with a 'spring clean' but the holiday price was very low so we didn't expect too much. It was close to the beach, the room was clean; we had a sea view - even though we didn't pay for one and there was a taverna next door where we could get a drink and a snack. I shall go for two weeks next time, though, as the travel is rather too tiring for one week, but, overall, worth it.....
Message posted by Tina B on 01 October 2007 at 9:52pm - IP Logged
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I understand Bastas is due to have a refit this winter as it has got shabby. I have never had a problem with the pool. I do miss seeing Nico taking his shirt off occasionaly at the pool now that he is based at the beach taverna! Worth lingering over a swim for.
I have been to a few places in Greece in September and it is quiet as families with kids are back at school. The time you were on Paxos is the music festival which I suppose attracts a particular visitor. Like Linda I love somewhere qiet and peaceful. I hate it in August when visitor numbers are highest.
Wasps are everywhere at this time of year. Even in Britain. I was at a camp fro 3000 Guides and Scouts in August and we were plagued all week. The whole of the Nottinghamshire population seemed to descend on us at each meal, with much girly screaming and upsets dinners. Not many visitors to Greece realise just how the population of cats were kept down in Winter, and it isn't by natural selection. This practise has been pahsed out a bit, hence the rise in numbers. I understand a charity has been visiting & performing the ops to try & help.
I have not found locals partucularly unfriendly. there are a few characters as there is anywhere. One of the provision shops has a particularly grumpy worker, but she is like that with locals too. Having been to a few places in Europe over tha last few years I don't find it that expensive and I have found there are places for all pockets. The food and drink is more than other Greek resorts as it all has to come in by boat. Many visitors think the cost must be less for residents, but it isn't. getting there can be a long day, but I am grateful not to be sat on a bus for hours and take the chance to wander round Corfu Town with it's lovely shops, cafes and culture spots.
Message posted by Tina B on 01 October 2007 at 9:55pm - IP Logged
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PS Dee Jane did remember you. She asked what I had said about her before you went!! I am still waiting for my treatment. She never has time. It will be very quiet at the end of the month so I may be lucky!
Message posted by devorah on 01 October 2007 at 10:07pm - IP Logged
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Jane asks everyone what you have said...............but I always reassure her that you are always very helpfull and informative about the island and people..........have acouple more pics that I will download in the next couple of days
Message posted by floralie on 09 October 2007 at 12:17am - IP Logged
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Just back from Paxos today, wonderful as usual! We took a six month old baby this time and had a great holiday. It did seem quieter than at the same time last year although the season seems to be extended now well into late October.
Message posted by sara g on 09 October 2007 at 12:38am - IP Logged
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Just a note about the waiting for the ferry (hydrofoil) at Corfu new port. You can leave your luggage at the ferry port in the terminal for only 3 euros a bag - then you have all the time you want to explore Corfu town, which is well worth it.
We were also in Paxos is Sept. and yes it is quieter than summer, and there was obviously an older clientele, but, well I suppose those of us who write on here are biased - it is still the prettiest of small Greek islands in my view.
Message posted by lindaf on 09 October 2007 at 10:45am - IP Logged
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When I go next year, I am going to take more notice of where to go in Corfu Town, in preparation for the wait. We had a 3.5 hour wait, which I didn't think was bad and we did wander up the road (pointed out to us by the tour rep) and ended up in a square. Fearful that we'd get lost and miss the hydrofoil, we bought some food and sat, watching the world go by, whilst munching! As it seems to be the luck of the draw the time you wait for the crossing, I want to make sure I know where to go if we have a longer wait. It was lovely to get to Paxos after the hustle and bustle of (what we saw of) Corfu town.
Floralie, glad you enjoyed you hol's - hope the weather wasn't too unkind to you?
Linda
Message posted by Tina B on 09 October 2007 at 3:01pm - IP Logged
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Leave your luggage with the very nice man. You can go straight up from the port but I find it is much more pleasant if you turn left and follow the pavement along the coastal footpath, round the headland and through the arch and you arrive at the Liston, old fort & shops. I often get a pastry or sandwich & sit in under the trees in the park. All the shops are there & you really can't get lost as most paths end up at the sea. As long as you head for the new fort you will arrive back at the port.
Before you get to the arch there is a lovely bar set down by the water. It had funky jazz type stuff on when I was htere & served sancks etc. Lovely to sit & watch the world & boats go by. In the past I have got cross when I had built in a trip to Corfu Town on my return journey & instead got boated to Kavos with no coach out until later that day. I cpuldn't go back to all the shops I had seen on the way out!! I think there is a map to download on one of the accomadation sites.
Message posted by floralie on 09 October 2007 at 3:51pm - IP Logged
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Thanks Linda, Yes we had lovely weather and it was even warm at nights.There was a storm the night before we left but the electrics stayed on! We did think the island looked pretty dry and were told that both last winter and this summer were dryer than normal.Just booking now for next June to keep my spirits up.
Message posted by lindaf on 09 October 2007 at 3:54pm - IP Logged
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Tina, thank you! We were aimed up a hill, nowhere near the coast-line. To be honest, the first 500 metres were very uninteresting. I'll print off your note and put it with my passport, in readiness. Something to look forward to, incase there is a wait. He is a lovely man, isn't he? Very friendly, as is the woman.
Message posted by Tina B on 09 October 2007 at 11:56pm - IP Logged
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He did look after me well in April. He was very concerned about me travelling alone & kept open until I had to set off for the airport & sorted me out with a taxi. He greets Mum with 'hello Grandma, back again'. It must get stressfull during peak time & some of the customers get so stroppy. It is that bit of the journey that amuses me. It doesn't matter if you paid £200 or £2000 for your holiday on Paxos, you mostly all end up on the same transport! A great leveller. A rather poshly spoken chap once got very irate as he wanted to make sure all his luggage went in the room & not the pile outside with all the hoi poli. He seemed to think someone would make off with it all. Obviously hadn't seen the unattended pile of goods outside waiting by the harbour side for the boat to arrive. In the end the Greek suddenly lost all his ability to understand English. Lovely session of people watching there. Come to think of it that's the evening 'entertainment' on Paxos. Watching the antics of the dinghies coming on & off boats is an endless supply of amusement. Who needs TV.
Message posted by lindaf on 10 October 2007 at 1:00pm - IP Logged
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That just about sums up why I enjoy Greece and her islands. I only have one 'complaint' about the waiting room at the port and that's the smoke. I am a non smoker and, despite the notice saying it's a no-smoking room, no-one gives a jot and just carries on. Of course, it isn't such a problem because you can go outside..........
Message posted by toulky on 10 October 2007 at 1:51pm - IP Logged
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Hi Toulky, I think it really depends on what sort of holiday you enjoy.
I first visited Paxos 21 years ago and have been back many times since then (just returned from another visit) but still haven't managed to explore all of the island or done all the things I would like to do. This time I went with my son,his partner and baby son who all loved it.As an experienced diver my son was impressed by the amount of sea life to be encountered whilst snorkelling, and for those who walk,Paxos is a revelation and is well worth the effort involved.We saw a lot of bird life this time including many Kestrels. The pleasure of Paxos lies in it's simplicity,a world away from the usual package holiday market.
Message posted by franandjames on 11 October 2007 at 11:49am - IP Logged
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franandjames
Hi all,
On the subject of hanging around at the port for the dolphin to Paxos, when I came back to Corfu from Paxos this time we had a horrendously long wait before our flight back to UK and they were having a heatwave - it was 47 degrees!! so we got in a taxi and asked him to take us to the closest hotel with a pool. He took us to a lovely hotel very close to the airport, they locked our luggage away safely for us and we spent the day in the pool before flying home, and had a couple of last minute cocktails by the pool as well, it had to be done! There's nothing to stop you doing this when arriving in Corfu if it's a long wait for the ferry... and what better way to start your holiday, don't waste a minute of it pacing up and down the harbour in the searing heat ...!
Fran
Message posted by toulky on 11 October 2007 at 5:24pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by toulky on 10 October 2007
We returned from Paxos on 1 October and would agree with Yammas that 2 weeks is too long for a small island like Paxos.
We travelled with Kosmar booked via Directline Travel with flight from Exeter which suited us as we live in Cornwall however we were told we would have to spend 1st night on Corfu as last ferry sailed before our flight got in.
This cost was not included in the package and that we had to make our own arrangements regarding hotel. I checked with Directline and they confirmed this. I did little research and reserved room at hotel in Corfu for first night by email.
Upon arrival at Corfu we checked with Kosmar rep who informed us we were to bee taken to apartment in Dassia and they would pick us up at 13:30 the following day to be taken to ferry port.
The apartment was dirty and the noise from the traffic all night was terrible, as was the road drill that started up the following morning at 07:30.
The rep arrived at 13:30 and took us to the ferry port issued us with Hydrofoil tickets and said someone would meet us on Paxos. Arrived Paxos at 16:00 hours so nearly 2 days to get there.......
Once there and been taken to apartment in Lakka we did have a lovely time. The pace of life was very laid back, the food, tavernas weather people there were wonderfull although you could see it had been a long season for them.
Our one gripe was the mozzies who seemed to love the repellant we bought as even though we immersed ourselves each evening we had new bites nearly every day....
We made new friends whilst on Paxos namely Tich and Fester, Molly and Howard as well as some locals and had many laughs.
In all we enjoyed our stay in Paxos, it is a lovely Island that has not been over commerciallised and retains the Greek traditions and way of life.
Message posted by spiros on 11 October 2007 at 10:02pm - IP Logged
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Perhaps I shouldn't butt in until I've actually been (ask me next year), but I've seen a number of comments saying 2 weeks on Paxos is too long.
Surely that's a bit of a sweeping generalisation?
Doesn't it depend on what you're looking for? There appear to be far more people on this board (who know far more than I do) who return for two and sometimes three weeks annually, and keep returning, so it can't be that bad.
Different strokes for different folks - thank goodness, or we'd all be queueing up for the same holiday!
We went to Haki (in the South Dodecanese nr Rhodes) last year. Much the same sized island as Paxos, but 90% barren, with only one village/port - roughly the size of Lakka. No cars, no roads and absolutely nothing to do all day except chill, and then choose from half-a-dozen tavernas in the evening.
I'm sure it would be far too quiet for the majority of folks, but like Paxos, the regulars keep returning each year and love it for exactly the reasons most wouldn't.
As it's a dry island, the water is shipped in, and as a result there are no pools on Halki (although many properties are on the waterfront). We had one such, but encountered lots of jellyfish, hence my better half has informed me that a pool is now one of the items on our "tick list" .
I'm hoping Paxos will offer the same peace, quiet and complete R&R that Halki did, but with the pool! I think I can cope with 2 weeks of that.
Message posted by lindaf on 11 October 2007 at 10:17pm - IP Logged
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I went to Paxos for the first time in September and could only afford the time to go for one week. I am going to return in June and for two weeks - wish I was able to go for longer. As you say, good thing we're not all alike - me, give me the tranquility, peace, sun and a sherbert and I'm happy! The advice and help offered on this site is brill, too, if you're not too lazy like I was to follow it......
Linda
Message posted by annag on 12 October 2007 at 1:21pm - IP Logged
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First of all butt in all you want, the more opinions the better, secondly as one of those people who return year after year and who loves sea swimming i've never seen a jelly fish, (that's not to say there aren't any). One of the reasons we keep returning to Paxos is because the swimming is so good and the snorkelling's not bad either. The other thing we love about the place is that it's so green, often with olive trees right down to the back of the beach, lovely to have natural shade tho' you do have to keep moving around as the sun moves, but I'm not completely against taking a little exercise whilst on holiday!
Message posted by spiros on 12 October 2007 at 2:18pm - IP Logged
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We went to Paxos for the first time this year and fell in love with this little island and its way of life. Thank goodness we all like different things as it would become far too crowded and spoil the magic. We had two weeks there and enjoyed every day. We did have a hire car but walked a lot as well. There were things we did not get around to seeing and hopefully it will not be too long before we can go back and enjoy a drink whilst watching the world go by- ah what bliss.
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