GOLDEN BEACH IN MAY 2008.

[ronsaunders47]

Hi All. Just a few shots to show how quiet it is at the beginning of the season.
This first one shows that the taverna that used to occupy the far end of Golden Beach has now gone for good. Flattened and made into a carpark. Had some fond memories of that place. But it also had it's downside as well. As you were right alongside the road you got a blast of car exhaust fumes everytime one drove by. Didn't enhance the Kalamari one bit.
There are plans afoot for this area. The council want to reclaim the land on the right where the Sotaris restraunt now stands . This will also be flattened to make way for a new grass covered leisure area with swings and slides etc for the kiddy-poos.
Ron.

[ronsaunders47]

This photo shows how quiet the place can be in the first week of the season.
Be aware that the hotellers and appartment owners are not very happy with the UK package dealers and are considering removing their rooms from them. Thompson are the main culprits . Why is it that the holiday companies pay the same amount for a room all season but makes us pay higher and extortionate rates at peak times. Good ol' rip off Britain again.
Most places are now encouraging online booking and independant travelling. Makes sense.
Ron.

[Joy T]

Hi Ron,

A friend has just returned from Golden Beach and he was really disappointed at how much building work was going on in the Golden Beach area, however, the weather wasn't great which always makes things look bleaker. We thought what had been changed last year actually improved the area (if that was possible), what is your take on it?

Joy T

[boris]

Hello Ron. Can you please post a few more pics of the GB, particularly if you have any of the area just about 50 metres further from Vigli than the latter of your posts? Did the cafe area in the shadow on the little walk between the houses and the beach expand? Crs, Boris

[ronsaunders47]

Hi Joy. In answer to your query . There is building work going on all day now at Golden Beach-Scala Potamia area. I submitted a complaint to the rep ref the the constant noise. I was staying at the George Hotel. What i dont understand is that there is not enough people to fill the rooms and appartments that are built let alone find more folks to occupy the new ones.
Now this might bring a shock-horror reaction to you guys . They are in the process of building a large complex between GB and Scala Pot. THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE ALL-INCLUSIVE SITES.I bet the the local taverna owners are over the moon (not).
i KNOW THAT WE DIDN'T EXPECT THASSOS TO STAND STILL WITHIN THE TOURIST INDUSTRY . BUT THEY SEEM TO BE PLAYING CATCH -UP AT A RAPID RATE.. HOW LONG TILL McDONALDS ARRIVE???.
To be honest though some areas have improved. There is even an internet cafe in GB now.
Sadlly I was not impressed with Scala Pot . I felt like i was in one of those American wild west ghost towns. Just the rolling tunbleweed missing. But its early days yet. those guys can get a place up and running overnight.
On a different subject now and I think is quite important is the charging for excess weight on your luggage when leaving Greece.
Just because you didn't charged leaving UK don't assume it will be OK going back. It don't work like that. If you go over the limit you will be charged approx 10 euros for each kilo that the bag weighs. some very unhappy chaps were forking out about 220 euros for a caseful of stuff not worth 50 euros.
Now you dont need ballroom gowns and diner suits for Thassos just slobbing out gear. So leave a bit of room in the case. Dont say I haven't warned you. OK !!
Ron.

[ronsaunders47]

On the subject of Scala Potamia, here is how it looked last week. Ron.

[alansal]

gosh!
you have made me feel really miserable now!
Have been looking forward to our 2 weeks at the George in Golden Beach for ages now-was not expecting a building site!
Please say something to make me feel better.
Lets hope our first trip to Thassos will not be our last
Alan & a very dejected Sally

[annaviktoria]

Hi, thank you for your pictures with the newest informations about Golden Beach! It is soooo interesting for me and I think for all of us.
Please, please, post some more pictures to see more from Skala Panagia (Chrissi Amoudia)!!!!!!!
Thank you,
all the best from Vienna,
Susi

[ronsaunders47]

Hi Alansal.
Sorry if I caused any despondancy. That was not my intention. The last thing I want to do put people off the lovely Island. All I'm doing is trying to inform of current events.
The subject of building work noise which can be heard from The george Hotel. Yes it can be annoying but then again you dont stay in your hotel all day do you ? Once you are out and about its no problem. I cured the problem with a few glasses of Mythos.
I used the Finikis Restraunt this time a lot. Just cut through the grounds of the Ioannis hotel opposite and you are there. Exceptional food and lovely people. Try their lamb kleftico. To die for !
This view is of The Golden Sands / The Fedra. Now where else can you get beach frontage like that.? Superb
You will have a great time. Trust me. Ron.

[Black Cat]

Hi Ron,

Was my favourite drinking place Daves bar open?

BlackCat

[lynne read]

Hi Blackcat

Sorry to say Daves bar is up for sale, Dave is retiring so dont know if he has sold if yet.

see ya

Lynne

[ronsaunders47]

Yes Daves Bar is still open. He has a sign indicating it's for sale.
After discussing it with him I think he is in no rush to retire and sell up yet. He is enjoying it tooooo much now that he has reverted back to just being a bar that has music playing till four in the morning.
Me thinks his missus is the one who wants to sell.
Try his music quiz on Thursdays for a good night out.

[Joy T]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the info. We cannot understand the rush to build loads of apartments when like you say most are empty, I know a couple of weeks in July and August get very busy. When we spoke to the locals last year they were fed up about the UK Tour Operators pulling out of the island because they said that us Brits do spend the money. We know places have to move with the times but they only need to look at whats happened on other islands and Spain to know that sometimes too much progress isn't for the best. Lets hope they keep the builds to a limit. I hope they don't turn Golden Beach into sunbed city either with lines of uniform not occupied beds, its so naturally pretty and has a great feeling of space. Your picture of the Fedra was great, we are staying at the Fedra in June.

Joy T

[ronsaunders47]

To get you into the Greek mood I submit shot which I have entitled "Anyone seen Shirley Valentine ?" Whats the betting the chair will still be there when you go
Ron.

[ronsaunders47]

Another one of those chair oriented shots . This time in Scala Pot harbour. Ron.