We returned from Arillas yesterday well fed, well rested and ready to book again. We arrived at Friday lunchtime and after a quick minibus transfer we were warmly greeted at the Marinaki by one of Dida's sons. Unfortunately we brought the rain with us from Glasgow but rain at 23 degrees is much better than rain at 10 degrees! The first few days of the holiday saw some amazing thunder and lightning along with wet weather during the day. We battened down the hatches and kept busy going for walks round the village when it was dry and sheltering in a restaurant when the heavens opened. We got a few hours of sun on the Monday but the beach man wouldn't even take any money for loungers as I think he knew we wouldn't be there too long - it was a very kind gesture. The weather was beautiful for the last few days of the holidays and we made the most of the beach and the sea. Evenings were spent enjoying the Greek hospitality and we were well fed and watered. Had a couple of nice visits to the Coconut before it was closed and enjoyed the Neil Diamond tribute act. Meals were great as usual and we dined at Thalassa (Penelope's temptation - I would kill for the recipe), Marina, Efi's, and of course Brouklis for my favourite roast potatoes. Only dodgy meal was at Portofino - we had dined there early in the week and thoroughly enjoyed it so decided to go there on our last night. I had a lovely meal and my dad enjoyed the Sea Bream special but my mum's steak was practically inedible and my husbands chicken kebab contained one piece of chicken breast which was totally raw in the middle. They did apologise but it was our anniversary as well so I had hoped for a better night. I do have to commend them however on my daughter's meal - home made fish fingers. The were made of gorgeous white fish fillet and she ate every morsel! Made me feel quite guilty about reaching for the Captain Birdseye's!!! Life was quiet and a few places had shut but it meant we had more time to chat and enjoy the peace and quiet. The sea was still warm and we made many a sandcastle. It was certainly different from in high season but not in a bad way. I would not hesitate to go back in October but might be sensible and take a cagoule with me next time xx
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So glad you enjoyed, in spite of the storms. I too would kill for Thalassa's recipe for Penelopes Temptation, or the Pepper Chicken, or the... We have eaten there many, many times now and just love Katerina's cooking. But there are so many other tavernas whose food is delightful as well. Arillas has put 6 inches on my waist in the last few years....
We love October too. In fact we will be there next Saturday when all but everything will be closed. I will post some reports while we are there. Thanks for posting yours.
Phil
Many thanks for your report Linsey, you seem to have had a lovely holiday despite the mixed weather.
The photos are very good as well , a beautiful one of your daughter enjoying her ice cream :) love the one of the clouds over the Marinaki. Glad to see 'Jo's' swing was still in use.
Val x
What a lovely report Linsey with beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing :)
Nice report and some great photos - I love the one of the little lass with her bim bim!
You know sometimes I think storm clouds look so spectacular on photos........ You are not on your own with an inedible steak at Portfino. I had the same in september - but what is one meal out of all the other super ones....
Forgot a mention to Armourada - looked after us well during the Sunday wet weather. Had a very pleasant lunch and Billy made sure Faye was well entertained with books, colouring and sweets - he was her friend for the rest of the week and always got a wave when he passed on his scooter. We also had lovely chats with Yiota and her shop provided a few toys for during the storms. We were only one of two tables in Brouklis but it meant Dimitris had time to chat and Faye enjoyed playing with Spiro's angry bird toys and he very kindly gave her one to take home at the end of the night. The Marinaki apartments were great also and we would not hesitate to stay there again. Dida insisted on giving us her mobile number incase we needed anything during the night. I genuinely have never experienced such hospitality in apartments or restaurants anywhere else and that is what keeps us going back.
lindsey
i hope your next post is booked for 2013 ,,arillas is not only about the place its the people who make it,as youve found out ,,yammas.xx
Loved reading this Linsey and glad you loved the Marinaki xx
Linsey are these apartments down towards splish splash? They looked nice and great location too
They are Heather bang in front of Kaloudis on the sea front Jo Wissets favourite haunt
Thanks Tony - lovely view!
They were lovely, well equipped, modern and so close to the beach. We even had a double bed!!! We were in the downstairs apartment as we had the benefit of having two rooms with the wee one. My mum and dad stayed in the studio upstairs which great - very spacious with a huge balcony.
A big thanks to Jo for her advice - Faye enjoyed using her swing (just keeping it warm).
I will let it go on this occasion ;-)..