Greece - Korina Miller [582]
In July 2009 savage wildfires around Laganas Bay, several allegedly started by human action, were feared to have damaged some sections of breeding areas, especially in the Daphni Beach area where dozens of holidaymakers had to be rescued. Daphni is one of the turtle beaches where protective legislation continues to be flouted.
The Greek government has been condemned by the European Court of Justice for failing to implement EU nature protection legislation. Meanwhile, WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature), Archelon (the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece) and Medasset (Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles) continue their lobbying efforts. Volunteers from Archelon (www.archelon.gr) and the national marine park provide informal beach wardens and run excellent education and volunteer programs. For further information, visit the wildlife information centre at Gerakas Beach.
Visitors can also be aware of the following and make their judgements accordingly:
Avoid using umbrellas on dry sand (use the wet part of the beach).
Do not enter nesting beaches between dusk and dawn, and avoid visiting Daphni Beach.
Be aware of boating trips – where they go and what’s on offer.
Seek information on the area’s sea turtle conservation efforts and protective regulations.
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Tartaruga Camping ( 26950 51967; www.tartaruga-camping.com; camp sites per adult/car/tent €5/3/3.60, r per person €20-50; ) A great place for happy campers – amid terraced olive groves, pines and plane trees that sprawl as far as the sea. It has a small store and a taverna (mains €4-8), and rooms for rent. It’s well-signed on the road from Laganas to Keri.
Panorama Studios ( 26950 31013; panorama-apts@ath.forthnet.gr; Agios Nikolaos; s/d/tr €40/45/55) The English-speaking hosts at this place in Agios Nikolaos offer excellent studio accommodation on the main road 600m uphill from the port, but set back in a lovely garden area.
Revera Villas ( 26950 27524, 69748 75171; www.revera-zante.com; d €70, studio €80, 4-/6-person villa €150/200; ) This complex of Italian-feel villas is located 4km southwest of Limni Keriou village (and 500m southwest of Keri village), just off the road to the lighthouse. The buildings and individually decorated, luxury rooms incorporate exposed stonework. Mountain bikes are available free of charge.
Anna’s Villas ( 69772 36243, 69772 36243; apt €90; Limni Keriou; ) Two good-value studio apartments, in a garden setting and with kitchen facilities. They’re set a block or so back from Limni Keriou’s waterfront.
Windmill ( 26950 31132; Cape Skinari; www.potamitisbros.gr; 2-/4-person windmills €90/120; ) There are two converted windmills at Cape Skinari in a fantastic cliff-top location. The bigger one has cooking facilities, and an adjoining cafe-bar, with excellent rooms (€70) and an apartment (€120) above, all with stunning views. Steps lead down to a lovely swimming area and one of the departure points for boat trips to the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach.
Louha’s Coffee Shop ( 26950 48426; mains €4-7; Louka; lunch & dinner) Head along the lane to the Church of St John the Theologian, who would have enjoyed eating under Louha’s vine-shaded terrace opposite the church. Very traditional and good local wine goes with soothing views of cypress and pine-tree dotted hills.
To Litrouvio ( 26950 55081; mains €6.50-16; Lithakia; lunch & dinner) An olive-oil stone presser and various traditional artefacts add to the experience at this popular place, where good local dishes come in plentiful helpings.
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