The accommodation was good, especially for the money, quite what they considered you could manage on a single mini ring with two mugs I don't know, but then there are so many eateries I have never considered self-catering for such holidays in the first place. My compatriots managed to keep me away from the pizza most of the time all the same - rotters!

The island has still got turtles - just, despite the tourists eager to see them. Well I now have a photo of a turtle head breaking the water (!! Ed). The afternoon trip gave you the opportunity to go to a secluded beach offshore for a swim or purchase from a waterborne ice cream seller. In addition to gassing turtles and ourselves with diesel fumes, you also get the opportunity to fall in the water when returning to shore! As you may guess one of our party managed this.

Being the Greek islands boat trips make up many of the tours, and we had a trip round the island where we saw the blue caves where the water's blue and the diesel smells stronger than ever! The shipwreck was interesting too.

A coach trip was taken around the villages, I get the impression electricity is not 100% reliable round there, and the ice lolly I had was a whole new experience, vanilla essence on one side and tasteless dry ice cream mousse on the other with severely broken up candy coating. I think some EU rules regarding food standards haven't quite filtered that far inland. I'm still here though.

The service was excellent, I actually found something I consider useful in the tack shops permeating the tourist section. You could clear the tourist areas with a walk and the airport was actually faster than Gatwick regarding luggage though in Gatwick you do have ample seating and don't need to stand in your neighbours pocket waiting nearly an hour for the bags.

Would I go again? Yes. I believe the island has enough to offer two weeks of different excursions and experiences. The company of friends is also naturally enjoyable too.

Adrian Barnard

Extract from plus News November 2003

This offer was open to 18 Plus members,
Their partners AND children.

Organised by Mark Randall

Northern Area 18 Plus Holiday 2002 - Greece

http://www.18plusholidays.co.uk/