Holidaying in Greece - any thoughts about how the crisis will change things ?

[ancient_mariner]

Proper Greek food - I suspect, based on my experience in Zante, that he may have found some resorts cook what they think tourists want, rather than anything recognisably Greek.

 

[Nod]

Best way to find proper Greek food is to wander around and listen for Greek voices, especially larger groups. The locals won't put up with being served crap or inflated prices! Don't be put off by a place looking a bit touristy - plenty of places stay open all year round and (especially in the current economic climate) rely on winter customers as well as tourist income.

 

[stevewestern]

You've probably been and come back... but just in case, we've holidayed in Alikanas several times, and most of the Tavernas are pretty good. Not quite sure what you mean by "proper Greek food" specifically, but there's only a couple of non-Greek-style restaurants. We liked the Lemon Tree, a bit out of the main bit of Alikanas, but quite close, and also the taverna at the eastern end of the main bay (forgotten the name). It's a very small place, and not very lively, which suited us down to the ground. Excellent swimming, shallow warm water but you can swim for a k or so along the beach and back, nice views across to Kefalonia.

Wonderful Chris - many thanks for your reply, which is just what I wanted to hear. We are off in just over a week, and it seems where we are staying is close to the Lemon Tree. Proper Greek food for me means not pandering to tourist tastes - simple honest food. I want to be able to sit with a Greek coffee and some Baklava in the morning with some locals, buy local food where the locals shop and eat in places where we might see some locals eat. My kids were slightly scared about being mugged after reading about the mainland filling up with (non-Greek) low-life pickpockets and the like who were targeting holiday-makers but are now getting excited - your reply will help too !
Quiet and peaceful sound ideal, but swimming a K or so I'm not so sure about, as I cheated to get my 10 yards certificate many years ago and have not progressed since...