Tavernas - Acharavi
Like all seaside resorts Acharavi is very much dependent upon its tourist trade and consequently, there are literally dozens of places to eat and drink.
As is the case with many other residents who are not involved in tourism, we tend to keep away from the resorts during the season except for day to day shopping. However, there a couple of places that we will mention in Acharavi because they are spectacularly situated on the beach and more importantly to us, they open during the winter as well as during the season. (Albeit only Friday to Sunday lunchtime in winter).
No, we don't have glorious sunshine all year round and yes, the island all but closes for tourism beyond the end of October!
Apnoea Taverna
Apnoea Taverna is situated right on the beach at Acharavi next to a little stream that drains down from the mountains. It is not a stones throw from the Acharavi Beach Hotel. Access is either directly from the beach or if traveling by car, turn down the road signposted No. 9 (Sconto supermarket on corner) and turn left immediately before the Acharavi Beach Hotel. If you then follow the road, it turns into a track, crosses a little bridge and you will end up in the parking area. Be aware that during winter, during Sunday lunchtimes, parking can get packed if the weather is fine.
What do we love about this taverna? For a start, it is small, verging on intimate. During winter when there is only the inside accomodation in use, there will be a log fire and possibly a wood burning stove blazing away. Again, during winter, there will be a selection of fresh food available as well as the standard fare listed in the menu. If ever there was a time to totally ignore the menu. this is it! In summer, there will be some specials to accompany the extensive menu.
Then we come to the owner, Yiannis who is invariably assisted by Theo who will be waiting on table and providing advice to those needing it about the food on offer.
There is no other way of saying this. Yiannis is a true character! Don't let the dark glasses put you off. He has a great sense of humour in both English and Greek. For all we know it probably extends to other languages as Apnoea is very popular with German visitors. On top of this, Yiannis is a very good cook who will often be found helping out during busy times.
During summer, you can just step in off of the beach for a drink or lunch and straight back to the beach afterwards. In summer, the taverna is opened right up and there are a number of extra tables available outside with their own sunshades.
If you are in Acharavavi and want to eat overlooking the sea, you should give Apnoea a try. We don't think that you will be disappointed. In winter, we know that you won't be disappointed!
Maistro Taverna / Restaurant - Bar
This is another of our favourite places to eat, particularly in winter when it opens Saturday - Sunday lunchtime.
Maistro is another place situated right on the beach. Access is either directly from the beach or if travelling by car, turn down the road signposted No. 8 (Eurohire car hire on corner) and turn left about 150 metres down the road. There is a tourist shop almost opposite the turning and a signpost for those with good eyesight! If you then follow the road,it turns right into a carpark at the rear of Maistro Taverna. The entrance to the taverna is clearly marked and well lit at night. Do be careful of the overhanging branches though if you are over four feet tall! They are low!
I am never sure whether we are insulting the place by calling it a taverna! Certainly, in the winter it has more of the feel of a restaurant but in summer, it has all the attributes of a beach - side taverna.
The menu is extensive and priced towards what we would class as the top end of the market. That is not to say that you can't get a reasonably priced meal. You can! Maistro is run by Vaso a most hospitable hostess. Her brother Christos will often be found in the kitchen ... when he is not playing Bouzouki!
On Saturday nights during the winter months there is live music. If you like traditional Greek music, this is a good place to be during a winter's Saturday night. Be warned though. Things don't get going until late as most Greeks don't come out for dinner before about 10.30pm!
This a great place to visit summer or winter. Again, we don't think that you will be disappointed.
