Pondamos

[sunfun]

:)Hi Andrew.That looks so unlike the halki that we visited.
Makes me realise how lucky we are that we can visit in a quiet time.

[Andrew]

Hi j90
The picture didn't really catch the sheer numbers later. They were on the steps and under the trees near the old Kantina. Last year was bad too - I'd say the numbers were about the same.
Sunday and Mondays were day tripper free. But do get the beds near Nick's and you'll hardly notice as there isn't enough space in front of you for them to use. They don't even use the sea in front of the taverna!
Litter wasn't too bad. It was worse last year.
The unknown factor is the sheer numbers now sleeping on the island which increased just before we left.
In spite if this, I still prefered the proper beach to the Ftenagia building site. Have a good time!
Andrew

[geedee]

I don't know why we all keep going back! Day trippers, litter, building sites and the rest . Maybe its because we can see past all that and anyway the sheer magic of the place chills us out until we become ready to tolerate much more just for the pleasure of being there . Once when we were on Andros someone said to us that they weren't there 'to do, just to be'. We thought at the time he was a bit odd, but now over 20 years later we realise that is exactly why we keep returning to Halki

[Liz]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head there geedee

[johnr]

I'm a Pondamist rather than a Ftenagite, mostly because of the sand. But, if you don't mind an undeveloped beach, Kania is not bad - arrive early as sand and shade are limited, bring plenty of water and some spanakopitas to eat. Goat enthusiasts will have a treat; bleating is more restful than annoying muzak. A longish walk in the sun, but buses and taxis are now an option.
Regarding the lack of sand at Pondamos, I do know that there is not necessarily any natural sand on the beach, it is replenished artificially (by what means, by whom, and at whose expense I know not) each Spring. . I suspect thay may have been a bit mean with it this year.
One year we visited very early in the spring after a stormy winter, and found no sand at all, just stones and driftwood! That was the year we discovered Kania. Sand was promised all of the three weeks we were there, but never materialised.
The only other beach I have tried is Trachea, were we were water-taxi'd to. Not ver comfortable and a bit tarry when we were there, plus you can't help worrying the taxi-dude will forget to come for you.

[lordlucan]

I had lunch at Pondamos today. There were only four of us in the taverna and two people on the beach and swimming. They have 3 grogeous new kittens. Totally silent and very warm and sunny. I think this time of year is probably my favorite. You get warm sea and it is quiet and peaceful.