In the long term, little seems to change in Paleochora ; the sun shines for over 300 days a year, winter snow falls on the White Mountains, the welcome to visitors from hotels, tavernas and cafeneia remains as genuine as ever, beaches bordering the Libyan Sea entice as always, the \u201cSamaria\u201d ferry links the town (and walkers especially) with Sougia, Agia Roumeli, Loutro and Sfakia, and Gavdos island floats on the distant horizon.<\/p>\n
Each year though, there are differences, some noticeable, others imperceptible.\u00a0 Premises change businesses and sometimes owners ; last year a new bakery opened and a traditional one closed ; Stavros, the barber on the Main St, retired ; the popular \u201cSkala\u201d at the harbour is currently closed, and the new Mayor and Town Council elected last autumn \u201chave promises to keep.\u201d<\/p>