It was about 11 years ago we chose Arillas from a travel magazine, we had never been to Greece before, and only been abroad twice, as although being married since 1974 we had our family young, and little spare money for foreign holidays.
We arrived in Arillas at night in darkness, and as the coach drove down the narrow main street, lights from the few bars was the only indication we had reached a resort.
As the coach turned right and headed towards Kaloudis the sea sounded very close to the road and there was no indication of what the beach was like. It was gone midnight when we were welcomed off the coach by Christos and Ruler who showed us our accomodation, which was simple but spotlessly clean. We peered out onto the balcony, but in the dark was difficult to tell what the resort was like, the only sound to be heard was the waves gently lapping the beach, and in the quitness of the surroundings I felt a little uneasy, almost spooked by the stillness.
What a difference in the morning when we looked out to see an endless blue sky and Arillas bathed in glorious sun, we could see the beautiful beach, and the olive covered hills dotted with villas, from San Stephanos to Afionas.
From that point on our lives changed and thankfully we have never looked back. We visit Arillas once or twice a year and have lost count of the times spent there. We have explored as far as possible on foot from Magaloudes to Pagi and met such wonderful people in the small villages, and believe one day we will make North West Corfu our home, at least for a few years.
Inevitably there has been some changes, but in comparison tp practically anywhere else I can think of Arillas is timeless, and in all the years we have been visiting its magic has not dimmed
I sincerely thank the wonderful local people of Arillas for their hospitality and letting us share their wonderful home village with them every summer. I am not sure I would be so generous, I fear I would want to keep this jewel of the Adriatic a secret for myself, as I cannot help feeling quite possessive about it.
There is something about Arillas that gets into your blood and it feels part of you, and you long for it like you would when you are parted from a loved one. Well and truly a life long love affair i don't want to end.......