Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Walking in Arillas and north west Corfu => Topic started by: Claire on June 01, 2014, 10:09:38 AM

Title: Afionas
Post by: Claire on June 01, 2014, 10:09:38 AM
I'll be staying in Arillas for the first time at the end of August. Can anyone tell me approximately how long it takes to walk from Arillas to the village of Afionas. Thank you.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Eggy on June 01, 2014, 11:55:18 AM
I would stick my neck out and say around 90 minutes but I have never walked it and am using the "watering hole stop over" , Night Owl, as a guide.

There will be many who regular walkers, not hobblers, who will know better.

Cheers
Negg

Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: cypress on June 01, 2014, 12:16:56 PM
Hi Claire

I'm not sure how long it takes, I never got there!

We set off walking one July morning and had to turn back halfway up the hill - it was far too hot to carry on. So, when you do it in August please be careful. We had lots of water, the right type of shoes, a hat and everything, and still had to turn back. We are both regular walkers (today we're doing a 7 or 8 mile walk around the hills of Holmfirth) and decently fit but it's not 30* in Huddersfield today :-)

The village itself is well worth the trip - we went up in a car, had lunch at a restaurant, a few beers, and the view towards Agios Georgios is a real jaw dropper. And jumped in the pool 10 minutes after leaving Afionas.

If you do the walk it might be better first thing or later in the day. 
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Claire on June 01, 2014, 12:29:02 PM
Thank you. I was thinking of walking up there early and having breakfast up there to revcover! Sounds like early is best!
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on June 01, 2014, 12:38:30 PM
We did the walk in May, we have also done it in September and during the heat of July. Neill's estimate of around 90 minutes is about right.  Usually set off after breakfast before the heat starts to bite.
The Hill is steep but we take it easy and rest at intervals on the way up. The views are fabulous (take the camera).
Wear sensible shoes take water and keep to the shade where possible.
Stop off at Night Owl for refreshments when you get to the top of the hill, before you continue up through the village (the walk from Night Owl is much easier).
There are a number of places where you can call into for lunch or more refreshments. Just make it an adventure take your time and keep hydrated (warm water is better than no water at all),
Have fun take your time and enjoy it's well worth the effort.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Claire on June 01, 2014, 12:41:35 PM
Thank you. Can't wait to get there!
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on June 01, 2014, 12:56:14 PM
By the way......forgot to say
WELCOME TO THE FORUM CLAIRE

Arillas is a fabulous place, you will be well looked after by the locals,
the forum is a good place to ask for information. We are a motley crew but we all have a love for Arillas and the people who make our stay there so welcoming. 
Have a fantastic time but be warned.
Arillas is like a Magnet it draws you back time after time.


Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Sinbad on June 01, 2014, 01:16:25 PM
Hi Claire

I would say that the walk to Afionas is a real must - it will make your holiday.  It does take about 90 minutes, as everyone says (though it is quicker on the way down!!!!!). Take your time and take plenty of water with you.  When you arrive at Afionas make sure you go through the little winding streets and find your way to the cliff top (with a spectacular view back over Arillas) and then have some refreshments in Dionyssis (with spectacular views over Agios Georgios).

I made a day of it once, setting off early morning and after visiting Afionas I walked down the road into Agios Georgios.  I had lunch and a swim on the beach there and then walked back to Arillas late afternoon when it was cooler again.

I absolutely love the time I spend in Arillas, but the walks to Afionas, Agios Georgios and also over to San Stefanos are what make it particularly special.  Can't wait to walk to San Stefanos this year, as since I was last there the Akrotiri has been built!!!!!

I know you will enjoy !
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Truth on June 01, 2014, 03:05:42 PM
I did it in quite cool weather in about 45 mins last week
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Chris G on June 01, 2014, 03:54:10 PM
Hi

If you get the opportunity to get to Afionas in the evening try the Three Brothers or Panorama restaurants for an evening meal over looking the bay as the sun sets, its absolutely breathtaking, the local home cooked food and the wine is gorgeous, ask for a table near the windows (usually open when its a warm night) you will not be disappointed.

Enjoy your hols we are back there June the 10th.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Eggy on June 01, 2014, 05:27:24 PM
I did it in quite cool weather in about 45 mins last week

Truth

Only because you were chased by three rabid dogs and an old Greek lady trying to sell you wine!!!

Negg
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: justphil on June 01, 2014, 06:26:32 PM
Laughing Out Loud (sorry I'm told it's lol) I know all of those dogs and she sold me some wine..... But that was back in 2002. Afionas is probably the prettiest place on earth, but the hill nearly defeated us in 2002, and is impossible for Jen on foot these days. It's not as if we don't have enough in Arillas - we do, but "don't miss it" is my advice to anyone who hasn't been there.

Phil
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 01, 2014, 11:12:54 PM
I know I have said it zillions of times but please people, if you get the chance go to Dionysos.  Thats where we had our renewal of vows reception a few years back and once you visit you will totally understand why we chose that restaurant. Breathtaking does not do that view justice!
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Truth on June 01, 2014, 11:58:44 PM
Apparently the rabid dogs have anti Truth tablets so as not to catch anything off me when they bite ! Lol ( thats laughing out loud so I am told , he he )
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: GaryS on June 02, 2014, 01:16:49 AM
Agree with Jo, Dionysos is a special place, we always go for lunch after our 60-90 minute ramble to Afionas, which depends on heat and picture stops along the way. Cant wait to make the treck in August when its nice and cool ;-)
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: vivian on July 23, 2014, 05:47:18 PM
Often walked to Afionas but never timed it, I bet its been different every time. I've been walking round Holmfirth today but by myself as Arillas was spayed on Monday but up hill and down dale most days. Several good watering holes around here if you fancy it some other time, and its hot hot hot now.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Dai on July 24, 2014, 12:24:00 AM
When in Arillas I usually visit Afionas once a week. Timing varies depending on temp and of course where you start from. If you are used to walking I would say you can do it comfortably in an hour, plus time for stopping and taking photos. The Panorama isa great place to stop for a drink - sit outside overlooking Arillas. In the village we always eat at Porto Timoni taverna. Great food, great views and a wonderful welcome from Kostas and family.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: vivian on July 28, 2014, 08:39:26 PM
Hi Dai, Two of our stops apart from photo shots.
Title: Re: Afionas- Birthday meal for my husband
Post by: suzy61 on March 01, 2015, 01:17:54 PM
It will be my husband's birthday during our stay in Arillas this year. We have yet to do the walk to Afionas. I'm not sure whether to do the walk early morning and have a birthday lunch or return again in the evening for dinner. Any suggestions? If the latter would we be able to order a taxi to take us and pick us up?

Suzy X
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Eggy on March 01, 2015, 01:34:20 PM
Linda and Nickos , Night Owl, have been known to drop customers back into Arillas, but only during quiet periods. So that cannot be guaranteed You might, of course, find a local there who would take you back for a few free beers.

However, if you wish to leave nothing to chance then you can pre-book a taxi there and back to, maybe, ensure peace of mind.

Negg
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Steve & Carole on March 01, 2015, 05:08:46 PM
It takes us  a 35 minute leisurely stroll to the Night Owl where we stop for a drink, then it's around 25 minutes further to the old village. Worth every step!
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: cypress on March 01, 2015, 11:17:30 PM
Suzy, if you go in the evening it might be a good idea to go to Anemos, the restaurant faces west and the sunset is stunning up there. The food is very good and the owner (I've forgotten his name, but he's another restaurant owner who determines to deliver the best food and service) I'm sure, would make the evening special for your husband's birthday.

If I was going up for lunch I'd go to the other side of the village to the Dionysos which has the most fantastic view out over St Georges bay, there's hardly a better view on the whole island to be had than up at Afionas. And any of the restaurants there a special treat.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: SteveL on March 03, 2015, 11:05:32 AM
I would also recommend Anemos. Good food and views to die for. It is owned by Spiros Anthis, who is the brother of Jimmy from The Rainbow.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: soniaP on March 03, 2015, 03:57:11 PM
I did post a reply on here a couple of days ago but it seems to have disappeared! Anyway, I said that we once went to Afionas for breakfast. The Panorama restaurant. Had bacon, eggs, tomatoes and olives ( a bit strange combination). It was really nice and there was also lots of homemade bread and local honey.
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: suzy61 on April 10, 2015, 08:58:40 PM
Only just found this topic again...it's just me?
Anyway, i wanted to say thanks everyone for the replies regarding visiting Afionas for my husband's birthday and once again I'm spoilt for choice. Arillas and the surrounding area, including Afionas, just get better and better!

Suzy X
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: justphil on April 10, 2015, 10:05:47 PM
Suzy, Afionas is a very beautiful village, and for able bodied only walking distance from Arillas. It offers spectacular views over the Diapontian Islands and some of the prettiest houses and gardens you will ever see. There is much history, and many choices of eating and watering places, and of course Porto Timoni.

Many of the accommodation owners in Arillas live in Afionas. Jimmy at Rainbow once said to me "nobody lives in Arillas. We all live in Afionas." We were discussing our hopes to spend most or all of our future years in Arillas. He was both right and wrong at the same time. Brouklis, Armourada and others live in Arillas permanently. One day soon, Jen and I hope to as well. But many others do exactly what he said. They are all the luckiest folk on earth, Arillas or Afionas, they are lessed.

Take your opportunities to explore as much as you can. You will be rewarded every day.
Phil


Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: justphil on April 10, 2015, 10:07:32 PM
missing "b" Of course I meant "blessed"

Phil
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: suzy61 on April 10, 2015, 10:33:04 PM
Phil, I now want to go more than ever!I knew that you meant blessed and I couldn't agree more. Hopefully you and Jen will be be blessed one day when you go to live there. At present, I just feel truly blessed that I am fortunate to visit once or maybe twice a year with my wonderful husband and very soon our children and their children.
Thanks for that.

Suzy X
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Eggy on April 11, 2015, 08:35:35 PM
For me , who has luck legs, lucky they don't snap, Afionas is a trek indeed. ( I have been known to get tired just driving there)

But it must be seen to be appreciated. Photos do not do it justice.
The best way to see it, is of course, by foot. It is worth the effort. Lovely place with lovely people.
Hell-uvva hill though but if it was easy everyone would be there.

But...... if you stop into Night Owl, on the way, beware 'cause you may never get away!!

Negg
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on April 12, 2015, 12:20:25 PM
Can't wait to get up there again,
Arillas without a visit to Afionas  is like having a King without his Crown.
There is a peace to Afionas that is there no matter what time of day you arrive.
The views are spectacular, every time we walk the hill and glance back is like turning a page in a photo album .
A stop off at Night Owl to refresh before carrying on up to the village.
The quirky things you come across like the post boxes on the left as you walk up.
Flowers around every corner, tight little alleyways to explore in the old part of the village and then the bench.
Ahhh the bench where you can rest for a while and just drift across the sea to the Islands in the distance....
Afionas comes to me often in my dreams, but soon I will be returning to Afionas
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: cypress on April 12, 2015, 02:15:24 PM
Stop it! You're making me cry :-)

.......every time we walk the hill and glance back is like turning a page in a photo album ....

What a lovely post John and Dot x
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Paul D on April 12, 2015, 09:15:49 PM
John, you have captured the mood so eloquently.   Enjoy your time there on your next visit. (of course you will).  Tell Linda at Night owl, Paul and Heather say hello.

      Yammas, Paul
Title: Re: Afionas
Post by: Steve & Carole on April 12, 2015, 09:46:08 PM
John the Ref................. nah,..........John the poet !