Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Topic started by: carol on July 10, 2006, 08:17:08 PM

Title: authentic or not
Post by: carol on July 10, 2006, 08:17:08 PM
I dont want to offend anybody but i have a question to ask if i may.Could anybody please tell me if Arillas is a authentic greek village or is it a man made tourist spot.We have a little debate here at home.!!Personally i dont care either way.The first time we visited Arillas we fell in love with it and will be making our 3rd visit the end of july.Thank you cx
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: blondegirl on July 11, 2006, 12:15:18 PM
I have no idea either but we loved it too.  It is actually smaller than some of the little seaside resorts in the UK and has more restaurants/tavernas than these.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Pete E on July 11, 2006, 12:33:24 PM
I am sure I have read on this website somewhere that Arillas was a small fishing village before holiday makers discovered it.  I seem to remember that the menu at Costas on the Beach includes some blurb about the history of the restaurant; that it started out as a small taverna serving the fisherman after they returned with their catch.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Joe on July 11, 2006, 01:23:25 PM
Hi Carol,

In my opinion Arillas is an authentic Greek Village, sure like most of the Greek islands it caters for the tourists in Summer but the hotels and bars aren't obtrusive and fit into the surroundings quite nicely retaining a lot of local charm. I was in Arillias in February visiting my family before all the tourist parts opened up with all the locals working their tradiational trades. It was lovely, albeit a little cold.

When I was there last month my mum took me to the village of Makrades in the hills, now that was authentic, the streetside wine sellers were brilliant.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: dimitris on July 11, 2006, 03:25:02 PM
In addition, do not forget that Corfu has a very important history that this forum is not enough to describe,
A little part of it I would have to add in this topic in order to answer your question,
During the middle age, Corfu was full of small communities that lived on the hills away from the coastes, as there was always a fear of foreign attacks like pirates etc. that would come in to the island and robe, rape and destroy what ever they found.
That is why you will not see as many old houses near the beachfront like in other Greek islands.
Life in Arillas started during the 1850-70 where a few people moved here from the mountains and slowly they built houses made of clay, olivewood and pebbles from the beach.
During the 2cond world war, there was about 10 families in the surroundings of Arillas including ours.
Some of them are the family of graziella Taverna the kalouudis village and Alex supermarket.
All of them used to be farmers and fishermen, they would eat only what was growing in their garden and they would wear hand made clothes. Trade was not being done with money but with  items and products exchange.
The families would have to have a lot of children for three reasons:
1, not all of them where going to survive
2, the family needed a lot of hand for labor work, (especially men)
3, There was no television.!!!
After the war the population of Arillas became smaller as many young boys left their families and went to find work in other parts of Greece, in Germany, in America even in Australia. Some others went to work in Greek merchant ships.
Finally in 1973 ( the year that I was born) the cables of  electric power arrived in Arillas and the first refrigerators televisions and Jukeboxes came with that too.
The money that had been earned from the Greek immigrants gave the power to build the first hotel, ( Marina and Akti )  and the first Greek tourists came for the weekend from Corfu town and had the best fresh fish that was caught by the restaurant owners in the morning. ( and it was also a lot cheaper than today).
The first tourists of a foreign country was some Swiss Hippies that lived the life of their dreams in Arillas by renting an old farm house for a few years in the middle of no were but still near the beach and near the 5 Tavernas of Arillas (Kostas, Graziella arillaInn, Marina and Brouklis.
There was direct flight from Geneva to Corfu with Olympic airways  at that time but it stopped after 1984.
after the 1980 people have made money with tourism and they built  more apartments and more establishments  as the Big Tour Operators was pushing everyone to make as many rooms as possible.
They would give you the rend in advance for the next two to five years in order that you guarantee that in the next season you will increase your capacity of rooms in to 10 times more than the ones you have..
I was always wandering why they do this; I finally realized what it was during the latest years. Obviously they new that if one has 4 apartments or a small hotel, it would be easy for him one day to fill them up with his own customers with out the need of a tour operator. but if you have 40 to 100 rooms, then you are hooked to the Tour Operators with no doubt.
Today the population in Arillas has reached 450 to 500 including the few people that have moved from other countries to live permanently here.

All the establishments are owned by locals who are doing their best for the quality and service and have achieved to have a returning clientele for the last 20 years.
 During the latest years, many returning customers choose to come back to Arillas by dealing direct with the accommodation owners by using the internet or other media,helping the local economy and development.
Arillas has stayed away from commercialization in contrast with other resorts just because the people who work here also live and have their families growing up in the same resort as well as they are owners of the properties.
We will never like to live in A place like Sidari or Kavos today….


Sorry for the grammar mistakes I just had some inspiration that I did not wand it to be lost,
Cheers

dimitris
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Dave n Anne on July 11, 2006, 03:33:35 PM
Hi Dimitris . We have been coming to Arillas for four years now and think it is the best place in the world. Please all work together to keep it the way it is DONT go the Sidari or Kavos route. We are in Arillas next Monday ( 2nd time this year ) hopefully we will meet you and have a drink and a chat, 6 more sleeps
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Joe on July 11, 2006, 04:24:23 PM
The families would have to have a lot of children for three reasons:
--
--
3, There was no television.!!!

Dimitris,

That really made me laugh and thankyou very much for the insight into Arillas, it seems incredible that you have only had electricity since 1976!

Joe
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Eileen on July 11, 2006, 04:34:01 PM
Thank you Dimitris, I really enjoyed that.  What a great posting.

It would be a good idea to pin this topic to the top of the page  so that it does not get lost down the pages as new topics arise.  It was so good I'm sure future members would be really missing out if they never read it!

Eileenxx
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Fiona on July 11, 2006, 09:44:29 PM
Dimitris that was a fantastic post - thank you so much for all the information about the history of your wonderful birthplace. The more I learn about Arillas, the more I understand why it is such a warm-hearted, welcoming place for those of us lucky enough to have found Corfu's secret hideaway.

I agree with Eileen that it should be pinned somewhere very conspicuous for all forum visitors/addicts to read.

Thank you again
Fiona
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: dimitris on July 11, 2006, 09:59:47 PM
Thank you everyone,!
I think that this post needs some more work as there is a lot of more information that I want to add,
I will be re-editing it while I have some time and then i will publish it on the main website with relevant pictures etc,.
It takes time and I need to have the inspiration also.
please correct my spelling and expresions by sending me private messages I will not be offended,
Yassas,

Dimitris
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Sandy x on July 11, 2006, 11:18:30 PM
Hi Dimitri

That was really interesting and you certainly don't get all that information in the guide books. I don't know how you manage to make the time.....already counting the days till 7 August.....

Love to everyone
Sandy x
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: harold on July 12, 2006, 12:17:05 AM
I found it very intersting a good insight into Arillas life and i did understand your spelling  Dimitri,
VIV dont you try putting Dimitris spelling right and i will not attempt to either
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Lozicle on July 12, 2006, 12:36:07 AM
That really was a wonderful insight into a bit of history :)

We arrived home yesterday after a wonderful 2 week stay and I'm not looking forward to going back to work. We were talking to my parents earlier today about our holiday and mentioned that we'd been through Sidari and how awful it had become. They were telling us about when they stayed in Sidari 30+ years ago. There was one hotel about 5 tavernas and it was still a little fishing village populated by Greeks.  They said what a wonderful, beautiful place it was to visit, so it's sad to see what's it has become. I just hope that Arillas doesn't end up the same way in 30 years time.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Eleni on July 12, 2006, 11:30:53 PM
I can not specify the meaning of the word "authentical" but i can say
what it s not.
It s not authentical to pretend that you are happy when you are not.
It s not authentical to imitate and it s not authentical to sell  your soul
for money.
 
What it makes a place authentical or not ,is it s people...Those who leave
there ,having transformed their own characters  accepting the influence
of their enviroment!
Simple people of the earth who  deal only with the nature ,the sea
and the land!!They never had to deal with big city terms so that they learn
how to pretend....
They survived with the genuine feelings of joy,anger,friendship,love....
 
Its a fact that any kind of civilisation has to be adjusted to the needs of
the Global market.To be genuine it doesn t have to mean that somebody
will stay without Internet access,TV,or tourism busines,but to use the
modern facilities and to create with respect to the past ,to the enviroment
to life!
Authenticity is to keep your own identity between the billion of influences.
Influences that have to do with the way of thinking,dressing ,expressing
ourselves.
 
Pure feelings of love and kindness are always recognisable and the people
who keep coming back to Arillas have felt  them and have kept them in
their hearts..
 
When the people of Arillas will lose their spontaneous smile and sense
of humor,together with their simplicity,joy and smile,then i could say that
they will have lost their authenticity and Arillas also.
 
I can not say what future brings but for the moment being Arillas has
become a resort for people who come not only to drink and sunbath but
to find friends,to share their thoughts with them,to enjoy moments of
hapiness and sorrow with them ,to become a part of Arillas everyday life
and we welcome them with joy and hospitality because they are also
humans and not just tourists and this is how we see them and treat them
STILL!!!
 
Yours
 
Eleni (IRENEVILLAS)
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: carol2 on July 13, 2006, 10:43:44 AM
Eleni, what a beautiful description of the ethos of Arillas, I could never put into words exactly what it is I love about Arillas, you have just done that for me, thankyou.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Eileen on July 13, 2006, 11:00:07 AM
Eleni,

I cannot put it any better than Carol, I wholeheartedly agree with her  :-) :-) :-)

Eileenxx
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Joe on July 13, 2006, 11:29:00 AM
Me to, very well said. Just confirmed that I have a seat on tomorrow's flight so a lovely relaxing weekend in Arillas for me.
Joe
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: blondegirl on July 13, 2006, 11:46:54 AM
After returning last week from our first visit to Arillas we fell in love with the place too.  I loved reading about the history of Arillas as it makes you totally understand why people want to go back.  If the local residents feel so attached and dont want to leave they inspire others to want to return continually because of their love for the place.  We decided to take the coach transfer back to the airport and I was glad I did as apart from the fantastic scenery (we didnt bother with a car this time so we hadnt seen much) we also saw Sidari and hated it immediately and that was during the daytime.  Goodness knows what it would be like at night.. but some people like that sort of thing but it is not the Greece I love.

My first memories of Arillas were within 1/2 hr of arriving when we met a lovely old couple Mikalis and Ellen in the little bungalow on the right before the Brouklis (very generous with his apricots) seeing the wonderful beach and coastline and eating our very first lunch at the Brouklis eating Dimitris wonderful Sardines and a cold glass of Mythos!  Oh!  and of course meeting you Dimitris!!!

Just want to thank everyone we met for such a wonderful holiday in Arillas!
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Lynette on July 13, 2006, 12:18:16 PM
Dimitris,

As always you are so informative. I found your reply so interesting, it is always good to find out the truth about this lovely village. Like every one else we love it. We also love your food no matter what is cooking!

Lynette
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Dave n Anne on July 13, 2006, 03:19:30 PM
Question for Lozicle ?. Hi nothing to do with this post really, I am just trying to find out how to use the smileys because since the forum changed ( for the better well done Dimitris ) I just can,t seem to get them to work. I have noticed that you have can you help.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: sheila on July 13, 2006, 04:13:34 PM
What a fantastic insight you have given us to the wonderful Arillas, you are so lucky to live there. Thank you Dimitris for letting us be a part of it. Look forward to seeing you again in September.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: carol on July 13, 2006, 05:06:58 PM
thank you all for the response to my origanal post (authentic or not). this was posted after a casual remark during a drunken conversation with friends and family.i did not expect to recieve such an interesting and varied number of replies and have enjoyed reading them all,keep them coming.
   once again thanks to you all and a special thank you to dimitris for the time and effort put into his reply,i am sure  it has really enlightened us all and helped us gain an understanding into the history of the people and places we love to visit. efkhareesto cx
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Maggie on July 13, 2006, 11:20:29 PM
 That sums everything up entirely, Eleni. I love Arillas, and i can't imagine
  having a sunshine holiday in any other place now. Thank you for that post.
 
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: clever1 on August 16, 2006, 04:33:13 AM
my dad was born in the house we live in now. it is not a  man made attraction. just check out the cemetary, check the dates on the stones.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Lindypops on October 03, 2006, 11:43:48 PM
Hi Dimitris. I have been reading this post about Arillas, and found it so interesting. I love this sort of thing. On our last visit, a young man(from a family hotel), was telling me about some good and some sad family history. We had some very long and interesting conversations. I have a lot of respect for people, especially the older generation, and indeed struck up a friendship with one of the more senior gentlemen of Arillas. We managed the language barrier, of sorts. I learned of some of his difficult earlier times as a young man, and one could only have respect. I won`t go into too much detail, just now, but I think you may recognise him! I look forward to your next posts. Keep up the good work, and see you soon. Regards to all. Lindypops.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Ivan on October 05, 2006, 02:41:21 AM
I've enjoyed this subject while doing a "sleepless surf" My tupppence worth would be that Arillas is a developed village as opposed to a purpose-built resort and one of the friendliest places I have ever come accross. Keep the discussion going, Dimitis I enjoyed your and Eleni's posts particularly,
                                                                   Ivan
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Eileen on October 05, 2006, 12:31:06 PM
A good description Ivan.  I have trouble describing Arillas, so developed village explains it very well.  It does not give the wrong impression that it is a village, yet resort is not the correct description either (IMHO of course!)

Eileenx
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: John_R on October 21, 2006, 07:17:52 PM
Went to Arillas for the first time this year, I wanted to book again for next year as soon as I got back, I can't do that until I have got my holiday weeks sorted out with work, I just hope we can get a holiday in Arillas when I do get the weeks I'm off sorted out.
All the best to all you Arillas fans
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: voni on November 26, 2006, 09:29:35 PM
Hi all,

Im new to the site but after reading Dimitris's posting, in reply to the original I am spell bound!  We are due to visit Arillas next year and now can't wait!

Von
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Lynette on November 26, 2006, 10:25:29 PM
Voni
Welcome. Keep looking you will read we are all a friendly bunch of people from all over the place but with one big passion in common we went to Arillas and just keep going back, addicted is the word, any worries or questions don't be scared to ask some one some where on this site will no the answer. Welcome!
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: blondegirl on November 27, 2006, 01:19:34 AM
WELCOME TO THE ARILLAS SITE

As they say..... " you dont have to be mad to join in but it helps!"
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: MurtaghsWife on May 07, 2007, 04:36:14 PM
No idea, but it sure is a lovely place. My family goes there every year now; it's almost always warm and the sea and restaurants are amazing.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: nickb on May 25, 2007, 10:48:27 AM
Thats great, I all the Greek islands avoid the commercialsied route that has ruined so many Spanish resorts.

I love the Greek for their laid back life style and friendly attutude, the atmosphere is unbeatable, I fell in love with Corfu when I visited Agraides in 1995 and would say to all stay Greek!

As for the spellings well mines not to hot either and my Greek is even worse butI am practiscing!!!

Cant wait to come to Arilas it sounds fantastic and exactly what we want GREEK CULTURE!!!

Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Mango on May 25, 2007, 11:34:13 AM
nicb

You will love Arillas, its unspoilt, not commercialised and soooo laid back.

Have a great time.
Amanda
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: WILLIAM on July 16, 2007, 03:03:32 PM
Well Arillas is a quite new village...there are a lot of new building but the thing who can assure you that is authentic is the genuine behavior of the Arillas People. For examples in Broukis Restaurant you can find authentic greek food served with the tipical greek welcomes & smiles.
If you are in the "sigà-sigà" mood (I mean the relaxed one) Arillas is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your holiday.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Eggy on July 16, 2007, 03:29:21 PM
But, when walking, stay close to the side of the road and keep an eye out for a lion on a mountain bike. ( See Bike Hire )
Negg
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: blondegirl on July 17, 2007, 11:32:20 AM
If you look on the photo gallery of Old Arillas you can see how it was about 20 years ago compared to now it has changed a lot.  The Horizon wasnt built and the Brouklis looks positively "naked".
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: ROB,JAN on July 22, 2007, 01:55:54 AM
The reason we all love Arillas is because of the lovely people that live there, and the lovely people we meet when we holiday there.
          If it becomes another Sidari or Kavos, we lose the quality of person who appreciates what Arillas is all about,,,, whom  would then look for pastures new trying to find a new chilled Arillas somewhere else............

                          ROB.                 
                                         
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Mapman on July 26, 2007, 07:52:07 PM
I loved your history of Arillas Dimitri!  You can't get a more authentic village than that.  Many people don't realise that back in 1973, Corfu's infrastructure (roads, power supply, communications etc.) was far removed from today's. 

Unfortunately I have not had the pleasure to have visited Corfu at that time, but many Greeks around Nissaki used to tell me how there was no road beyond Barbati, except donkey tracks, and the whole North East was a military area. 

What were the roads to Arillas like in those days, Dimitri.   I bet a journey to Corfu town then was quite an undertaking, eh?

Stephan
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: suecharl on August 22, 2007, 02:02:42 PM
Thank you Dimitris for authentic information,and I agree you should put it on the home page,because I've just come back from my first ever visit from arillas,and this lovely place is definately my idea of a holiday,it was found only by chance as a late booking for a holiday,and am wanting to go back next year,after reading your authentic description I know I will definately book to go back.The locals are not needy of money-grabbing,profit making,get-it-while you can as in other countries I have visited,and so long as there are no high-rise hotels and worse thing of all MCDONALDS,me and my 11 yearold daughter will be going back.And for longer than a week this time,relaxing really agrees with me!
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Alan on August 26, 2007, 10:31:34 PM
Hi Dimitris, i read with great interest the little bit of history of Arillas, after 24 consecutive years in Arillas, its only now that i have more insight of the place that Joyce and i love so much. and i agree with the others it should be FRONT PAGE stuff ok mate. Thanks Dimitris.
Alan.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: briant on September 02, 2007, 07:40:35 PM
Hello Dimitri,I really enjoyed your informative reply to Carol,s enquiry.our first visit to Corfu was to Sidari in 1982 & I have a photo somewhere of us crossing the river going towards the Sidari Beach Hotel.In those days it was just two rough planks of wood,now of course it is a proper structure.We went to Sidari every year thereafter untill 1993 when I bought a Touring Caravan and discovered out of the way places in the U.K. France & spain(never had the courage to drive to Greece).We returned to Sidari in 2001 ,what a disapointment,Wall to Wall Discos ,McDonalds,Touts outside most of the Bars I could go on.We discovered Arillas 3 Years ago & it is everything your Forum Guests say it is.Elenis sentiments obviously come from the heart and there is still hope for mankind when you have people like her in the world.Glad to see that the Mathraki has escaped the clutches of Olympic Holidays and I wish them every success for the future.we leave tomorrow for another fortnight of Arillas hospitality and will call in to enjoy your Roast Lamb And "A bit of craic" as they say in Ireland.For the uneducated thats longhand for a chat.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Marymary on September 09, 2007, 04:48:51 PM
Hi Dimitris
That was very interesting about the history of Arillas and makes me want to come back there even more. I may even pluck up the courage to do that alone. I would never like to holiday, let alone live in Kavos or Sidari. I stayed in Kavos about 8 years ago and didn't like it, but having said that it was surrounded by beautiful scenery
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: wayne on September 25, 2007, 02:30:39 AM
when i first went to arillas on a late booking i arrived at about 7-30 am and walked from gallini to the beach ,my first impression was what am i going to do for a week,but after my first night out i knew i would return.we had a great meal at thalassa became friendly with yiannis and litsa.next day we went to the brouklis ,met our host and introduced ourselves,had a great meal there also.what im trying to say is its the warmth of the locals and the atmosphere that makes you want to come back.
i normally holiday in rhodes been going for 25 yrs but is now so commercial and very busy with traffic and you feel you need another holiday after arriving home.when ive been to arillas i feel like ive been on holiday,and feel like ive been a guest and not a number on a seat.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Paul C on September 25, 2007, 01:26:01 PM
We have just returned home from two weeks in Arillas where we enjoyed "authentic" Greek hospitality. Over the years we have visited quite a few Greek Islands and also other resorts in Corfu. Then last year we found Arillas. We were hooked. No one hassling you to eat in this restaurant or to take that excursion. Just sort yourself out,go where you want to and eat where you choose.
This year was even better,from the welcome given to us by Eleni and Spiros at the Irene Apartments to the service in the restaurants,especially in the Brouklis. Always time for a chat with the diners. Thanks Dimitris for explaining the reason behind the Torpedo by the road in Magoulades. Everywhere we went, we were treated like old friends. It is so obvious why so many return year after year to Arillas and it's "authentic" Greek welcome.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: justphil on February 05, 2008, 11:49:37 PM
Just in case anyone out there thinks the welcoming nature of the people in Arillas is false, not authentic or cynical, ask yourslef about this story.

Young lad (all of 30) buys a lot of cigarettes, gets absolutely drunk and falls over on the way home. Next morning he comes to see us and is covered in blood - looks like he's been mugged. Cigarettes are missing.

We go and see Filipos at Christos apartments who gets on the phone to try and find his lost bag of cigarettes. After a dozen calls, this lad is remembered by a barman in the edge of San Stefanos. We go there but no fags. Worked our way round, and eventually the bag was in the position it fell into. All 500 euros worth of cigarettes intact and untouched.

As we got back to Christos apartments, Filipos came and joined us in a drink to celebrate - and he paid at his own bar. Lad had fallen over, crawled home and in Arillas / San Stefanos lost nothing but his dignity. In Benidorm he wouldn't even have got home in his clothes.

Authentic? Maybe not here in Britain, but why do you think we all love Arillas?

philandjen together.

 
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: TONYNEW on May 07, 2008, 09:10:02 PM
Well Phil that just about says it all great post we had a similar thing happen to us in canal d'amour it was about 5am and a girl knocked on our door asking if it was her appartment
She actually walked in and entered bros bedroom until i ushered her out she said said she was looking for the steps which were outside we heard her go up and thought nothing else of it
In the morning i happened to walk around to the sun loungers her hand bag was there with passport cash and credit cards in thats how we knew it was hers by the passport pic
So went to see the local girl in the Thomson office who recognised her by her photo and she had used a safety deposit box there
Anyway we kept calling in asking if she had picked up her belongings it was 3 days later she eventually went in and the young lass recognised her and gave her the bag and contents If that had been over here or spain i,m afraid it would have been goodbye to the lot !!!
                                                     Tony
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Antonis on June 18, 2008, 10:30:01 PM
Just back home after two weeks in Arillas. What you wrote near the start of this thread Dimitri has put much of the experience into context. I'm always intrigued by the history of the places we stay. I've found out that some "authentic" villages with a long history can become so given over to tourism that local industries (e.g. farming) are abandoned, as they become less profitable and harder work than attending to tourist demands, with the end result that the economy ceases to exist once the tourists go home, and the locals cease to live in the village outside the holiday season. There's no produce at such times for sustenance, and folk use their profits to return to the larger towns - or even to families in other countries, to find other, or similar work during the European winter.
For me, one of the charms of much of Greece is that it hasn't yet created a year-round tourism infrastructure, unlike coastal Spain, Cyprus, Malta et al, and thus retains a cultural life that is reinforced by an eight month break from tourism. I like to hear, for example, as I've often heard in places I've visited, some local person playing an instrument, or singing a song to a tune I'd have great difficulty in remembering, because it isn't of the nature that would go down well at a bouzouki night in a tourist resort in July. (Mind you - I like to hear those songs too - especially after a good meal and a glass or three of wine!)
Arillas is a tourist resort, whatever else it is, or has been, and I happily embrace that as well as its history. Doesn't make it any less "authentic."
Thanks for a lovely couple of weeks, Arillas. After a bleak brush with cancer three years ago, I find it difficult to contemplate what I might do in following years, but Hope that I'm given plenty of time to revisit.
 
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Julie j on June 20, 2008, 07:38:22 AM
Antonis, pleased to hear that you enjoyed Arillas so much, my husband Graham is in hospital at the moment for yet another three monthly check up, and as soon as he is out and hopefully given the all clear the first thing he will say is " see whats available, when can we go back to Arillas " it's the only place where he feels really relaxed.
Hope to see you all again very soon
Julie & Graham(Pangalos)
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: justphil on June 20, 2008, 10:09:23 AM
What wonderful posts Antonis and Juliej

Quote
when can we go back to Arillas - it's the only place where he feels really relaxed.

That could have been Jen and me speaking.

best wishes to both
Phil
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on June 20, 2008, 11:33:47 PM
 Phil you’re so relaxed you’re virtually Horizontal
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: justphil on June 21, 2008, 05:17:54 AM
John - I come from Glastonbury. We are all laid back here. When we first got here in 1991 they used to say "slow down Phil, you'll explode."  But not any more.

We have melted into village life and Arillas is so much like our village here in Somerset you would not believe. I so identify with Dimitris and his family values, just like you with your gorgeous grandson. Didn't you melt looking at the pics of bebis in the sea today? And loved Dimitris sense of humour about blonds....

We are so laid back here we start from horizontal. Jen and me are now actually upside down rather than horizontal! And I might be relaxed amongst my amazing Arillas friends on the forum, but I'm like a coiled spring in my daily role as a college lecturer.

Having said all that, I am flattered that you bothered to post about me, and as usual  had a really good laugh. I'm vertical at the moment, but after another vodka frappe might truly be horizontal.

see you in july
phil






Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: graham on June 26, 2008, 06:16:33 PM
it's the only place where he feels really relaxed.
Isn't it peculiar that one little quote can sum up the feelings of so many different people from such diverse backgrounds? And also that one little village can inspire those feelings in the same way! Mind you, I think the cold Mythos / Amstel helps with the relaxing bit!
It's our fourth time to Arillas in July and I feel more at home there than I ever have in Swansea, I can't wait for the kids to grow up so I can go more often!
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Julie j on June 26, 2008, 07:17:57 PM
When we said goodbye to Dimitris on the 8th of June before going home on the 9th, he said "no you are not going home tomorrow you are going abroad, when you come back here you are coming home", see you on the 11th July Dimitris, sorry we will miss you Graham from Swansea, we are going abroad again on the 25th July.
Love to all Julie & Graham from Bristol.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: riggers on June 26, 2008, 08:15:21 PM
The trouble is we spend to much time abroad..  :(

riggers...
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Lindypops on June 27, 2008, 03:06:03 AM
riggs, too much in time or cash? At least when we go to Arillas, it`s money well spent and totally enjoyed.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: kevin.g on June 27, 2008, 09:16:15 AM
lindypops i totaly agree,you could,nt spend your money in better place.............yammas
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: riggers on June 27, 2008, 11:08:30 AM
To much time abroad in England................

riggers.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: lynwill53 on August 01, 2008, 11:27:10 PM
Efcharisto poli, Dimitris, for that information about the history of Arillas.

I am very much looking forward to seeing your beautiful village at the end of August. I see from the aerial photos that agriculture is still very important in the village. I love to have fields and trees in the resort I am staying in.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: pandb on September 02, 2008, 03:47:34 PM
Thank you Dimitris for the information & background. We all come ( & return in the majority of cases) and it is nice to know some of the history to the place that we all adore. Many thanks once again & looking forward to seeing you in 2 weeks.

Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: SBPL2458 on September 30, 2008, 02:21:20 PM
Whenever we arrive back in Arillas, all our greek friends say "welcome home". I think that sums it up.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: keefy on September 30, 2008, 03:55:27 PM
Of course it is all authentic in Arillas...We went to Arillas (of course) and went to 3 resturants & 1 bar (twice) had 10 bottles of Amstell (5 each). Not bad  I hear you say well we paid for none. the people there are just glad to see you If someone was false why by you a drink....Oh! and the resturants & bars we visited several times during the week.....OOOOOHH! ME HEAD I can still feel the hangover's.

Phil i need help and lessons
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: justphil on September 12, 2009, 10:44:33 PM
Keefy and Helen, we so enjoyed our time at home. You persuaded even the youngsters how real we were. Jen and me are well known as the Arillas piss artists. Nothing changes in 2009 then. So wish we could be in the Rainbow right now, laughing with each other. Let's do it again soon

Phil
 
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: justphil on August 15, 2012, 01:59:38 AM
Well, it was me who posted last in 2009 apparently. But I guess that is because there is little point arguing about the authenticity of the hosts we stay with in Arillas, we all agree that what they do is authentic.

But during our stay at Bardis Sun Studios, I decided to post this so here it is.

During 2012, two guests had major problems that we know about. Illness and accident. Alan and Jan have posted the details of theirs, and will be back next month to complete the holiday that illness ruined earlier in the year. Looked after in fullsome detail whilst there. Look at the posts.

And during our stay, someone had an accident, and thankfully was not badly injured. But several trips to the doctor, Corfu Town and Hospital were driven late at night by tired out Spiros and Bobby, up to their necks in satisfying 40+ guests as well. They were still "on parade" in the morning.

My point though, is Spiros' reaction when a couple of days later he arrived back from hospital. Big smiles. He was truly glad that his guest was recovering. It was the body language. You can't fake that. When I nattered to him one afternoon he said "You need to be a doctor to do this job properly."

Authentic? I think so.
Phil




Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: indigo648 on August 15, 2012, 10:19:53 AM
I'm glad you put your post on Phil because for the first time I went back to the first postings and read the the history of Arillas. Jenny
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Alan and Jan on August 15, 2012, 11:15:08 AM
Yes Phil truly marvelous genuine people at the Bar is Sun Studios. Just over two weeks and we will be enjoying their company once again.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: justphil on February 18, 2014, 03:30:26 PM
Oh dear! Here comes the long list of favourites!! There are so many wonderful tavernas, and you always get good food. To directly answer, authentic Corfiot food at Brouklis; authentic Greek dancing at Marina's Greek Night; authentic fish at the renowned Vavilas mentioned by Truth; modern Greek cuisine at Thalassa; gorgeous prawns at Graziella and Effie's; authentic Sofrito at Armourada; prawn saganaki at Mirage........ And I only just started!!

Phil
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Truth on February 18, 2014, 04:05:49 PM
Carry on Phil, I want to see if you can melt your keyboard mate !!!   :-)
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: Karen Arillas on June 09, 2016, 10:47:29 AM
A beautiful description...
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: ValL on June 23, 2017, 12:09:23 PM
Thank you for such a lovely informative post. We have loved Arillas since we first came in 2004 (wish we had found it sooner).  It's a very special place with special people.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: momo on July 02, 2017, 12:49:48 AM
Glad this thread came up again as it was lovely to read through.
When I describe Arillas to friends I seem to always say how it is full of small tavernas and no huge hotels. The hosts,eg Philip at Tria Adelphia remember our names. That totally surprised us at first - and made us feel great. Now we love to see the familiar faces and places and hope they don't change too much. Happily there are plenty of bright individuals who know that what they have with beautiful, authentic Arillas and who try to keep it special.
Excited already for August.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: angiem on July 02, 2017, 01:05:45 AM
I know what you mean about the 'they remember our names' thing. The first time I experienced it and I was greeted with 'Hi, welcome back - lovely to see you again', I thought 'yeh, right - good bluff! You've no idea who I am!'. But I soon realised I was wrong! It happened everywhere we went, and I quickly realised that having met you, they consider you to be a friend. And they DO remember you. Of course it's good for business, but I think Arillas takes it 'above and beyond', and I love it.
Title: Re: authentic or not
Post by: momo on July 02, 2017, 01:26:44 AM
Exactly! Mo x