Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Accommodation reviews => Topic started by: tab on March 18, 2015, 10:31:52 PM

Title: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 18, 2015, 10:31:52 PM
Hello all, we have just booked our first trip to Arillas and will be arriving in mid September and staying at Mirage studios. I've already read quite a lot about how traditional Arillas is and that's the main reason we want to go there. Have already been to Sidari and Paleoa and many other islands in Greece, but just wanted to know from you die hard Arilliacs what makes it more special compared to the likes of Sidari or Paleo for example? Sidari was nice but it did have a bit of an 'English' element to it (touts outside the bars etc). Will be back to find out more about Mirage and peoples opinion who stayed there.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: justphil on March 19, 2015, 12:17:11 AM
Hello tabhunt, and welcome to the forum. Mirage is owned by a lovely couple, Nikos and Angela, who work very hard to make good holidays for their guests. It is on the seafront, and right in the centre of the village.  The quiet seafront road is all that separates you from the beach, and the pool and sea seem to merge into one at many angles!  They have an excellent chef, Vangellis, and serve top-range food, but you will be spoiled for choice within 10 yards of the complex. Many excellent reviews have been posted, as with many other accommodation choices in Arillas.

Arillas has a laid back atmosphere, and can give the feeling that time stood still. True Corfiot food to be had at Brouklis, confirming the Traditional spirit that holds it all together. Hundreds of us never go anywhere else now. The whole area is beautiful, but from what you say, I believe you will adore it.

Keep asking the questions. Someone here knows the answer.
Best wishes
Phil
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 19, 2015, 09:40:20 AM
Thanks for that Phil. I booked with Angela and Nikos direct and have had some lovely emails from them and although they only have a ground floor studio available for us they said if a 1st floor one becomes free (our preference for the sea view)  they will let us know. The proximity to the beach is the main reason we chose Mirage. Yes I have read some reviews on another popular forum with mostly good ones and a few negative ones with, in my opinion petty comments about lack of loo roll or no shower curtain etc ( have they never been to Greece before?? Lol) Really looking forward to visiting lovely tavernas to sample the food, and Mythos and Ouzo of course!!
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: soniaP on March 19, 2015, 02:28:10 PM
only been to Sidari for the day and also Paleo.  The difference is Arillas is not as busy. It is smaller and more compact. There is everything you need without there being too much so to speak. There is not the endless gift shops all selling the same things for instance. There is still a good choice of tavernas and most of them are on the sea front where you can watch the sunsets and yes, the sunsets are amazing. Some of the tavernas are more modern than others so if you like the more modern ones there is some of those or if you prefer the rustic traditional taverna then there is plenty of those also. I have never ate at the Mirage but have heard good things about it. They seem to do a reasonable priced set menu and I think do a lot of fish so I do intend to try it sometime.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Eileen on March 19, 2015, 03:16:30 PM
Hi Tabhunt and welcome to the forum...glad you found us :-)

I wholeheartedly agree with Phil and Sonia's comments which don't leave me with much to say!  I can only add that it's the locals who live there all year round, who have lived there for generations that give Arillas it's soul, it's strong sense of pride and continuity.  Their desire to be un-Sidari-like has led this active village to form a tourist committee 'Association of Business Arillas' to preserve and enhance the facilities of Arillas in a slow, steadfast and sympathetic manner.  And that's what makes Arillas special!
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Jo Wissett on March 19, 2015, 04:00:44 PM
I agree with all the previous comments.  Arillas for me is a beautiful and traditional Greek village which has also changed considerably from our first visit back in 1995 but for the better and has some beautiful classy restaurants as well as the traditional tavernas. The local people are what for me makes Arillas so special and that gorgeous unspoilt beach.  You will love it!
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: ger on March 19, 2015, 06:47:06 PM
everyone in arillas works hard to make sure you enjoy your time there. we have eaten at mirage, but not stayed there, you will probably not need a first floor room to see the sea, its that close!!
lovely pool, infact all the pools in arillas are lovely, and free to use as long as you buy a drink from them!
beware though, once you've been you will never go anywhere else!!!!!!!! arillas will get into your soul!
ger x
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 19, 2015, 07:25:33 PM
Seems like my instincts were correct when I booked this lovely village judging by the great comments I have received up till now. I used to visit a similar place in Crete (Georgioupolis)  quite often many years ago. It too had all the tradition and typical village feel to it. Unfortunately it either became a victim of its own success or it could have become more popular because of a certain tv programme at the time which turned it into a bit of a real estate magnet. I am actually a little surprised that all you regular visitors would want to share this place with anyone else. I'd probably want to keep it a very close secret hehe. Another question about Mirage. I'm totally aware that when in Greece and you are using a certain hotel/apartments sunbeds and pool etc, they expect you to purchase drinks from them rather than bring your own, understandable of course. But as we're actually staying at the Mirage, will they mind if we bring our own water? No doubt we'll probably be having lunch there on occasions. Strange question but just wanted to ask anyway.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: SteveL on March 19, 2015, 09:55:11 PM
Shouldn't be a problem, but why not respect your hosts and buy your water from them, it's probably not very expensive.  Where I stay, they sell large bottles of water in 6 packs, they put very little mark up on it, it's more of a service for their guests and it saves you carrying it from a supermarket.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 19, 2015, 10:13:15 PM
Fair comment Steve and to be honest we probably will buy it from them most of the time anyway and as you say its not easy lugging large bottles of water about. Maybe they do the same as the place where you stay. But of course lugging bottles or cans of Mythos is much less strenuous lol
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Val n Bill on March 20, 2015, 12:11:48 AM
 
 Welcome to Arillas.com tabhunt, you have chosen a lovely place to stay.....step out of your apartment cross a narrow road and step on to the beautiful beach.

Most apartment owners prefer you to buy any food or drink that you consume at the pool from their bar, but you can sit on your terrace or balcony and have a drink or something to eat, that's the joy of self catering, you will have a lovely sea view as well.

Don't know how long ago you stayed in Sidari but driving though there about two years ago at night it was full of young people falling out of noisy bars.....although if you go in the morning it's quite nice to stroll around and the beach is full of families.

Arillas is beautiful, traditional, with good restaurants and bars and from the Mirage the loudest noise at night will be from the bull frogs in the stream.

  Val x
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 20, 2015, 08:49:49 AM
Thank you Val. We were actually in Sidari 2 years ago too and although it was early season and it was lovely in the daytime, the evening was a different matter with touts ( mainly English) trying to invite us into bars to listen to U2  tribute bands and the like. When I explained that we come to Greece to experience GREECE and its lovely culture, food and people etc, we were just given strange looks and sarcastic remarks. Just glad we didnt go in high season. We are so excited, after hearing from you guys that Arillas is nothing like that and is more 'our kind of place'. Looking forward to walking up to the Akrotiri lounge for a drink and the spectacular views
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Dai on March 20, 2015, 09:40:12 AM
Hi Tabhunt, I was staying in Arillas a couple of years ago and walked over to Sidari one morning. It was probably May or June as later on would have been too hot. It was a lovely walk, with a few beer stops en route. I'd never been to Sidari before but as soon as I hit the Main Street there was a constant bombardment by Brits trying to sell me trips. After one or two I started asking if there were any trips to Arillas, none of the sales reps knew where Arillas was!! Once off the high street I quite liked Sidari, nice lunch overlooking the beach, and the locals were nice and friendly. Got a taxi back and was glad to return to the peace and quiet of Arillas. Wherever I go, being bombarded by sales people is my pet hate. Glad to say you don't get that in Arillas these days.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: PMC69 on March 20, 2015, 04:49:59 PM
Welcome to Arillas, from another new(ish) member.  I went to Arillas in 1996 and then didn't come back again until 2013.  We fell in love, not only with this beautiful place which hadn't changed, but with the lovely Mirage.  A fantastic place where you can go to sleep and hear the waves lap the shore.  The family are great fun and the boys especially will keep you entertained.  My daughter loves it here and she can wander around, meet lots of other kids, order her own cocktails (non alc of course as she is only 12) and have lots of fun with Billy and Spiros. 
What I love about Arillas is the mornings.  I get up and even at 9am it is quiet on the beach.  I walk down past the wonderful Mirage pool, say hello to Nikos, cross the narrow road and then sit on the beach or go for a beach walk and just lap up the sheer beauty of it all. 
I always hark back to the 70's when I was young and able to wonder off and play without all the media induced fear you get nowadays.  My daughter will be off here and there in Mirage playing hide and seek, in the pool, sitting in the swingy chair and you know the kids are ultra safe.  Happy kids make happy parents indeed.
Ooh and the lovely nights, as quiet, or as lively (Malibu) as you like and the ever so short walk back to the Mirage for a quick Baileys before letting the family have a well earned rest, and then the nightcap on the studio balcony with the only sound being the sea, the mozzies or the music wafting over from Mirage - lol.
I am truly a convert to this amazing place, with many thanks to all the wonderful members stories on here.  You will love it. 
Here are a couple of pics of morning/nights to enjoy from 2014.
Mirages own Billy the Kid!
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p691/paulamcnaney/Billy_zps3bobwmue.jpg) (http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/paulamcnaney/media/Billy_zps3bobwmue.jpg.html)

Cocktail time at Mirage
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p691/paulamcnaney/10352342_10152172694271503_8730707448963674086_n_zps64af3ffe.jpg) (http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/paulamcnaney/media/10352342_10152172694271503_8730707448963674086_n_zps64af3ffe.jpg.html)

Morning Coffee at Mirage
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p691/paulamcnaney/1422450_10152170447281503_2210099958759489562_n_zps6fc07b77.jpg) (http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/paulamcnaney/media/1422450_10152170447281503_2210099958759489562_n_zps6fc07b77.jpg.html)

Pedalo time
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p691/paulamcnaney/m%20orning%20boats_zpszkkzzqmf.jpg) (http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/paulamcnaney/media/m%20orning%20boats_zpszkkzzqmf.jpg.html)

Deserted beach - mornings
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p691/paulamcnaney/faver%20time%20of%20day_zpscpy4tvkx.jpg) (http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/paulamcnaney/media/faver%20time%20of%20day_zpscpy4tvkx.jpg.html)

Another mirage sunset
(http://i1346.photobucket.com/albums/p691/paulamcnaney/beach_zps63epp8hw.jpg) (http://s1346.photobucket.com/user/paulamcnaney/media/beach_zps63epp8hw.jpg.html)

PMC
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: GaryS on March 20, 2015, 04:54:27 PM
You will adore Arillas. As traditional Greece as you can get and still have the holiday feel. If you want even more traditional Greece, take one of the nature walks or a stroll up to the village of Afionas. The food is amazing wherever you eat and there is also a local brewery where you can have a tour and drink their beer for next to nothing. Cant wait for July and our next visit.

Gary & Carolyn
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Jo Wissett on March 20, 2015, 06:04:06 PM
Lovely pics PMC69! I am sure that tabhunt will be even more excited now!
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: ness44 on March 20, 2015, 06:42:48 PM
Jo, never  mind about tabhunt being more excited about going but after seeing those pics i am getting very excited. Going a month later this year as couldnt get booked up for july.And that what trying last October!! Its getting very popular. This will be our 4th time and cant wait. Tabhunt you will love it and never want to go anywhere else again.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 20, 2015, 07:03:42 PM
Yes they are lovely pictures and the sunsets are as wonderful as the ones we saw in the Maldives last month. We have read about the Arillas trail on here so will attempt that at some stage. I think at this rate we might be booking for next year before we actually go this year lol. I haven't been back to the same place for a long time but Arillas might just change my mind. Yes Dai, I'm with you on that one with the ticket touts etc, that's why I never went back to the Canaries. The best thing we experienced in Sidari was seeing the fireflies on the way back to our apartment in the evenings, was truly magical. Talking of insects, It seems that mozzies are a big issue in Corfu, more than other Greek islands it seems. Does anyone know if their numbers reduce during September? My wife is a magnet to the little blighters and we will be taking the usual precautions with plug ins and spray. We will be using the A/C at Mirage and are hoping this will help the situation. Any further tips would be appreciated.
Martin
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: justphil on March 20, 2015, 08:24:57 PM
We once asked Yannis at Thalassa "when are the mozzies not an issue" and his witty (but true) reply was "December." Jen gets eaten alive as well, but they have never touched me. Her vital treatment is 50% DEET spray all over feet ankles and lower legs. and any exposed skin in the evenings. That is the worst time for getting bitten. BTW - she hasn't had more than an odd bite in the last 5 years, having spent 20 weeks there during that time.  But she never lets her guard down.

Phil
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: dylan on March 20, 2015, 09:49:05 PM
Welcome newbie! we went to Georgoupolis in Crete, for many years, and loved the area, and made many good Greek friends there.
Chania and Rethynmon, are lovely places to visit as well, but the village did start to get a little too commercial, and noisy, so I started looking for somewhere like it when is was so unspoilt.

After a long search, I found Arillas! and we have been coming back every year since, you will love it, I am sure, although when we arrived on our first trip, I walked down to the seafront with my wife, who said is that it! two hours later, after a walk round, and a few Mythos, she said "can we come back next year!"

Lovely people, lovely food, great little beach, amazing sunsets, lots of nice walks, and a brewery! what could be better!
Will be back as usual in Sept, have a great time.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 20, 2015, 10:01:11 PM
Nice that you remember Georgioupolis in its earlier years Dylan but as you say it did start to get busier and noisier. But I did have the best kleftico ever in Valentino taverna. Maybe Arillas can offer me a better one lol.
 I did suggest to the missus that she could wear socks and sandals for the whole duration of our stay there to protect her ankles but she hit me haha.
I've also heard that snorkelling isn't so brilliant off the beach so are there any other places near by where we can snorkel?
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: suzy61 on March 21, 2015, 08:47:19 AM
Not sure about the snorkeling Tabhunt! We love to go out on a boat and take a swim but haven't done any snorkeling as yet!
Phil is right about the 50% deet. It's the best. Years ago I had a couple of experiences with nasty mosquito bites as they became infected and I had to take antibiotics.Therefore I started using the 50% deet.  I also recommend taking anti histamine tablets for about 2 weeks before you go and during your stay. The cheap supermarket brands work just as well. If I do get bit (which is very rarely now) these tablets seem to stop the bite from swelling or itching but mostly it prevents the bites getting infected.I also take vitamin B tablets 2 weeks before I go and during my stay...it has something to do with yeast? Eating Marmite supposed to be good too!
I little over the top you may be thinking,(but touch wood) I've rarely been bit for about 10 years now and if I have I've hardly noticed. I mostly wear cool cotton maxi dresses during the evenings too as it tends to be around the feet and ankles that they bite. I'm sure there are many more precautions and remedies out there however these have worked for me for many years. There is nothing worse than mozzie bites ruining a holiday!
btw...Arillas really is a fantastic p;ace! It is also the first place that we have ever returned to for two years running! We didn't go last year as we visited Alykes in Zante which was beautiful and we had a lovely holiday but it wasn't Arillas. I don't think we will be looking anywhere else in the future as we are also hooked! We are going for two weeks in August this year (third time) and hopefully our son, his wife and our beautiful grand children will be joining us later in the year for another week (first time for them)
As everyone else has already said, it truly is an amazing place! The locals are amazing too! In fact it is the people of Arillas that have made it such a special place!
Have a great holiday!

Suzy X 
     
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 21, 2015, 09:24:30 AM
Hi Suzy and thanks for that. We actually took 50% deet with us to the Maldives last month but as they spray the island once a week she didnt get bitten once so we didnt have to use it. We were also just talking about taking anti hystemene tablets but unfortunately we're both marmite haters haha! Judy had a bad mozzy bite reaction like you did when we were in Sidari 2 years ago and had to get anti biotics from the pharmacy. As you say it can ruin a holiday no matter how wonderful the place is.
I remember going to Alykes many years ago with my first wife and we enjoyed the walk to Alikanas and sometimes riding on the horse and carriage back to Alykes.
Thats what I love most about Greece, the friendliness of the people and they just love it when you greet them with a polite 'kalimera', it seems to make their day.
5 months,24 days,22 hours and 32 minutes to go but whos counting haha!
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Jo Wissett on March 21, 2015, 09:35:35 AM
Tab hunt there are many many mozzie threads on here but suzy's advice is pretty much what we hàve been doing for the last 17 years. Always do the Vit B complex tablets and someone said they hate garlic and we eat loads of that throughout our stay. I also wonder if we have built up an ammunity to the little blighters visiting the same area for so many years?
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: cathovo on March 21, 2015, 09:39:23 AM
will mossies be bad in august the feeling of dread has just gone through usually end up getting bitten then it gets infected I cant walk x

Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 21, 2015, 09:49:00 AM
Actually Jo i've always why you never see Greek people covered in bites and I put it down to the amount of olive oil and garlic they eat. I hate cucumber with a passion ( more than marmite lol) but I love tzatzicki and the more garlicy the better so will definately be checking how good it is in Arillas
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 21, 2015, 10:28:18 AM
Oops just read my last thread and noticed it should have read ' I always wondered why you never see Greeks with bites'
Is there a way of editing a post once you've posted it??
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: suzy61 on March 21, 2015, 10:28:57 AM
Back to mozzies....we visited Crete for a few years running, also Rhodes but hardly even got bit there so didn't really take any precautions.It wasn't until we began visiting the Ionian Islands about 12 years ago that I began to get bit more often and they became infected. I've heard this is due to the amount of rain these Islands get during the winter and the humidity...thus why the Islands are so lush green and beautiful and one of the many reasons we keep on returning!

Suzy X
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Jo Wissett on March 21, 2015, 12:55:21 PM
One thing we have always done is be very careful about opening and shutting our apt door/windows in the evening.  Most places now have air con so that really helps.  Its almost like a military operation each night when leaving and re-entering haha. We stand in a line then Mick goes ready?.. quick! With regards to August, we have found it is the wasps that tend to be a nuisence rather than the mozzies. Other tips for the dreaded mozzies, Avon do a skin so soft dry oil body spray that mick swears by (white bottle with green label) ans we also take some 1% antihistamine cream should the bites get infected. You can pick this up from most chemists for around £2.  We always use jungle formula spray which is cheapest in Home Bargains. Failing that wear a onesie at night lol
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: dylan on March 21, 2015, 10:39:00 PM
Back to the snorkelling! not much around the bat to see, if you ask Olga, at Olgas travel, she will put you right, you may need to go to San Stefano to get a boat to take you out, she would arrange it for you.

Valentinos was great, went there often, mostly drank at Stelios's bar at the the top left-hand corner of the square, had many days with him and his family, did you know the one-armed tobacconist? always high on raki! good times!
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 22, 2015, 12:25:09 AM
Yes we were thinking of trying to hire a boat for the day and visit some coves, never done it before.
And I do vaguely remember the one-armed bloke on the square, thought he was just nutty and not pissed on raki. I used to drink down on the seafront at Matthews (not a very Greek name) bar, but he had so much pride in his work and serving customers.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Eggy on March 22, 2015, 01:03:36 PM
It is still possible that Gary will be back in Arillas , this Summer, with the boats.

When I see him I'll ask.

Cheers
Negg
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 22, 2015, 05:56:57 PM
Cheers Eggy, maybe you can get some prices to please
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: GaryS on March 22, 2015, 07:37:07 PM
Gary used to charge us around 60 euros for a 10hp boat out of Arillas for the day. It will be around the same from San Stef if the guys are not back in Arillas this year. We tend to go south as there are loads of bays and coves to stop, snorkel and take lunch. We used to do the full day, 10am-6pm and used around 25-30 euros of fuel which you pay on your return. The boats normally take 4-6 adults. As for snorkelling, yes it isn't great from the beach, but if you go to the far end of the south beach and snorkel from there it is much better with more rocks and sealife.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: soniaP on March 22, 2015, 08:18:42 PM
About mozzies , they seem to love me. The air con really helps as they don't like the cold. Also like Jo says keep your apartment door shut at night. They also seem worse at the tavernas near the sea front. Boots after sum with insect repellent is also good.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on March 22, 2015, 08:46:49 PM
I keep telling the missus that shes much tastier  than me that's why they go for her haha. Shes already on the case Sonia and taken Jo's advice and  ordered a load of Avon skin so soft, but has gone for the gel and not the spray oil, she doesn't get on with sprays. Got a bargain though, 250ml each for £1.75 (on Avons site) so got 4 of them. I have seen some apartments with mozzie nets but not at Mirage unfortunately
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: TONYNEW on March 22, 2015, 10:14:51 PM
Deffo hire a boat you will love it this is from 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-LM0ETninw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-LM0ETninw)
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: himishere on April 07, 2015, 09:39:34 PM
You will love the place, don't be afraid to wander from the beachfront and try the restaurants throughout the village, some do themselves an injustice valuing themselves as snack bars etc., when the food is top notch. Full menus and daily specials take some beating for quality and value.
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: Eggy on April 08, 2015, 01:44:03 AM
Very well said "Youarethere"
Negg
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: suzy61 on April 08, 2015, 11:35:10 AM
Couldn't agree more!
We went on a few walks away from the main part of the village and came across many snack bars and cafeterias which served excellent food!
As amazing as it is on the sea front, it was just as lovely to be sitting close by to the countryside amongst the olive groves and the sounds of the cicadas in the background eating some fantastic food...so tranquil!

Suzy X
Title: Re: Arillas newbie
Post by: tab on April 08, 2015, 08:25:06 PM
Sounds like a good plan Suzy, we do love walking in the countryside so will be keeping an eye out for places to eat and drink and as you say its just as nice (well nearly) as sitting on the seafront admiring the sea and sunsets whilst sipping your favourite tipple.