Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Arillas general information => Car, Bike and Boat rentals => Topic started by: Denny on May 08, 2015, 08:29:34 PM

Title: Siesta/places to see
Post by: Denny on May 08, 2015, 08:29:34 PM
hi
My wife and i are new to Arillas and Corfu.Visited some islands on the Aegean sea over 30 years ago ,loved the people and culture.Alas circumstances dictate only returning now.Few questions .
what time is siesta and do all shops ,restaurants shut down.
renting car for a few days,any suggestions on a few routes and villages to see.
Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: soniaP on May 08, 2015, 11:15:14 PM
Hi Denny welcome to the forum. No the shops and restaurants stay open all day.
Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on May 09, 2015, 09:46:46 AM
Welcome to the forum and Arillas. I'm here right now and things are shaping up for a fabulous summer. Places open all day so no problem there
As for places to visit point the car and just drive stop where you feel and admire Corfu.
If you take a look on Amazon you can find a book on Corfu villages by Steve Ford there are lots of villages he has recorded and it may help.
You will just love Arillas though you won't need to be any place else
Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: cypress on May 09, 2015, 11:33:01 AM
Hi Denny

Welcome!

When are you going? I'll be there for most of July, so if you're both there then I might bump into you :-). If I remember, some of the shops and restaurants in Corfu town do still close on a Wednesday and Saturday afternoon, but mostly the touristy ones stay open 7 days a week during the peak periods of the year. As for a siesta, I have mine about 5 til 6 which fits in nicely with getting up about 10 and not getting to bed til at least 2. That little nap is one of my luxuries -  being able to have the balcony doors open, listening to the sounds of the village and the cicadas while dozing off ...... I can't wait to be there this time. I can't bear the wait every time!   

If you've got a car, then my suggestion would be not to miss Paleokastritsa, preferably after the coach parties have left in the afternoon, definitely Doukades, definitely Corfu Town - one of my favourite European capitals, and definitely Agni Bay. If you're interested in donkeys, then the Corfu Donkey Sanctuary is an amazing place for a visit too. And, my award for the best village goes to .... Afionas.  It is in walking distance, but better with transport because it's uphill all the way. If I had transport I'd be there everyday. 

Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: Denny on May 09, 2015, 11:46:00 PM
Thank you all for warm welcome to website, i have been reading past entries and gaining much info.
We are really looking forward to holidaying in Arillas and meeting locals and vistors ,sounds like a lot of characters in Arillas.
thanks to sonia p,johnthe ref and dot lucky you on hols early and will look up book by steve ford.
cypress we are on hols start of july and i'm sure our paths will cross as we have same routine as yourself . As holidays progress nights get longer and rising time gets later.
will definately visit paleo,affionas, san steph and explore arillas and its watering holes.
Is Sunday a good day to visit corfu town.
Microbrewery looks fab any recommendations for the beer.

Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: Rachel B on May 10, 2015, 03:47:34 AM
Hi Denny, welcome to the forum :-)

Siesta? what's one of those? I have a snooze on the plane on the way to Corfu and again on the way back. The last thing I want to do is sleep my Arillas time away. I get up early and go to bed late - I like to think it makes my holiday last longer ha!

As for things to do.. there's something for everyone. I'm a big fan of the day trips. I have done many already in my 3 previous visits and have a few more planned for when I arrive next week :D

If you wish to stay on the island then I would definitely recommend a trip to Paleokastritsa, San Stef, Horse riding on Avlaki Beach nr Kassiopi, Affionas and over to Agios Geogios beach. If you would like to venture away from the island then there's a trip to Erikoussa & Othoni islands,  Albania, Syvota & Blue Lagoon, Parga, Paxos - I have done all of these and would definitely do them all again :-)

I went to Corfu Town as well twice last August, they were both week days though via an organised day trip. I wouldn't recommend Sundays if you're using public transport because I don't think there is any on a Sunday lol but if you're driving yourself there, then I don't see why it wouldn't be a good day to go. Just don't get there too early if you want to shop straight away as many places aren't open properly until after 10am

I hope you have a great time whatever you decide to do :-)
Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: Denny on May 10, 2015, 09:26:46 PM
Thanks Rachel
again great ideas and we have a lot of good intentions on travelling on Corfu.
previous holiday experiences remind me that we  will not get to a lot of the intended places.  we are looking forward and going to take each day on its merit.really going to make effort to see villages mentioned by everyone on post.
Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: justphil on May 10, 2015, 10:15:24 PM
Welcome to my world Denny. I came to Arillas in 2002 and it has changed my life. I have been all over the world, but my little Greek fishing village, a mile of sea and beach that has as much personality as the gorgeous Greek people who run it, some of the best food I have eaten in my whole life, and the love and respect they show me and my disabled and lovely wife, it is very special place.

The island of Corfu has very many places to see, and I have seen many of them. View it all before you become a total addict like Jen and me, who now never leave our Arillas in the four weeks we spend there every year. This obsession, addiction, adoration is contagious. Once bitten, forever smitten. Be warned.......

Phil
Title: Re: Siesta/places to see
Post by: Denny on May 11, 2015, 11:23:39 AM
Hi Phil
You have both found the perfect spot.It sounds idyllic,the scenery,food,sunrises,sunsets and warm,helpful people who live there.Your passion comes through on your post and you have i'm sure converted many people to Arillas.
pretty certain that we will meet at some stage and we are looking forward to july.