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CORFU - STAY FOR LESS "EURO"

CORFU (Kerkyra), the Greek Island between the mainland of Greece & the heel of Italy , was one of the first Mediterranean Islands to attract mass Tourism in the 1960's. Before being ceded to Greece in the 1860's it had a long & colourful history, being ruled by the British from 1815 to 64, after a brief stop by the French, under Napoleon B. from 1807. The stylish influences remain today on this green, luxuriant Island & add extra appeal. GB's visit was made in the cooler, quieter Winter months, when Greece is effectively is close to tourists & the tranquillity turned out a delight. Corfu is an ideal stop over point for the long trip from Athens to Italy , or visa versa & Pink Palace is the place to stay.

ACCOMMODATION

NO1 – THE PINK PALACE, Gordis Bay on West Corfu (is 15 kms from Corfu Town but pick ups available if you notify PP of your arrival time) tele +30 661 53103 – www.thepinkpalace.com - Winter rates E25 2 days then E20 & E18 following. For this you share an A Class en suite room with sea view balcony, cooked breakfast & 3 course evening meal – it's a super deal in this idealic place. Dorms are only available in the “ Mega Summer Party Season” as are B & C Classrooms. Winter, A Class, also provides a Top Class Bar & Barman, Super Screen TV entertainment also Chess & Backgammon challenges. Laundry / Internet services available & special Quad Bike Tours for the daring are on offer.

Summer Reserve – Hermes at Markora 14, in Corfu Town (overlooks the Market in the busy centre) tele 266 103 9268 – E30 rooms - “an old favourite” of Rough Guides (Report please)

FOOD – GB started at breakfast with Amber's tasty omelette or fry up then a pancake special + T, T&J – lunch snacks if required – Evening meal, supervised by Chef Andrea's, including a wholesome soup, Greek salad (GB's favourite) & 5* tasty meat & veg. or pasta dish, table served.

TRAVELLING AROUND – getting to Corfu is not a problem in Winter - GB took the 10am Bus from Athens, arriving at Ig(ou)men itsa, the mainland Port, at 6pm after a fine scenic tour. GB then left on the 10.30pm (11.30 actual) overnight Ferry from Corfu to Bari, on mainland Italy, arriving at 10am (after a 1hr-time adjustment) Winter transport on Corfu is the problem, as Busses only run a limited service & specifically the Gordis Bay bus stops at the village of Sinadres 4 kms away which is a fair walk back to the PP. The only way to get into Corfu Town, therefore, is to wait for a lift from PP people going for newspapers or to the hairdresser's etc, which is ok, but then you have to get back! GB made a couple of return trips but then stayed for the local scenery & beach walks. This is the real benefit of visiting Corfu at this time of year, to wind down & relax before setting off to the hustle & bustle of the next location of Athens or Rome

FREE SIGHTS TO SEE

1. CORFU TOWN – 12C Paleo Frourio (Old Fortress) Land Tower has panorama views over the Island
2. “ “ - Spianadha, a large Park & old British Cricket Pitch, where Ginger Beer is the drink
3. “ “ - Liston Arcade, left by the French with cafes modelled on Paris Rue de Rivoli
4. “ “ - 18C Venetian Town, narrow passageways renovated 1994 after WW11 damage
5. “ “ - Central Street Market, open daily, selling fresh fish, fruit & veg & consumables
6. “ “ - Corfu Harbour, stroll from Old to New Ports with the regular Ferries & fish landings
7. “ “ - Ayios Spyridhon Church, dominates the Town, with Islands Patron, St Spyridhon
8. “ “ - Tourist Office, on Rizo spaston Voulef ton but the Bus Stn. Info has best free map
9. GORDIS BAY - take a morning Beach stroll to freshen the spirit, then later see the awesome Sunset .
10. “ “ - then walk amongst the Olive & Cypress Trees & path to Ayii Dheka mountain top

* George & Magda (lene), Frank, Amber, Andreas, George, Tim & Eric – Tom, Jamie, Hendrick