Just been looking at the Corfuescape website, nancy has updated it all for this year.
The transfer time to Arillas now is 1 hour, because they are going straight there from the airport with no stops, cant get better than that!!
Brilliant!
Great, wish all transfer's could be like that. Viv
i think it's because ce has a minibus now,and as they only have a few properties there's no need to tour the north of the island,great if yu've booked with ce,,unlike big operators who have loads of properties all over& long transfer times making you want to get a taxi to save time
Thomas Cook will be doing SIDARI - SAN STEFANOS - ARILLAS transfers again this year, no detours to Roda or Achavari but still expect at least 90 minutes from airport to hotel. We have slightly less capacity this year so the coaches won't be as full, not a good sign for the tourist trade in general.
Corfu Escape are offering a nice package.
I cant wait to get on the coach for my transfer, then i know im only an hour away from a cocktail in the bar at The Bardis, oh roll on 21st May!!!
That's good news - the drop offs in Sidari were the only bit of the transfer that I didn't like. The huge corners should be easier for the drivers in a minibus too!
Ooh, am even more excited now!!
I know, me too, soooo excited! Come on fishy, swim faster! :-D !!
sent our details off to price and hopefully arrange a taxi transfer, fingers crossed, not long now..........
Quote from: eaky on April 30, 2007, 10:37:58 AM
sent our details off to price and hopefully arrange a taxi transfer, fingers crossed, not long now..........
tickerfactory signature didnt work this time????????
Transfer with Libra took 3 hours. Called at Ipsos, Roda and Sidari. It does make you appreciate Arillas more though when you see these other resorts.
We noticed that on the way back to the airport last year. We were so pleased we stayed in Arillas as we passed through the other resorts...
We have always been very lucky with transfers - we have only ever dropped off and picked up in Agios Georgios.
The transfer with Corfuescape was excellent, straight on the minibus and straight to the resort, we were there in just under an hour, fabulous!
dare I ask if any one knows the transfer times with Manos or are we looking at ages?!Thanks.
I think Manos coach goes via Athens :)
Just kidding, from what I have heard they are keeping it nicely within the 90 minute bracket which usually means direct to Sidari and then on from there.
Really great to hear that the transfer time with Corfu Escape is so good.
went to Arillas 28th May with Manos. we were on the East midlands flight landed at 11-45am left airport at 1pm arrived Arillas Makris APARTMENTS AT 4-45PM.
We were furious no rep on board rep got of after 2nd drop no info , we travelled all along the coast and in Sidar the rep was driving round to 3 coaches the coach got lost and we passed Mc donalds 4 times.
we have put in a complaint with the rep and will write to company the transfer took longer than the flight and we could not eat anything on coach and we were desperate for loo and didnt dare drink water.
took 1& 45 min back to airport yesterday.
Did you have any drop offs before Sidari or was this a case of the driver getting lost and a flustered rep :) ?
Hope this hasn't put you of going back to our beloved Arillas. Viv
we dropped off at two hotels on the east coast then at Rhoda then in Sidari. It was a full coach.
Hasnt put us off going to A rillas we decided its the nicest part of Corfu as we like it to be quiet and Greek not loads of pubs and British food.
Its really harsh if your transfer involves Roda or Achavari drops Before Sidari, I had really hoped this practice had been abandoned, Manos have a smaller user base so they must obviously do it to keep costs down but it is unfair on the paying public. Since we have been doing Sidari direct it has been very well received.
So pleased it hasnt put you of. we have been with Manos a few times and the longest we have ever been was 1 3/4 hrs. Viv
any body know how long thomas cook transfers are taking this year two years ago when i last came to Arillas it took 3 hours i dont fancy that trip again.
There seems to be two routes. Via paleokastritsa which drops Arillas first - just bearable and only an hour;
or the other one Roda, Sidari, long wait for minbus at 7am on the pavement - 2 and a half hours of aggravation. What a way to start a holiday!
Typical of tour operators -"when will they ever learn?" We hate the coach transfers whatever. We always get a taxi. 50 euros, 40 minutes and then a pint in the Coconut. No reps - What do they add when you know where you are? Have met some good ones tho. See other posts!
The only time we do a package is when it's cheaper than flight only. Last october - we went to Kaloudis (superb!)
Joe - you should be managing director. Understanding the customers is how Marks and Sparks got back to pole position.
take care
Phil
thanks looks like taxi then
I recommend a taxi...you can book online on this website through Noula at San Stefanos travel - very reliable.
Is it better to book taxi or jump in one at the airport , any price difference and if you book it , what if your flight is delayed ? We're going with Thomas Cook , don't know what they're like. Read with dismay the comments about coaches , wouldn't bother me too much but our 4 year old would be climbing the walls , would have to bind and gag him and put him in hand luggage and i read somewhere that's illegal now in greece.
Ha, ha ha Gary! You would have to bind and gag me too..
We have booked a taxi there before and got the coach back. I would think they would know your flight would be delayed if you gave the taxi co. your flight details. We had no problems being met at the airport.
When we got the coach back it was great as we got there just in time, told where to go etc. and we enjoyed the journey back.. We were in no hurry to leave and it gave us a chance to look at the other resorts we were glad we didnt stay in!
Blondegirl
That sounds like an excellent idea as we arrive in the middle of the night but depart around mid-day. You've also given me a scapegoat to justify the extra expense to my wife !
hi gary
believe me - after a night flight, then ending up standing by your luggage for an hour in sidari at 7am waiting for a minibus, you would pay double! Or treble with a 4 year old in tow.
Easy to jump in a taxi at the airport. Probably a tad dearer than booking one in advance, but last time we only paid 45 plus a tip.
happy holidays! your 4 year old wil love it.
Phil
Hi My name is Dave
my wife Pat & I are coming to Arillas for the 1st time on Tuesday. From the reports I've read it sounds great. Does anyone know how long the transfer is to Arillas from the airport. We flying in with Thomas Cook airlines due to land at 350am and we are are staying at the Dyonisis 11
A coach transfer can be about one hour or so if it goes via Paleokastritsa (Arillas first drop - bearable) but 2 hours plus via Roda and Acharavi, with all the drop offs going on. And you're likely to get dumped in Sidari early in the morning to wait for a minbus for the last leg. The twice we have done package we were unlucky once (Olympic) and lucky the other (Thomson)
Now always either book a cab on this site or jump in one at the airport. About 50 euros but worth every penny. At 3.50am it is probably a must. Booking one on this site is best - you can be certain the driver will know exactly where Dionyssis II is. BTW there are excellent reports on here about your accommodation.
You could always get the coach at the other end of your stay to save money - seems less of a worry on the way back to blighty - you'll be miserable anyway!
hope this helps
Phil
Has anyone flown from Leeds Bradford 3.30pm friday flight this year,if so what was the transfer like to Arillas,just hope there will be a couple or even 1 bar open i reckon it will be around 9.30 pm when we land Corfu time so it just a case of getting to the Mathraki apartments ASAP lol
I'm gagging for a Mythos now and still got 6 weeks to go :-(
Tony
Hi Tony
I reckon if you land at 9.30, collect your luggage and jump in a taxi you will get to Arillas at maybe 1130. The Coconut will be open at this time of year (full of well oiled forum members I expect...) and gather from Sharon you might even get some food nearly next door at the little cafe (Steki grill room we think is the name.) Unlikely to get a full scale sit down meal in a choice of tavernas that late though.
Can't quite answer all of your question about a coach transfer though except it will be longer, whatever happens.
hope this helps a bit
Phil
Cheers Phil i'm sure the bar at the Mathraki will be open,or is that a bit of wishfull thinking
Tony
Hi Phil,
Many thanks for that. We will book through the site. As I said it's our 1st time in Arillas. Any must do's or must don'ts?
On our first visit to Arillas we decided to hire a taxi from the airport, so we got there quicker and then took the coach back to the airport to see what we missed in the other resorts. We decided we hadnt missed much, we preferred Arillas so much more.
You MUST chill out and enjoy it and you MUSNT WORRY... All will be fine.. You will have a great time!
Hi Tony - I expect you're right about Mathraki too - and Annas and Christos etc. not in May or October though! I know Anna will be open at that time when jen and me are there. And I have been gagging for a Mythos for months now lol!
No prob Dave.
Must do's - meals at Thalassa, Brouklis, Graziella and Vavilas. try as many others as poss - you may find one you like better. Evenings in Rainbow, Coconut and Malibu. Long lazy days on the beach and swim in the sea. (more paddle really - very shallow) followed by ice cold Mythos in Kaloudis. Explore and say hello to everyone (kalimera in the morning - but with jen and me it is usually kalispera by the time we get out and about.) Trips to Corfu Town (bus very early - we never make it by then!) See San Stefanos (head north) or Afionas (south up steep hill) I could go on and on. By the time we have met all the people we know we never seem to go anywhere far but there's no reason not to. Then there is forum corner in Coconut tuesday eve and Malibu thursday.
Must don't - get too bitten up by the mozzies. they love jen but hate me. Take protection like Boots Jungle Strength. Use the plug in killer in the room. Don't get burned in the early afternoon sun. Can be very strong. Don't miss the sunsets. Try watching from Thalassa or Portofino on the sea front.
A fantastic way to feel all the cares and woes dissolve, and feel truly well.
Oh well - you asked!
Phil
Many thanks Phil, I'll print that off it's most helpful. Can't wait to try the Mythos
Dave
Hi dave
Just out of chatroom fielding my posts. Let me point out the new Arillas brew Royal ionian. Members like EEG and others swear it's even better and they are even more expert than me (Don't know how - I drink just as much of it!) No real ales of Kent style but the lagers Mythos, Amstel and now Royal Ionian are very good indeed.
Have a great holiday, and if you see us don't just point - wave and come up and say hello. We won't mind!
Best wishes
Phil
since Manos with whom I booked our holiday for September was taken over by Thos Cook a few of weeks ago, can anyone tell me what has happened to the airport to resort transfer times during the last couple of weeks? Are Thos Cook taking longer or are they still leaving it to Manos to deal with the transfers?- and how long are they now taking? this may have something to do with another thread where people are saying they are having a problem booking some of their favourite apartments etc for 2009 - Manos no longer has a website of their own and all seems to be in transition- hoping this isn't going to affect our transfer times and accommodation this year at least. thanks in advance xx
Hi,
I also booked with Manos. Thomas Cook was extremely efficient at the airport. We were on the coach straight from baggage pick-up and fortunately Arillas was the first drop off point. However, others did do the round trip of Roda, Sidari and San Stefanos first. If you go straight to Arillas it's about an hour otherwise probably about 2. I guess we were lucky!
Have a good holiday.
WITH THOMSON IT TOOK US JUST 1 HOUR SO WAS VERY GOOD
Quickest we've done it is 45 minutes but my daught threw up because the car was being thrown around the corners.
Oh dear, some of the drivers do drive rather fast round those roads, I think I prefer driving in the dark then you can't see the big drop at the side of the road.
The first year we went to Arillas, our transfer took 4 and a half hours, horrendous with 3 kids. Longer than our flight. Anyone beat that?
A couple the other week had a 1/2 hr trip... the driver was a nutcase!
I've been in a taxi that took just over half an hour....and lived to tell the tale!
SBPL2458
Sorry you had such a long transfer hope it won't stop you from returning to Arillas your story of a 4 and half hours is bad. But my wife and I some years ago decided to go by taxi. The time it took 40 mins or so and is well worth the expense. We (or rather she) booked it from this website you are met at the airport with your name in bold letters, we were even told that if there are other's coming to Arillas at the same time the fare doesn't alter much they charge the same no matter how many they take. So keep your eyes on this website and try to hook up with other members. It is well worth it. On the return to the airport we go by bus the longer we stop in Corfu the better. Hope this helps
Thanks for that keefy, we usually hire a car from the airport now as we like to do some sight-seeing anyway.