My family has been visiting Corfu since 1983, our first visit was to Roda. We returned two years later staying just outside of Sidari, since that time we have built our own house.
I only wish Sidari was still has it was all those years ago. Nobody seems to work together in the village.
we never spend time at the beach in Sidari, we would rather tackle the roads through Magoulades, it is such a nicer place
That's one helluva login handle you have there and at 10:50 PM Corfu time I'm not even going to attempt at typing it.
And you're right in saying that Sidari has changed considerably from years ago.
But it has it's staunch supporters just like Arillas.
My older sister, mid 60's and husband love it there. Personnally I prefer it in the winter without the hustle and bustle.
Sidari and Arillas, so close together yet so different.
If you've built your house around the Magoulades area then, like us, you have the best of both worlds. ( But we mustn't forget St George, Roda, Acharavi etc eh? )
Cheers
Negg
Oikodomophobia
"A fear of tradesmen and builders" . ???????????????????????????????????
Hi All!
I think Sidari has now got too commercial. It's o.k for a day out but Arrillas is more my 'cup of tea'.
Yammas,
Martin.
We only drove through Sidari once on the way back to the airport and we were so glad we went to Arillas.. once we saw the MacDonalds that did it for us! Its seems ok if you have children and want lots of life.. Even San Stef wasnt really a place I wanted to stay either, its quiet and dead during the day but I think it could get quite lively at night. It does have a fantastic beach though doesnt it, we didnt know it had a small harbour, might look for that during our walk this year. We usually make straight for the beach taverna for breakfast before the long walk back to Arillas! (sorry gone off thread a bit).
The first time we went to Arillas the coach went via Sidari and we passed through there at about 5am. It was a heaving metropolis and my first thought was OMG I hope Arillas isn't like this.
Thankfully it isn't.
First time to Corfu we stayed in Sidari, thankfully it didnt put us off Corfu and we eventually found Arillas. There is just no comparison, I think Sidari is horrible. It's just like blackpool except it has blue sea and not grey sea.
We used to stay in Sidari but the canal d'amour end. It used to be really quiet but driving through there last year it looks like its heading the same way as main Sidari.
Quote from: Lozicle on January 29, 2008, 01:19:59 PM
Oikodomophobia
"A fear of tradesmen and builders" . ???????????????????????????????????
Why?????
Jen and me are with Sharon - we hate Sidari with a passion. Suits some and we don't begrudge them but never go there!
phil
It is a bit tongue in Cheek as i am actually a builder, i read about it in a newspaper and could not believe that someone could actually be afraid of tradesmen!
but it seems it is a real Phobia, A lady in the article would get her husband to drive around her estate to check that there where no builders around before leaving the house.
I really cant wait to come back to Corfu in June, it is my friend Telis's 40th birthday (Yiannis Village) so it should be a good week, no kids!. they are coming with us in July.
Will be hanging around Arillas having a few beers in the Horizon!
Hi Jason
Hope you have a great time in June, and expect the kids will enjoy it in the school holidays.
Am very lucky to be going to Arillas in May so will make sure its ready for when you arrive.
Your handle is a bit like the one for people who are afraid of the number thirteen - its just that I can't quite remember it 'tri?????????ophobia'?
Best wishes
PJ
Now I have it - looked it up in Wikipaedia:
Triscaidecafobia is the fear of the number 13. It is usually considered a superstition. A specific phobia to Friday 13 is called paraskavedekatriafobia or friggatriscaidecafobia.
Makes Jason's handle seem quite short really!
All the best
Pat
A fear of number 13 well my Great Grandad owed his live to number 13.
He wanted to come back to London from Cape town on the Drummond Castle but they only had room 13 empty and didnt give it to anybody and certainly not a first class passenger. Anyway he told them it was a silly superstition
and insisted he was going to take it. There were 143 passengers and 103 crew.She struck a reef of rocks known as Pierres Vertes and went down within 4 minutes, 101 crew and 142 passengers lost there lives. Only 2 crew and 1 passenger were saved picked up by fisherman, and he was sure he wouldnt have survived if he hadnt been in room 13.
All of this because he wasn't a Triscaidecafobic. Viv
Friday the 13th has always been a lucky day for me ever since I was a kid and did not understand what the fuss was about Fridays and 13th :)
When we first set eyes on Sidari we were so scared that it was Arillas as we seemed to have travelled for so long from the airport as we began to come out the other side again I began to wonder where on earth we were going and when I got that first glimse of the sea at the bottem of the main road I knew we were home. We have never been to Sidari for the day but I suppose we should give it a go in May just to say we have been there. Viv
Oiko thanks for explaining that, aren't there some weird phobias. I wanted to know because i work for a construction company.
Viv, your story about your great grandad gave me goosebumps, and I wouldn't bother going to Sidari for the day, try a half hour! Billy insists on driving through it, when we are in Corfu, I sit with my eyes shut saying get us out of here. xx
Hi Viv!
I had a similar experience to you first time we were in Corfu and that was in May. After about two hours on the 'Thomson Flyer' stopping at every villa and towns small and large we arrived in Sidari. We were all told to get off. I thought oh no, there must be a mistake, this is nothing like the photos in the brochure! We ended up outside a burger/English food served all day joint in the main street. Our courier checked us off her list and directed us to a mini bus with our luggage. There were only four of us and as the mini bus moved off and away from the town we all sighed with relief. The next stop was Ag. Stef and then Arillas. I will never forget the first sight of the place as we came down the hill towards the beach, it was everything we had imagined, we were 'home'. Wouldn't venture back to Sidari personally.
Yammas,
Martin.
Yes I agree Sidari is ok for a day out, I have kids (well 10 and 13) so I have taken them to the water park and looked round the shops. My first holiday in Corfu was in Sidari but at the Canal d'Amour end and was quite ok, but when we went over to Arillas for a day out, we fell in love with it instead! Have been back a few times since and going again this summer.... can't wait!
When we were in Arillas in 2006 both our kids and their partners came with us. One evening they got a taxi to Sidari so we didn't expect them back until the small hours of the morning. About 10-o-clock they came back to the Rainbow having stayed in Sidari just long enough to have something to eat.
They're all in their twenties but apparently they hated Sidari and couldn't wait to get back to Arillas!!
Steve
Tread with care on this topic folks !
Anyone wanting a Sidari holiday will be coming to Arillas instead.
Before you know it Arillas will be sooo busy with sooo many people and not enough appts to cope.
And then...... Extra appts being built.
How long then before Sidari becomes Arillas and vice-versa?
Sidari should be seen in the summer when if you like the hustle and bustle and have 12 hour yearnings for english food.
It should be seen at the end of the season and in the winter to be appreciated.
And they have quite a few places open in the winter.
Do you know there's an English place that has "English Fish n Chips" in proper batter?
( And mushy peas )
Haven't been there yet but just the thing when you have those withdrawall symptons.
10 months without fish and chips has been too long !
( Very good and reasonably priced it is too ! - As recommended by "eaters there")
And a small darts league in the pubs, and southern fried chicken.
And. dare I say "A Macdonalds" - Summer only though.
Do I cancel Night Owl tonight and go to Sidari ?
Answers on a postcard please.
Negg
NO!
Amplifying Sandy NO!
lol phil (and jen)
Definately NO NO NO
Eggy,
You have just summed up every reason NOT to go to Sidari, the Greek BLACKPOOL TRANSPLANT!
It strikes me that no matter where you go in Europe be it Spain, Greece or wherever, you will always get a resort like Sidari which suits those 'brits' who 'don't like foreign food' and sit with a knotted hankie on their heads with their trousers rolled up. There is the other extreme for the younger generation Kavos, if you pardon the word on this website. To each his own I suppose. Keep Arillas as it is!
Yammas,
Martin
I think like you said it might be a tad better at the end of the season. Years ago my daughter and I went on a weeks holiday together to Magaluf.. We had heard horrible rumours about being almost British... usual touristy stuff etc. But we went in November and the weather was nice and warm, none of the usual attractions were open so it was fairly quiet, so we felt quite safe going out. The hotel was nice and full of "older people" so all in all we had a nice week but I would not go in the summer no way! Its like Brighton with the good weather and we live only 25 miles from there and dont want to go somewhere like that for our holiday.
Sidari, well it`s ok if you like a quick mooch about. Don`t know if I could do a week or two there, but then you could always "escape". It`s one of those, like it or not , it`s one of those places. There was a nice little place to buy cloths etc, but he seems to have gone. Leave other half @ a small tobacconist a little while you`ll find something.
hmm sidari or arillas,,simple answer no contest arillas all the time.....yammas
I suppose i cant knock Sidari too much it is my local village. even if it is a good 2km walk
I went to Ipsos when i was 18 and absolutely loved it and that was like Blackpool but abroad!! One long road full of pubs and clubs etc but would hate to go somewhere like that now. Sidari is for the younger holidaymaker that wants that sort of thing so let them have it! When we were in Arillas in September we hired some bikes and went out for the day and we stopped in Sidari for lunch and all of us said we would not like to stay there. If i was 18 again i might enjoy Sidari but would now so much more enjoy a nice relaxing time in Arillas!!
please dont shout at me.
but last year it was my daughters 18th so she chose sidari.
must admit i loved it.
we did go may so pretty quiet.
BUT Arillas is the best and i missed it so much
thats why im so desperate to go this year
I must say that when I'm on the coach transfer I do think "thank God I'm not staying here" as I pass through Sidari, but then I look at the Menu boards outside the restaurants and everything is so much cheaper!
We came to Arillas first in 2002 with 2 other couples. One was from the East End of London and he frequently pushed us all that we had to go to San Stef because "the drink's 'r aaarf a euuro cheeapuh!"
I got really fed up with it, because I could always have had one less (don't worry - we never did so, sandy, riggers, eggy, eileen et al - you know me better than that) but really want to enjoy where I am. Cheap isn't always right.
Arillas is NOT expensive and our hosts earn precious little for their hard work. Where else can a party of ten eat and drink and get entertained for £10 a head? Try that here in blighty. It's only in rip-off-Britain that we grow up to make these choices. We lost the "value" and understand the "price".
Sorry alyvin, I'm not getting at you. I understand what you mean. We have lived on one teachers wages for years now, and are not immune to price. You said it yourself
Quotethen I look at the Menu boards outside the restaurants and everything is so much cheaper!
You have to work it out. Jen and me stay where we feel best and let everyone make their own choices.
And Sue - I'm not shouting. Everyone has to find what they want. Arillas isn't compulsory - but it is quite addictive!
best wishes
phil
i have to agree it is addictive.
im itching to book lol.
take care
I treated myself to an English breakfast at a place called BAZE, in Sidari, this morning.
OK, it's on the outskirts of Sidari, just nestled alongside Dimitrias Supermarket.
Lovely place, nice people, Greek Husband, English wife.
Very friendly and a comfortable feel about it. - Good breakfast too.
I'm sure they don't get as much business as those places in the "centre" but one of the few places to open in the winter.
So, if you do any summer shopping in Diellas or Dimitrias drop in there for a coffee.
( A change from the norm )
Everyone has their favourite resorts and Corfu needs a variety of places to suit all needs and pockets. Living here, the likes of us, sometimes welcome these places as it gives us a wider choice of where to spend those long winter hours.
And sometimes just as the locals like to revert back to Greek at the end of the season sometimes us English yearn for an English conversation.
Arillas is Arillas. Sidari is Sidari. St Stephanos is St Stephanos etc etc.
Choices and varieties are endless.
Important thing is that it's all Corfu and the more people to Corfu the better it could be for all of us regarding travel costs.
( You could argue that even Kavos and Benitses plays it's part here )
Who knows, maybe if things work out for Easyjet they could be flying direct from Bristol/Exeter etc etc.-
Cheers All
Negg
Interesting thoughts on Sidari, Eggy. Like most things there are pros and cons.
Julia and I had two great holidays at Loulas Studios in Sidari, before we found Arillas. Returning to the airport on the bus last year from Arillas, we picked up in Sidari, and it looked as if Loulas Studios were closed. Shame - we were well looked after there and it was a good base for a holiday. For the first one there we hired cycles for a week and toured the local area, then the second week we hired a car and explored further afield.
The second holiday in 2004 we hired a car for the fortnight, and that's how we found Arillas, and decided that if we came back to Corfu Arillas was the place for us.
We also liked Roda, and enjoyed lots of evening meals at the Aphrodite on the sea front there - recommended.
(http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/patjmcn/2003RodaTheAphrodited.jpg)
Two well fed Lincolnshire Yellow Bellies at the Aphrodite in Roda
Best wishes
PJ
We went to Sidari 4 years ago on a late deal, it did the job. We were sent there last year on a wild goose chase looking for a police station (don't ask!) and were so glad to get back to Arillas. People and car dodging not my scene I'm afraid.
20 odd years ago I went to Ag George (sorry can't spell it properly!) with a friend and we ventured to Sidari - it was much quieter then, none of the hustle and bustle but I have to say it still has some lovely tavernas and the beach is glorious! Guess it's changed to cater for what some holidaymakers want.
I know its going off topic but has anyone been to Ag. George South. We have friends going there in May. they booked up before we could tempt them with Arillas. Just wondered what Ag.G. sth is like and whether they will like it. Pesonally I think they would have loved Arillas.
We stayed there in 2004 in May. It's quite nice there as long as you aren't staying at the top of the hill(very steep). We found some good places to eat and had a good holiday,but our accommodation was very basic ,no bar or pool. Not quite as good as Arillas.
Paul
Blondegirl, a general view for you.
(http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/991/cimg0009if4.jpg)
Paul
Thanks, it looks lovely... very green. I think they will enjoy it. I dont think the hill will be too much of a problem. from what I understand their accommodation isnt far from the beach. It doesnt look as steep as Ag. Gordios though, thats a killer! Sue
Paul C
Great Picture.
The last time we were at this place was, about 8 years ago. It was a day trip for us to see the changes from 3 years before that.
It's certainly grown from the 3/4 Tavernas and few Appts that we remember.
Lovely beach.
Negg
Eggy i know the Taverna you mean across the road from the Petrol station and Salt and Peppers. i often drink in there during the winter. nice people, i have been to Acharavi with there daughter a couple of times in the winter.
looks like i may be visiting sooner than june 2nd. i really cant wait
Oikodomophobia and Eggy, we love Corfu. To quote Eggy -
QuoteLovely place, nice people, Greek Husband, English wife.
It's the point. We are already part of the Arillas community - Filipos phoned us tonight and is on his way back to England. Will be with us at the weekend and I will be cooking Stifado for him. Anna and family are already part of our life (you wait darling!!!) Still waiting to meet Dimitris Litsa and bebis. Hello to Kostas, Hannah, Angela, Giannis, Litsa, Spiros, Yannis ..... We love you all. It is the people. To misquote Terry there are no strangers, only friends yet to meet.
Glenny, we agree about Sidari - we hate dodging people and cars, and avoid it at all costs. But we ain't the only people there as Eggy said. There are other places and they could easily have floated more than one boat. I might have "died and gone to heaven" as I said to Lorna (the rep...) in our first year in Arillas, but am waiting to see Roda, Acharavi, Paelokastritsa and now Kavadaddes etc etc.
Corfu needs more tourists - we're only a tiny fraction of that.
Will shut up now (thank god said riggers and Sandy... must be the Spanish brandy)
lol
phil
Not at all....you're only voicing what we're all thinking.....
Phil & Jenny
Lovely post and very well said.
Negg
Thank goodness Sidari exists where it is.
We travelled through it on the way to and from Arillas
Sidari suits some folk (and why not), Arillas suits us. Vive la difference ;-)
Being elderly and disabled (as some of you saw last September ;-), we cannot cope with all the hustle bustle.
We're trying to sort out a May stay in, er, umm..... Arillas ;-)
Welcome back James...my you do look like an Adonis in your avatar ;-)
Eileenx
Calm down Eileen!
LOL Sandy x
Oh go on then...spoil my fun! :-( ;-)
Eileenxxx
The real issue here is whether Arillas will become like Sidari, and whether there is anything to prevent it. It's all very well congratulating ourselves on how wonderful Arillas is by comparison, but we have watched San Stefanos grow from fishing village to town with pavements in a very short time. What do the Greeks think about this? We know that Dimitris stands up for the traditional approach, but what is everyone else thinking? We know a hotelier in San Stef who is very envious of Sidari's popularity. As the politicians say, there is no room for complacency. The more people who are attracted to Arillas, the bigger it will grow.
You cant blame the local people for wanting to expand their businesses, as can be seen by the work already happening in Arillas at the moment. They need to make a good living during the season to get through the winter months, and during these months they work hard preparing for the next season so that we can have a good holiday. The difficult thing is getting a balance. If people go to Arillas expecting a Sidari/Kavos atmosphere then they will be disappointed, that is not the reason why we all go there. It ticks all the boxes for what we look for in a holiday and hope it doesnt change drastically but as with all things nothing stays the same, although I think I will still love it.
Well said BG. As I said in my earlier, rather emotional post, Jen and I will also still love it - it is the people who matter most to us.
Phil
I have to say, on the Arillas vs Sidari topic is that Sidari have made, in my opinion, a bit of a "boo-boo" this year.
They have had road works for some time now and, although now opening the road leading into Sidari, this road is not finished.
Dips, holes and now muddy from last nights rain it is not a nice place to drive into and not welcoming for visitors to stroll along.
( Unless you like mud splatters all up your legs )
Such a shame.
Negg
Is that the back road Eggy or the road via San Stef to Sidari i remember last year the back road was being dug up then and was covered in mud and was rather slippy while riding the scooter
Tony
Tony
It's what I calll the main road leading into Sidari. Probably starts about 200 yds past the "cross roads" where Dimitrias Supermarket is.
Negg
Good news, for anyone wanting to visit/drive through Sidari, is that the roads are being finished off today.
Negg
I know where you mean Eggyits the cross roads to Roda, Salt and Pepper Taverna on the left just before the cross road the works must be more or less where we stayed last year near the Eleni apparts glad i aint staying there this year if the road is all dug up.the apartments were lovely though
Tony