We (husband and 14 year old son) have just returned from a fortnight in Arillas. We have been to Corfu a few times, but have only visited Arillas for day trips previously and wanted to get to know the place, so decided to have a holiday here.
Well, a lovely place as you all know. We particularly like the rural aspect of the village, with lovely roads and tracks enabling us to walk through the olive groves. Managed to get up for 7 early starts, walking about an hour and a half each time. Particularly enjoyed the little road, near the bridge, near the Stella Eleni apartments, that goes through the olive groves and to Prinos one way and the little church the other. Walked this route a couple of times, so peaceful, so pretty.
Our top 3 tavernas were Brouklis (don't forget to get the Galactoboreko recipe put on here Dimitris, as promised!), possibly the only place to do courgette keftedes, La Pergola up in Afionas for the pick out of the kitchen pots, and Gratsiellas. We didn't manage to sample all of the tavernas, but these were the ones that we enjoyed the most and returned to more than once. We also enjoyed Thalassa and Portofino for a couple of light lunches, but never had a full evening meal there, we need to go back to sample these further.
Had a couple of trips up to the Akrotiri bar, what a position, I could stay up there forever enjoying those beautiful views.
Had a great day doing the East Coast cruise from Kassiopi, stopping at Nissaki for lunch. Very calm on the way out, a bit of a roller coaster on the way back though in the afternoon. This preluded the very windy day the next day.
The road between Pagi and Makrades - it has to be one of the best roads in Europe for views. Absolutely beautiful.
A fabulous lunch at The Sunsent taverna in Krini, followed by chocolate salami (chocolate refrigerator cake) as an extra. Must go back there one day for their oven cooked aubergines again!
The view from Lakones and the Dolce cafe bar.
The hospitality of Philip and Helen at the Tria Adelphia. I don't think we have come across such nice hosts in the 20 or so years of holidaying abroad. Philip was particularly interesting and never tired of my questions about the Greek way of life. A lovely couple.
Well I think that's about it for this year another holiday full of lovely memories
Thanks for a great read Sharon. You obviously had as wonderful a time as all of us who have been already. Hope you get to do it all again next year, like we certainly will.
Phil
me and ann have it all to come in 9 days this will be how 3 trip to arillas and still not got to all of the tavernas glad you enjoyed
Great Post Maths B
Makes me realise just how lucky I am to be here. A lovely reminder to get me off my butt and appreciate it much , much more!
Negg
Mathsboffin,
Thank you SO much for sharing a splendid holiday report, it made great reading.
The thing I really enjoy is other people's perceptions on a place that I, & so many others value.
It makes you appreciate it all the more while viewing it with new eyes....
Just lovely :-)
BeckyB :-)
Great report Maths Boffin. that Afionas taverna sounds a must. Its like its been taken straight out of John Waller's 'Greek Walls' book!
Fantastic report, Maths Boffin (Sharon?)! Thanks for posting
Janis x
I am glad you liked my report. I have just loaded all the photos, so we have just relived it all again by looking at them all.
I am sorry that I forgot to mention my little chats with Negg on a couple of occasions, as of course they were a highlight too. It was lovely to meet you, after reading all of your posts over recent months, Negg. I could have chatted to you for hours about your life on Corfu, perhaps another time, should we revisit.
La Pergola in Afionas is really lovely for the traditional Corfiot cuisine selected from the kitchen. We had visited a couple of times before in 2008 when we holidayed in Agios Georgios North and it was excellent then. We wished we had gone more than once this time, as it is still as good as I remember. I find it strange that it isn't mentioned much more often.
For all of you yet to visit, have a great time, make time to walk through the quiet lanes and tracks and breathe it all in. And most importantly, enjoy all of that gorgeous food.
Sharon
Marvelous report Sharon! Thank you for sharing :)
Lovely report Sharon, we have been up to Afionas for a drink at sunset, but havent actually eaten there. Will defintley give La Pergola a try next year.
Sharon x
Hello Erja - I said "hello" to you both a couple of times! Once at Brouklis when we sat on the next table (our first night), a second time at Brouklis and again spotted you in Portofino one lunch time. A little shy to have a chat! Hope you had a good holiday too!
Quote from: mathsboffin on September 08, 2010, 01:56:10 PM
Hello Erja - I said "hello" to you both a couple of times! Once at Brouklis when we sat on the next table (our first night), a second time at Brouklis and again spotted you in Portofino one lunch time. A little shy to have a chat! Hope you had a good holiday too!
Now I know you :) What a shame you didn't let yourself known but there is always the next time, the one after that not to mention the one after that ;)