"We have another... 34 Guests and 9 Users watching this website. "
I want to speak to those anonymous 34 guests. And any others who come across this post in the future.
Corfu has seen a big decline in tourism over recent years, I guess because it was so popular in the past and people now want new things. Well you need to think again. The names you see in the list of users, including mine, are people who have sampled the offer that Arillas, in the North West of Corfu can provide. And come back year after year, knowing what they can expect. Many of us are firm friends as a result of meeting there, and just as much with the villagers themseves.
The first impression can be misleading. A simple, rural ex fishing village with narrow roads, no high-rise, laid back and taking its time. But that hides dozens of superb family-run businesses which provide true Greek hospitality, set against a mile of lovely beach. The sea is shallow and warm, an ideal setting for families with young children, who are welcomed in every establishment. The welcome is real, and is such a contrast to the "plastic smile" reading from the script "customer service."
There is something for everyone. Teenagers can bop their nights away in the Malibu Bar in complete safety, and that includes the recycled middle aged ones! Yes, I have been known to join in.... Meanwhile their olduns can be enjoying a more sophisticated drink in the Coconut Bar next door.
The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, ideal for the walkers who want to find new flora and fauna, or simply gasp at the amazing views.
Romantic couples can find plenty of locations, for example the deck above Horizon Hotel to sip drinks and ignore the rest. But beware - they reckon the water promotes pregnancy! Many romances began in Arillas, or blossomed into much more. Many
older couples find a chance to renew their own romance - Jen and I are amongst them. They call us "the lovebirds," and we are in our late fifties.
Older folk can find peace, pleasure and contentment amongst simple surroundings. They are just as welome as the tiny tots.
Arillas prides itself on providing exellent food and wine. Authentic Corfiot cuisine, but much more as well. And dozens of choices all over the village. Far too many to try during a two week stay.
To those 34 guests, why not sign up and read the whole forum.
It might change your life. For the better.....
Phil
Well said Phil.
Val x
Wonderful stuff, Phil!
COME TO ARILLAS
A big welcome to Arillas-dot-com,
We're so proud of this website.
We hope you will enjoy it with us
And maybe soon book a flight.
Come to Arillas, you'll see we're right,
It is paradise on earth.
So many of us can't be wrong,
You'll find how much it's worth.
Beautiful beach, rolling countryside,
Friendliest village ever known.
Superb bars and tavernas.
In Arillas, you're never alone.
For the young, the old and in-betweens,
There is something for everyone.
Our pretty resort is safe and clean,
So peaceful and yet it's fun.
Whatever type of accommodation,
You'll be spoilt for choice.
Just watch an Arillas sunset,
Your heart, like mine, will rejoice.
lynn xx
Thanks Lynn, spot on as usual.
Val
What talented forum members we have.
(http://bestsmileys.com/signs7/6.gif)
Keep up the good work Phil and Lynn
I'm not talented Eileen luvver, but I am passionate. And selfish. I promote my Arillas because it is such a beautiful place and deserves to survive the worldwide downturn. Like Freddy Mercury, once he's gone you only have the memories. Arillas is doing all right, but what a waste if we ever lose it and only have the memories? I need Arillas to thrive and survive.
All it takes is for those who are choosing where to spend their time on holiday to actually give it a try. For most of us that was a life-changing discovery. So many could follow suit. And we KNOW what they will have - we've loved doing it over and over for years.
I am nothing to do with the businesses there, except being friends with many of the people I meet. My passion for Arillas is born out of the joy I alway feel when I am there, as does my Jen. Even when nothing is open at the end of October.
Lynn luvver, as usual our poet has captured the mood and the point. Spot on.
love to yous both from us both
PhilnJen
Phil, Your exactly the kind of person we need to advertise Arillas. Lynn, Your exactly the kind of person we need to make us say, (How does she do that) she says it in so many ways and yet it always rhymes. I always enjoy both your posts. Thanks Viv xx
Well said Phil,I was just wondering yesterday if Arillas would be as quiet this year as last ,things may pick up for Corfu and the other Greek islands with the trouble in Egypt and Tunisia
One thing for sure is i know where i would rather visit and Arillas wins hands down ,just counting down the months now until the 15th of August i only wish i could spend a month there :-)
Tony
and remember
ARILLAS-IS JUST A YAMMAS AWAY FROM NEW FREINDS ...................yammas
If I can give my twopenneth.
Jan and me have only been to Arillas once way back in September 2009. The only reason we came then was because of what we had read and seen on this forum. Lots of passion.
We both fell in love with Arillas within a couple of days and all the exploring we did and wonderful people we met only strengthened this. We had already booked our 2009 holidays so have had to wait till this May be enjoying and savouring the delights of Arillas yet again.
This thread is the ideal advertisement for our bit of paradise!
Phil, as usual, you speak from the heart and you speak for all of us on this forum.
Lynn, you contribute in your own way withn wonderful verse which also captures the essence of the place.
Tour operators should seek permission to use these words to promote Arillas and to make more people aware of the place.
It seems to me that over the last few years, operators have decreased their properties. Why?? ( But this could be better for our hosts as they are not tied into tour companies that pay a pittance for their rooms. )
Arillas needs to be promoted and tour operators can help with this. I wouldn`t have found out about the place if it wasn`t for seeing it in abrochure first.
If Arillas is to move on and keep up, then investment is needed. We all do our bit by returning but properties eventually need upgrading and money needs to be found for this. Without wishing to be harsh, there could be some improvement to some establishments - SOME establishments.
I, for one, will keep returning because I don`t want to see Arillas become a ghost town. Or become like some resorts on Corfu.
Can`t explain it but once you`ve visited, you can`t keep away.
Yammas, Paul
I'd like to add my support as well - we've been visiting since 2007 (far fewer times than many of the people on the forum) but we now visit twice a year - May (when the sun is very gentle and relaxing but we still get great tans, and when the fireflies show themelves at night) and October (when the sea is wonderfully warm from the summer sun, and we still get great tans!).
We've been to other places as well, of course, and each time we say (it isn't Arillas.....)
PLEASE everyone, support our little piece of Paradise - you won't regret it!
Janis x
Hello all
Up and till now we have been one of the 34 guests and 9 users looking at the forum, looking everyday for the last 2 years, but we felt we had nothing to contribute because everything wonderful about Arillas has already been said. With our 2 daughters we had 5 lovely holidays at the Rainbow back in the mid to late 90s. Cant remember the first time we stayed, but somebody will, the first year Spiros ran the bar on his own, the following year his brother Dimitri had finished his army service and was with him. Someone will remind me.
Anyway to bring this all up to date, my wife and i are returning this year, we have booked Easyjet flights from Bristol on 26th Sept but we cant make contact with the Rainbow using their enquiry link on the forum. We have tried twice in the last 6 weeks but have had no response. Is anyone else having or has had the same problem. Any help would be appreciated.
Here is another question for you. If you walk out of the Rainbow and turn either left or right the walk around the village should take about 40/45 mins. Why did it always take us 3 to 4 hours? do you think its down to the wonderful people that live,work and holiday in Arillas.
Now look whats happened, our first posting and we could fill page after page talking about Arillas, hope someone can help with our accomodation problem.
Thanks
Paul and Lin
What a great first post pvjam. From the heart, wanting to share what so many of us understand. I used to be ashamed of my obsession with Arillas but now I wear it on my sleeve.
QuoteWhy did it always take us 3 to 4 hours?
That is exactly what this place is about. Laid back, meet folk, forget about appointments. Live, Love and Relax.
But you understand all that already. The Anthis boys are special, as is there place in Arillas. The Rainbow. Our Eggy will fix it for yous, I am sure. Many forum members as well. Come on Sandy luvver - it's your space.
Welcome to the forum. It keeps the likes of you and me in touch.
Phil
Enjoyed your post Paul and Lin. We must have bumped into each other in thise days. The first year we went, Dimitris was in the army and Spiros was running the bar on his own....1993. I've been back every year since except 1994. We always went the first two weeks of August. What are your daughters names? I'm sure they must have known Lauren and Ben....
Hi Sandy
1993, we knew somebody would know, thankyou. We always went either the first two weeks in May or the first two weeks in October, it was always booked with Manos because no one else seemed to go there, it was always the night flight on a Monday from Gatwick because it was cheaper, and then the dreadful transfer to Arillas ariving in the early hours. Our daughters names are Susan and Amanda but looking at your dates our paths probably did not cross.
This year we will still have a late flight from Bristol but with a taxi transfer we might make to Arillas before lights out. (or should i say the bar is closed)
Cant wait
Paul and Lin
Yes it was alwawys Manos and the night flight from Gatwick on a Monday....but in those days I never went in May or October so we won't have met you. I always chose Manos because in those days it always did really good deals for families. I think the first child went free and the second was half price.....or something like that!! Anyway, much better than many tour operators.....and even then, evry little helped!
Phil, you are a very gifted man with your words and it shows the difference between a Travel Company marketing manager coming up with some words for a brochure, or someone writing passionately from the heart about a place he loves.
Its like Lynn's poem, it should be in a prominent place on the web site. I also think the words should be posted on other forums and travel sites like "Trip Adviser" and Holidays Uncovered.
θαυμάσιο
Thanks to Phil and Lynn,
once again you have both promoted Arillas in a very genuine
and loving way. You should post it on TripAdvisor as well.
I think I've said this before, but like Paul D I would never have found
Arillas in 2007 if it wasn't for the Tour operators (Travel Agencies):
Star Tour (TUI) from Scandinavia used to have rooms at Horizon Hotel,
and it was their description and informations that made me chose Arillas.
In 2009 Marino told me they'd stopped working with them so I booked
directly. No problem at all and the price was about the same. But I agree
with Paul that Arillas (as well as the rest of Corfu) need the promotion from
the Travel Agencies if they want to keep their business growing and attract
new visitors. Only those who's been already choose to book independantly.
Connie x
Thank you to all who commented kindly on my verse, but I have to agree that Phil says it all so well, and his post should definitely be kept somewhere prominent on this site for all to see.
And on his behalf, thanks to everyone who has posted on this thread with messages of support for Arillas...
lynn xx
Quote from: pvjam on February 13, 2011, 06:22:30 PM
Here is another question for you. If you walk out of the Rainbow and turn either left or right the walk around the village should take about 40/45 mins. Why did it always take us 3 to 4 hours? do you think its down to the wonderful people that live,work and holiday in Arillas.
This made me smile.
I remember on one occasion, we'd had a lovely 'late' session on the beach (- left it at about 7.30), and, as it was still very hot, called in at the Coconut bar for a 'quick' cold beer before heading back to the Tria Adelphia. Memories of that evening soon become a bit hazy but I think we eventually got back to our apartment at about 3.30 a.m.( - still in beach wear)!! Don't ask me where we'd been, although I have vague recollections of a Tarzan Impersonation competition,and being slung over my hubbys shoulders while he rang around the bar, beating his chest!! :D .
Quote from: angiem on February 15, 2011, 01:21:10 PM
Don't ask me where we'd been, although I have vague recollections of a Tarzan Impersonation competition,and being slung over my hubbys shoulders while he rang around the bar, beating his chest!! :D .
:D now that is a picture!
:D Brilliant story, Angie! :D
lynn xx
I have posted this message on TripAdvisor with a link to the forum. I make no apologies for promoting our place in any way I can. We all do that in our own way. But some of the 23 guests logged in right now, or the 41 tomorrow etc, might become the next vsitors who keep coming back.
And as usual, our Lynn has put the real deal into her poetry. Long live Arillas in Verse!!
Phil
Quote from: justphil on February 16, 2011, 12:38:32 AM
I have posted this message on TripAdvisor with a link to the forum.!
Phil
LOL...where have you hidden it Phil? I can't find it on TA.
Eileen.xxx
If you go on TA and scroll down on the Arillas information page you will find this notice
4. Re: Info on Arillas
Oct 04, 2009, 9:19 PM
-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-
This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.
To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html
We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.
Removed on: 9:19 pm, October 04, 2009
Hopefully our Phil has renewed the intrest but it can take them up to 24hrs for it to posted. Love Viv
Here is a link to TA forum.... TA Corfu forum (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g189458-i363-Corfu_Ionian_Islands.html) Phil...did you post it on another part of TA?
Eileen.x
Some of us have been putting information to Virtual Tourist as well over the years:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Greece/Prefecture_of_Thesprotia/Arillas-427061/TravelGuide-Arillas.html
It was on the link you gave Eileen luvver. Well it doesn't show up yet. My nickname is ArillasPhil, and the site tells me I haven't posted yet. Following viv's advice I'll check again tomorrow, and repost if needs be.
Erja dear, I will join virtualtourist.com and post there. Thanks for the link.
Phil
Last night Kuhmo in northern Finland had a temperature of minus 40,1 C, breaking this winter´s record. The mere minus 18 degrees C we had in Helsinki in the south still made me dream of Arillas. (Though I must admit the snow looks beautiful in the bright February sun.) Here is the result:
REVERIES
by Emeralddragon
Corfu is the pearl of Greece,
its lovely shores and endless sea
We´re drawn to Corfu and its peace,
from mundane routines "home" we flee
We listen to the tales of old,
find tracks of Odysseus´ shipwrecked boat
His wife Penelope, thus we´re told,
still waits to see it homeward float
Corfiot houses tell many a story:
not blue and white are they
They gleam in rose and amber glory,
with roots in Venice, historians say
The Durrells brought all Corfu fame,
its flora and its fauna praised
We know these still are worth their name
and hail them too, no protests raised
Saint Spiridon, of holy feet,
from plague the islanders did save
Still many a Spiros we can meet,
all, like their namesake, kind and brave
And Corfu´s pearl is named Arillas
to it we´ve lost our heart and soul
For ever does its beauty thrill us,
no place on earth can beat this goal
That sent shivers down my spine Emeralddragons. The poetry not the icy temperatures in Finland.
Oh and please don't send it over to us.
Alan
Emeralddraggon, what a beautiful poem.
I wish you, Lynn and others who have this gift would
publish it in one way or the other to share with everyone!!
Connie x
Quote from: emeralddragons on February 17, 2011, 05:45:20 PMLast night Kuhmo in northern Finland had a temperature of minus 40,1 C, breaking this winter´s record.
*shivers* this is why I don't live in Finland any more! Mild English winter (even with occasional snow flake!) feels like an lovely on going autumn for me ;)
Good job with the poem emeralddragons :)
What a lovely posting, made me wish I was there now, Mind you Im always wishibg that. Viv
Beautiful poem Emeralddragons......... what talented friends we all have on this forum.
Thanks to Phil and Lynn also. Val
Post on tripadvisor.co.uk is still "pending." I hope that reading all of your wonderful replies on this thread has given some of those 34 guests (and more every next day) another incentive to consider Arillas for their holidays in 2011.
Phil
(And Eileen, y'ol rascal, you seem to do more to promote Arillas on every available channel than anyone. Goodoyer luvver! I read your message on TA, but it crashed when I tried to reply. So this'll have to do until July...)
To all guests watching todays forum, please read this topic from page one, then think hard about what you want from your holiday.
I guarantee you will find it in Arillas.
Check the listings for independent bookings, you can also book with Thomas Cook, Manos, Thomsons and a few other tour operators.
Val