Your 2024 Booking Guide!

As the season edges towards a slow close, our minds switch to rest and relaxation after a busy season, and we begin to think about all of our lovely customers we have had the pleasure of serving over the previous 6 months. However, we are aware, that as we wind down, our customer’s begin to cast their minds towards planning their next visit to our little paradise, San Stefanos. We thought it may be helpful to put together a small booking guide, to help you all through the time before you return once more.

Accomodation

Taking Bookings for 2024 now!

San Stefano Travel was established in 1999, and has since been the main local specialist in holiday accommodation rentals in this lovely sleepy north coast village of San Stefano.

The wide range of accommodation that San Stefano Travel offer, are all local self-catering properties that have been created and cared for by the local Greek people. This subsequently not only supports the smaller local businesses, but it also allows the guests to experience individuality, away from package deals.

Each property has been hand-picked by us with extra care and the variety presented to you covers every need from standard self-catering accommodation to private Villas with pool. To view our accomodation options, please visit our website: https://san-stefano.gr/san-stefano-accommodation/. Each property is linked with a contact form so you can always feel welcome to send us a request.

Transfers & Car Hire.

Taking Bookings from 1 January 2024

Whether you’d like to take the day at your own pace in a hire car, or you’d prefer to get transferred to your destination in style, we have options to cater for everyone.

Lois Travel

Private transfers are avaliable through our co-operating partner, Lois Travel, who provide a reliable door-to-door service to your destination. For prices and their easy online booking form, visit their website: https://loistravel.gr/ or email them, on info@loistravel.gr. Please note that prices, are per vehicle, not per person.

Margarita’s Car Hire.

Car hire is avaliable to book through San Stefano Travel, and it can cost anything between 55-70 euros per day, dependant on the car that is avaliable, and suitable for the size of your party. For just one day of hire, customers are advised to visit us the day before they wish to hire, so that we may find them a vehicle. The best time to arrange a car rental is before 1pm or after 5pm, as some rental companies shut for a short break. Please note, that insurance is included in the price. The cars can be collected from the office, or delivered to your hotel in Agios Stefanos NW. The main driver must hold a valid license, and be over 23 years of age, in order to rent the car.

To arrange car hire in advance, please email info@san-stefano.gr, anytime after 1st January 2024.

Excursions

We all appreciate the excitement of planning your holiday to-do’s, exploring must see places, or simply taking a nice walk in new scenery. San Stefano Travel offers a number of excursions, and our staff are more than happy to help find the right one for you. Our priority is helping you to make the most of your holiday, however you might envision it, and our staff are brimming with helpful tips, directions and ideas. Excursions for Summer 2024, will be released at the beginning of the season, and depending on the time of year, you might be advised to book in advance where spaces are limited.

MAY/OCT – Free to take a stroll around the village on arrival, spaces are usually avaliable.

JUNE/SEPTEMBER – Reserve spaces one week in advance.

JULY/AUGUST – Reserve spaces up to 2 weeks in advance to guarantee spaces.

Excursions can be viewed and booked online through the San Stefano Travel E-SHOP, with the exception of some trips, where spaces are strictly limited. For more information, or to reserve spaces, contact us on facebook, or by email: info@san-stefano.gr . Please include in your reservation request, a booking name, your accomodation, and the number of tickets you would like to reserve.

For other enquiries, San Stefano Travel team remain at your disposal throughout the winter resting period. We would like to wish everyone of our customers, returning or potential, a very happy winter, full of rest and relaxation.

Corfu Town – Mon Repos & The Island of Vidos.

After a handful of trips into Corfu Town, it is often thought that visitors have seen it all; they have navigated the small cobbled streets of the old town, witnessed the unmeasurable beauty of the venetian architecture, and even eaten or drunk in some of the many traditional tavernas and restaurant’s that the city offers. This week we thought we would explore some other accessible areas of Corfu Town, which are steeped in history – namely, the Mon Repos Palace, and the Island of Vidos.

Whether you visit Corfu with a hire car, our weekday trip, or by private transfer, this is sure to inspire you with something different to see!

Mon Repos Palace

Mon Repos Palace is situated on the top of Analipsis Hill, near the Kanoni area, in the middle of a beautiful setting full of a myriad of exotic greenery.

The Palace was built in 1826, on 258 acres of fertile land, by the English Commissioner, Frederic Adams, as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianos. Frederic intended for the palace to be their summer residence, in order to fulfill his beloved wife’s dream to live in a palace in the countryside. Despite it’s small stature for a building of it’s type, the architecture was unique for the time, with colonial impressions evident amongst it’s structure. The palace was renowned for its receptions, often hosted in the gardens, throughout much of Greece, England and India, and it even caught the eye of the infamous, Empress Elizabeth, commonly known as Princess Sissi, who went on to build her own palace in Corfu – now the well-known Achilleion Palace.

In 1964, it was given to King George I of Greece, as a gift from the Municipality of Corfu, he re-named it ‘Mon Repos’, translating in French, to ‘my rest’. This remained in King George’s occupation until 1973 when monarchy was abolished in Greece, and several officials took up residence, making it a landmark location for many reasons. In 1921, Philip Maudbaden, later known as the late Prince Phillip was born in the Palace, and resided in Corfu until 18 months later, when his father, Prince Andrew, was exiled from Greece for life. Following his marriage to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Phillip relinquished his Greek title, and became a British Citizen.

The palace has since been restored to house a great museum, which hosts a huge number of ionian treasures, and reflects its original and classical features. Now, it welcomes thousands of Tourists each year, who visit the palace not only for its history, but for its incredible grounds.

Getting to Mon Repos from the Old Harbour.

The easiest and quickest way to Mon Repos is by walking up to Liston Square, and catching the Blue City Bus Number 2A to Kanoni, which takes approximately 10 minutes, getting off at Mon Repos on the way. The buses run every 20 minutes to return you to Liston square. Below, you will find a map of the Mon Repos Estate for your day.

Otherwise, the distance from the harbour to Kanoni is 3.2km, or 1.9miles, taking the coastal route through Garitsa, via the Liston. The walk takes approximately 1 hour.

The Island of Vidos

Residing just half a mile from Corfu’s Old Port, the Island of Vidos is small and enveloped almost entirely in woodland trees. This tranquil isle, bursting with a glorious feeling of local escapism, was once not so peaceful. In fact, under the venetian rule, which dominated Corfu between the 15th and 18th centuries, this small island served as a prison, much like ‘Alcatraz’, and tunnels were built linking it to the main Island. Prisoners were tried in the Old Fortress, before being escorted to Vidos (aka. Death Island), via the tunnels, to serve their sentence away from the rest of civilisation. The isolated remains of the prison, and it’s solitary confinement area can still be witnessed today.

Delving deeper into the Island’s history, 1915 saw the retreat of the Serbian army and a population of civilians to Corfu, following the Austro-German-Bulgarian invasion of Serbia in WW1. The sick, and uncurable refugees, and soldiers were transported to Vidos Island, which acted as a quarantine hospital to prevent epidemic of illness and plague. Despite the help of their allies and all the materials they could muster, the medical facilities of the time and the severe condition of the patients meant that many did not return from the island. It is said, that due to the islands small size, it soon became necessary to bury many of those lost, in the sea surrounding the Island. In the 1930s, a serbian mausoleum was erected in monument to the thousands of soldiers and civilians, who perished to plague and starvation, whilst defending Corfu’s freedom.

Today, the island of Vidos is home to tranquility, nature, and Corfu’s scouts, who have improvised their camps on the north side of the Island. Whilst walking the Island’s pine-strewn paths, you can spot some of the Scout’s wooden creations! Beautiful beaches and secluded forest clearings can be found, in addition to a taverna to grab some lunch – experience a day in the beauty of the island, that is enshrined in so much tragedy.

Getting to the Island.

A small ferry runs between Vidos and Corfu Old Harbour, and departs Monday to Friday every half an hour, leaving Corfu on the hour, and departing Vidos on the half hour. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. A map of Vidos Island is included below.

Where to stay? – My Corfu House.

It’s that time of year again, where many customers begin to consider their next Corfu fix, which of course comes along with choosing accomodation, booking transfers, and patiently awaiting flights to release. San Stefano Travel has been the main local specialist in holiday accomodation rentals since it’s establishment in 1999. Each accomodation offered by us is hand-picked with great care, supporting local Greek people, who create and care for these properties. Over a small series of blog posts, we will explore just a few of the options avaliable in our idyllic north coast village of San Stefano.

The newest addition to San Stefano Travel this summer is ‘My Corfu House’. My Corfu House are self-catering family apartments, suitable for up to 5 people, located only 400 meters from San Stefano beach, nestled amongst the trees.

Each family apartment is furnished, with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for those nights in. The main living area is open plan, including sitting room, dining room and kitchen. Leading away from the living area is a family bathroom, and two bedrooms, with one double room and one twin. There is also an additional sofa bed, for a 5th passenger. Each apartment also is home to either a balcony or patio, with garden or mountain views. The apartment has air-conditioning units, free wifi, and a flat screen tv.

This accomodation is perfect for those who would like a central location, whilst still enjoying the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

The village of Agios Stefanos North West is rich in tavernas, restaurants, a long extending beach, several supermarkets, a few tourist shops, fresh bakery, a tattoo parlour, travel agencies and a harbour, from which you can depart on a local boat trip. For more information on the village, visit our blog post; Corfu – A guide to our village, San Stefanos NW.

My Corfu House is live on the San Stefano Travel Website, where you can find more information, pricing, and/ or a contact form for more information.

The Diaponitian Islands – Amended Schedule.

Many of you will know of the weekly organised Boat trips, departing for the local Diaponitian Islands – Ericusa, Mathraki & Othoni. These trips depart on the traditional ‘Pegasus’ boat, sailed by Captains’ Dimitris and Spiros, and all offer an opportunity to swim in beautiful waters at must-see locations.

The boat, which holds up to 70 passengers, is equipped with a swim ladder, to help those who swim to reaccess the boat, and toilets, with enough room to change into dry clothes if you wish. We equip passengers with maps and information about the island, including some tips and tricks to make the best of your day!

Timetable ( 4^th – 24^th september)

From the 4th – 24th of September, the Pegasus Boat will be running an amended schedule , which you can find below:

EVERY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY – Swim @ Bragini Beach (1hr) / Ericusa Island (4hr) / Swim @ Cape Drastis (30m) 10:00 – 17:30 – 18 EUROS.

Travel from the local harbour on traditional “Pegasus” boat, departing San Stefanos every Friday for the Island of Ericusa.

It is the furthest right of the three Diapontian Islands that lay off the North West Coast of Corfu. Begin your boat trip by travelling directly to Ericusa Island, where you will be taken to the inaccessible, crystal clear beach of Brakini, where you will stop for an hours refreshing swim. Then, onto Ericusa harbour; time is your own here. Relax on the sandy beach, grab some lunch in one of the tavernas located on or close the seafront, or take a walk around the village to Fyki Harbour at the back of the island.

Upon your return journey you will travel past the stunning clay cliffs of the North West as you approach Cape Drastis for a stop for photos and one last dive off the boat for 30 minutes, before you return to San Stefano Harbour at 17:30.

EVERY SUNDAY – Mathraki Island (1hr 30m) / Swim @ Aspri Ammos (2hr) / Othoni Island (1hr 30m) 10:00 – 18:00 – 25 EUROS

Embark every Sunday from San Stefano to the Island of Mathraki on the traditional boat “Pegasus”.

Begin your journey in the morning with a brief stop at Diaplo-Diakopo Islets for photos. Onto Mathraki island for approximately 1hr30m where you will have time to grab a coffee, have a swim and a quick exploration of the area. Continuing the jouney, the next stop is the breath-taking Aspri Ammos beach of Othoni Island for 2hrs; an unspoilt white pebble sand beach surrounded by cliffs and crystal-clear, turqoise waters. Guests can take a refreshing swim off the boat while the boat anchors approximately 80m away from the beach. A swim ladder is available to help swimmers climb back onto the boat. After your swim, the journey continues on to the main harbour of Othoni for a couple of hours, where there’s tavernas awaiting to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger, right on the seafront of Ammos beach.

For more information on the Islands, take a look at our previous posts zooming in on the Islands; Ericusa, Mathraki and Othoni.

To book, you can do so by coming by the San Stefano Travel Office, between 09:30 and 20:00 on weekdays, or between 09:30 and 17:00 on weekends.

The Friday and Sunday scheduled excursions will also be avaliable to book online, via our E-Shop on our website; https://san-stefano.gr/.

The Green Island of Corfu & Olive Cultivation!

Prior to the tourism industry in Corfu, one of the largest income sources for corfiots came from high quality Olive Oil, and Olive based products. This week’s post will take a deeper look at Olive trees, and oil production on the aptly-nicknamed ‘Green Island of Corfu’, and lastly, how those who are interested can learn more from a real life Olive Oil Expert!

Where it all started…

The history of the Olive trees, and their journey as such an integral part of Greek history, dates back as far as 60,000 BC, but it was not until the Classical period (7th – 3rd century BC) that Olive trees and it’s derivatives were recognised and researched for it’s nutritional and medicinal properties. Hippocrates was the first to recognise olive oils affinity for easing ailments, such as muscle aches, and ulcers. Whereas, Solon, the first legislator saw to it that a law was enacted to protect the olive tree.

Moving on in history, during the Byzantine Medieval period, (325 AD) the importance of olive oil production flourished, and became an integral part of the rituals in the Orthodox Christian Church. The high quality olives were used as a healthy component in the medieval diet, and the lower quality olives were made into olive oil soaps, and lamps for candles, to light homes and churches across greece. The Eastern Roman Empire established the production of considerable amounts of olive oil, soon becoming the largest exporter throughout this period.

During the venetian occupation in 15th century Corfu, the development of mass soap production in Europe, formed a new demand for olive oil, which was then exported to France, and Italy. The area was pushed to cultivate new olive trees, rather than other crops and food, that kept the island self-sufficient. Of course, this amounted to huge profits for the traders, but put the villagers and landworkers at a disadvantage during this time.

Olive Cultivation Today!

Today, Corfu is home to approximately 4 million Olive trees, with some dating back over 500 years. Nets are placed underneath the trees to catch ripe fallen olives, these are then gathered every so often to use to form the products we know and love. Most families will own some olive trees, and from this will make their own olive oil for the coming year. A single olive tree can usually produce around 3 – 3.5 litres of quality olive oil per year.

Elaion – Experience the Roots of Corfu.

Elaion Small Group Tours offer an opportunity to spend the morning learning many amazing facts about Olive oil cultivation, such as how olive soap is made. Those on the tour are able to sample Olive Oil, and join the olive oil expert on a guided tour through the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, identifying olives and delighting in a meze of quality corfiot products – an unforgettable experience for all. For more information, head to their website: https://www.elaionprivatetours.com/

Bookings can be made directly with Elaion, or through San Stefano Travel.

Corfu – A guide to our village, San Stefanos, NW.

It would not be a San Stefanos blog, without a post dedicated to our very own corner of bliss, the village that brings so many back to it’s warm embrace year upon year – Agios Stefanos NW. This post aims to give a small snippet of all that our village has to offer; to reminisce on the good old days, or to welcome the new and upcoming ones – we hope we do it just an ounce of justice.

Entering the village!

About San Stefanos!

Historically, San Stefanos, as it is commonly referred to, was not a fruitful location for crops, due to the seafront location, and the large amount of clay in the earth. Therefore, the village was home to just a handful of houses, a small church and a Harbour (now the Old Harbour). Instead, most locals lived in the neighbouring village of Avliotes, with large working farms and crops extending over the vast area, where the bypass road is now located; life was very self-sufficient. Prior to Tourism, Olive oil production was a large source of income for the corfiots, which saw many workers travelling to the mountains of Pantokrator for work, as this is where the best quality Olive trees were located. Similarly, you would also find some of them departing from the old harbour on their fishing vessels, to fish for the catch of the day, to feed their families.

The village began to bloom around the mid to late 1970’s, when tourism was becoming popular, however it did not look as it does today. Back in the early days, the main strip was located on the road heading towards the port, filled with bustling restaurants and the vibrancy of the time. This was the very beginning of many visitors falling in love with this area, beginning to return year upon year, leaving familiar with the locals’ custom of “Philoxenia”, meaning ‘friend to the stranger’.

A snippet of the main strip today!

Today, the village has many amenities, providing visitors and friends with ample choice; from restaurants, tavernas, supermarkets, a bakery, tourist and local art shops, a boutique, a laundry, and of course, travel shops. Food standard in the village is very high, and prices vary depending on the dish. San Stefanos is rich in accomodation options for all budgets; whether that be self-catering apartments or villas, or package holidays, the village welcomes all.

The Beach and Activities!

The area is blessed with a long extending sandy beach, that expands across the length of the village. The beach is easily accessed by several points in the village, and is lined with many a beach bar, to stop and refresh yourselves throughout the day. There are sunbeds avaliable to hire from most of these places, and in some cases, the cost is redeemable in the beach bars on the day. Across the beach is facilities for boat hire and watersports – including the previously mentioned San Stefano & Arillas Boat Hire and Watersports, ran by Leo. Parking for the beach is throughout the village, as parking on the beach is not advised.

Some of the beach today!

Car, quad and scooter hire is avaliable at various locations in the village.

For the agile among you, San Stefano has a number of walks to nearby areas. Directions for these can be found through google maps, or through the directions laid out on the San Stefanos Website: https://www.sanstefanos.co.uk/local-walks.

Trips and excursions are avaliable in the travel shops in the village, including San Stefano Travel, where we are more than happy to help you during our opening hours, or you can browse online, on our website.

FAQ’S

Q- Where can I find the bus timetable?

A – You can find the bus timetable at Greenbuses.gr – North Corfu – A1 Agios Stefanos to Corfu Town. The main bus stop is the Barras, however the bus also stops at other places, including the Romanza, the Nafsika and the church.

Q- Where can I find the ferry timetable?

A- You can find the ferry timetable at chania-lines.com – Diaponitian Islands. Tickets are to be purchased on board.

Q – What is the currency and is card accepted?

A – The currency is Euros, and both card and cash are accepted in most places.

Q- Can I drink the water?

A – The water is not drinkable, bottled water is avaliable in the supermarkets. You must also dispose of your toilet paper in bins provided, and not by flushing.

Things to do in Corfu – Kassiopi

Kassiopi, is an old fishing village, situated on the North – East coast of Corfu. This bustling town is beloved by both locals and visitors alike, particularly in the evening when those present are gifted with the scenic view from the horseshoe harbour, and the town’s lights reflecting, like a mirror, in the waters beyond. Brimming with charm and Byzantinian architecture, Kassiopi has much to offer visitors, not limited to the various shops, patisseries, tavernas, but also including a Byzantine Fortress, a breathtaking headland, and an extremely high standard of food.

The village enjoys a series of pebble beaches and crystal clear waters, making this an idyllic fishing and snorkelling location. Life in Kassiopi is centered around the main square and is just a short walk from the harbour lined with tavernas, cooking up the fresh catch of the day. Only a step from the shore lies Albania, providing the perfect mountaneous backdrop to any photograph, or a great spot to admire whilst seated on the waterside benches.

Check out below a few suggestions of activities and sights to explore in Kassiopi.

Things to do and see

The Kassiopi Castle is one of the three Byzantine structures that were built in the 13th to 14th century to defend the island following the Pirate Invasions of 1140-1145. This fortress later became the inner walls of the castle, and formed a defensive triangle with other castles across the island, with Kassiopi to the North east, Angelokastro to the North West and Gardiki guarding the south. In its prime,the castle had 19 strong towers guarding the walls, and a large main gate, which still remains preserved, alongside the bastions, and some of the venetian cannons. However, the inside of the Castle is empty, and not much information is provided. The ruins are open 24 hours a day, and entrance is free. Good footwear should be worn as the footpath leading up to the ruins is worn and uneven.

Kassiopitra Church was built in 1590, replacing a temple dedicated to Zeus, where it was believed by its disciples that many miracles occurred. The church was built to accomodate both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox religions, and has two altars, one for each faith.

By following the road to the beach, visitors can enjoy a picturesque walk around the headland, by making a left turn at every opportunity, leading you back to the main square. The walk takes around 30 minutes in total, and then from the main square, the harbour is just a short 2 minute walk, as you’re sure to want a bite to eat after your walk.

How to get there?

Without other means of transport, visitors can explore Kassiopi with San Stefano Travel’s evening bus excursion. Departing at 17:30 from an assigned collection point close to your accomodation in San Stefanos (given on booking), passengers are taken directly to Kassiopi from the last stop in San Stefanos. Equipped with some information and a map, you will have several hours to explore at your leisure, before being collected at 22:00 to return to San Stefanos. During your time, you may enjoy the suggestions given above, or simply spend your hours wandering the shops, and digging into a meal of your choice. Tickets can be booked in our San Stefano Travel office, and the price is 18 euros per person.

Things to do in Corfu for families!

Throughout the summer months each year, Corfu is a firm favourite for travellers, including families with children. With its safe beaches, warm hospitality and varied family-friendly activities, there is always something to suit everyone. We have gathered just a handful of our favourite family friendly activities for families, with children of all ages; so that you can focus on making valuable memories, and getting the well-deserved break you came for.

Exploring the island with children is easily done by hiring a car, as this allows you the flexibility to come and go as you please, and really cater your time on our beautiful island. That is why the below activities include distance and travel time.

All things water!

In the warm summer months, many days on holiday are spent around water; to keep cool, to have fun, and to relax after one too many ice creams… (It’s nothing to do with the ouzo, we assure you!) Below are some ideas for water-parks and water sports whilst on the island – beginning with the closest in distance to our starting point, San Stefanos North West.

San Stefano & Arillas Boat Hire and Watersports – Located on San Stefanos NW Beach. Open daily, Leo is on hand to help you for all of your boat hire, and water sports needs. Brimming with local knowledge and over 40 years of experience, he is on the beach daily between 09:00 and 18:00. For more information, call Leo on +306977609699, email on leomouzakitis@yahoo.com. Visit his website here: San Stefanos Boat Hire.

Sidari Waterpark – Located in Sidari, 9km from San Stefanos. Travel Time: 15 minutes drive. Set in a quiet family hotel, the water park is open daily, between 11:00 and 19:00. Entrance for those not staying in the parks accomodation is approximately 7 euros, for unlimited use of the facilities, including sunbeds, pools and slides. For more information, visit their website: Sidari Water Park.

Ipsos Aqua Arena – Located in Ipsos, North East Corfu, 33.5 km from San Stefanos. Travel Time: 52 minutes by car. A giant inflatable course filled with fun, including a giant air filled cushion, catapulting those brave enough into the water! This option is more for older kids, who are confident swimmers. The price for the arena is around 10 Euros and sunbeds can be hired for the day on Ipsos beach. For more information, contact Fanis by phone on +30 698 417 6286, or email on Fanislikokas@hotmail.com.

Aqualand Water Park – Located in Agios Ioannis, 41.5 km from San Stefanos. Travel Time: 1 hour. Sitting in a central location in the island, Aqualand is one of the largest waterparks in Europe, with an impressive 51 rides, slides and games. The park is open daily between 10:00 and 18:00, and caters to all ages; from infants to adult. Infants under 4 enter the park for free. There are facilities for food and drink inside the park to buy throughout the day. As you enter, locker and changing rooms are to your left, so that you can lock up your valuables, whilst you have fun! To find out more, or to book, visit their website: https://aqualandcorfu.com/. Or, if you wish to leave the car behind for the day, pop by the San Stefano Travel office, as we also offer direct transfers that include your entrance to Aqualand.

Beach Hopping

Although you will not struggle to find family friendly beaches on the Island, there are a few bays that are brilliant for children, with plenty of amenities, shallow waters, and lovely views!

1. Agios Stefanos NW – With the main strip just a few minutes from the beach, sometimes a day at the local beach cannot be beaten. Welcomed by the numerous tavernas, and pool bars avaliable, the beach can be easily accessed by foot from your accomodation, or by parking just a few minutes walk from the expansive sandy beach of San Stefanos.
2. Agios Georgios – Just 7.7 km from San Stefanos, a 13 minute drive. A beautiful sandy beach, with crystal clear waters, shade avaliable, shops and tavernas lining the street for your every need, and parking, all enclosed in this stunning dramatic coast. A favourite among the locals and the perfect ice cream spot!
3. Paleokastritsa Beach – 25.7 km from San Stefanos, a 50 minute drive. There are several beaches in Paleokastritsa with shallow waters, perfect for little ones. Paleo, as it is known, is a vibrant and bursting area of Corfu, that attracts many visitors every summer. Paleokastritsa is also home to a small aquarium, and some small group boat tours to the nearby coves, and beaches.

Other recommendations

Other than the suggestions above, take a look at the San Stefano Travel Website, for more excursions, or pop into the office, where we can best advise a trip for you and your family. Regardless if find yourself in Corfu Town of an evening, stay in the village, visit a recommendation or go on a small boat trip to the neighbouring islands, you will be warmly received by all!

Corfu and Beyond – Mathraki Island!

Nestled off the North Coast of Corfu, Mathraki Island is the final installment in our exploration of the Diaponitian Islands. If you missed the previous posts focusing on Ericusa and Othoni, you can find them here.

About Mathraki

Mathraki is the most secluded of the Diaponitian Islands, and is favoured for its isolation, privacy and natural setting. It has 6 beautiful beaches, all accessible by foot from the harbour. Portello, directly adjacent to the harbour, is the only sandy beach on the island, stretching for 2km. The remaining 5 are a series of rocky coves on the east and west coast of the island, accessible by foot. The waters of Mathraki are clear, and shallow in depth.

Mathraki measures approximately 4km in length and 1km in width at its widest point. The island has 330 residents and two main settlements – Ano Mathraki (North) and Kato Mathraki (South). There is a few small tavernas to grab a bite to eat (two within walking distance of the harbour), and some accommodation in small hotels available.

There is a long accessible walk that can be done around the outside of the island, following the main road, which rarely is driven by cars. This route allows visitors to see most of the island. It takes approximately 2 – 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace.

How to visit Mathraki

As with our accounts of the other Diapontian Islands, we offer Mathraki as a day trip every Monday – including a refreshing morning swim at the Diaplo & Diakopo chanel, before embarking towards Mathraki, where you will spend your day. We will equip you with a map so that you are ready to explore, or to relax on the sandy beach! Tickets are €15 per person and can be booked in the San Stefano Travel office to guarantee your space. The boat departs at 10.00am from San Stefanos Harbour and returns at 17:00.

Things to do in Corfu – Afionas & Porto Timoni

Afionas is one of the most historic villages in Corfu, bursting with charm, narrow streets, and the best sunset viewpoint in Corfu. Located on the Northwest side of the island, just 6.5 km from Agios Stefanos NW, Afionas is built upon a promontory rock, standing at 133 meters altitude. This idyllic village is a must see area of the island, bursting with intrigue, traditional architecture of the settlement, white cobbled streets and an array of beautifully painted houses, embellished with flowers.

The village is peaked by the viewpoint, surrounded by views of the incredible Agios Georgios, and looking out upon ‘Karavi’ rock, which is allegedly the petrified ship of Odysseus from Poseidon. There are numerous tavernas, and small cafes throughout the village, meaning there is something for everyone’s tastes – booking is advisable for medium to large groups if you have a certain restaurant in mind.

Parking in Afionas is difficult, due to its popularity and small capacity; however those who wish to park can do so as they enter Afionas and make the 5 minute uphill walk into the village by foot.

On your way into the village, visitors will come across the Church of Ioannis of Lampataris, which is located in the village center, and dates back to 1636. Every year on 24^th June, the village holds a festival and practise the local tradition known as ‘Lampata’. During the festival, traditionally 3 small bonfires are lit, and partakers have to jump over the blazes 3 times to be cleansed by the power of the fire. It is believed that on this night, evil is purged, and new hope is given.

Adjacent to the church is a torpedo recovered from the cold war, alongside a memorial for Hector Gialopsos, a Hellenic Navy ensign, who died in January 1996, in the Imia Crisis between Greece and Turkey.

Afionas is home to one of Corfu’s most beautiful hiking trails – down to the twin bay of Porto Timoni, extending further to the Cape of Akra Arilla. The trail is accessible via the Viewpoint, and takes approximately 30 minutes, with some steep rocky sections. Those who take on the challenge, will come across ruins of Middle Age fortifications, designed to protect the village from Pirate raids. Plenty of water, sun protection and sensible footwear is advised.

By car or by organised trip, Afionas is a must see location, that gives those who visit the sense of stumbling back in time, a picturesque, traditional Greek location ideal for those who want to enjoy unforgettable views, and Greek cuisine.

For more information on how to book onto our weekly trip to Afionas, visit our website: https://san-stefano.gr/