Corfu Island Tourist Traps

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We read about an 'out of the way' but great place for lunch on the brochure we were given after we docked.

So ever a 'sucker' for something different we entered the Fortress area just across from the main square in the old town.

We enquired...we walked...we followed signs...we came to old stairs...passed some rubbish bins...and finally the Yacht Club came into view.

But lunch was not served for another hour...a bit tight for "all on board"

Unique Suggestions: Know that lunch is only served at "late lunch time" not all the time like the other restaurants. Enjoy a beer while you sit and recover after the hike. Enjoy the peacefull surrounds and know you are probably the only tourists from your ship to have been there.
There is a toilet ...you may need it...and there is no short cut back.

Fun Alternatives: Go to the Fortress cafe...well we did not have time after our sojourn at the Yacht Club. Or you can sit and read the papers while you are there.

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We got tired of the bad weather in Switzerland and decided to go look for a" last minute"
package.
We decided on Corfu for a week, at the travel agency they booked our hotel and flight, the brochure they showed us of the hotel, looked stunning.

Unique Suggestions: Only when we got there, we realized the hotel, looked closed, the "staff' what looked like a porter , could only speak greek, the swimming pool was empty, the rooms appalling.
Unfortunatly we had to sleep one night, the next morning the breakfast was , well, I think one bread roll and a boiled egg, or something. After various telephone calls, we got hold of our agent, and asked to be replaced at another hotel of our choice.

Fun Alternatives: I am sure these things happen often enough, we were reimbursed the one night, and taken to a beautiful hotel near the beach. I am glad I did not keep quite and take it, like some of the other guests, who stayed behind.
Make 100% sure about where you are going, and if you are not happy, you should always graciously complain, until you get what you want.

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The fast growing resort of Acharavi is nestled between the long, sandy beach and the hills. It is a beautiful location in the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, Corfu's highest peak standing at 914 meters. Acharavi is popular with those seeking a relatively uncomplecated resort where they can take it easy and relax. It has something for everybody and is also very important for the locals as it has a post office, dentist and doctors.

We were not particularly interested in these kinds of holiday resorts. Still we visited it just to see what's it all about. Therefore we walked all the way over the long sandy beach from Roda to Acharavi and had a nice cold beer in one of the many tavernas. The beach front trully has a string of bars and shops. Just to maintain our balance and satisfy our needs we also had a short visit to the more traditional parts of old Acharavi.Do keep in mind that whenever you want to escape the tourist activities that there are some excellent walking paths set in the hills, which are the more adventurous hikes.

Unique Suggestions: Lay on the beach!

Address:
The villages of Roda and Acharavi.

Directions:
Situated at the east side of the island. It's a 27 km drive from the capital of Corfu, Corfu Town.

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Two beautiful villages, Roda and Acharavi, stand near the coast, both with amazing sandy beaches and a high level of tourism. Roda is definitely the tourist centre of the area with an abundance of shops. It has grown from a quiet fishing village into the tourist resort it is today, with its lazy sand-and-pebble beach and safe bathing. It's an easy place to chill out, but there are also watersports, pony trekking and excursions for those who can only take so much sunbathing and relaxation. By night, Roda has some seriously lively bars which stay open untill the early hours.

Besides all these tourists activity it is good to know that Doric temple dedicated to Apollo, dating from the 5th century BC, is located here. The finds from this historic site are displayed in the interesting Archaeological Museum in town. We also walked the main road of Roda and noticed just outside Acharavi the half-excavated remains of a Roman village. Just follow the signs to the Roman baths. We saw the lay out of Roman baths and learned that there was a whole village stretching back into the olive grove.

Unique Suggestions: Lay on the beach!

Address:
The villages of Roda and Acharavi.

Directions:
Situated at the east side of the island. It's a 27 km drive from the capital of Corfu, Corfu Town.

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The North of Corfu presents a different image of the island and is maybe the most beautiful part of it. The landscape is enchanting as it consists of a combination of rich green mountains and endless blue sea. It all makes a pleasing combination of beach, hills and mountains. The picturesque beaches of Roda and Acharavi are ideally located just off the main northern coastal road. The beach is quite long, approximately 5 kilometers.

We witnessed that the inhabitants still cling to their traditions and Greek hospitality is still a reality here. The entire area is also important mainly for archaeological reasons due to a burial ground that was unearthed there and is still being researched, because the archaeologists unfortunately were called away to a more impressive discovery elsewhere. But anyway, both Roda and Acharavi grew from a quiet fishing village into a pleasant resort, time to pay a visit!

Unique Suggestions: Lay on the beach!

Address:
The villages of Roda and Acharavi.

Directions:
Situated at the east side of the island. It's a 27 km drive from the capital of Corfu, Corfu Town.

About 20 Kilometers south of Corfu Town on the east coast you will find the village of Moraitika, nestled on a hillside overlooking the 4 kilometer long, shallow, sandy beach. To be honest the main street of Moraitika is a bit of a ugly strip of bars, restaurants and shops, that straggles for over a kilometer to the junction where the main road veers inland and the Messonghi River just beyond it forms the official boundary with Messonghi. Although Moraitika maybe very touristic, the entire area is slower in pace than the north of the island of Corfu and its beach is probably the best between Corfu Town and Kavos.

On this beach there are many water sports to choose from. Try using the diving centre, boat trips and the go-karting. There is also a great variety of bars and tavernas where you will meet the warm and friendly locals.

Unique Suggestions: Well, that's not too difficult! Moraitika has some Roman remains to visit and visitors should certainly take a couple of strolls up to the original village of Ano Moraitika, a contrast from the main resort with its narrow lanes and picturesque unspoilt little flower-decked houses. Here you will find excellent tavernas, and superb views from the church of Theotokou Kimiseos.

Address:
Village of Moraitika

Directions:
Situated at the east coast of the island. It is a 20 km drive from the capital of Corfu, Corfu Town.

Website:
Have a look at All about Moraitikia.

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The village proper, Ano Moraitika, is signposted a few minutes' hike up the steep lanes inland and is vitually unspoiled. Its tiny houses and alleys are practically drowning in bougainvillea, among which you'll find 2 tavernas: the village taverna and the Bella Vista, which has a basic menu but justifies its name with a lovely garden, sea views and breezes. It's quite a contrast from the main resort with its narrow lanes and picturesque unspoilt little flower decked-houses. Another interesting fact is that here in Moraitika there is still the remains of a Roman baths establishement which formed part of the mansion belonging to a rich Roman citizen. A site of remarkable archaeological interest and not to be missed!

We visited Moraitika twice during our stay at the island of Corfu, but this wasn't because of the beauty of the village itself. At our first visit we discovered an internet café and wanted to check our email, etc.

Unique Suggestions: Well, that's not too difficult! Moraitika has some Roman remains to visit and visitors should certainly take a couple of strolls up to the original village of Ano Moraitika, a contrast from the main resort with its narrow lanes and picturesque unspoilt little flower-decked houses. Here you will find excellent tavernas, and superb views from the church of Theotokou Kimiseos.

Address:
Village of Moraitika

Directions:
Situated at the east coast of the island. It is a 20 km drive from the capital of Corfu, Corfu Town.

Website:
Have a look at All about Moraitikia.

The name Moraitika originates from the settlers who came from the Peloponese (originally known as Morais), in 1540. Moraitika has a population of 820 inhabitants who, in the winter collect olives and work on the land, and in the summer provide excellent service and good will to the thousand of visitors. Today the village can accommodate 7,500 visitors in a great choice of hotels of various categories and many apartments suitable for families.

One of the main attractions of the area is the attractive Church of Theotokou Kimiseos with a quaint belfry on the right. There is a great view of the coast from this area. We also fell in love with the small river from where many local fishermen begin their day. It's a fasinating thing to witness. In the entire community there are 6 churches dedicated to different saints and to celebrate their patronage, they hold traditional festivals in which both the locals and the visitors join together in celebration.

Unique Suggestions: Well, that's not too difficult! Moraitika has some Roman remains to visit and visitors should certainly take a couple of strolls up to the original village of Ano Moraitika, a contrast from the main resort with its narrow lanes and picturesque unspoilt little flower-decked houses. Here you will find excellent tavernas, and superb views from the church of Theotokou Kimiseos.

Address:
Village of Moraitika

Directions:
Situated at the east coast of the island. It is a 20 km drive from the capital of Corfu, Corfu Town.

Website:
Have a look at All about Moraitikia.