Happy Holidays Corfu Magazine
Articles and Features (published quarterly) about Corfu and its many attractions
Northern Exposure
Vol. 2, No. 1; September 15, 2006
© 2005-2006 Happy Holidays Corfu
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Sidari Review by Caroline Robinson
APARTMENTS/HOTELS
Accommodation is basic (sometimes a little old fashioned depending upon the age
of the apartment/hotel) this also goes for air conditioning, with a shower instead of a
bath (and you might not have a shower curtain as some owners think that they are
unhygienic). Apartments are normally no more than two storeys high. Hotel rooms
are basic and clean, usually consisting of single beds (no doubles), wardrobe with
two drawers underneath, dressing table and chair. If you have an apartment you also
will have cooking facilities and utensils along with a seating area and table. Some
of the new apartments now have air conditioning but if you haven’t you can usually
hire a fan for a couple of euros a day from the apartment owners or at the hire shop on the High Street. Cleaners are usually in every day to empty the bins and towels and sheets replaced more than once a week (it should say in your brochure). You may find though that they may miss a day when they don’t empty the bins etc, this is either at changeover (new people coming to the resort) or on their day off. If you are in bed and breakfast accommodation the breakfast will almost always be continental. If you want a full English breakfast most of the tavernas and bars are doing this now but you pay extra for this.
Now to the toilets, you are advised not to flush paper down the toilet because of the pipe work. There is a bin next to the toilet for toilet paper. If you are really bothered about putting paper in the bin especially if you have Montezuma’s revenge or for ladies certain times of the month, take some nappy sacks (around £1 for 200 in a box) with you and use those to put the paper in and then put in the bin. I feel much more comfortable about it especially as someone else has to come and empty it. I also take a couple of old hand towels to put down in the bathroom next to the shower to take up any excess water as the floors are all tiled and you can easily slip. It varies from place to place whether you get both bath and hand towels or even soap. I always take four beach towels so if the worst comes to the worst you can use two of them.
If you do have any problems I have found that if you complain with good humour you will get the desired result. The temperature and amount of the water is usually what complaints are about as there isn’t enough hot water at the end of the day as everyone is using it before they go out! At some apartments the water is heated only by solar panels. Bear in mind that at the start of the season your accommodation would have been in pristine condition but as the season goes on your accommodation may not be as perfect as you would like. Not everyone is as careful as they would be at home and things do get damaged. It’s not the owner’s fault. Some tourists just don’t care.
Take a torch with you when you go. Although during the summer months there is not much likelihood of power cuts, they can happen if there is a bad thunderstorm and some hotels/apartments don’t have a generator. You could also be at an apartment that is away from the main road and you may need this late at night.
HEALTH
As for tummy problems, you always get a bit of a problem because of change of water (The water on Corfu although safe has a high mineral content) change of diet and temperature from that of the UK. It usually only lasts a couple of days. The sensible option always is not to eat too much rich stuff and not to drink too much alcohol especially during the day (well only a little one!). Bottled water from the supermarkets is cheap and most people drink that anyway (and its cooler).
MOSQUITOES
There is no way that you can escape them unless the Mistral winds come in, in which case they stay away for a couple of days, also when it is cooler at night end Sept/Oct there aren’t as many.
A WARNING TO PARENTS. IT HAS RECENTLY COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT A YOUNG CHILD WAS ALLERGIC TO A REPELLANT. PLEASE TRY IT OUT BEFORE YOU ARRIVE ON CORFU TO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE.
Mosquitoes I have heard are more of a problem at the Canal D'Amour end of Sidari. It could have something to do with the fact that they have a lot more greenery up there. Just be careful to keep away from stagnant water anywhere, the canals, including plant pots in restaurants etc as this is where the female mozzie lays her eggs. As soon as they hatch they are ready to bite. If you do tend to get bitten there are plenty of things you can buy at the resort. All of the supermarkets have various sprays, candles etc. (prices the same or less than the UK) and its a good idea to keep a mozzie repellent (doesn’t kill them unfortunately) plugged in at all times. You can also get a spiral which the Corfiots use to put outside the doors at night (be careful to keep it away from the doors of course, you don’t want a fire). If you are in an apartment it is also wise to get a mosquito/insect spray to spray the room when you go out at night. A lot of new apartments have a system where when you leave the apartment the power goes off (key system) so your plug in repellent won’t work.
The chemist on the high street in Sidari has plenty of creams for bites and although it doesn’t stop the bites it does relieve some of the irritation. These range from about £1.50.
Do remember though if you are arriving at night keep your machine and tablets (tablets are better than the liquid I find) in your hand luggage to plug in as soon as you get into your apartments. I also spray myself before I leave the UK as you can get bitten on arrival in Corfu. A lot of people get caught out and find that the mozzies have had a good feed during the night at the airport. It is also recommend that you start to take an antihistamines around a fortnight before you go if you are prone to react to bites.
Also a Citronella candle placed at your table at night does deter them a bit, but having said that it is something you invariably have to put up with unless you want to holiday in a desert. If it is serious there is more than one surgery in Sidari, one is just after MacDonalds and is clearly signposted. The doctors speak excellent English so you shouldn't have a problem and the receptionists are wonderful.
Please remember to get your E111 form ( now in card form) from the Post Office to cover you for any hospital medical expenses. Although this does not cover for a minor trip to the doctor, your travel insurance has to be used for that. Also if you suffer from cold sores in the UK don’t forget to put a high factor sun screen on your lips because it is always breezy in Sidari and that coupled with the sun can cause them to be a serious problem. The breeze can also give you a false sense of security as far as sunburn is concerned. Please be careful the first few days and again use a high factor. I have seen so many holidays ruined as people aren’t aware that the sun is so powerful. You can still get a tan under an umbrella.
As far as other creepy crawlies, I can honesty say that they are no more or less than we have at home.
I have never seen a thingyroach or any other horrible beasties. In some places you will find a lot of ants around the greenery. They do no harm and get on with their own business but if you put food down you would be surprised where they all spring from! Dispose of your litter and there shouldn’t be a problem. You will also see little lizards which are perfectly harmless.
SUPERMARKETS/SHOPS ETC
The supermarkets have more or less everything you can get at home. Although they have either Greek or foreign names you can tell from the label just about what they are, they also have named brands like Heinz, which because they are imported will be more expensive. They have bakeries and fresh fruit and vegetables, sell sweets, very nice cakes, cheese, bacon, sausage etc. The wine is very reasonable and good quality depending on the price. Spirits etc are cheap (and 40%, so you can always drown the irritation of the mosquitoes for a while). They also sell beach balls, lilos, hats and suntan lotions. Most of the shopkeepers understand and speak very good English.
The shops are mainly touristy types, selling gifts e.g. olive wood, pottery, bikinis, jeans, sunhats etc. There are some excellent jewellery shops selling at half the price you would pay in the UK and at a higher carat.
The resort has pay phones and cash machines. Most of the locals speak a little English so you can’t go far wrong (the children are now learning English as a second language at school) but try and speak a little Greek, it is very much appreciated even if you don’t get it right. It shows respect for their culture and home.
SIDARI
As for the resort itself, all the pools are free (not so sunbeds next to the beach). You can go anywhere and sit by their pool all day if you want. Although they don't ask you to, it’s a nice idea if you buy a bottle of water from there or have a drink or snack or ice-cream (ice-creams out of this world, very rich, not diet fodder). They wont pressurise you to do this but I always feel more comfortable as they do work very hard and although you will find that bottled water is a little dearer than the supermarket, what you are really paying for is the use of a free pool and their upkeep of it which I don’t think is bad. (better than you'd get in other holiday destinations). Also the tax man can fine them on the spot if you are eating anything that hasn’t been purchased on their premises. They have to keep all receipts and you will notice that when you order a drink in some bars you will get a slip of paper in a little glass, this is to prove that it has been bought there. The tax man can call at any time and they can be heavily fined or even closed.
People say the beaches are dirty but they vary from place to place, there is a lot of seaweed about and it looks like strips of grey paper when its dried out, but I have seen worse beaches. Unfortunately a lot of the rubbish is left by us the tourist.
Canal d’Amour is very safe for children as it is quite shallow for some distance out. At the Megali Beach (opposite end to Canal d’Amour) it can be very rocky so you have to watch your step.
There are also stray dogs and cats in Sidari. They are very friendly but I would not advise going near the dogs if they are in a pack. There is no such thing as RSPCA in Corfu. A lot of UK residents who have moved there have adopted dogs. There is an organisation called The Ark but this is based on the mainland. Although you feel sorry for them its best not to feed them as they will follow you. Some of the local residents are actively campaigning to get the dogs neutered with some success.
Building work is not generally allowed during the tourist season, that is why you will often see half built concrete constructions. Although they can be an eyesore its better than having a bulldozer or cement mixer spoiling your holiday.
WHAT TO DO
Sidari is a favourite for all types of water sports. They also have a go-kart track for the youngsters and a children’s playground. A small Aqualand is just outside Sidari. They also have horse-riding. There are plenty of bars showing the latest released films so there is plenty to do. The Hydropolis at Acharavi is a good day out for kids. At 11 euro per person (June 2005) you are picked up around 11.30 and collected from there around 5.00pm. Food and drink is pretty reasonable there too.
EATING OUT
Now for the restaurants/tavernas, there are that many you are spoilt for choice. We all have our favourites but it can vary each time you go (same as in the UK).
We have been on the Greek nights that the tour operators arrange but they are way out of town so by the time you get there you are starving and it’s a long trip back, its much better to be at a local one. Quite a few of the tavernas now do their own on a Saturday night.
Please be aware that there are two different types of steak. The thin special offer on the menu and the proper steak. Don’t expect to get a prime piece of fillet if you’re only paying 5 euros. They don’t eat horse, chicken is chicken and rabbit is rabbit and all their eggs are fresh.
What they call lobster is actually crayfish. You can get lobster but you usually have to order it and pay by weight, which can be quite expensive. It is similar to ours but is a spiny lobster the claws aren’t all that big. You can tell if the Lobster is fresh because they usually show you it live!
You will find in most of the restaurants that you can see right into the kitchens. This is to show you how clean they are, also the toilets in the majority of restaurants/tavernas are very clean and would put ours in the UK to shame.
Don’t expect your meal to come quickly in a traditional Greek restaurant as they prepare things from scratch. The bread that they bring to the table is in effect their service charge (around 1.50 euro, it can be less) It is actually tax they all have to pay without exception. They work extremely hard and are not well paid, most of the waiters in the restaurants are part of families who live in and around Sidari, brothers, cousins, sons, daughters. In the Summer they work in the Restaurants and Bars and in the Winter they go back to their farms to harvest the olives. There isn’t much money earned from olives now as the EU has stopped the spraying of the olives against disease and they are losing many through this. They also prepare their tavernas and apartments for the following year. The money earned from tourism is not kept in the resort, it goes to Athens. They seem to be taxed on everything. If you ask them how much it would cost to stay in a hotel or apartment without a tour operator you would be very surprised at how much they charge. The tour companies take our money not them.
Don’t be put off by the touters outside some restaurants, they are only doing their job. Just smile and say no thank you. A majority are English youngsters who are working in the resort for the season. It is part of their job. They have had a problem with them this year (2005) but the Mayor has effectively stepped in and banned most of them.
If you want to see a spectacular sunset go to the Panorama at Longas Beach, (if you check out website www.eagless.demon.uk it gives you information on the Long Walk, or take a taxi) You can either just stay for a drink or have a meal (You can usually choose a fish that they have caught that day). They pay very unusual mood music there.
There are plenty of places to eat at a reasonable cost that won’t break the bank, or if you have an apartment there are plenty of supermarkets so you can cook your own.
The choice is yours at the end of the day. Everyone who visits Corfu finds their favourite place to eat and drink and as regulars you become part of the family.
NIGHTLIFE
There is plenty of night life with most bars and clubs playing the latest music on Sidari High Street, You will find some bars have karaoke nights or show the latest films.
GENERAL
Sidari is as relaxing or as hectic as you want it to be and in all the times we have been we have never been short changed with money. They are more likely to tell you to be careful with your money . The Corfiot people are genuine, honest, and very hard working. There is very little crime in the resort, if you leave something somewhere it will still be there unless a tourist has picked it up. They also do not tolerate drugs. If they find anyone trying to push drugs they are severely dealt with. Please remember if you lose any valuables or have them stolen you MUST REPORT IT TO THE POLICE WITHIN 24 HOURS or they are unable to do anything about it and you will not be able to claim it back on your travel insurance.
EXCURSIONS
Booking through your tour operator can be very expensive. There is a travel shop right in the middle of Sidari High Street (Vlasseros Travel). You can’t miss it. He has old red telephone boxes in his shop. (opposite Three Brothers Hotel) . He offers the best deal. Our favourite is the island tour by coach which takes you to other resorts and vantage points including Bella Vista. It’s a nice way to see what other places are like, also to Paleokastritsa. There is a bus service that goes to Kassiopi and Corfu Town. Timetables can be obtained from your tour operator.
AIRPORT AND TRANSFER
When you leave the aircraft at Corfu you get on a courtesy bus to the airport.
Depending on which tour company you are with and what time of the year you go, the transfer time to Sidari can be anything from 1 hour to 2½ hours. Make sure you have some water with you for the journey. Sidari is the last stop and usually the first pick up when going home. They drop off at each resort and as some apartments are away from the road the rep has to take the passengers to the apartments before you can set off again. The airport as you have probably heard is a small one. Be prepared to wait about an hour for your cases. Don’t panic. If you know what plane you have arrived on watch to see when they actually take the cases off then you will know they are on their way.There is usually more than one flight landing at any given time. The rep will not leave without you. They also have very experienced drivers who know the roads very well.
On the day of departure you will usually be asked to leave your accommodation by 12 noon. This is to give the cleaners time to get the rooms ready for the new arrivals. Most hotels have a courtesy room. With apartments if you ask around you may find that the owners know someone who has a spare apartment that you can hire for the rest of the day. They are not obliged to hold your room open for you especially if they are contracted to a tour operator.
On arriving back at the airport there is now an x-ray machine at every check in Once we’ve checked in we stay downstairs as once you go through passport control you can’t get out and it can be very claustrophobic, especially if flights have been delayed.
If we fly during the day we usually sit outside on the grass until about ½ hour before our flight is due out and then we go up. There is a good duty free shop. If you do want to get anything from there then you go up a bit earlier. Bearing in mind we have been going to Sidari for years so have become quite used to what to do. Our holiday doesn’t finish until we land back in Blighty!
Canal d'Amour
