Agios Georgios (Saint George) North Corfu

At first I thought you were talking about Agios Georgios beach, which is achievable in a day, though a taxi back would be nice.

The route South you're talking about is over dozen miles (as the crow flies) across a steep landscape.  There's something called the 'Corfu Trail' but you're expected to tackle it over several days.  Round from Paleo to Liapedes, you just follow the road out and follow the roadsigns.  It's about equivalent in effort to your trip up to the Angelokastro.  But it's far easier to swim across from the Acapulco bar on the edge of Paleo.  I think there's a route over the rocks there if you'd rather cut short the longer road route.

But Pelekas and Agios Gordios?  That's at least half an hour if not more by car.  On foot, getting on for 15-20 miles allowing for the winding routes and steep climbs.  It'd be a tough route for an overnight competitive hike.  By day, in the summer, it'd be suicidal.  But if you're looking for a way of thinning out applicants for the Marines or something, be my guest...

Seriously though, get a good map with terrain marked on it, do some more research, and try not to be too ambitious.

View Topic: Beach Walk Paleo To Liapades And On To Pelekas.

San Stefano Travel sell a combined boat trip to Mathraki and Othoni which leaves the harbour at 09.30 every Friday. http://www.san-stefano.gr/trips_boat.php.   Bear in mind that the harbour at Agios Stefanos is not in the centre of the resort. I would estimate the car journey from Paleo would take about 45 minutes assuming you don't go wrong on the twisty route so allow an hour. I would suggest that the quickest route would be though Doukades and then over the Troumbeta Pass to Agros, Dafni etc rather than the scenic way through Makrades and Agios Georgios.

I don't know what other boat trips there are now to Mathraki but the web-site http://www.mathraki-island.com/3_travelling.htm lists a packet boat the Pegasos leaving the harbour at 10.30  Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (not sure how up-to-date this page is though so need checking out).

View Topic: Distances

Good map BUT...   Can't speak for all areas but around Agios Georgios/St George South, you could find yourself in a bit of trouble if driving as one or two of the links shown as roads (eg Agios Georgios to Marathia) are little more than dirt tracks that I don't even venture down in a 4*4 Jeep!.
View Topic: Corfu Map

Corfu features about mid-way in a new report comparing holiday costs for  visitors http://www.postoffice.co.uk/sites/default/files/Holiday_Money_Report_Barometer_2013.pdf

This report has also been featured on national TV and many people will no doubt be attracted by the cheapness of  Spain, Portugal etc where business owners have reduced prices to keep customers coming in. It does not state where in Corfu the prices were obtained.  I suspect Corfu town!!!

The list is a very brief summary of 10 items on a typical visitors spending list and is given in £s.  Interestingly Corfu is quite expensive on certain individual items but gains on meals eaten out. Obviously the variations are huge and individually there are no obvious conclusions (at least to my simple mind).
Anyway I shall certainly keep visiting Agios Georgios north in Corfu rather than saving spending money with other Brits on  the Costas!!!

Dennis

View Topic: Holiday Costs 2013

Hi all
View Topic: Agios Georgios South?

I would head south and have lunch at Boukari before going onto Petriti for the evening (a diversion up to Chlomos for a drink in one of the most beautiful villages with stunning views might be a good idea. Stay 2 nights in Petriti and from there you can explore the fantastic beach of the south west coast and the wetlands area at Lefkimi.
View Topic: New And Need Some Tips

The ATM in Arillas has a history of being 'here today ... gone tomorrow'.  Currently there IS an ATM machine  in Arillas which was installed last Autumn by Citibank after the previous one had been removed by the operating bank, Eurobank, on economic grounds.  It hadn't been in for long and it took a pot of local pressure to get it the 1st time. I understand it helped that the then bank manager regularly visited Arillas beach.
The new one was only installed after much lobbying and pressure by local business owners, especially Dimitris, owner of Brouklis Restaurant there. The banks had previously argued that there were insufficient visitors to Arillas to justify one but Dimitris pointed that the old one had also served visitors from Agios Georgios and San Stefanos (maybe because theirs was out of action so much). It will ONLY be operating during the summer holiday season.

If a busier resort like Arillas had such a struggle to get their ATM re-installed I cannot foresee one being installed in Agios Georgios at any time in the foreseeable future (especially if AG visitor numbers may have been taken into account in justification for the Arillas one!!!). I hope I am wrong!  I know that in the past the Agios Georgios business have tried several times to get the banks to install one, possibly in a hotel foyer as was done in San Stef at Thomas Bay Hotel, but have been unsuccessful ... and that was in better economic times. Maybe they should try to find a bank manager who visits the lovely beach at Agios Georgios and try again!!



View Topic: Anything New For 2013

Linzechris
If you decide on Agios Stefanos or Arillas ask the exact situation of the accommodation and clarify on this forum whether it is on a hill or not as some apartments are on quite steep hills in both resorts.
In Agios Georgios north the bulk of the accommodation units are on the flat.
My wife and I now have arthritis and back problems and cannot walk very much so we ensure we have a good time by just spending a bit more money on our holiday to hire a small car for running around locally.  It enables us to visit lovely places like Afionas, Paleokastritsa and some nearby quiet villages as often as we want. We can still do some of our favourite walks but drive some of the route before leaving the car.
May is a lovely time to visit Corfu because it is so fresh and the wild flowers are still blooming before they die back for the hot summer.
Dennis

View Topic: Which Resort?

A bit early to answer that unless a resident knows of something. I doubt if Agios Georgios will change much for 2013. Maybe a taverna or two might change hands or fail to open, or a new apartment block (not high-rise) appear but otherwise the economic situation will keep the resort the same I am sure.
It has changed very little in 20 years and now is not the time for dramatic changes.

Personally and selfishly, I hope I am not wrong as the laid-back character is one attractions of the place for us.

View Topic: Anything New For 2013

[QUOTE=jance]  we are staying at Villa Anthoussa in Paleo, and yes we will have a hire car. . [/QUOTE]

OK Jance for a lovely scenic drive try this.  As already recommended drive up the hill through the village of Lakones enjoying the superb views on the way. At the top turn left in Makrades to visit the ruins of the fort called Angelokastro which looks down onto Paleo. Then carry on from Makrades towards Vistonas where you turn left towards the little village of Pagi. Stop en route for great photos across Agios Georgios bay with Albania in the far distance.
Now drive down to Agios Georgios bay and then proceed along the beach road and up the other side to the lovely 'not to be missed' village of Afionas which sits astride a promontory so has views both north and south. Parking is difficult at busy times but find somewhere in the main street or further back. There are a few excellent  tavernas, some rather hidden, but  none of which should be missed so you will have to return another day!!
 

View Topic: Must See/Do

My wife and I enjoy going to Corfu in September and stay at Agios Georgios north (in the next bay to Paleo). I don't recall a totally bad week and the weather is usually ideal with lots of sunny days. However some rain can be expected in 2 weeks with the possibility of spectacular autumn storm which usually give way to a sunny day though.

As regards car hire I am not acquainted with the companies operating in Paleo but can say that minimum ages can vary between companies. For some it is 21 and others 23 so you might have to shop around. The minimum ages can also vary between Car Groups, with A and B being lower.

Bear in mind that you are not restricted to Paleo companies as many companies deliver from other resorts at no extra charge. Trade is getting poor for the hire companies in September so prices are lower and can be 'cut-throat' at the last minute.


View Topic: Returning To Paleo after 5 years

Hi Debzone A friend of mine takes her own scooter as she could not hire one in Corfu. As for a wheel chair. Check this link out its pretty old but it might help
View Topic: Wheelchairs

Have a look at www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk
This gives links to some websites of local properties of varying attraction depending on what you want, e.g. close to beach, quiet position, size etc.
We always stay at Yiannis Apartments (listed on above page) which are quiet, simple and very clean, surrounded by lovely secluded gardens.

View Topic: Villa, Agios Georgios

Any suggestions on private villa/appartment to rent for 1st 2 weeks August 2013 or last week July/1st week August for Agios Georgios north. p/s only 2 of us, possibly 4.
View Topic: Villa, Agios Georgios

Hi,
View Topic: Just Back On Tuesday!

Whispers, this is the Agios Gordios forum, not the Agios Georgios NW. 
View Topic: Just Back On Tuesday!

Hi Razaker,
View Topic: Just Back On Tuesday!

Hi,
View Topic: Transfer From Airport

You could try booking a transfer with Travel Republic, they use Lord Travel on Corfu.  http://www.travelrepublic.co.uk/airporttransfers/.  Some friends have used them a few times and found them very reliable.  Where abouts are you staying in the village?
View Topic: Transfer From Airport

I have enjoyed several 1/2 litres of Corfu beer over the previous 2 holidays in Agios Georgios North. A splendid real ale, bottle conditioned, still a bit hazy, with sell by dates of no more than 2 months, so its always fresh. Similar to Youngs London Ale, or a very decent home brew. Try it at Marias Snac Shac at Lunch Time! Only 4 weeks away now!
View Topic: Corfu Beer Coming To Wetherspoons

Hi,
View Topic: Alexander Beach Studios

Debzone
Tip: Keep your eyes and ears open wherever you are. In May I photographed some swallows and martins collecting mud in a puddle in the centre of Agios Georgios north. On examining the photos later I noticed among them were 3 Red-rumped Swallows, a species I had not seen before. We also saw and heard Golden Orioles and Hoopoes in May and heard numerous nightingales singing for territory plus Woodchat Shrikes. In Paleokastritsa near the landing stage at a busy beach we watched a Blue Rock Thrush on the nearby rocks for several minutes.

You might find the report on http://www.surfbirds.com/trip_report.php?id=902  interesting as the writer was staying just outside Sidari.  Personally I am inclined to take the vast number of unusual species supposedly recognised with a gigantic 'pinch of salt'  but you might pick out a few useful spots to try. Bear in mind the trip was in May when Corfu is visited by birds on migration routes. A trip in October reported very disappointing results for Sidari area.

To come more back to reality the web-page http://www.agiosgeorgios.co.uk/birds.htm mentions some species seen by 'less specialist' holiday visitors to the area around Agios Georgios north as well as other forms of Nature.  My advice is to enjoy the common birds you see around you rather than expecting unusual species.




View Topic: Wildlife

The prices for package holidays and flights will depend on how well bookings are going so it is a lottery whether to book now or wait. If bookings don't go well prices will fall and often do for late August.

You haven't said what sort of a place (resort) you prefer.

Check out Theo's Hotel http://www.theoshotel.com and Costas Golden Beach http://www.costasgoldenbeachhotel.com/ which are in Agios Georgios north. Both are in  the Thomsons brochure.

Agios Georgios north is a beautiful quiet resort with a great beach and plenty of tavernas.

View Topic: Hotel Reservation For Late August

Hi,
View Topic: Arillas

Don't think the fact that it is a dinner time flight will make any difference whatsoever- length of time on a transfer depends purely on how many stops the driver has to make- if a coach can be filled with everyone going to Sidari then it goes straight there, but if there are some for Agios Georgios, some for Arillas, etc then of course it will take longer.
View Topic: Transfer Versus Taxi

Both 'Jimmy's' and 'Hari's' now serve some food including salads.  We often ask for toasted sandwiches to take out so we can picnic on our favourite walk across to the valley road

Last week we were chatting outside Jimmy's with an elderly Dutch couple who were staying near Messonghi.  They had read in some literature at their hotel in Messonghi about Jimmy's James Bond cafe and his Greek salads so drove all the way up to Pagi especially.  They liked it a lot and said next year they will stay in Agios Georgios!

Dennis

View Topic: Pagi And James Bond

Some was filmed there but most scenes were shot at Agios Georgios south on the sand dunes- and in Danilia Village (then a flourishing tourist evening out destination masquerading as a Greek village!)
View Topic: Pagi And James Bond

I was at Jimmy's Taverna in Pagi (near Agios Georgios NW) the other day and he was telling me about the filming of the  James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Apparently the car chase was filmed in and around Pagi so I thought I'd post a link to it on here. Roger Moore's Spanish sounds quite out of place but it's good seeing the Citroen passing Jimmy's bar in the movie.The whole area is well worth a visit incidentally. Agios Gergios NW has a beautiful sandy beach with just enough tavernas and Pagi is beautiful. If you fancy seeing one of the best sunsets on the island go up to Afionas, you'll be glad you did. 
View Topic: Pagi And James Bond

As reported elsewhere on this Forum  the ATM cash machine in the centre of Agros village has sadly now been removed. This is a backward step and it will be missed by many residents and visitors to the area.
The nearest now to Agios Georgios is in Agios Stefanos at the Thomas Bay Hotel.

Dennis

View Topic: ATM's

I hope I will be proved wrong but I doubt there will be an ATM machine in Arillas this summer. The last one was taken away by the bank for economic reasons and personally I cannot see the present economic conditions will convince the bank to repeat its experience. I believe the business owners are currently lobbying the bank to get the ATM returned.
Your nearest one will be over the hill in Agios Stefanos, a 30minute walk. But if you intend hiring a bike or car for a day or so, as many visitors do, it is no trouble to pick your cash up on one of your trips. Besides Ag Stef several of the larger villages in the area have them
Visit the Forum on arillas.com for instructions on walking to Ag Stef, and also for updates on the ATM situation.

We have been visiting Agios Georgios for 18 years and there has been no ATM there at all. Visitors there just adapt.

Dennis

View Topic: ATM Machines

[QUOTE=SANSTEFJULES]My favourite view of Agios Georgios viewed from Dionysys restaurant in Afionis [/QUOTE]
I totally agree Jules and could sit there for hours.

Dennis

View Topic: Favourite View

My favourite view of Agios Georgios viewed from Dionysys restaurant in Afionis
View Topic: Favourite View

Lindybell
For a quiet romantic place to spend a honeymoon you will not beat friendly Agios Georgios north. Tucked away in a beautiful sandy bay between high headlands this un-commercialised, rather laid-back resort has only 4 hotels, all small and no tall blocks of apartments.
Apart from the long sandy beach and clear sea the surrounding countryside is great for quiet walking in the olive groves and hills. (http:www.agiosgeorgios.info). Pass your time just relaxing over a drink or delicious meal in the restaurants at the beach or walk to the rustic Fisherman's Cabin and get a water taxi back. Take a memorable boat trip to the islands or Paleokastritsa or be dropped off at a remote beach such as Porto Timoni.

Walk up to the tavernas of Afionas such as the Panorama or Dionysos and enjoy the bird's-eye views over Agios Georgios bay or northwards to Arillas and beyond.  You can take a boat or pedalo to the remote beaches. For honeymooners the list is endless!!





View Topic: Honeymoon suggestions

The old Agios Georgios (S) forum can be viewed here:
View Topic: Old Agios Georgios (S) Forum

The old Agios Georgios NW forum can be viewed here:
View Topic: Old Agios Georgios NW Forum

Marisa
That view from the old trail is magnificent and I can sit for ages on the wall staring out over the bay.
In my fitter days I used to jog to Makrades from Agios Georgios once every holiday but now I am afraid it is a car trip to Makrades and walk down to enjoy the view. View from top:-



Dennis

View Topic: Village website

Nuffstrong, we have a place in Makrades and often walk the old mule trail down to Agios Georgios NW.  The views at the top of the trail looking down over the AG bay and the islands is one of our favourite panoramas on the island.  It is not so much fun walking back up again!
View Topic: Village website

I have a place in Agios Georgios and I can honestly say that for those who like a peaceful holiday next to a beautiful sandy beach with a handful of lovely tavernas overlooking it.. Agios Georgios NW is certainly worth a look.
View Topic: Village website

Really great to have the Corfu Travel Guide Forums back again !! They are so useful for people wishing to visit Corfu for the 1st time including those who have chosen to visit Agios Georgios, whether for the 1st time or 20th.
This beautiful resort is known by several names all of which mean 'St.George'. To distinguish it from a similarly named resort in the south of the island it has been known as 'Agios Georgios north' or maybe more correctly (but less well-known by visitors) 'Agios Georgios Pagon (or Pagi) after the name of the nearby village of Pagi. It is often referred to locally as 'San George'.

Dennis

View Topic: Village website