Benitses Corfu

Hiya,
I have been looking at Benitses for next year as a change from Messonghi,  Yeah I don't travel far from "home"!).

Thing is, I holiday alone now , and would like to find a cosy bar, where I could sit outside listening to good music, and be able to "people watch" if there is no one around to chat to. I am thinking of staying at Argo Studios, and would probably eat there most evenings, but I do like to have a meal beside the sea at sunset, any ideas on traditional tavernas by the beach or seafront would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Jackie
View Topic: Bars In Benitses

I think it may be the festival of St Spyridon which is 11th August. List of festivals below:

The Feasts in Corfu
All the most important festivals and events of Corfu have religious connotations.
Orthodox religion (almost all the population) and Christianity (only 4% of the population) form the basis of Corfiots' culture and the major holidays are associated with the worship of Christ or the commemoration of the Patron.

Festivals and events
The town festivals and the holy days are numerous in Corfu island.
Down here you will see the dates of the most important summer festivals.
- Beginning of May: Orthodox Easter, so beautiful to be famous in all Greece
- First Friday after Easter: town festival in Paleokastritsa
- 8 May and 15 August: festival in Kassiopi with the celebration of the Virgin

- 9 June: festivals in Alikes of Potamo, Petalia, Zigo, Potamo
- 12 June: St. Onofrio's Day celebration in Pelekas
- 24 June: Festival of the Holy Spirit, town festivals in Kontokali, Stavro, Arghirades, Kastellani of Mesi, Antiperni and Othoni
- 29 June: Saints Peter and Paul. Festivals in Kombitsi, Stronghili and Vitalades. In the main town of Paxos island (Gaios) there are great celebrations in honor of Saint Gaios

- 2 July: Madonna of Vlacherena. Procession in Garitsa. Festivals in Garitsa, Acharavi, Kamara and Fontana on Paxos island
- 8 July: Celebration of Saint Prokopios with relative festivals in the villages of Kavos, Lefkimnis and Aghios Prokopios
- 13 July: Festival in Saint Rocco square in honor of S. Spyridonas
- 17 July: St. Marina. Festivals in Benitses, Spartera, Avliotes
- 20 July: Festival of Elia Prophet in Magoulades

- 6 August: Church festival held in commemoration of the Transfiguration of Jesus in Pontikonisi, Perivoli, Strinilia, Evropuli, Paleochori, A. Deka and Aghios Mattheos with many days of pilgrimage (1-6 August) on the top of Pantokratoras mountain
- 11 August, first Sunday of November, Palm Sunday and Holy Saturday: In these four days the relics of the Saint are carried in procession along the streets of the city where the festival is being celebrated, accompanied by the most important musical bands of the island.
- 16 August: Three days of celebrations in Kato Garuna
- 23 August: Festival of the Virgin Odighitria in the villages of Gastouri, Pelekas and Aghii Deka

Corfu
- 8 September: Town festival in Afra, Marathia, Aghio Marko, Potami of Lefkimmi and Sinarades.
- 14 September: feast of the Cross in the monastery of Saint Ioanni in Sidari.
- 24 September: " Mirtidiotissa". Festival in Vato.
- 26 September: St. James theologian. Festivals in Karussades and Remunda.

Name day
In Corfù, as in the rest of Greece, the name day is more important than the birthday.
The choice of personal names is important for Greeks, in fact they always give to the new babies the names of the grandparents in their memory.
Moreover the name days are well-known since the Greek names are all present in the calendar as names of Saints, while is more difficult to remember all the birthdays.
For this reason everybody, in their name day, prepare a banquet for those who will pay a visit to give wishes.



Carnival
Carnival exist since antiquity and at the beginning was a festival in honour of Bacchus, the God of wine, in order to pray to have a rich harvest.
Later the Venetian domination contributed to change the customs of Corfu and to introduce the masks, the coloration of faces with ash and new characters like the dotori (doctors), the nodari (notary) and the muzeta (musetti).
Today the carnival is truly felt, the floats are prepared months and months before and people dressed in clothing characteristic of past and present of Corfu island.

The Carnival in Kerkyra consist of:
- Rehearsal parade of floats through the city on the first Sunday, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son
- The last Thursday before Lent (Tsichnopempti) is dedicated to gorge oneself with meat before the period of Lent
- The last Thursday of Carnival, in the old city, there is the traditional ritual of "Petegolia" that consists of seeing women appear at the windows buzzing in dialect about all the Corfiot events.
The event is accompanied by music and songs.
- The official parade takes place the last Sunday and is called the parade of "Sir Carnival".
Sir Carnival is the bringer of all ills and misfortunes in the year just past, so at the end of the parade, he is burnt in retribution to launch then dances, songs and amusements.

During the Carnival there are also two local rites:
- The "dance of priests" takes place the last Sunday of Carnival in the main square of Episkepsi, which is a village in the north part of the island and little more south than Acharavi.
This rite would go back to 500 B.C. and it is a dance without music in which the men of the village, in order of age or role in the community, follow the Pope who has opened the dancing.Corfu carnival
The verses sung first by the Pope and then gradually by all the men give the dance its rhythm.
At the end the old women join playing and dancing together with the men.
- the carnival wedding is a rite still present today in Klimatia, Chlomo, Marathia, Kritika and Iannades (once it was present in all the villages of the island).
It takes place the last Sunday of Carnival and consists of the celebration of a wedding with both bride and groom men and the dangerous presence of the demon in the form of satyr. The reason of the two men is that in the past the women could not celebrate the festivity.
During all the celebration the inhabitants of the town make fun of themselves and joke using vulgar language.


Orthodox Easter
The Easter of Corfu is famous in all Greece because there is a big festival in the old city with music, dances, banquets and naturally religious celebrations.
In Corfu Catholics and orthodox celebrate the Easter together since 1964, when the catholic bishop of Corfu demanded it and got a positive response by the Holy See.
Below there are the most important days of the paschal period with all that happens on the island and particularly in the old town.

Corfu
Palm Sunday
It is one of the days dedicated to the Saint patron of the island.
In memory of the miraculous actions that saved Corfu and its inhabitants from the plague, his relics are carried along the streets of the city starting from the church of Saint Spyridonas and following the line where once there were the walls of the city.

Holy Wednesday
Since 1989, on Holy Wednesday, there is the concert of the Communal Chorus in the theatre of the city.
Obviously there is ecclesiastic music to create a moment of union for the community.

Holy Thursday
In the Catholic Cathedral of the old town there is a reading of the Gospels during which the twelve candles that were lit at the beginning of the service are put out one by one.

Holy Friday
Music is everywhere because it's played by the bands during the processions that leave from every church of the island.
The aim of the processions is to carry the Epitaph of own parish along the roads of the quarter, all that accompanied by the music of the bands.
So it's possible to listen along the roads of Corfu the Adagio of Albinoni, the Funeral March of Verdi and that of Chopin.
The processions do not begin all at the same time, indeed they are distributed along the afternoon and the evening in order to allow the several bands of the city to attend more processions; the first one start from the new fortress and the last one from the Mitropolis.


Corfu
Holy Saturday
This day is rich of events:
- in the morning, in the Church of Our Lady of Strangers, there is the reproduction of the earthquake that followed the resurrection of Christ
- the procession of Saint Spyridonas that starts from the homonymous church
- the celebration of Resurrection
- the ritual of "Botides" that consist of throwing from the windows earthenware jugs full of water.
In the evening there are the church services, first the catholic and then the orthodox one that takes place not inside the church but outside.
When the Pope announces the God resurrection everybody lights own candle and suddenly the Spianada lights up.
At the end of the ceremony there are the fireworks and the bands play walking for the roads of the city while all the inhabitants celebrate finishing the fast with sweets and wine.
Sunday and Easter Monday
Sunday morning, in the old town, there are still processions with the icon of the Christ resurrection, while Monday they bring in procession the standard and the cross of own church.
Finally everybody celebrates with own family having a lunch with meat, lamb on a spit and "avgolemono" soup.

Corfu
Sunday and Easter Monday
Sunday morning, in the old town, there are still processions with the icon of the Christ resurrection, while Monday they bring in procession the standard and the cross of own church.
Finally everybody celebrates with own family having a lunch with meat, lamb on a spit and "avgolemono" soup.

Saint Spyridonas, Saint Patron of Corfu
St. Spyridonas is the Saint Patron of Corfu island and for this reason he is celebrated, prayed and acclaimed by Corfiots.
Their relationship with the Saint is very close because they see him like their saviour, they feel him like one of them, a real defender. Saint Spyridonas, Saint Patron of Corfu
Saint Spyridonas was born in Cyprus, he is not Corfiot and he never lived on the island; he arrived in Corfu only after his death because Georgios Kalocheretis carried here his relics.
His relics are considered the reason for which the island was saved from the Turks, the plague and the famine.
For these miracles Saint Spyridonas was proclaimed patron of Corfu.
In the old town there is a church dedicated to his memory that contains his relics.
Spyridonas is celebrated four times by Corfiots, in order to commemorate the four miracles that he has performed for the islanders:
- Palm Sunday to remember that in 1630 he has saved the island from the plague; his relics leave from the church of Saint Spyiridonas and go around the old town along its walls.
- Holy Saturday, there is a procession in memory of the escaped famine of 1550
- The first Sunday of November, there is a commemoration for the salvation from the plague in 1673
- 11 August, there is a procession in memory of victory against the Turks in 1716.

View Topic: August Festival?

Hi Sue I only reserved a seat out 2A left side and not one back just priority boarding. I always try to get a left hand/side seat out as I know the flight path (nearly always) so I can look out the window and see Petriti (sometimes) but always Messonghi/Moraitika/Benitses going into the airport . On the way back any seat will do (sad)
View Topic: Ryanair 2017

1.   Nice            Ermones
View Topic: Quizzes

Good.
View Topic: Quizzes

1.   Nice?
View Topic: Quizzes

Hi Jackie, most of the Greek Orthodox churches have Easter services. Moraitika is nice, up in the old village. They hold a service Easter Saturday evening, then people congregate outside the church.
Benitses is nice too. They have singing and fireworks.
If you are on the beach at midnight in Messonghi or Moraitika, you can see the fireworks in Corfu town.  

View Topic: Easter In Messonghi?

Yes there are several- personal favourite is Akroyiali...also easy access to Benitses and Moraitika.
I swim from the beach there every day, chat to people, and have not heard any complaints about the hotel, a friend organised a small conference there in May and was very impressed by the hotel.

View Topic: Marbella Hotel

26th July  panagyri Vraganiotika
10th August   panagyri  Stroggyli

Both near for those in Moraitika, Messonghi and Agios Georgios south- and not too far from Benitses and Agios Gordios

View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2015

17.7 big panagyri (Ag. Marina) in Benitses
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2015

View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2015

!!!update!!! I have cancelled the room in Benitses and booked the Golden Nests in Agios Gordios, managed to book for 2 adults and 10 year old £514 total! Hope I've done the right thing, this one has a pool we can use next door, the main thing was the sea view!
View Topic: Help!! Which Resort To Choose?

First of all I would like to thank everyone for all your help and suggestions. I have finally booked somewhere. I really wanted a quick transfer time in the end so this is what ruled the decision. Unfortunately most of the places you recommended are fully booked. Agios Gordios looks amazing, but could not find anything within my budget and a lot are booked. So I have had to book Benitses and no one has even mentions this ! ha ha. I am just so happy to be back in Greece that if I have my Greek salad, kalamari, tzatziki and of course Gyros, that is me sorted. Once again thank you and Kala nikta
View Topic: Help!! Which Resort To Choose?

Lucylou suggest going topless in one of the small coves, no problem there and plenty either side of the village- main beach in Benitses is alongside the main road and people don't particularly enjoy seeing anyone topless there - with or without additions!
View Topic: Topless Sunbathing

I also have pierced nipples and want to go topless. Would be grateful for any info as I don't want pointed
at on the beach. Going to Benitses for first time in 8 weeks, can't wait. Lucy
View Topic: Topless Sunbathing

Wolfie308,
View Topic: How Many Restaurants Will Be Open At This Time?

12/02/15 Tsiknopemti (Smoke Thursday). Traditionally the last day to eat meat before Easter Sunday.
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2015

Such sad news. First met Alan 22 years ago in Kouloura and saw him most years until recently.  We last saw him about 5 years ago sharing a bit of lunch with him at Agni. Then lost touch.  We didn't know he had moved to Benitses and feel so sad as we spent three days there last year and had we known we could have looked him up. Thank you for posting this Bob.
View Topic: Sad News Today

Looking back to the times we spent with Alan, he came and stayed with us for a couple of weeks to varnish all our new roof timber before it was installed. Being Alan, when finished, he had to calculate the area of all the varnished timbers, four coats all round. Then calculated that it was twice the area of the house.
He came to UK one winter for a short visit and stayed off and on with us for three months.
As far as we now, he leaves a grown up daughter, unfortunately we have no contact details for her.
Some members may know Alan without realising, he lived aboard his Red catamaran Overdraght 2, many years ago moored in Agni bay, then later in the marina at Gouvia, and latterly Benitses harbour.
Bob.

View Topic: Sad News Today

From the Grapevine.
I have just seen a report that our dear friend Alan Robertson, has died at Benitses.
His body was removed from the harbour by the fire brigade and confirmed as him by the coroner.
His Christmas card only arrived the other day.
God bless Al.
Love Bob and Wendy.
View Topic: Sad News Today

Hi Sue,
View Topic: Resorts

Looking for a change in 2015. Stayed in Moriatika 4 times and Benitses once enjoyed both places, anybody got any suggestions for us? Thanks for any help.
View Topic: Where To Stay 2015?

You will also be able to refuel in Paleokastritsa (I can't recall excess to a pump though) Beyond that, on the west coast you may be struggling on the west coast as refuges are few and far between.

You will be able to get fuel in Lakka (Paxos) and I think that there are fuel facilities in Petriti. After that, I think your next refuge is Benitses.

A useful guide would Rod Heikell's Sailing Guide to the Ionion; this gives the location of all harbours and facilities in the area. (Sorry, don't have one to hand at the moment.)

Martyn
View Topic: Fuel Stops

St Georges South, Messonghi or Benitses would probably suit you perfectly.
View Topic: Change Of Destination

Benitses events in August- all taking place in the marina

August 16th, mandolin concert and souvlaki

August 17th sardine festival

View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

There's a lot of secret car parking places in Benitses...makes it easy even when Ag. Marina.

Did you go to the taverna nearest the wetlands sanctuary? It looks closed but she usually has eggs from her chickens and delicious chips!

What was your seminar about? Did you use the beautiful lecture theatre at the salt flats, or, even better, the open air one...with flamingoes strutting their stuff in the distance - magic?

View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

Just back from Alikos, (its down near Lefkimi) shallow sandy beach with warm sea. Not much there to do except chill in an old fashioned way, two tavernas one at each end of the beach, with a few holiday apartments, studios and rooms, and that's about it.
Our teachers, musicians and pupils were scattered around in various locations, but all seemed pleased.
The seminar consisted of 2 to 3 hours teaching in the morning, then another 2 hours from 6pm, followed by anything up to 5 hours free dance after dinner, in other words some fools hardly went to bed but made up for it by sleeping during the day.
Most of the group have now moved on to Macedonia to finish the seminar.
We were a very mixed bunch with attendees from as far afield as Australia and USA, France, and Belgium, one Russian, one Cypriot, one Swiss and three English.
Happy days, I hope they repeat for next year, and that I'm fit enough to attend.
By the way, as well as all that, we attended two panigieri, one in Benitses and the other the other side of Kavos. We preferred the latter, Benitses was just off the main drag, so parking was a lunatic asylum, but well attended for all that.
Bob.   
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

Just for the record Benitses Chicken George is no more- now an Italian restaurant- but the old Avra on the beach has reopened.
View Topic: Recommendation Please

Why not nip down to Benitses. Lot's of beachfront restaurants, or dine at Chicken George. It's on the beach, swim and relax.
View Topic: Recommendation Please

One was from AG South and the other from Benitses from people staying there.
View Topic: Current Weather

Is it possible when a new member signs up to the site to withhold the first post IE Topic awaiting approval. to Avoid this.
Just a thought.

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View Topic: Spam Attacks

Did you mean to eat? 

If so huge choice in Corfu Town offering lovely Lent food (fantastic vegetable dishes in places like Chryssomalli (just behind the Liston).

In Benitses at lunchtime Paxinos is open- delicious food there, I love their artichokes with peas and potatoes, cigarelli (spicy vegetables), and they also have meat dishes.

View Topic: Benitsis And Corfu Town April

Do you mean in Messonghi or Benitses? If the former there really is only the one street, but Benitses goes back up the hill.  The old village is very pretty, contains 2 main churches, and some more tavernas. From there you can walk up to the Victorian waterworks above the village.

View Topic: What Is Behind Main Street

Not sure if I've already posted this, excuse me!
View Topic: Where To Have Lunch In Benitses

I would go for Messonghi- some tavernas along road to Boukari have been open at weekends all winter, and there will be much more life round there as Corfiots go out to this area, whereas I doubt if many would go to the west coast to somewhere which is basically a beach resort.

Also bus service is not only to Corfu town, you can go south explore the Lefkimi area- the flamingoes should be there- and for walking the areas round Chlomos, or Corissia, cannot be improved on.

Buses start and finish in Corfu town- there are few cross island routes- you could actually walk from one to the other through the olive groves (I live in Benitses and had two guests who used to walk to Agios Gordios for a swim- 2 and a half hours each way they told me)

View Topic: Agios Gordis Versus Messonghi

Hi Jollys, Messonghi / Moraitika is a great place to stay early or late season. You can walk down to Boukari, sit in a taverna by the sea (some are open then) or walk a little further, if you are feeling energetic!
View Topic: Messonghi/Boukari Versus Agios Gordis

Hi Sedgi, you are right.. what about.. Moraitika, Messonghi, Boukari, St George South, Benitses etc. I think it's probably because Kassiopi is pushed onto holidaymakers in the travel agents. I know it's a lovely place, but as you say.. there is a lot more to see on this beautiful Island!! 
View Topic: There Is More To Corfu Than Kassiopi

Hi Jackie, 
View Topic: Easter In Messonghi?

We did Greek Easter this year. That is a brilliant video, and brings back loads of memories. It is the first time we have been for Easter, and that early to Corfu. The island is so different from summer or late season.
View Topic: Corfu At Easter?

We had a very good Chinese meal in a lovely restaurant in Benitses we really enjoyed it, it is well sign posted on the way into the old, we would recommend it.
View Topic: Very Good Chinese

Janmanessi, your last post made me laugh!  That's the one thing that we always had to be conscious of as well. Our relatives own restaurants in Benitses and we always had to make sure that we went to their place at least once, during our stay. Still, I felt guilty if I ate somewhere other than their restaurants.
View Topic: Back Home

[QUOTE=maryg55]
Just back from three weeks in Benitses, took all the usual precautions tropical strength DEET, Skin So Soft cream, vitaminB1, fly spray etc. and at the last count I had 40+bites! Can only presume that the high humidity was maybe the reason that none of the precautions worked.
[/QUOTE]

Sounds like me, I got recommended ABC tea tree body products and oil- Ive used the last 3 years, as well as all of the above products and when I got back on Thursday from Kassiopi I only had 3!

It's not cheap but its worth it in my opinion, and after a while I couldn't smell it.
View Topic: Mozzies & Humidity

Just back from three weeks in Benitses, took all the usual precautions tropical strength DEET, Skin So Soft cream, vitaminB1, fly spray etc. and at the last count I had 40+bites! Can only presume that the high humidity was maybe the reason that none of the precautions worked.
View Topic: Mozzies & Humidity

Just back from three wonderful weeks in Benitses and my personal opinion is I would hate for there to be a Karaoke Bar there, and for such a small place I think the choice of eating places is good. The food at the place we stay is superb Pergola is very good for Italian food & the Greek specialities on offer in the other Tavernas is also good. We have been staying in Benitses for the last 8 years always at about the same time & we love the fact that we see the same faces, we feel that it is more of a village than a resort.
View Topic: Back Home

The family and I just returned home after 7 wonderful weeks in Benitses and while I absolutely love the village, I wish for a couple of changes:1)  Other than La Pergola, Flower Garden and Kavouras Pizza, every other restaurant seems pretty much the same, offering the same fare - souvlaki, pastitsada, gemistes, fish, etc... I'd love to see the addition of maybe a Mexican and German restaurant just to mix things up, although I do understand that when people come to Greece, they're there to enjoy Greek food.
View Topic: Back Home

Think you will really enjoy Benitses, has all that your looking for, especially the good food, try the Argo in the old village for great hospitality and food!! I find a Deet based spray pretty good for mossies and an anti histamine tab daily.
View Topic: Mosquitos

That's good to know.  As I said we don't know Benitses.  We've been to the north before but just wanted somewhere quiet where we can chill out.  Our last two holidays have been cruising as I wasn't allowed to fly for a short while, but they weren't restful and I am only partially mobile.  We want sun, sea and good food  and our decision to holiday in Corfu was made on a cruise stop over last year when we were lunching in Corfu Town 
View Topic: Mosquitos

Pantazis Studios.  First time we have been to Benitses
View Topic: Mosquitos

Yep, till see lamp chops available.
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

We watched the lightning from Benitses Elliemay, and friends on the boat in Erikoussa were soaked, said it was like a monsoon!
View Topic: Current Weather

Go stay in Benitses, not far from Corfu town, so, handy for your ferry

View Topic: A Must Visit Resort

Hi Bezzer, was also in Benitses 82, enjoyed that holiday, my first time to Greece. Fell in love with Corfu, visited a few Greek islands since but none ever matched Corfu. I think we went to Benitses in 83 then discovered Kassiopi in the late 80's and only ever stayed there since. Fantastic place, I am sure you will enjoy. We are going again this year.
View Topic: First Timers

Hi I know we will love the place, we have done nearly all the Greek islands over the past 20 odd years and the last time I went to corfu was summer of 82 to Benitses and cant really remember that much about it except it was hot, so roll on 5th August.
yammas.
View Topic: First Timers

Bora Bora in Benitses was advertising showing it- there may well be others nearer town though
View Topic: Sky Sports (Rugby Union) In Corfu Town

The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle- very safe for children.  There is a playground in the village too.
View Topic: Amazing Stay In Hotel Benitses Arches

So nice you found a great place to stay.
View Topic: Amazing Stay In Hotel Benitses Arches

We used Sinarades, they were very helpful. We hired a car from them and also went on a lovely trip to the mainland, Sivota, where we saw dolphins. We caught a bus from Ag to Benitses where the boat was waiting. Very well organised and very relaxing.
View Topic: Sinarades Travel Or Other?

The weather has become gorgeous in Benitses over the past couple of days, I would recommend to everyone Hotel Benitses Arches for a quiet and welcoming stay. It is a few minutes walk from the beach and has a lovely outdoor terrace area to relax with a drink, I am already looking forward to my return trip! As a 20 year old lone traveler I couldn't believe my luck stumbling on such a beautiful yet cheap hotel! I was welcomed by Alexandros the owner who reccomended some lovely places to visit, to eat out and how to get to and from places by bus. 
View Topic: Amazing Stay In Hotel Benitses Arches

Today is a beautiful sunny day.

I live in Benitses so only pass through Messonghi and Moraitika normally- don't think much has changed!
View Topic: Weather At The Moment In Messonghi

I was repping in Benitses during that period. We used to take booze cruises up to Kassiopi and land 30 or so yoof in the harbour. I worked for an 18-35s holiday company and some of our clientele were a little on the exuberant side, to put it mildly.
View Topic: Who Can Remember Kassiopi In 1984?

Contact Achilles Cars in Benitses (between airport and Moraitika) excellent service and good prices 00302661072198
View Topic: Transport From Airport

Hi, Moraitika/Messonghi are lovely places to stay! Messonghi being the quietest of the two. A short stroll from Messonghi, brings you into Moraitika, where there is more nightlife, if you want it. Also, a stroll in the other direction, from Messonghi, down the coastline, brings you to Boukari, with its` lovely fish tavernas & views across the sea. Buses run regularly from Moraitika roundabout, south to St.George, etc.. or the other way, Benitses, Corfu town.. so you are in a great position to visit other resorts, should you want to!
View Topic: Resorts In Corfu

For the first time, previously been to Benitses and Ipsos and all over Greece and Cyprus, but we keep returning to Kerkyra . Going on the 10th June and I've loads of questions for you knowledgable folks!
View Topic: I'm Going To Messonghi

Finally returning in July after two years (not by choice) what's the village like now? Any new restaurants, shops etc. Can we still get boat trips from Benitses?
View Topic: July

Hi Stuart,
We always just book our own flights (got quite a good deal with Easyjet for Greek Easter this year). We stay in Benitses which is only a short bus ride from Corfu town and well connected if you want to travel south too! Would recommend the Argo studios (Anne will even arrange taxis to pick you up from the airport if you need it).
View Topic: Corfu In May - Flights & Accommodation

The apartments were on the road to Benitses about a 30 minute walk out of Moraitika. Alex was the name of the man running them with is mum. Thanks for any help Olympus
View Topic: Veronicas

Do you mean Veronica Hotel, on the road out of Moraitika towards Benitses?
View Topic: Veronicas

Greetings!
View Topic: Gift For Village Priest - Baptism

The Argo studios in Benitses have free Wi-Fi. Its a lovely place to have a drink or a meal
View Topic: Free Wifi

Greetings!
View Topic: Free Wifi

Klimataria in Benitses will be open evenings Tuesday-Saturday, lunch on Sunday- reservation suggested as is small and in great demand 26610 71201
View Topic: 2013 Taverna Opening Dates

Lymmbo  the July festival in Benitses is Agia Marina- 17th July, but also celebrated on the 16th.
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

Good afternoon to all not a regular poster but have been going to Corfu now for 36 years,so have seen the changes all over. Have stayed reguarly in Benitses and also in Roda where my daughter has a bar with her husband and his family. Personally I would recommend a place close to Corfu town then you have the best of everything, trips out to various places by bus, also plenty of eating places, Greek bars, cafes, shops etc.
View Topic: Which Resort?

I agree Jan, I love Corfu, but would not like to stay in a pure tourist resort, prefer to stay in a village where local people live and work, we always stay in Benitses, which thankfully has returned to just that (Ii do remember the sad days of too much tourism there!) It is a great base to explore the island too.
View Topic: Which Resort?

in April I would only look at a radius of 12 kms approximately from town- the limit of nthe more frequent local buses.  Then if the weather is poor you can get into town, and if good use your resort as a base for exploring the rest of the island. 
View Topic: Help Where To Stay In April

Ipsos is on the long distance bus route- I would stay within the local bus radius- Benitses in the south, Dassia in the north
View Topic: Help Where To Stay In April

I'd stay somewhere within easy reach of Corfu Town- look at Benitses- good playground (if baby is old enough to use it), several good tavernas, safe beach, regular bus service to town
View Topic: Help Where To Stay In April

Hi Jance!
View Topic: Must See/Do

So excited, we have just booked with Minoan for July. We have a home in Benitses and last time we drove was from Venice with Anek. We plan to travel from Hull to Rotterdam and then down to Venice to spend a day sightseeing. We will set off on 19th July from Hull and our Minoan ferry is on Tuesday 23rd. Last time our journey was hurried so hope to enjoy it more this time. If any one has any advice on any part of our journey would love to hear it.
View Topic: Driving To Corfu

Tthey have them on the island and I am sure you could hire one cheaply here. You could start by contacting the engineer called Asonitis as his company maintains the roads (not doing so well as the government owes him so much money!). He is also doing the rebuilding job at San Stefano Hotel in Benitses so you could call in there, his site manager is Manolis Martinis, you may get him on 2661071124, or ask in Skiadopoulos for suggestions (the big paint shop- near the airport)
View Topic: Chemical/Camping Toilet!

I'm definitely going to check out the sanctuary in Ag. ioannis Peristeron.

View Topic: Cats In Benitses

There are not many strays in Benitses, and those that are there mainly do very well on the fish thrown away from the stand by the sea. Having said that spring is the time when more kittens are produced.
View Topic: Cats In Benitses

I’m no prude either and I can recall fondly some of the lads holidays had when the in place for the younger crowd was originally Benitses in the 1980’s. This was before the village elders turfed them out, put them in Kavos, turning Benitses into the quiet cosmopolitan resort it is now.

We got up to the usual antics that most young, free and single guys do but our generation that partied in Benitses were proper saints compared to that lot in Kavos.

Agreed, not the publicity that Corfu wants and I won’t be watching again.

View Topic: New TV Programme

Greetings.
View Topic: Cats In Benitses

I'd leave that for someone who lives further south than me to help you with, I live in Benitses,  There is a clinic in Lefkimi but I know nothing about it.
View Topic: Lefkimmi

When I first went to Corfu in the mid-1970s, Dassia-Ipsos was very busy, partly because of the Club Med. Benitses had some tourism but hadn't yet become party central.
View Topic: TV Programme "Corfu: A Tale Of Two Islands"

Agreed, I always thought Benitses was one of the first resorts. Nice to see it has been improved recently as well.
View Topic: TV Programme "Corfu: A Tale Of Two Islands"

When I first visited in 1981, Benitses was Party Central and Kavos a sleepy wee resort, lol!
View Topic: TV Programme "Corfu: A Tale Of Two Islands"

I was hoping when they mentioned Empress Sissie that they may show the Achilleon Palace and Benitses, but no!!! Even though there are quite a few people in the Benitses area who have businesses due to British girls marrying local Corfiot boys after previously working in Benitses, it has shown nothing of what I believe was one of the first tourist areas of Corfu.
View Topic: TV Programme "Corfu: A Tale Of Two Islands"

I thought the sardine festival in Benitses took place in July. We have been there on 8th September for 36 of our 37 years visiting and never seen it.  Perhaps there is a change for next year, I hope so.
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

Ah well it's the NE "Kensington" and Kavos again!! What about the "middle" of Corfu both inland and the coast places such as Benitses/Messonghi/Petriti AG SE and the "tucked away" hill villages? This programme does not fully show what Corfu has to offer! I could go on but - - -
View Topic: TV Programme "Corfu: A Tale Of Two Islands"

Hi,
View Topic: Village Festivals/Panegyris 2013/14

Hi Lymmbo, Sorry, Benitses village didn't make the first edition, but that is not to say that it can't be added next summer or as you say, included in the South edition.
View Topic: Ebook On Corfu Villages

Please let us know when it is available for use on Kindle, as I would love to read it, especially if Benitses is included in the Central part.  I guess it is difficult to decide which area it falls into as it could be south due to the number of villages which are north of Corfu town and having to spread all the information between three books.
View Topic: Ebook On Corfu Villages

Hi
View Topic: Space In Van

It's not just Kassiopi which draws people back year after year, it is the people of Corfu who are so hospitable. We have visited Benitses every year since 1976 and can assure you that there is life just as good south of Corfu town. Long may it continue.
View Topic: Hooked - And Suffering Kassiopi Withdrawal!

The second part of our recent holiday - after the first week at Kaminaki - was at Stevens on the Hill. This place has a quality and feel to it which is difficult to define but truly lovely to experience. I think it's because they just let you get on with your holiday at your own pace but are always around to provide whatever you need.

The resort itself is a gem. The long sandy beach set in that amphitheatre of rocks and hills is a wonder to behold and laze on in the sunshine and heat we enjoyed. We used the beds and umbrellas of Ark kitchen and bar. They only once came down to take orders from us once and we went up to get drinks and food and enjoyed the views on a regular basis. I did notice that other bars were on the beach taking orders almost as soon as people arrived.

We strayed away from Ag G a few times. One day to Paleokastritsa, Lakones and Angelokastro and meeting up with KEIRA was a highlight. There was a couple of super storms which we  watched from the balcony of Boulis Taverna in Lakones. A stunning view of all the action!

Another day we visited the Achilleon Palace. Despite going past it a few times in the past and even meeting people there I've never been inside before. I'm glad I did this time as it is impressive. The grounds and statues are exquisite and the views to Corfu Town excellent. We lunched in Benitses and noted the massive new hotel being built above it (Russian owned I think?). Later we parked at Perama and walked across the causeway to visit the Monastery and watched the planes come and go.

Our other short excursion was a fascinating trip up to Pantokrator Monastery (nowhere near Mount Pantokrator) and the 'golf ball' radar tracking station (I presume?) which you can see perched on top of the hill anywhere South of Corfu Town. It's a tight steep drive but worth it for the views of both coasts at the same time in places.

Overall it was a wonderful stay once again at Ag G and particularly special at Stevens.

So onto the third phase of our holiday - Corfu Town.

David

View Topic: I Love Ag G!

Benitses is a lovely choice for a quiet holiday we have stayed in Benitses every year for the last 8 years the people are really welcoming & we find it really easy to get about on public transport . The bars & tavernas are all within easy walking distance of most of the accomodations, we stay in the old village so have everything on our doorstep! Hope if you do decide to stay in Benitses that you have a super time.
View Topic: Taxis

Thanks for the information guys.  I don't know Benitses but it appears it's 500m from the restaurants and 30m from the bus station   
View Topic: Taxis

My recommendation though would be to get the bus to the Alexandros Hotel at Perama and wander up the lane from there to the Achilleon, past some lovely old houses (including the Doxiadis house where the author of 'An Artist in Corfu' written in 1911 stayed) and a charming old chapel in the olive groves, and the road comes out into Gastouri opposite a simple taverna where you can have a drink before going on to the palace, and finally down the hill to Benitses.
View Topic: Achilleion