I don't know where the cafe is John but I'm sure someone will.

Of course Corfu will have changed but it's essential magic still endures. I think it's great that you and your Wife are returning after such a long time. I do hope you have a lovely holiday in June.

David 

Hi John,

 

My girlfriend (now my wife) and I did exactly the same in 1977 but in July/August time, we too travelled the whole of the island on a rented Vespa. We hadn't been back since then, and returned to Corfu in 2010 and stayed in Paleokastritsa. We originally stayed in Messonghi back in 1977 and so when we returned we were both keen to see how things had changed in Messonghi and the rest of the island. In a car this time, we did most of the places we went to before and fell in love with the place all over again, so much so we returned to Messonghi in 2011. We go again in July 2012 and stay in Boukari.

 

I can honestly say that there have been some obvious changes throughout Corfu, but generally it still maintains it's wonderful Greek charm and friendliness.

 

I know I will upset a lot of people by saying this, but some of the larger resorts have been spoilt and lost a little bit of that charm. I was disappointed with Benitses, Sidari and Kassiopi (except the harbour) and from how I remember them back in the 70's I thought they had changed for the worse.

 

As for your picture, I am convinced we also stopped off there for 'refreshments' on our travels. Can you be more specific with the location?

 

Regards

 

John

I first went to Corfu 79ish on a lads holiday, we stayed on a campsite in Dassia next to the Chandris, we had a great time. Returned 6 years ago with my wife & daughter now going back for the 7th time (Sidari) we just love the island & its folk, even me daughter includes it now for her holidays with her partner even he likes the place. So we deffinatly found our holiday heaven...

(at)wazzer: (We only missed you by a month back in 77!)..I'm really straining the neurons here regarding the location. All I can really remember location-wise is that it was on *a* road back to Kontokali from Paleokastritsa. I also recall coming down through hills either just before or after our visit to the cafe and passing the gates of some military sort of establishment (I remember this as a dog rushed out and chased us on our scooters down the road!).

(at)Janmanessi & (at)Razaker: Thanks for the reply. Great to get up to date info on the island!

(at)Geoff: That sounds interesting. It was on a bend as I recall as it sort of appeared from nowhere and we then had to double-back. I don't recall seeing the sea from there though. If it is the Bella Vista and it only closed two years ago that would be a real shame, but hey we'll pay a visit anyway and drink to the memory!

Many thanks,

John

Thanks Janmanessi,

My next question is hopefully a bit easier:  The youth hostel at Kontokali is no more (I believe), but does anyone know the location and what is there today?

Many thanks in advance

John

We first visited in 1981, staying in Paleo for four consecutive years.
We returned to the island, this time staying in Sidari with our four children in 2001, and although there had been many changes in the intervening years all over the island (not all positive-Kavos!), we were surprised at how little Paleo had changed.
I know there are building restrictions there.  I remember a massive Coca Cola sign was erected on the side of a hotel, and the next year it had been removed!

Thanks Jcc, Janet123 and Andyroogolf for your feedback. 

I'm following your suggestions on Googlemaps, but unfortunately Corfu doesn't have "street view" yet so it's a bit difficult. In any case I'm going to take the photo with just in case we can jog a local's memory!  

Cheers,

John

Try this:
http://www.justcorfu.co.uk/
Streetview link to resorts on this page.

Hi Folks,

A quick update following our visit. My wife and I are just back from a very enjoyable week in Corfu where it was a nice 35C every day. We were very impressed with the island's scenery and also the friendliness of the local population.

We didn't manage to find the restaurant pictured above although we did have a good try! We travelled extensively on the island and I was glad to see a lot of it was still recognisable even after 35 years (well, perhaps from Sidari!). At least I've now got a good idea of where the restaurant *isn't*, and also a good excuse to pay another visit in the near future.

I did however manage to get a couple of "then and now" shots in other locations, and also found the site of the old 1970s youth hostel at Kontokali. I've posted the photos on Flickr, in case anybody wants to see them: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lonegroover/sets/72157630285735388/with/7442325478/

By the way, for those considering travelling to Corfu we had no issues with money. All the ATMs we visited were working and restaurants were happy to take credit cards also.

Many thanks again for your help.

Best regards,

John

Fabulous pics John.
We travelled through from Sidari to Paleo on 15 June and stayed overnight.  The amazing views never fail to take my breath away-heaven on earth!!