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Just returned (sob, sob) from 2 wonderful weeks at the Athina.
Where to start....
Food is excellent - apart from lunch, we didn't eat out at all. The dining room is open sided like a taverna and you can see the pool, beach and sunsets from every table.
Rooms are very comfortable with aircon, fridge, hairdryer, shower cubicle and (unusually) carpets. The latter did mean that there were no clickety-clacks when guests came home late but (tiny niggle!) I personally prefer to step out of bed onto a cool floor when I'm abroad.
Receptionists were lovely - especially Spirodoula who went the extra mile when a gust of wind blew a towel and flip-flops off our balcony. Without hesitation she came up to our room, kicked off her shoes and climbed over the balcony rail onto the bar roof! We christened her Super Spirodoula after that.
The pool is massive. The best part for a non-swimmer like myself was the fact that around half of it was in my depth. So many hotel pools shelve steeply but not the Athina's. Sunbeds were not an issue and EVERY bed had a sun umbrella.
The beach comes right up to the fence around the pool and is very clean and safe. It shelves gently - in fact if you walk out 10 metres or so the water gets shallower because of a sand bank. Sausage boat/parascending type activities are available but are not the noisy, jet ski nuisance that you find at other resorts. Once again sun beds and umbrellas are readily available - even if you go to the beach late morning. The beach is both long and wide so you don't end up squashed together.
My wife and I are keen walkers (you get a better tan walking around) and discovered plenty to keep us interested. One particular favourite (only recommended for hardcore walkers like us) was to take a taxi to Sidari (12 Euros + tip) and then walk back to Ag Stef in the following stages: 1st to Peroulades for a reviving frappe at the breathtaking Sunset Beach taverna and a quick paddle to cool the feet!; 2nd to Ilia's taverna in Avliotes (half way up the main road) for a wonderful lunch under the vines and a great view; 3rd back along the main road to Ag Stef. Our best time was about 6 hours including the rest stops mentioned.
If you want to learn a bit about Corfiot life and spend an interesting morning, ask at Sidari Travel (near Magnet Bar) for the Heritage Walk leaflet. It's just outside Arillas, very absorbing and free.
Can't wait to go back
Paul Villa
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Topic:
euros as most hotels and some of the shops will change them no problem. Dont know about buying food but a large beer cost 2.5 euros which is cheaper than home. Meals can cost you anything from 5 euros upwards depending on your appetite and tastes.
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