Post by janiemou on Jan 2, 2013 22:46:19 GMT 2
Holidaying to Roda in November
I was a bit uncertain as to what Roda would be like out of season. Especially what would be open? Would the weather be cold? Anyway let’s begin at the beginning.
Because it is out of season there are no direct flights so had to fly Easyjet to Athens, stay overnight at the very nice Peris Hotel. Picked up from airport by owner who has close ties with Corfu in that he also owns a hotel close to the Achillion. Hotel very nice, simple, and clean, apparently only a mile to the beach. No facilities for dinner so a taverna round the corner recommended, now recommended by Steve and me. Breakfast in room next day, continental but substantial. Had time for short exploratory walk before being run back to airport. Aegean Airlines to Corfu, a deserted airport with the usual end that we are used to all shut up and silent. A sleeping dog in the corridor completed the picture. Corfu Town itself didn’t seem any quieter, well the Liston car park was just as full.
Acharavi was found to be fairly open, most of tourist shops shut, but supermarkets and many bars, cafes and restaurants open for business. Still a very busy town parking could be interesting! Roda looked at first glance dead, but appearances deceptive. So many bars open every day and enough places to eat to provide choice, especially at the weekends. Steve and I sat one night devouring gyros pittas in the Grill Room when we decided to list all businesses open within ½ mile of the cross roads at Roda. We included every type of business we could think of from accountants to vets, we lost count after 55. There were bars, supermarkets, paper shops, night club, restaurants, gyms, clothes shops, opticians, chemists, medical facilities, vets, butchers, etc etc etc. So much for being closed!
Day times were spent exploring the north of the island, managing to fit in a couple of swims the last one on 29th November, and no it wasn’t chilly. Deserted small tourist villages were explored with sun on back and lots of picturesque views. We resorted to pinching juicy oranges straight from the trees in gardens of closed up summer villas. Agios Stephanos, Paleokastrista, Kalami, Avlaki and St Spiridon all had great charm in the warm sunshine. We explored the interior as well visiting Doukades, Troumpeta and other charming villages whose names I have forgotten. Visiting natural springs, and tiny churches/ shrines along the way, and too many lovely watering holes to mention.
A visit to Corfu town essential, as is the ritual stop at Emeral for pies and coffee, then a walk around the town. The old town quiet, but some businesses open, but the Liston, the market and non- touristy areas as busy as usual. Got introduced to some of the larger supermarkets there, also Jumbo (wow what a place), and an amazing huge butchers with what a choice.
Flying home a wrench, but can be done in a day to Edinburgh, but rained so heavy on last day the plane from Athens delayed! Supposed to have 41/2 hours in Athens before flight home, ended up about 30 mins. before boarding!The same dog still asleep at Corfu airport!
Would recommend a winter holiday, car essential, though buses still running through Roda, and explore the lovely North of the island in peace and quiet, but can always find somewhere for coffee, food and drink. As a post script last night spent at O Arabas, spit roast lamb and a bouzouki band joined by a lady diner with lovely voice, but having flight next day left them going strong at the break at midnight!
I was a bit uncertain as to what Roda would be like out of season. Especially what would be open? Would the weather be cold? Anyway let’s begin at the beginning.
Because it is out of season there are no direct flights so had to fly Easyjet to Athens, stay overnight at the very nice Peris Hotel. Picked up from airport by owner who has close ties with Corfu in that he also owns a hotel close to the Achillion. Hotel very nice, simple, and clean, apparently only a mile to the beach. No facilities for dinner so a taverna round the corner recommended, now recommended by Steve and me. Breakfast in room next day, continental but substantial. Had time for short exploratory walk before being run back to airport. Aegean Airlines to Corfu, a deserted airport with the usual end that we are used to all shut up and silent. A sleeping dog in the corridor completed the picture. Corfu Town itself didn’t seem any quieter, well the Liston car park was just as full.
Acharavi was found to be fairly open, most of tourist shops shut, but supermarkets and many bars, cafes and restaurants open for business. Still a very busy town parking could be interesting! Roda looked at first glance dead, but appearances deceptive. So many bars open every day and enough places to eat to provide choice, especially at the weekends. Steve and I sat one night devouring gyros pittas in the Grill Room when we decided to list all businesses open within ½ mile of the cross roads at Roda. We included every type of business we could think of from accountants to vets, we lost count after 55. There were bars, supermarkets, paper shops, night club, restaurants, gyms, clothes shops, opticians, chemists, medical facilities, vets, butchers, etc etc etc. So much for being closed!
Day times were spent exploring the north of the island, managing to fit in a couple of swims the last one on 29th November, and no it wasn’t chilly. Deserted small tourist villages were explored with sun on back and lots of picturesque views. We resorted to pinching juicy oranges straight from the trees in gardens of closed up summer villas. Agios Stephanos, Paleokastrista, Kalami, Avlaki and St Spiridon all had great charm in the warm sunshine. We explored the interior as well visiting Doukades, Troumpeta and other charming villages whose names I have forgotten. Visiting natural springs, and tiny churches/ shrines along the way, and too many lovely watering holes to mention.
A visit to Corfu town essential, as is the ritual stop at Emeral for pies and coffee, then a walk around the town. The old town quiet, but some businesses open, but the Liston, the market and non- touristy areas as busy as usual. Got introduced to some of the larger supermarkets there, also Jumbo (wow what a place), and an amazing huge butchers with what a choice.
Flying home a wrench, but can be done in a day to Edinburgh, but rained so heavy on last day the plane from Athens delayed! Supposed to have 41/2 hours in Athens before flight home, ended up about 30 mins. before boarding!The same dog still asleep at Corfu airport!
Would recommend a winter holiday, car essential, though buses still running through Roda, and explore the lovely North of the island in peace and quiet, but can always find somewhere for coffee, food and drink. As a post script last night spent at O Arabas, spit roast lamb and a bouzouki band joined by a lady diner with lovely voice, but having flight next day left them going strong at the break at midnight!