Travel Eye on Benitses (Corfu, Greece)

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Overview:

12 km south of Corfu Town you will find the picturesque village of Benitses. This name, traces of which can be found for the first time in ancient civilisations dating from 1469. The water of the springs which flow from the mountains of Aghii Deka and Stavros, join together in two small rivers and have given the area the name Pinisse (derivation from the ancient Greek word 'Pinio'), Pinitse, Benitses.

The mild climate and the natural beauty of the village had already attracted a lot of tourists from the beginning of the century. It is only during the last 20 years that tourism has replaced all other sources of income and now is the only occupation of the inhabitants.

Benitses offers a variety of night life suitable not only for the young and young-at-heart, but also for families. The choice is varied - from fish tavernas, charcoal-grill tavernas, traditional Greek coffee bars (kafeneion), bars serving meze (ouzerie) and many restaurants serving a selection of international and Greek cuisine. Thus the night time is full of life. In the daytime the village reverts to its former role as the the meeting place for the local fishermen. They also set up stalls on the side of the road from which they sell their fresh daily catch.

The old village is full of character and charm and leads to the emerald valley behind which is criss-crossed with footpaths. One of these footpaths will take the inquisitive walker to a lushness surrounding the Benitses water works, part of the unexpected hidden wilderness.

It is, however, a bit ramshackle, and with many shops and sites closed up, it appears that it's had more prosperous days. Many old village houses remain, often converted to restaurants or apartments. Fishermen still set out in small caiques from the harbour. There are the remains of a Roman villa with baths, but they are unkempt and sadly neglected. There is also some aircraft noise.

Locality:

Situated on E coast of Corfu, facing the Ipiros area of the Greek mainland (8 mls S of Corfu Town and airport), Benitses is mainly flat, coastal, backed by rolling green hills.

The area is less of a British favourite these days, attracting a mixture of Eastern European, German and Dutch. Some families and mature couples will probably enjoy the area, although there nothing particular for teenagers and young children to do. A few basic hotels, together with limited self-catering.

The beach here is the main focus, with para-gliding, water-skiing and pedalloes for hire in the high season. However, the beaches here are small and mostly of rough shingle and pebbles, and sloping steeply at the water's edge. Water-based activities are present in the summer; sunbeds and shades for hire. Swimming platforms and jetties are also present. By night there are a couple of small, unsophisticated discos along the strip, as well as a variety of pubs and bars with long hours.

Excursions consist of a variety of boat trips, including one to the island of Paxos. Barbecues, cruises, island tours and flights to Athens can all be booked. Achillion Palace is also a popular excursion. There are also a variety sightseeing/shopping trip to Corfu Town.