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Travel Destination Guide - Benitses
Benitses (Corfu, Greece) 
Benitses Information
Slideshow of Photos
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Situated on E coast of Corfu, facing the Ipiros area of the Greek mainland (12 km S of Corfu Town and airport), Benitses is a mainly flat, picturesque, coastal village which is backed by rolling green hills.
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 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.
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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.
In terms of accommodation, there are 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.
Benitses Suitability ProfileSun Snow Beaches History/Culture Romance Peace & Quiet Hustle & Bustle | Activity & Adventure Famous Landmarks Water Sports Natural Beauty Art & Architecture Family Entertainment Good Nightlife | Safari Plenty of Restaurants All Inclusive Hotels Luxury Accommodation Plenty of Shops |
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Population: 10.668.400
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Currency: euro Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Greece - Athens
Country Dialling Code: +30
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
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Greece appeals to different types of tourist, and very few could fail to find somewhere to suit their taste. From bustling Athens to blindingly bright islands, ancient fragments abound - the belly button of the cosmos at Delphi, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos, frescoed Minoan palaces on Crete and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks are fierce guardians of tradition, but that doesn't mean they don't know how to have fun. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a perfect place to relax. Whether you're supping in a beachside taverna , sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn.
The Olympic Games were spawned in ancient classical Greece, along with democracy and the fundamentals of philosophy, science and mathematics. Modern Greece is better known as a great place to vacation rather than a centre of learning and culture. Today the country attracts by offering simple pleasures: delicious food at reasonable prices, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages, a seemingly endless lacework of coastline and little islands full of scenic surprises.
The country exudes traditional charm, particularly on its ever-popular islands, which cling to their stereotypical architecture and way of life despite being often over-run by tourists. Black-clad women still deliver vegetables to island tavernas on panniered donkeys, while bronzed, lined fishermen sit in the sun, drink thick coffee, and play dominoes or dice. The tourist infrastructure has intruded in many respects, but the timeless aspect of whitewashed buildings clustered on hillsides around narrow pebbled alleys has been retained. The myriad islands in the Aegean Sea are easily accessible from Piraeus, the historic harbour of Greece's mainland capital, Athens, by ferry or hydrofoil, offering a unique chance for 'island-hopping'. Many of the larger islands also have airports with connections to Athens or seasonally with major European cities.
On the mainland the city of Athens in the south is sprawling, overcrowded and polluted but nevertheless enthralls visitors, while Thessaloniki in the north is vibrant and modern with a Byzantine flavour. Athens is dominated by its major landmark, the Parthenon: the remains of other wonders of the ancient Greek classical world are to be found mainly on the Peloponnese Peninsula, south of Corinth, the gateway to a veritable treasure trove of history.
Greece and Greeks welcome with open arms the thousands of visitors that flock to admire their national assets every year - no-one leaves without having been warmed, both by the sun and the hospitality. |
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Local Area Weather
Kerkira, GREECE |
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28°C
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