Stunning Sidari in Corfu
I’ve been to quite a few of the Island’s and many years ago my hairdresser told me I would love Sidari in Corfu, I’d been to Kavos (in my much younger days I hasten to add) but I had never ventured to the North of the Island.
This summer I had a tiny window of where I could get away and as luck would have it I stumbled across a 4-night deal to Sidari, myself and my best friend decided to book it.
Before I flew out I joined a few Facebook groups for Sidari, I would really recommend you do this for when you are going on holiday as there is loads of great information, recommendations on these sites from people that know the resort well. It was invaluable to me as being there for a short time I wanted to make sure I fitted in as much as I could.
On arrival in Corfu the heat hit us it was 9.30pm – I LOVE that feeling ,and wanting to get to the resort asap I had pre booked a private transfer, coach transfers can take anything from 90 minutes to 3 hours to Sidari depending on drop offs and a private transfer is just over an hour and direct to your hotel door.
The route to Sidari goes through the mountains and there are lots of twists and turns so if like me you suffer from car sickness then be prepared – a travel sickness tablet will get you though.
We booked to stay in the Elena Stef Apartments and on arrival (this is now about 11 pm) the owners themselves came out to greet us, took our cases to our apartment and joined us in the bar for a drink, like most apartments it was basic but had absolutely everything you needed, the godsend was Air Conditioning at just 5 Euros a day and believe me you needed that and after the first night some kind of magic happened .. it didn’t feel basic anymore .. it just felt like my “Greek home”
Elena Stef is a small complex of just 16 Studios that will sleep up to 3 people, it has the most amazing pool, sunbeds, a bar that stays open till you go to bed and also serves snacks and of course the obligatory full English breakfast. There is a supermarket on site and the location is brilliant, you are literally 2 mins walk from a beach and 2 mins walk from what is known as “The Strip” in Sidari.
There were no issues with noise, in fact laying around the pool was very peaceful and the people who run it (Yiannis, Alexandria, Macchi) and even the lovely cleaning lady cannot do enough for you, I have travelled to many places and stayed in many hotels, apartments and I have to say these guys were the friendliest and most helpful people I have ever met. They truly go out of their way to make sure you are having the best time ever and even cried when we left.
Sidari to me is the perfect resort for people my age who still want to go out for a few drinks, have some fun, eat some good food and laze by the beach or pool during the day, it is a busy resort but it is not at all in your face, there are many bars but rather than it being a clubbers paradise it is more tribute bands, live music some Karaoke and just generally relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere, it’s extremely good value for money, a cocktail is around 5 -6 Euros, we found restaurants serving English Breakfasts for 3 Euros and (thanks to the Facebook page) we found THE BEST restaurant called To Steki tis Pareas, it is run by Panos and his family (his wife is the amazing chef) and they are famous for their mixed grill (10 Euros for 1 person or 18 Euros for 2) we had the most amazing night there with starters, mains, dessert and drinks and when the bill came it was around 45 Euros – we couldn’t believe it, it’s a new restaurant this year and thanks to the power of Facebook it has now become the most recommend and popular one in Sidari – I highly recommend this restaurant and if we had been staying there longer we would have eaten there every night!
The beach is really nice, with plenty of sunbeds (many of the beach restaurants and bars allow you to use their sunbeds for free if you are purchasing drinks/food from their establishment) nice and shallow to start off with so very safe for families etc and there are also lots of water sports available and private boat hire. Although we never made it, if you head out of the main strip down towards an area known as Canal D’amour there is apparently a beautiful beach and cove there and it is the place to go in the evening for a cocktail and to watch the sunset.
Lots of excursions are available, from Horse Riding to a day trip to Albania, there are many places in the main strip offering excursions at very reasonable prices.
All in all Sidari for me was lovely and I can see why many people return year after year, if you are interested in a late break for 2017 or would like to book for 2018 please do give me a call on 01277 840262 or email me : Kerry.cansdale@travelcounsellors.com and I’ll be more than happy to help you.