San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu
Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: tonyco1 on May 09, 2010, 08:41:08 AM
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Hi all - - - Please can any Visitors for the new Season - give their information Reports here:
A) Firstly any confirmed changes to the resort,
B) Who's doing Sunbeds and where on the beach,
C)Most importantly, owing to the Greek Economy Crisis - Prices for 2010;
1) Beer
2) Meals
3) Apartments
4) General shopping
5) Excursions
6) Car Hire
7) Bike or Quadbike Hire
D) Resort News - who's open / closed etc.
So c'mon you first visitors - we all wait with interest for the first on-site reports!
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hi tonyco we fly out tomorrow morning so i will check out all whats happening and beer prices of course and get back to you as soon as possible
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That will be grat Lisak123. Can't wait to hear whats been happening in our favourite place :)
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You lucky Devil, wish I was going to San Steph tomorrow and away from our wonderful UK summer.
Look forward to hearing your reports, you have chosen a good time to go as Greece is having an early heatwave which will last till next weekend.
Andy & Gill
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Bags are packed and ready to leave for the airport in about 4 hours time. I'd noticed those forecast temperatures seemed a fair bit higher than usual for May - 27C all week, that will do nicely. Both Thomson and Birmingham airports show flight on time so fingers crossed that we should be feeling some of that heat at about 1115 local time. Even with a coach transfer we should be in San Stef in time for a late lunch. Going to be knackered so a kip in a warm shady location will be looking like a good idea after that.
Only there for a week so should be back before Lisa but the only thing I can guarantee finding out will be the Mythos prices although we will try to remember a few other things too!!
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where are you staying,hope to bump ino you's
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Staying at Teresa - we are on the Birmingham flight. I think you are at Kapetanios so we are pretty close by.
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Hi LisaK123 and TerryandJoy
Have a great time - we can't wait to return again - thanks in advance for doing those reports!!
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Is there anyone out there who has just come back? If so, what news?
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Or even someone with a notebook or even willing to pay for internet usage!
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Back home again. Left San Stephanos at 0740 not knowing if we had an aircraft to get onto but fortune favoured us for a change - the Brum flight was the only one on schedule.
A brief report here for now - have a washing machine to feed. Not a lot changed in SS since we last visited in 2008 although it was very, very quiet. Most businesses were up and running although notable exceptions were Gladiator, Bar38 and the Olive Press. Gladiator showed some signs that it may open later but Bar 38 and Olive Press looked completely shut down.
Prices are up for a lot of things fuel being the most notable, €1.50 to 1.60 for unleaded, €1.30 - 1.35 for diesel. Ciggies and tobacco have gone up too, local brand Leader from €2 (2009) to €2.40, B & H up from €3.20 to €3.80 although there is still some old stock around at the cheaper price including the airport. Golden Virginia rolling tobacco up from €60 to €75 for half a kilo.
We weren't in SS in 2009 but went to Thassos instead so I can't compare meal and drink prices directly. Examples though are that most set menus were pitched at €9, half litre of house wine €4.50 (€4 at Zorbas). Large beer €2.50.
So onto the beach - no idea of sunbed prices because there weren't a lot around. Just a few towards the south end of the beach and we didn't go down there. Our first few days the beach was as usual but by Saturday there wasn't much of a beach to speak of - it was almost completely covered by sea blown in on a strong westerly, at Arillas there was no beach at all this morning when we passed through.
Quad hire was €20 per day with the usual reductions for long term hire, scooters were €15 per day. Didn't check car hire prices but I noticed that the car hire place now has a digital thermometer I hadn't noticed before.
Nothing to compare the excursion prices with but the one's in San Stef Travel's window looked good value.
We were told to expect price increases soon to reflect new taxes coming in the very near future, the impression I got that these will be across the board reflecting the state of the economy in Greece.
I hope that's enough to keep you guys going for now.
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Thanks for that Terry and Joy from all of us SS addicts. All sounds ok at the mo but as you say things may change.
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Nice report Terry and Joy - and the first - Congratulations!!
Thanks for the info - worrying news about the beaches - lets hope it settles back!
Next report please!!
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Great of you to post the information TerryandJoy. My wife and I have been interested to know if there were any changes from last year. Did the locals say if it was unusually quiet? Just wondering if its because it is early in the year or if that will be the norm throughout the year. Thanks again.
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We were across this fortnight last year and the village was very quiet. I got the impression that a lot of the locals felt it was quieter than 2008. Hope this trend doesn't continue and that San Stef has good season. Anyway, well be there a week on Friday, the Icelandic god of fire permitting!! Will report back from San Stef :)
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We have just returned from 2 week's holiday in San Stef staying at the Romanza and had a wonderful two week's holiday.We arrived early morning on 4th May and left late evening on 17th May.
The village and hotels were very quite during the first couple of days or so with many of the restaurants closed including Olympia,Ozzie Oils,Yannis.Paradise.Little Prince and Mythica.By the end of the first week I think that the Olive Press was the only restaurant closed, but none off them were very busy.
We last visited San Stef in September 2008 and found that the prices a have gone up a little bit.A special three course meal on offer was generally 9 euros with main meals about 7 to 8.50 euros.The meals in the Tasty Snack were still very good value.A large draft mythos in the Condor bar was 2.50 euros and the wine in restaurants was on average 4.50 euros for half a carafe.Some of the San Stef trips had actually been reduced in price although the one we went on to Paleokastritsa was 15 euros and was excellent value.
On the meals we had in San Stef we found the Mythica where we went on opening night to be one of the best along with the Romanza, although we had good meals at 2 Stars,Yannis.Barras,Teresa and Olympia..On the downside we did not enjoy the Nafiska.Although the food was ok, the service was very bad and was not very welcoming.We went for a meal there during our last visit to San Stef in September 08 and although we had a bad night there then we put it down to just one of those things and decided to give it another try-bad mistake.
If anyone needs any information on San Stef in 2010 please let me know and I will try to answer.
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Did the locals say if it was unusually quiet?
There was a certain amount of concern around not only that it was quieter than usual but that visitors were not spending as much. This was certainly true in our own case where we spent about 25% less than we did in 2008, not a deliberate thing - we had the money with us, just didn't spend it. Not sure what we didn't spend it on though!
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Gordonc, we eagerly await your report. Hope you have a great time.
Holfan, what was the weather like? Did you have a meal in Sunset? How long did it take from the airport to the resort? Thanks.
Terryand Joy, you tend to spend less when the resort is quiet. When you get caught up with the conversations with other holiday makers in the bars and tavernas you end up having a few glasses more. Or is that just me? ;D
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Rod...... That's you and us too !!!!
Thanks for the reviews, they are the next best thing to being there........... A bit like secondary smoking?? 8)
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Again - enjoyed the reviews as well!! We too are also known to have that extra round or three while chatting the night away!!
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Hello Rod
During most of the two weeks we were there the weather was very good and it only tailed off the last couple of days.On Sunday 9th May it was very windy in San Stephanos but it was the day we went on a coach trip to Paleokastritsa and it was a very hot day there, but on our return to San Stef it was still very windy and had been like it all day.
We had rain on Saturday 15th May all morning but it brightened up at about 2pm although it never got back to temperatures we had enjoyed from the 4th May to 14th May which were about 26-28 degrees.
The trip by coach from the airport to our hotel which we did early morning took about one and three quarter hours.
We did not eat in the Sunset although we passed by there every day.To be quite honest we never saw anyone eating there although it was open.Zorbas was also very quite.The two restaurants that seemed the most busiest were Mythica and 2 stars although when I say busy it would be nothing compared to the peak season.
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I have to say that apart from the iffy spell of weather, our May experience in 2008 matched your report.
We were lucky with a mini heatwave, but it was quiet!! - Also lovely!!
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Hi all, we got back on Friday 21st after being there for a week. We have to agree with Terry and Joy, the only thing we can add is that car hire through San Stef Travel was 35 euro per day for a Fiat Panda but they knocked it down to 30 because we smiled nicely! Our first time in San Stef and of all the tavernas we tried, we liked Ozzy Oil the best. Regards, Arc.
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Arcturus - thanks for the car hire info- useful
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hi everyone,just got back last night,didnt really see any price changes from last year,my report would be exactly like terry and joys apart from the new pizza place attatched to zorba's is very good and pizzas are all bogof,there seems to be a new place gonna open very shortly next to the juice bar,think it could be a taverna.bar 38 is opening up soon next to the new car rental place opposite,on our first week it was very quiet but started to get busier on the 2nd just unfortunate about the very bad weather we had,dont think the walk along the cliffs to arrilas will be there next year it has eroded really badly,oh and for anyone going soon there is no cash machine in arrilas any more,we were told last week that a new company was putting a one in but we know how long that can take,the 1 at thomas bay was broke for the whole 2 weeks,due to be fixed today lol oh and the rate in the village when we left yesterday was 1.16,cant remember everything so any questions just ask,speak to you all soon
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We returned home yesterday after a week at the Kapetanios Apartments. We were concerned that we were not going to be able to get there because of the ash cloud but our flight from Newcastle was just delayed by one and a half hours and our friends on the Birmingham flight had no delays. We stayed in the re-furbished apartments at Kapetanios and in all the years we have been going to Greece it was the best we have stayed in. Nikos was great and looked after us very well.
The weather was disappointing with torrential rain, thunder and lightning on the Thursday afternoon and it was too cold to eat outside in the evenings. We had three days of sun but it was chilly in the shade. The storms during the winter have taken their toll on the beach and a man with a jcb and lorry was busy all week clearing up all the seaweed. A couple who had been staying at Sidari said the beach there was non-existent.
Prices for food and drink were about the same as last year but there is going to be a big increase in VAT in July (which includes food) and prices are likely to go up. The village was quiet and some restaurants and bars were empty. The Mythica, however, was packed and people had to be turned away.
Our highlight of our week was a trip to Corfu town for a festival (6 euros each Stan Stefanos Travel). The festival is held every year to celebrate the union of Corfu with the rest of Greece in 1864 and there was a great atmosphere in the town with brass bands marching through the streets followed by processions with a lot of the children dressed in traditional costumes.
We had a great week but wish the weather had been better,especially when we heard about the red hot weather you were having at home!
Katie
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Thanks everyone so far for the updates.
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Hi all
Does anybody know what the standard breakfast consists of at The Romanza Hotel this year. Last year (2009) it consisted of cereals, toast, cake, yoghurt and honey, boiled eggs and tea or coffee. You could also have a full English breakfast etc, at a supplement.
I wondered if, due to the economic situation in Greece that it may have altered since last year
Any help on this would be very useful.
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The description re the brekkie on the Tui website would suggest the same this year
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The breakfast above is standard for all the B&B and H/B places - always a supplement for a cooked brekkie!!
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Breakfast at romanza tea coffee 2 slices of toast 1slice of cheese 1slice of ham 1piece of cake and orange juice plated up and brought to your table cooked food available at a supplement
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The Darling Buds of May
Holiday (H) -130 days. Thought it would be a nice idea to have a break with my wife in SS in May in addition to July. Booked flight from Gatwick due to Bristol not having a Monday flight.
H – 100. Easyjet decide to fly out of Bristol at a cheaper rate than booked for Gatwick
H -42 Wife suffers from serious disease and is in hospital for five weeks.
H -30 Family say I need a break before caring for wife in recuperation. Asked a daughter in law (DiL) and baby son to join me. Paid the extra £95 to change names.
H - 7 DiL informed that the passport for baby son will be delayed beyond departure date. Many tears from DiL touched heartstrings of someone in Cardiff and passport arrives on the Friday before we are due to depart.
H -4. Baby develops D & V and DiL flags up that it may prevent them travelling.
H -2. News that the Ash Cloud will disrupt flights all over UK.
H -12 hr. DiL needs Doctor to examine baby to give the final OK. All is well so set off for Gatwick.
H -6hr. Just arrived at hotel and see Breaking news that Gatwick is closed from 0100 to 0700. Our flight is at 0600 and now preparing for a nightmare wait at the airport.
H -2hr. Arrive at Gatwick and find flight is only 1 hour delayed. Flight goes well.
H +2hr. Arrive at SS. Mistral blowing and water nearly up to the Waves steps, but the sun is out and time for first lunch and meet a few old acquaintances.
Olive Press looks very closed and no one has seen George.
Sandra and Shane are back at the Juice Bar to help Kerry.
The Beach
Costas and his lady friend have moved his pitch to east of the stream to get away from the seaweed. Price maintained at €2.50 a piece
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The Canteener was washed away in the winter storms and, due to some planning problems, is not likely to replaced. Shame.
The pontoons look like they have been tossed onto the bank by Athena, with the old fridges from the Canteener strapped to the top. There is a pedola split in two by the side of the pontoon.
Many expert local opinions about the sand movement, with varying outcome. It looks like a fair amount of sand has been taken out to sea and beach area will be a bit smaller this year.
Did I miss that ‘Bar Code’ is now ‘El Greco’ last year or has it just changed? Under the same management I understand.
Mistral opened again by Greeks from the mainland who seem very nice but no chance to try it out.
Beachcomer is experimenting with Sunday roast lunch.
A well wrapped up shop that is said to be called ‘A taste of Corfu’ starting up in the old San Stef travel shop next to the juice bar.
Nuala’s apartments in the Margareta area are just being finished off and look very smart.
Every local says it’s quiet and worse than last year – but I seem to have heard that for over 20 years!
H +2 Baby recovers and the sun is out but temperature low. Take a trip to Peroulades and see the great effort 7th Heaven have made to the facilities over the years. Have a great lunch at Ileas Bar on way back. DiL starts suffering similar symptoms to baby.
H +3 Cold, Mistral and dull. DiL not well
H +4 DiL a bit better and a walk in dull and cool conditions into the village turns into a deluge that persists for the day and night with thunder and lightening – but electricity remains on. I now start to suffer the same baby symptoms!
H +5 Apart from the occasional self induced upsets in SS I have never been ill but this made up for it.
H +6 Recovering we sit in the cool sun at Nafsika pool but do not feel like eating of drinking alcohol. Baby fine and DiL recovering.
H +7. Cloud first thing but the sun burns through so we make it to the beach for babies first dig in the sand. Its getting better!
H +8. Packed and ready to leave under a stonking blue shy. Drive to the airport and then find that our flight has to pick up some stranded passengers on another island. Chose to have the alternative of staying in the airport for another 3 hours and catching a later flight rather than spend more time with in the plane. More tears from DiL but then all arrangements are as you were. Flight left on time and the view from Venice to Gatwick was more clear than I have ever seen it with fantastic views over the alps and across the continent right to landing, where the temperature was 10oC higher than when we left Corfu. Nice easy drive back with all three of us feeling fine!
Needed to practice a suitable reply to the question. Did we have a good time?!
What is the moral to all of this? Maybe expect variable conditions in May but booking 2 weeks should mean you will get some good days.
Roll on July!
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Hi Tony & Jonny Rebel
It looks like the Romanza HAS cut down on the breakfasts this year, as last year you could choose boiled eggs, yogurt and honey or cereals as well (and it was all help yourself) with no additional supplement, I suppose it's a sign of the times!!
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Did you have a good time?! ::)
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coach trips with san stef travel
grand island tour 35 euro
Corfu shopping both day and evening 12 euro
Corfu & mouse island coming soon
Corfu water parks "
horse riding 28 euro
kassiopi 12 euro
paleokastritsa 15 euro
(children under 12 1/2 price except water parks and horse riding)
boat trips
paleokastritsa 20 euro
ericusa island 20 euro
Corfu town by boat 26 euro
castaway BBQ cruise 36 euro
paxos & parga was 40 euro now 29 euro
paxos & anti paxos was 40 euro now 29 euro
Albania was 40 euro now 29 euro
blue lagoon was 37 euro now 29 euro scuba diving 45 euro
hope this is of use to peeps, i have copied it off a flyer from san stef travel
we also got a good deal with car hire from them as there were no small cars ( i have no preference as long as it has 4 wheels and goes)
they knocked off about 25 euro
helen
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Hi Tony & Jonny Rebel
It looks like the Romanza HAS cut down on the breakfasts this year, as last year you could choose boiled eggs, yogurt and honey or cereals as well (and it was all help yourself) with no additional supplement, I suppose it's a sign of the times!!
It'll be interesting to see how the other venues offer their breakfasts this year - but as you say the Honey Crunch is now the Credit Crunch!!
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The Darling Buds of May - Holiday (H) Etc......Etc
Roll on July!
Kernock, thanks my friend - a very interesting and entertaining read - very informative and yet a touch sad!
Funny how the west side of the Island is getting wrecked beach wise, but more so - especially in the last 3-4 years!!
The loss of the Kantina on the beach is the end of an era!! such a shame!! It will be sadly missed by many!
Lets hope the locals get things on track soon.
Sorry you had a mixed kind of holiday, hope it's great in July!!
I was hoping the storms would reverse last years damage and put some sand back on the beach, in SS and Arillas!, but I hear it's now worse and also bad in Sidari as well!!
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hi folks
not much more to add to the other reports, we came back on 28th and the beach has dramatically improved in the last week. there were sunbeds out up to and just past Havana, enough beach to enjoy again now but not as sandy as it was.
Weather was scorchio in the 2nd week and we left with the sun shining.
we ate at Mythica, Zorbas, Little Prince, Beachcomer, Tereza, Yiannis snack bar. We didnt have one bad meal, in fact i never have. Prices didnt seem that much different to last year to me, though we were told that VAT is going up and to expect higher prices later in the year. Ciggies hadnt gone up while we were there, but again any time now they will be.
Most important is BAR38 and Hilary / Spiro. Hilary is doing amazingly well, bless her and she deserves a big hug from you all if you see her. She is going backwards and forwards to Athens, looking after theoir daughters, and trying to get the Bar finished and dealing with all that goes with it - she deserves a medal. She did manage a couple of hours on 2 occasions to meet up with us, which was very emotional but great to see her and for her to sit down for 5 mins and relax !!!!! Spiro is progressing well but it will be a long road, so if you are there when the bar has opened please pop in and show your support - she is one hell of a woman. Hils is aiming to be open by mid june hopefully for Sprios birthday.
We had a great time as usual, even with dodgy weather in first few days, and was lovely to see our friends again
Sarah H
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Glad you got decent weather in the end. Did you meet up with Zoe in the end after last years didn't happen because of the weather?
Any changes at Teresa Sarah?
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ooh yes i did meet Zoe, we saw each other a few times, and on day we left on our coach we were stopped outside thomas bay, and they banged on the window by me waving me off !!!!!! lovely couple and they are back in sept the same week as us so am sure we will meet again !!!!!
Tereza's have worked hard over the winter and it looks great. The balcony's on 2 beds look lovely, although we didnt get to have a nose in them. They have all new furniture in the bar, they have redecorated inside the bar, they have also put a canopy around the outside edge of the bar on 2 sides to give more coverage outside, but leaving some open decking area.
Jarka is there again working hard bless her, and all the family are doing well and little Angelina has grown so much - she is very cute.
All in all its lovely !!!
Sarah H
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Thanks Sarah. When in September are you going?
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We are there in the first two weeks - will we see you??
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We arrived on the 28th, good flight from Glasgow, got in 15 mins early but time then wasted waiting fro someone who had decided not to take the coach but didn't tell anyone. However straight to San Stef and in the Little Prince in an hour.
Prices as everyone has said a little up on last year but still good value. Large draught Mythos generally 2.50. Sizzling steak at Little Prince 8 euros great value. Set menus, one course plus wine usually 7 euros, three courses 9 euros. VAT is going up agin soon though. Ate at the Beachcomber on Sunday night, still superb. Ozzy oils booked for Wednesday(BBQs are Tues nights)
Took the local ferry to Othoni yesterday, 6 euros pp each way, just over three hours on the island. Stops at Mathraki on the way, fare presumably 3-4 euros. Much cheaper than the local excursions. Othoni is beautiful.
Car hired for three days from SS travel, 80 euros all inc for a Matiz.
Weather sunny on Friday 26C, Saturday/Sunday/Monday mainly cloudy but 25-28C, very wet and windy overnight last night but sunny(still v. windy) today and around 23C. Haven't seen the sea as rough on previous visits.
That's it for now will update around the weekend, really enjoying being back.
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Hi, did you go down to the harbour to catch the boat to Othoni or did you book with san stef travel.What day did you go on ? How Much ? what times etc thankyou.
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most resteraunts and tavernas seam more quiet this year exept for little prince which is quite busy and the mythica is full nearly every night having to turn people away on some occasions Thomas bay very busy last night good artist bob Marley lookalike good singer played 2hrs non stop jerry James back at silver star tonight and Saturday
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Tereza's have worked hard over the winter and it looks great
They have all new furniture in the bar
And there is a tale to tell about that new furniture! It (the chairs) arrived the week we were there, flat-packed with Far Eastern English instructions and the usual poor diagrams. It took an afternoon of both Greek and English heads being scratched before the first new chair got assembled and three days before the lot of them were. Many (including me) gave up the unequal struggle between 4 bolts and three cushions and had another beer!
B and B at the Tereza was pretty good by the way, a simple breakfast menu, continental or cooked with a €2 supplement if you wanted a full English. Didn't indulge in the full fat job but it looked good and plentiful. The rooms in the rear block were comfortable and pretty well equipped although a little on the dark side both in lack of natural light and furnishings. I imagine that at the height of summer that lack of natural light could well be a good thing. Twin beds were a shade on the hard side but only a shade and we certainly had no trouble sleeping in them.
We didn't see Tereza's on our previous visit but it certainly looks very good and inviting this season - also fully booked right through I understand. We consider ourselves very lucky to have got a cheap late booking there in early May, only compliments from us for the place.
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Has Jerry changed his running order and his joke?
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Hi Terry and Joy. We watched them last year assembling the new tv and unit and we watched for ages along with others as they all got more and more agitated- great fun for us watching ;)
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The one dependable thing about Silver Star "Jerry" is the "same joke" and the song order!! LOL
There's no business like show business - - - - - - - - - la la la la la!!
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He even sups his drink at the same spots in the show. I bet even his breathing is co-ordinated!
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We were there the day the new furniture went in too !!!!! they had a gang of greeks there assembling it when we saw them so luckily we didnt have to help !!!!
Also, i forgot earlier to say, they also have a new TV screen on outside as well now !!!!!
I still think you cant beat Tereza for value for money, setting and hospitality. ;D
Sarah H
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Thanks for the extra news Sarah
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soz forgot to answer the other question.....we go for a week on Sept 17th.........oh and booked up for next may again already !!!!! ha ha ha
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Sarah, just been told more new furniture being delivered on the 18th - take a screw-driver!! LOL
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hi we thought san stef could not be better than last year but we were wrong we had a fantastic time we never had one bad meal and prices not as bad as we thought diet starts monday lol got to meet sarah in the condor a big thanks to lorraine and john (johnnie rebel) we have laughed till we cried and all i can say is keep looking for the peanuts john and roy says four tops (you had to be there)the new shop next to the juice bar opened the day before we came back they have some lovely things marias was lovely and we would love to stay there again but will have to see the prices for flights as i think they may be a lot dearer next year i have some video on the ipod and when i work out how i will put on my facebook big thanks to glen hope we didnt keep you up to long just paid for our next holiday to san stef in september so back to the washing only 1 more load to do
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Glad you had a fab time again. The magic is obviously still around :)
When in September Zoe? :)
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17th sep forgot to say looked to go and see ray in the dive shop but he was not there
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What is the shop next to the juice bar selling?
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Glad you had a great time Zoe..... Hope Roy saved me a sizzling steak LOL... Will have a chat on Facebook..
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the new shop has honey herbs spices olive trees books wall art all sorts of things but very nice we were the first to buy something and they gave us a bottle of drink as a thank you but as we walked by later it was packed so i hope it does well
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Me and my daughter went out on 28th May and came back yesterday. We had only ever been in August before. I knew it would be quiter at this time of year but it seemed to me there was hardly anyone there. Arrived around 11.30 pm and went for a walk and did not see one person walking down the "high" street. No one in Condor Bar although that did get slightly busier to the end of the week. Stayed at Athina Hotel B & B only and they told me it has been a very quiet start to the season. All restraunts very quiet indeed, with Mythica and Olympia being the busiest. (But you didn't have to book at either.)
The beach now looks like Arrilas beach did last year, and only room for one row of beds and you could see where the sea had been right up to the top of the beach recently. As I say I don't know whether this is normal for this time of year or due to the wet winter they told me they have had.
That said everyone was very welcoming as usual and we got to do some lovely walks which we never do in August because of the heat. I am very lucky to be going again in August and like to think I am doing my bit to help the Greek economy. ;D
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Very worrying the beach thing - it seems to disappear more each year - this can kill resorts if the trend continues!
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Lilolil, we went to the harbour to catch the local ferry, sails on Mons, Weds and Sats and you can go to Mathraki or Othoni. As I said, 6 euros pp each way to Othoni, just over three hours on the island. You'll get longer on Mathraki, guessing the fare would be around 4 euros each way. SS travel has a new trip taking in both islands, 28 euros pp.
Resort was quite lively last week, being half term but doesn't look too bad this week so far. Little Prince has been busy both accommodation and the restaurant. Kerry at Ozzy Oils said the place had been quiet in May but she was happy with business so far. Sue at the Beachcomber also reported a quiet May. Zorbas seems much quiter than usual and the Pizza place next door seems really quiet. Mythica has been fairly busy but was empty at eight o'clock on Friday evening, Little Prince packed when we went to eat.
Olive Press has not opened and doesn't show much sign of doing so.
Finally, the new shop next to the juice bar has just opened. Has lots of Olive Oil products inc. cosmetics, Ouzo, Kumquat etc., novelty candles and so on. Prices for cosmetics as per Corfu Town. It is a nice looking shop though.
Weather on Saturday started with a thunderstorn with v. heavy rain at 06:00 and was very mixed all day. Sunday is already very warm and locals say forecast for this week is v. good.
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Things will liven up from late tomorrow when my wife and i arrive ;D
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Just been informed that they are building bunkers on the beach and putting shutters up in the town,
imminent invasion predicted - must be Bristol Boy!! LOL
Have a good holiday !!
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Very worrying the beach thing - it seems to disappear more each year - this can kill resorts if the trend continues!
I wouldnt worry Tony, I am sure the beach will reappear, it certainly did last year as it was noticeably larger in September than in June.
Corfu has had two very stormy winters which is the flip side of our own very cold winters but things are likely to change back in the years to come.
Only 3 weeks to go!
Andy
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Just been informed that they are building bunkers on the beach and putting shutters up in the town,
imminent invasion predicted - must be Bristol Boy!! LOL
Have a good holiday !!
Regards - we can't wait.
We're in celebratory mood as we've become 1st-time grandparents in the last few days - i know we're a bit young for it, at the tender age of 48! ;D
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Congratulations Bristle Boy :)
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Hi all, my wife & I are off to the Athina hotel in SS in early October, any hints & tips on the hotel & the area would be appreciated, we have heard that the hotel catering is not as good as it should be, do we need take our travel kettle, we have ordered a seaview room with a balcony, will we get it??, we have been so disappointed in the past with Thomas Cook in other countries in the past, we hope that Thompsons will do better.
Cheers folks. :D
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Hi injebreck,
We stayed at the Athina 2008. They do not have kettles in the rooms. When you say you ordered a seaview room, do you mean you paid for it or was it just a request? If you paid the supplment for it then you will get it however if you simply requested it then it is not guaranteed.
Regarding the food, both breakfast and evening meal are waiter service. The breakfast are on the small side, the choice is pick one of the following: fruit,yogurt,cereal or egg on toast plus you get 2 slices of toast with marmalade or jam. With the evening meals you get a much better portion including choice of starter, main meal and dessert, my husband liked the evening meals. I am a vegetarian and I was able to request what I wanted for my evening meal if I did'nt fancy what was on the menu.
The Athina is a lovely friendly place, Olga on reception is very helpful, waiting staff brilliant, George the pool man come nightwatchman and Spiros who runs the bar is a great laugh,going to look in on Spiros in August. When we go to SS in August we are staying at the Tsaros apartments this time because we want to try self catering so we can try all the wonderful restaurants.
The pool at Athina is lovely and just beyond that and you are on the beach. The pool has a pool bar serving good value food and drinks and there are toilets just behind the pool bar. Safes are behind the reception.
If you need to know anything else then just ask.
Meant to say they have a small fridge in the room, sell water at reception[saves you carrying it about]. there is air conditioning but you have to pay for that.
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Thanks for the info, all appreciated, there is no substitute for hands on experience, Cheers.
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We stayed at the Athina in 2008 - and the most notceable thing for me was it's cleanliness - we had 2 sea view rooms on top floor and they were cleaned SO well every day by the most amazingly charismatic, strong and funny lady! Everyone in the hotel was unfailingly kind and helpful - the food was ok, my grandson was just 2 and regularly ran into the kitchen and I couldn't find a spot of dirt there either. Counts for a lot I think
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Anyone tell us if they have had to have 2 rooms at tereza's before? We have booked a family and smaller room to accomodate the 5 of us and we were wondering if they would be close together or not?
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Anyone tell us if they have had to have 2 rooms at tereza's before? We have booked a family and smaller room to accomodate the 5 of us and we were wondering if they would be close together or not?
I think a request for such, put to your travel operator should sort that out Ian/Sarah
Failing that I'm sure emailing Terezas direct would help .. someone one here will have their email I'm sure
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Anyone tell us if they have had to have 2 rooms at tereza's before? We have booked a family and smaller room to accomodate the 5 of us and we were wondering if they would be close together or not?
Hi Ian&sarah
Try the following link to the Tereza web site.It contains all contact details and more.
http://www.villatereza.com/
Yammas
Yannis
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Thanks for the help and the link.
I love this forum.
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Regards - we can't wait.
We're in celebratory mood as we've become 1st-time grandparents in the last few days - i know we're a bit young for it, at the tender age of 48! ;D
Congratulations Bristol Boy!, we became Grandparents again yesterday to a Granddaughter this time, so we understand the pleasure it brings!
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I always email Leo with any room request nearer the time and I usually get the room I want but there is only 2 of us. The larger rooms are on the right hand side as you look from the pool or on the top floor. You would need rooms 1 and 2 (ground floor) or 7 and 8 (1st floor) to have the rooms you need.
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Thanks jules,
I have emailed leo but it is some time away yet. Booked our Taxi though
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Well we got back on Monday after a week in San Stef stopping at the Theodosia, we had 2 2 bedroom apartments for all of us and they were great can reccomend them.
We ate mostly at the Thomas Bay apart from one night when we went to the Little Prince, but the family prefered the TB they enjoyed the food that much, and that was from our 2 sons and daughter in law and they are all chef's, so that should say something , the set meal was 9 euros with a choice of 3 starters 4 mains and plenty of sweets to choose from. The meals of the main menu were just as good.
We were shocked when we saw the beach have never seen it like that before and we have neen going for the last 15 years, lets hope it recovers.
The grandaughters loved San Stef and one was almost in tears on are return and didn't want to come home.
The resort was quiet with some places empty you do feel for them lets hope it gets going in the next few weeks.
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Thanks for the bulletins Mary, I hope the beach news improves!
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The beach was looking much better again on Thursday. It really tooking a battering on Tuesday 1st June as although very bright and sunny, it was blowing a gale. I took some photos across the beach towards the port and all you can see is white breakers battering in and the spray was breaking quite high over the old harbour. I hadn't seen it like this or anywhere near it in our previos two visits.
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Thanks for your updates Gordon, I also read the Golden beach entry!!
Yammas
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hi all
never know san steph not to have a breeze its hot hot but manthos says going to change weds
bar 38 open from sat looks very smart
new cafe/bar up the hill very nice great views (hill by jucie bar)
must go pool caling
tab not to big don
chris
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Thanks Chris - hope you are having a great time :)
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Chris - have one from me - but put it on Don's Tab - that way - he bought me a drink as well!! LOL
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Hi All!
Just back from San Stef yesterday :( Had a fantastic time as always. Our first week was very quiet but busier the second week. Weather wise, we only had a couple of cloudy days and rest of the time very hot and sunny. It was very humid for a couple of days but no storms whilst we were there, Very warm in the evenings too. The beach was fine. It certainly seemed deeper down the 'nudie ' end but still okay at sunbed end, so obviously recovered from previous weeks. Euro rate was 1.18. We didn't notice any large price increases from last year and we always eat out as we stay at Stamatis Apartments. For those that hire cars, petrol was about 1.59. For those who know Vangelis from Nafsika, he is not working there this year as his mother has recently died and he has decided not to work there this year but he is still doing his fishing. Spent some time with Hilary from Bar 38, she is doing very well and Spiros is improving slowly. Good news for all that know him! She was hoping to open Bar 38 today but was not sure if it would be ready. Looks a great place though, very chic!! Word of warning for anyone with Thomsons. Coach transfer in took 3 hours, driver appeared to get lost on our way in. We got off bus and walked last few hundred yards with our cases as we were so cheesed off! We were told by one of the hotel owners that Thomsons were using a new bus company and they were having problems with coach transfers. We spoke to our rep and she was actively collecting complaint reports so she could put these forward to her Manager to try and improve the service. We hoped for better things on our journey to airport. Picked up at 7.50 am. Went round San Stefanos then to Arrillas and ended back in San Stefanos at about 9 am just yards from our apartments! >:( Whole journey took about 2 and half hours! Anyway hope you all have a good holiday when you get there!
Karen
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I certainly hope they have sorted the transfers out before we go end of August or they will be having to stop for sick stops as well
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We had a private transfer by taxi from and to Corfu airport (as we privately booked flights and accom) - arranged by Dimi at Fedra Mare - yes, it cost more, but was fab - arrived in 50 minutes from airport and the driver stopped on the outskirts of Corfu Town and bought us a Mythos each for the journey to SS - brilliant touch after only being on the island a few minutes!
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What was the cost of the taxi to the resort?
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I paid 53 Euros each way in May
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What was the cost of the taxi to the resort?
55 euros e/w. Comparatively expensive, compared to a minibus with a few other people, but we were out of baggage collection, straight in taxi and at Fedra Mare within 50 minutes - pretty good. We had cheap flights + great value accomodation, so didn't mind paying a premium for personal transport.
We do it this way when we go to The Algarve every year, so why not in Corfu. It's our little bit of 'luxury' rather than wait around for other flights to arrive and then go thru' other resorts before arriving where one is staying.
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Just to keep you up to date...
Friday flight from Robin Hood took off and landed early. The Thomson's bus dropped off in Kyrkyra, then Sidari. Took around two hours.
The rep at the airport said we should look for information about the welcome party on the notice board in our apartments. The notice board said we should have details in our welcome packs. We did not have welcome packs. If there is a rep, we have not spotted such a beast.
Wonderful greeting from the Little Prince people, followed later by excellent Mousaka. Prices everywhere are the same as last year or +1 euro for meals. Local ciggies like Karelia or Assos are pleasing 2.50 to 2.90 a pack.
The weather is fine, but the breeze from NW is quite chilly.
A bunch of the forum gang met at Athena yesterday to watch the appalling England defeat. Fortunately Don was not there to laugh at us!
Some comfort was provided later by a lovely meal at Mythica (2 courses, 9 Euro)
So I report that SS still exists. Mythos is consistently 2.50, and the sea is cool but blue.
TTFN
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Thanks for that Jimbo
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To all san stef regulars sad news the old gentlman of the village Manthos has passed away.
Harry
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To all san stef regulars sad news the old gentlman of the village Manthos has passed away.
Harry
Is that the father of Manthos (of Manthos restaurant) and Stefano of The Condor? If it was, he was taken ill towards the end of our holiday the other week - we were walking back to Fedra Mare at about 1 in the morning and an ambulance was at Golden Bay apts just up from Manthos taverna.
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Thanks for the news - shame - I think you mean Costos, Father of manthos, Nikos, and Stefanos.
He was quite old and getting frail when we saw him last year.
I hope it's not Manthos of the Manthos Taverna as he is a good pal!!
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Tony, it says on the Agni forum that the man that died was 95 years of age. RIP.
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Tony the one who as passed away was about 95 years old i think.
Harry
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I think that may be Costos, he was late sixties when we first went in 1983, so that must be about right.
Lovely man - will miss him
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Somebody to do with the Condor passed away while we were there last week. The condor was closed for two days. Im not sure who it was though.
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Somebody to do with the Condor passed away while we were there last week. The condor was closed for two days. Im not sure who it was though.
Stefanos who owns The Condor is the son of Costas (Manthos of Manthos taverna is the other son) - Costas fell ill during our final days in SS the other week.
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Condor is open now.
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He had a good life - RIP!!