San Stefanos Online ~ North West Corfu

Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: BAJ on July 28, 2021, 08:19:28 PM

Title: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on July 28, 2021, 08:19:28 PM
So update on the village. We arrived Monday on Jet2 flight from east mids via Birmingham, staying at wonderful Fedra Mare. Lead passenger tested at airport, took 10 mins. Went up to Romanza for dinner last night, they are filling up with TUI guests now,  20 out of 32 rooms occupied, and more arriving. Village is getting busier, beach really busy today. Leo water sports doing a trade and all Thomas boats out as I write. Manthos last night was full, we called in for night cap and he had to turn people away as full even with his extended dining area. Certainly got the food, service and location right. Lunch at Manthos today and Beachcomber tonight. Happy days. Brian
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on July 28, 2021, 09:31:00 PM
Glad you made it there,  Brian. Sounds like it's getting busier, that's great news! Enjoy your holiday and if you get time for any further updates, it would be much appreciated, from us in stormy UK!!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: D@G on July 29, 2021, 10:00:28 AM
Good to hear that it’s getting busier.

Are there any acts (Condor or Thomas Bay) advertised yet?
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Rod on July 29, 2021, 04:36:05 PM
So update on the village. We arrived Monday on Jet2 flight from east mids via Birmingham, staying at wonderful Fedra Mare. Lead passenger tested at airport, took 10 mins. Went up to Romanza for dinner last night, they are filling up with TUI guests now,  20 out of 32 rooms occupied, and more arriving. Village is getting busier, beach really busy today. Leo water sports doing a trade and all Thomas boats out as I write. Manthos last night was full, we called in for night cap and he had to turn people away as full even with his extended dining area. Certainly got the food, service and location right. Lunch at Manthos today and Beachcomber tonight. Happy days. Brian
Brian, don't forget to give the Nafsika webcam a wave when you are leaving Fedra Mare and heading into the village.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on July 29, 2021, 08:26:51 PM
Rod! Hahaha! And let us know what time...so we can wave back!!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on July 30, 2021, 06:31:31 PM
Good to hear that it’s getting busier.

Are there any acts (Condor or Thomas Bay) advertised yet?
Not seen anything advertised D@G, though was told there was a rock band playing at Athens bar last night.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 01, 2021, 08:09:22 PM
Hi BAJ (or anyone who knows)
Are pre departure tests available in the resort ?
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Dupnica on August 01, 2021, 09:08:47 PM
Yes at the surgery next to Elizabeth's shop. Book an appointment ,the antigen test costs 30 euros . Take your passport when you go for the appointment, they will email the result to you. I found it useful to take a screenshot of the result.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 02, 2021, 01:18:20 AM
Yes, what Dupnica said. We have ours booked for Friday prior to flight home on Monday.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 02, 2021, 01:24:22 PM
Thanks both.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 02, 2021, 03:57:14 PM
Several papers today, including the Times, report a massive split in the cabinet. Some want the traffic light system removed, others say that countries like Spain and Greece should be put on Amber Plus status - meaning self-quarantine on return, and also the possibility of going to red at short notice. Amber Plus would be a massive deterrent to travel: Red status means extremely expensive hotel quarantine on return. Needless to say, the travel industry is up in arms.

New announcements are due on Thursday.

My opinion is that Amber Plus would only be acceptable if those who were already on holiday were exempt from the rule. Surely a mad scramble to get home is pointless and self-defeating.

Let's hope sanity prevails!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 02, 2021, 05:14:15 PM
Oh I hope so Jim...
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: D@G on August 02, 2021, 06:29:23 PM
Zero chance of any of the major holiday destinations moving to red. We simply don’t have anywhere near the capacity of quarantine hotels to house the number of people that are there.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 02, 2021, 06:41:53 PM
What a flippin' mess !!
Wish we had gone at the start of the summer hols now  :-[
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 02, 2021, 08:38:12 PM
D@G is right, of course. Mind you, logic doesn't play much part in any of this. But Rishi Sunak is very influential, and he's in favour of easing restrictions.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 03, 2021, 12:04:14 AM
So the Amber Watch List idea has been scrapped. Normal chaos resumed!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 03, 2021, 12:45:03 AM
So the Amber Watch List idea has been scrapped. Normal chaos resumed!
Thank goodness for that!
More coaches arrived today, saw them dropping off at Little Prince.
Most bars and restaurants fairly busy now, we haven’t eaten anywhere where it wasn’t nearly full. In fairness if you dropped me into the village with no knowledge of Covid and travel restrictions I would think it was a normal July/August.
A few more other nationalities about, noticed more so during the day than in the evening though, particularly Poles.
The beach web cam will give a good idea how busy the beach is.
Oh and it’s hot, very hot. 35-37 last few days with a feels like 42 heat index thing. It’s currently 30 at 11pm, so it was an early retreat to the air con room. Feels like temperature tomorrow at 2pm I’ve just seen forecast as 47, we shall be staying in the sea, which is still surprisingly chilly in a morning before becoming a warm bath in the afternoon
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 03, 2021, 02:00:09 AM
WorldwideWeatheronline shows peaks of 32o over this week. Current temperature at 01:00 CET is 30o - which is consistent with the chart. BBC shows 39o on Tuesday. Who knows?
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 03, 2021, 01:18:33 PM
So glad it's filling up there and everyone is having a lovely holiday! That would be to hot for me :D
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jules on August 05, 2021, 02:58:09 AM
Jason Watkins in Condor one night a week (Boy George tribute act who appeared a few years ago)
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 05, 2021, 08:11:57 PM
Cooler today, clouds and breeze. So much so that we came out of the sea/ off the beach early and went a walk from Fedra up the hill to Eriannas for afternoon ice cream coffee.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 05, 2021, 09:06:36 PM
Cooler today, clouds and breeze. So much so that we came out of the sea/ off the beach early and went a walk from Fedra up the hill to Eriannas for afternoon ice cream coffee.

It's nice to have a break from the beach, sounds like an ideal day for a walk!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Lesley on August 05, 2021, 09:45:46 PM
BAJ only you will  know  - but a strong cheese with Branston on brown bread was a lovely treat, cheers my lovelies - if you know you know xxxx
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 07, 2021, 02:04:49 AM
BAJ only you will  know  - but a strong cheese with Branston on brown bread was a lovely treat, cheers my lovelies - if you know you know xxxx
You’re welcome Lesley glad you are enjoying it x
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 08, 2021, 04:48:34 PM
Our last day today so spending it chilling at Fedra pool, got it to ourselves!
Beachcomber tonight for last meal and then back to Fedra to make espresso martinis. Then collected at 1100hrs in the morning which I much prefer, don’t like hanging around for later flights. PLFs all done, neg test results printed and had a lovely time with Harri and Dimitri and Erinni at Fedra. They cater for those of us who want a chilled place to stay. Got 18 days booked with them next summer 😀
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 08, 2021, 08:38:32 PM
BAJ, glad you've had a lovely holiday, safe journey home tomorrow!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 08, 2021, 10:29:31 PM
Our last day today so spending it chilling at Fedra pool, got it to ourselves!
Beachcomber tonight for last meal and then back to Fedra to make espresso martinis. Then collected at 1100hrs in the morning which I much prefer, don’t like hanging around for later flights. PLFs all done, neg test results printed and had a lovely time with Harri and Dimitri and Erinni at Fedra. They cater for those of us who want a chilled place to stay. Got 18 days booked with them next summer 😀
Glad you had a great time have a safe journey home.
Espresso Martinis great choice one of my favourites.
 ;D
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 10, 2021, 01:14:20 AM
Home safe and sound, a bit stressful at the airport. Anyone leaving Corfu on a Monday leave extra time. We had a few things all added up, first taxi was 20 mins late collecting us, then the journey took 1 hr 20 mins as traffic in Corfu town was bad. Meaning we got to the check in queue for Jet2 later than planned and the queue was very slow moving with checking documents and the luggage belt stopped working. All meant we were queuing for security about 5 mins before the gate was supposed to close, but as was everyone, so did the run to the gate but flight departed 45 mins late so it was fine in the end.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: geordieborn2 on August 10, 2021, 01:26:42 AM
Home safe and sound, a bit stressful at the airport. Anyone leaving Corfu on a Monday leave extra time. We had a few things all added up, first taxi was 20 mins late collecting us, then the journey took 1 hr 20 mins as traffic in Corfu town was bad. Meaning we got to the check in queue for Jet2 later than planned and the queue was very slow moving with checking documents and the luggage belt stopped working. All meant we were queuing for security about 5 mins before the gate was supposed to close, but as was everyone, so did the run to the gate but flight departed 45 mins late so it was fine in the end.


Ha! One of the things we wont miss about travelling...
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 10, 2021, 01:59:08 AM
BAJ, glad you're home safe and sound! I hate airports at the best of times!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: WINKIE on August 10, 2021, 10:24:22 AM
Thanks for the posts BAJ, Fedra is so chilled, it s been a favourite of ours for quite some time.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 10, 2021, 07:00:07 PM
Glad you had a great time have a safe journey home.
Espresso Martinis great choice one of my favourites.
 ;D
Evertonendo, if you get to the harbour end of the village and fancy an espresso martini then try Andreas at Manthos, they were the best we had there. Either after a meal if you eat there or you can go for drinks once the busy evening meal service has finished.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 12, 2021, 01:07:22 PM
Evertonendo, if you get to the harbour end of the village and fancy an espresso martini then try Andreas at Manthos, they were the best we had there. Either after a meal if you eat there or you can go for drinks once the busy evening meal service has finished.
I will definitely be trying there, cheers  ;D
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Natman+Sparksdad on August 14, 2021, 08:01:43 PM
Hi all. Arrived yesterday from Manchester with Jet2.
Checking in was efficient as they dealt with all the paperwork. Security however was a nightmare and took far longer than check in to get through. About an hour.
Departure delayed by an hour, for the pilot to finish his breakfast probably!!

Corfu Passport Control very smooth. Didn't see any random testing going on. Whether that is due to the numbers now arriving, is pure speculation on my part.
Met by San Stefanos Travel with a minibus and 4 very welcome bottles of water. Just over an hour later, we were 'home'. Why did we ever leave?

Spent the afternoon catching up with familiar faces and reaquainting ourselves with the cuisine.
Cocktails at 3W, followed by dinner at Little Prince.

Spent day relaxing today and recharging the batteries. Tomorrow is a feast day in Corfu (bit like a bank holiday for us), Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Name Day. So expecting lots of locals and families to be out and about this weekend.

Yammas, all

Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Natman+Sparksdad on August 14, 2021, 08:14:21 PM
Hi all. Arrived yesterday from Manchester with Jet2.
Checking in was efficient as they dealt with all the paperwork. Security however was a nightmare and took far longer than check in to get through. About an hour.
Departure delayed by an hour, for the pilot to finish his breakfast probably!!

Corfu Passport Control very smooth. Didn't see any random testing going on. Whether that is due to the numbers now arriving, is pure speculation on my part.
Met by San Stefanos Travel with a minibus and 4 very welcome bottles of water. Just over an hour later, we were 'home'. Why did we ever leave?

Spent the afternoon catching up with familiar faces and reaquainting ourselves with the cuisine.
Cocktails at 3W, followed by dinner at Little Prince.

Spent day relaxing today and recharging the batteries. Tomorrow is a feast day in Corfu (bit like a bank holiday for us), Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Name Day. So expecting lots of locals and families to be out and about this weekend.

Yammas, all



Forgot to mention that we also called into the surgery to book our test for the return home. Wanted an appointment as early in the day as possible.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: BAJ on August 14, 2021, 08:18:47 PM
Interesting report Natman, seems there are many variables at the airports at present and allowing extra time is key. Enjoy your hols
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 16, 2021, 01:21:23 PM
Hi
We also arrived on Friday 13th from Manchester with TUI.
We bought fastrak tickets for security (£5 each) and were through in minutes.
The resort is much busier than last year.
We walked from our apartment at Paralia to Manthos on Saturday night (about 20 minutes walk) only to be asked if we had booked as they were full !!
Extremely hot here too x
I waved at the webcam on Saturday if anyone noticed xx
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Rod on August 16, 2021, 03:15:42 PM
Hi
We also arrived on Friday 13th from Manchester with TUI.
We bought fastrak tickets for security (£5 each) and were through in minutes.
The resort is much busier than last year.
We walked from our apartment at Paralia to Manthos on Saturday night (about 20 minutes walk) only to be asked if we had booked as they were full !!
Extremely hot here too x
I waved at the webcam on Saturday if anyone noticed xx
Well done for waving! 
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 16, 2021, 03:21:16 PM
Quote
I waved at the webcam on Saturday if anyone noticed xx

I saw a handsome-looking guy on the beach wrapped in a blue flag singing "Johnny Todd." Was that you?
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 16, 2021, 06:42:25 PM
Hi
We also arrived on Friday 13th from Manchester with TUI.
We bought fastrak tickets for security (£5 each) and were through in minutes.
The resort is much busier than last year.
We walked from our apartment at Paralia to Manthos on Saturday night (about 20 minutes walk) only to be asked if we had booked as they were full !!
Extremely hot here too x
I waved at the webcam on Saturday if anyone noticed xx

Oh ..missed you waving!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Evertonendo on August 17, 2021, 03:54:55 PM
I saw a handsome-looking guy on the beach wrapped in a blue flag singing "Johnny Todd." Was that you?
No sorry Jimbo Im very much female  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Karen on August 17, 2021, 05:15:01 PM
No sorry Jimbo Im very much female  ;D ;D ;D

 ;D
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Natman+Sparksdad on August 17, 2021, 05:50:43 PM
Hi
We also arrived on Friday 13th from Manchester with TUI.
We bought fastrak tickets for security (£5 each) and were through in minutes.
The resort is much busier than last year.
We walked from our apartment at Paralia to Manthos on Saturday night (about 20 minutes walk) only to be asked if we had booked as they were full !!
Extremely hot here too x
I waved at the webcam on Saturday if anyone noticed xx


It was busy at a lot of places on Saturday. We had the same reaction at the new Casa Nostra, so booked for Monday. Luckily, we could get into Mistral
 Can't compare to last year as we couldn't make it but yes, it is very hot.
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 17, 2021, 11:50:11 PM
Quote
No sorry Jimbo Im very much female  ;D ;D ;D

I thought I found the guy in the Everton flag curiously attractive!
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: geordieborn2 on August 17, 2021, 11:52:55 PM
I thought I found the guy in the Everton flag curiously attractive!


The hole in the sand is getting deeper Jimbo! Are you suggesting Evertonendo looks manly .... ;D
Title: Re: The 2021 season
Post by: Jimbo on August 18, 2021, 01:40:03 AM
No, mate. But, as you know, Everton supporters are strange things. I like the idea of "very much female." My mind is racing.