BENITSES
Area: Corfu
Country: Greece


Location:
On the E coast, facing the Ipiros area of the Greek mainland. 8 miles S of Corfu town and airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 26610

Position:
Mainly flat coastal area, on main coast road, backed by rolling green hills.

Description:
Formerly a simple fishing village, it enjoyed immense popularity with the British youth market during the 1980s, along with a notorious reputation. It expanded at an alarming rate N and S of the resort centre along the narrow main coast road for about º mile, but today mass tourism is in decline and Benitses has become far less raucous and consequently perhaps more appealing to mature couples. 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.

Suitability:
Less of a British favourite these days, attracting a mixture of Eastern European, German and Dutch. A few families and mature couples. Nothing particular for teenagers to do.

Accommodation:
A few basic hotels, together with limited self-catering.

Shopping:
One supermarket and some general stores, as well as a couple of souvenir shops and a chemist. A few stalls sell leather goods.

Beach:
Small and mostly of rough shingle and pebbles, and sloping steeply at the water's edge. Close to road. Water-based activities in summer; sunbeds and shades for hire. Swimming platforms and jetties.

Entertainments:
Daytime: the beach is the main focus, with para-gliding, water-skiing and pedalloes in high season. Seashell Museum. Nightlife: choice of a couple of small, unsophisticated discos along the strip, as well as a variety of pubs and bars with long hours.

Eating:
Simple small restaurants, offering a mix of traditional Greek fare and various international favourites with chips. There's also a Chinese, a pizzeria and a creperie.

Public-transport:
Regular buses to Corfu Town; buses also run to Moraitika and Kavos (in the S of the island) at varying intervals. Taxi rank. Moped and car rental.

Local-excursions:
Many boat trips on offer, including one to the island of Paxos. Barbecues, cruises, island tours and flights to Athens can all be booked. Achillion Palace. Sightseeing/shopping trip to Corfu Town. See also Corfu Town.