SIDARI
Area: Corfu
Country: Greece


Location:
On the W part of the long N coast, 4 miles W of Roda. 26 miles NW of Corfu Town and airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 26630

Position:
On a gently curving bay of the same name, in a flat area with green hills rising inland.

Description:
Once just a collection of houses, the beach resort of Sidari has developed ribbon-like along the road from Corfu Town. The main town is just under 1» miles long and not more than » mile at its widest. It is one of the most rapidly developing resorts in Corfu and most of the latest developments are family-owned, small-scale apartments blocks with nothing over 3 storeys. The small, busy centre has a one-way traffic system with inadequate provision for pedestrians who have to fight for space on the road with cars. Parts of the beachfront remain _ as yet _ pleasantly undeveloped. Neighbouring Canal d'Amour is a secondary resort built on top of the unusual soft sandstone cliffs which have eroded to create numerous inlets and sandy coves, reached by steep ladders; the farthest ones are less frequented and used for gaining all-over tans.

Suitability:
Safe, quiet, family package-holiday destination. Walkers will appreciate the gentle hills.

Accommodation:
Mainly middlemarket apartments. A few small hotels dotted around.

Shopping:
Beach tack predominates. A few clothes shops; 3 jewellery outlets; the rest are small supermarkets.

Beach:
Long, narrow, not particularly picturesque beaches of sand and shingle. The sea is often incredibly calm, almost pond-like and shallow for a long, long way. However, it is not crystal clear owing to the sandstone sediment. Some seaweed. Sand and shingle coves can be found below the low eroded cliffs to the W.

Entertainments:
Daytime: usual beach activities; water sports, pedalloes and canoes. Hill and coastal walks. Nightlife: two discos and masses of bars _usually belonging to local accommodation but open to the public _ many offering videos and cocktails.

Eating:
More little Greek tavernas than you can shake a stick at; all-day British breakfasts; a couple of Chinese; 1 Indian; the odd pizzeria.

Public-transport:
No local transport around the resort but a cheap, reliable bus service runs to Corfu Town (7/8 per day), Kassiopi (4 per day) and San Stefanos (4 per day). Taxis _ make sure you agree the fare before setting out. Car and bike hire. Beware: roads are narrow; locals drive very fast.

Local-excursions:
Long list of all-day coach tours throughout the island including Corfu town, Paleokastritsa, Greek ruins and the water park. All-day boat tours to the islands of Paxos, Erikousa, beach cruises, the Greek mainland at Parga and even neighbouring Albania.