MESSONGHI
Area: Corfu
Country: Greece


Location:
On SE coast, 13º miles S of Corfu Town and airport. Just over 1 mile S of central Moraitika.

Telephone code from UK:
30 26610

Position:
Flat coastal area, gently rising at rear, with olive-clad hills inland. Separated from resort of Moraitika by Messonghi River.

Description:
Formerly a fishing village and now a small simple resort, Messonghi spreads along the seafront for just under a mile, with most of the tourist amenities situated along a quarter-mile stretch. It is essentially an offshoot of neighbouring Moraitika and is quiet with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Popular with young families, it is off the main road so doesn't have the traffic problems that are the bane of so many similar resorts. The Messonghi River flows in from the surrounding gentle hills and boats offering trips congregate at its mouth.

Suitability:
Those seeking a low-key, relaxed holiday, mainly families, mature couples and a few young people. Mixture of nationalities. Anyone into manic nightlife would do better to choose elsewhere.

Accommodation:
Choice of budget self catering, small no-frills to mid-range hotels and a vast hotel complex.

Shopping:
A supermarket, a few general stores and a couple of souvenir outlets. Bakery, medical centre, jewellery shop and one selling Greek ceramics. No bank or cashpoint but foreign exchange.

Beach:
Stretch of fairly narrow coarse sand with some shingle and small pebbles, running in a sweep to a headland to the S; a few fishing caiques lie at anchor offshore. Sunbeds and parasols for hire. Water sports and pedalloes; shallows suitable for children.

Entertainments:
Daytime: confined to beach and water sports. Nightlife: limited to bars and tavernas; wider choice in neighbouring Moraitika.

Eating:
Small selection of restaurants and tavernas, a few lining the beach. Greek and international cuisine. Lots of fish.

Public-transport:
Buses that actually drive into Messonghi are fairly infrequent (4_6 times a day to Corfu Town and neighbouring resorts). More frequent service from neighbouring Moraitika, running N to Corfu Town and S to Kavos. Car and scooter rental. Bike hire.

Local-excursions:
Various boat trips; excursion to Aqualand; occasional boat to Corfu Town; go-karting in Moraitika. Also see Corfu Town.