Arillas Corfu

holiday report and Arillas Greece map

Arillas beach Corfu

ARILLAS Corfu is a fairly sleepy holiday resort on the north-west coast of Corfu island. It is basically a large sandy bay with a long jetty bisecting it and a small quay for fishing boats.
Arillas holidays are popular with families and couples, although there is not a lot to do there other than sunbathe and swim. The water at the Blue Flag Arillas beach is very shallow and sandy underfoot so it's a good spot for paddling children. There is a long jetty to the south of and some small scraps of sand beyond it.
Arillas beach is distinctive in that it seems to change shape, according to the prevailing wind and currents. A northerly wind tends to pile sand on the beach which can 'grow' by two metres daily, while a southerly wind does the opposite.
Around a rock outcrop at the northern end is an unofficial nudist beach in a very sheltered sandy cove backed by steep cliffs. To the south is an area of "green mud" that locals claim has healing properties but visitors often use it as a natural sunblock.
The deserted islet of Gavia adds interest offshore. Boats will take you across to the island. It's about one hour from Arillas although there is not a lot to see when you get there.
A road runs along the top of Arillas beach and there is some parking along the side of the road. There is only one bus a day out of Arillas and that sets off early in the morning, so it pays to hire a car if you are staying in the area.
There are plenty of Arillas apartments and hotels, and plenty of rooms for rent. Several small hotels and apartments have sprung up in recent years and there are bars close to Arillas beach, which is west-facing so you can enjoy a few holiday sunsets in the beach tavernas.
There are also several more good tavernas in Arillas village itself plus a couple of minimarkets and some holiday souvenir shops. The resort has also recently acquired a cash point after much lobbying by the locals.