Sidari - Introduction

Sidari, on the Greek island of Corfu, is one of the fastest growing resorts on the island. It grew up around two villages joined by a long beach, which have merged to become one resort running 2km (1.5 miles) along the coast. Close by, the extraordinary Canal d'Amour (Channel of Love) is featured on countless postcards. Most visitors stay in self-catering apartments with outdoor pools, and there is also a selection of rather basic two-star hotels. The busy main road running through the centre of Sidari is lined with countless bars and eateries catering for the British mass market - think pubs with big screen TV showing football and English sitcoms, pool tables, bingo and karaoke nights. According to some, Sidari has rather lost its charm due to over-development and lack of building regulations, but nonetheless it remains one of Corfu's top destinations.

Who Goes There
From Easter to late-October, Sidari is filled with British holiday makers on package deals. It is geared towards the budget end of the market, and appeals to couples and families, as it is safe and quiet and offers various amusements to suit all ages.

Where in the World
Sidari lies on the north coast of the Greek island of Corfu on the Ionian Sea, 37km (23 miles) northwest of the island's capital and chief port, Corfu Town; 37km (23 miles) from the airport.

Located on a flat coastal strip backed by a lush green valley and hills planted with olive groves, Sidari looks out onto the open sea with the five tiny scattered Dhiapondia islands to the northwest.

When to go
Sidari has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes. Winters are mild. November to March is the rainy season. The best months to visit are between May and September when rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures average 27°C (80°F).

Beach
Sidari has three beaches. The main beach, which has a Blue Flag for cleanliness, curves gently around a long sweeping bay and offers golden sand and warm, shallow water. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, watersport facilities including banana boats, peddle boats, canoes, water-skiing and wind surfing, plus a bouncy castle. Close by, the renowned Canal d'Amour (Channel of Love) is composed of soft, crumbly, sandstone cliffs, which have been eroded to produce extraordinary rock formations. Local myth claims that if a couple swim through the main channel together their love will be never-ending. The third and least appealing beach lies near the old fishing harbour.

Beyond the Beach
Besides the beach, Sidari is home to the Corfu Diving Fun Club, which has a dive shop in the centre of town and offers scuba diving lessons and diving trips. Other amusements include bowling and a go-cart track.

Family Fun
Sidari's main beach is best for kids, as the water is warm and shallow and amusements include a bouncy castle and banana boat rides. The Canal d'Amour is rather dangerous for smaller children as the paths along the cliff tops are prone to crumbling. The Hydropolis water park (in Acharavi, 12km (8 miles) east of Sidari, on the road to Kassiopi), offers pools and slides, though it is smaller than the island's largest water park, Aqualand in Agios Ioannis on the main road to Glyfada. There is also a go-cart track in Sidari.

Retail Therapy
Sidari has several small supermarkets catering for everyday necessities, a number of clothes shops and jewellers, plus souvenir shops selling postcards, beachwear and T-shirts. For a more sophisticated shopping experience, make a trip to Corfu Town, where typical mementoes include kumquat liquor, olive oil, objects carved from olive wood, jewellery and leather goods.

A Night on the Town
Sidari boasts countless bars and British-style pubs offering draught beer, cocktails, music videos and karaoke nights. Each summer, two or three nightclubs also open up, Caesar's, with an open-air bar and an indoor disco being the biggest and best-known. Fortunately for those not in the party mood, clubs are very conscious of keeping noise levels down after 0200.

Eating Out
Offering something-for-everyone, Sidari is home to several family-style Greek tavernas (some with live Greek music, dancing, and plate smashing), British-style pubs serving pub grub and all-day English breakfast, plus a couple of Chinese, an Indian, and several pizzerias. Sidari also has the dubious privilege of being home to one of only three McDonalds on the island (the other two are in Kavos and Corfu Town).

Getting Around
The island is well served by bus. The interurban ‘green' bus links Corfu Town to Sidari eight times per day in high season. Taxis are cheap by European standards. It is possible to hire cars, quad bikes and bicycles. Alternatively, taxi boats shuttle visitors to other nearby beaches along the coast.

Exploring Further Afield
The island's elegant capital, Corfu Town, is stunningly beautiful with a romantic mix of Venetian, French and British architecture dating back several centuries. Daily boat trips take visitors to unspoilt beaches on the tiny islands of Erikoussa, Othonus and Mathraki, north of Sidari. Alternatively, take a day trip by boat to Albania to visit Butrint National Park with its UNESCO-protected Greek and Roman archaeological site, and the seaside resort of Saranda.

Splashing Out
Some 3km (2 miles) west of Sidari, just after the village of Peroulades, Longas Beach (also known as Sunset Beach) is backed by dramatic, steep cliffs. On the cliff top, Panorama (above Sunset Beach, Peroulades village) (www.panorama1.f9.co.uk) is a highly-regarded taverna offering stunning sea views. Come here for a sunset drink followed by a romantic dinner of fresh seafood and quality local wine.

Flying In
Corfu International Airport (KFU)

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