Dimitra Studios Benitses

Dimitra studios in Corfu
Dimitra Studios in Corfu

Dimitra Studios offers a relaxing stay in Benitses, ideal for couples or small families seeking comfort and stunning sea views. Guests highlight the clean rooms, daily housekeeping, and friendly staff, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Each studio comes with air conditioning, a balcony, and basic amenities like a coffee maker, kettle, and fridge.

The property features convenient on-site parking and a well-maintained swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after exploring the village. Dimitra Studios is just a short walk from the beach and local taverns, shops, and the harbor, making it easy to enjoy everything Benitses has to offer.

Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast on the terrace or exploring the nearby sights, Dimitra Studios combines great value and comfort with beautiful views, ensuring a memorable stay in Corfu.

For nearby accommodations, check out our hubs on Benitses Hotels and Corfu Apartments to plan your perfect Corfu getaway.

Benitses Bella Vista Beach Hotel

Bella-Vista-hotel-Benitses-Corfu-exterior
Bella-Vista-hotel-Benitses-Corfu-exterior

The charming Corfu Hotel Bella Vista offers air-conditioned accommodation and a hearty Greek breakfast. It is just only 30 meters from Benitses Beach and offers free Wi-Fi in public hotel areas.

Decorated in bright and cheerful colors, rooms have a balcony or patio. Rooms are cleaned daily and include a satellite TV and a fridge. Self-catering studios and apartments with kitchenettes are also available within 50 meters from the main building.

A breakfast buffet enriched with traditional Greek pies, yogurt, and fresh homemade cakes is served at Bella Cafe Room. Room service is also provided.

The 24-hour reception can arrange for car rental, luggage storage, or fax services. Car parking is free at the local car park, 150 meters from the hotel.

The Bella Vista Beach Hotel is 12km south of Corfu Town and 11 km from Corfu Airport. There is regular public transport, while the hotel provides two-way transfers to Corfu airport at a charge.

Photos from Bellavista Hotel

Ancient Greeks in Agora

150,000 Greek Words in English: Full List with Meanings

Influence of the Greek(Hellenic) language in today’s world

English words of Greek origin

According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Hellenic (Greek) language is among the world’s richest languages, with over 5 million words. Many Greek words in English come from Hellenic roots, especially in science and medicine.

If you’re looking for a practical list, see our 100 Greek words and phrases with meanings, including pronunciation and everyday usage.

Many of these ancient words have roots tied to mythological figures and stories, especially those involving the Twelve Olympian Gods who once ruled the Greek world, words such as herculean, aphrodisiac, etc.

Mathematics, physics, astronomy, democracy, philosophy, athletics, theatre, rhetoric, baptism, and hundreds of other words are Hellenic(Greek), I bet that you all know that!

Parthenon
Parthenon

Greek words and word elements continue to be productive as a basis for coinages: anthropology, photography, telephony, isomer, biomechanics, cinematography, etc…

In a typical everyday 80,000-word English dictionary, about 5% of the words are directly borrowed from Greek (for example, “phenomenon” is a Hellenic word and even obeys Hellenic grammar rules as the plural is “phenomena”), and another 25% are borrowed indirectly.

Many terms in science, philosophy, and the arts have Greek origins. According to one estimate, about 150,000 English words, directly or indirectly, are derived from Greek words…source:www.britishcouncil.org
It’s estimated that a significant portion of English words—around 30%—have Greek origins, directly or indirectly.

This is because there were many Hellenic words borrowed from Latin originally, which then filtered down into English. After all, English borrowed so many words from Latin (for example, “elaiwa” in Greek evolved into the Latin “oliva”, which in turn became “olive” in English).

Hellenic and Latin are the predominant sources of the international scientific vocabulary; however, the percentage of words borrowed from Greek rises much higher than Latin when considering highly scientific vocabulary (for example, “oxytetracycline” is a medical term that has three Hellenic roots).

And finally, have you ever wondered how the world would be if the Greek language had never existed? If we consider English without its Greek, Latin, and French roots, its vocabulary would be considerably smaller.

However, we must acknowledge the English language’s ability to assimilate words from other languages. This adaptability, combined with its widespread use globally, has contributed to its status as today’s international language.

Most of the ideas in this article are borrowed from eurotalk.com, so greetings belong to them.

If you’re fascinated by Greek culture and history, why not take your knowledge further while exploring a Greek island itself? Our page about Corfu offers practical tips, hidden gems, and insights into the landscapes, monuments, and traditions that make Corfu a must-visit destination.

Greek words in the English language
Greek words in the English language

Some samples of English texts

(Bolded and underlined words are of Greek origin, all unchanged in time, and most importantly, easily understood by any uneducated Greek)

Sample 1

The cosmos, an extensive expanse, is the domain of astronomers who explore the phenomena of the celestial. Using telescopes, these scientists examine the orbits and magnitudes of various planets and stars. In the microcosm, biologists study organisms, analyzing their anatomy and physiology to understand abiogenesis, symbiosis, and metabolism within ecosystems.

In the realm of medicine, diagnosis and therapy are paramount. Physicians use clinical methods to identify symptoms and prescribe pharmacological remedies. Pathologists investigate the etiology of diseases, often employing microscopy to observe cellular pathology via biopsy. The synthesis of antibiotics has revolutionized the prognosis of bacterial infections.

Physics, another fundamental science, delves into the dynamics of energy and matter. The study of mechanics, optics, and acoustics has led to innovations in technology. Meanwhile, chemists explore the properties and reactions of chemical elements, discovering catalysts that accelerate synthesis processes.

In geology, the stratigraphy of the Earth is examined, revealing the chronology of tectonic activities. Seismologists monitor seismic waves to predict earthquakes, safeguarding populations from potential catastrophes. Paleontologists, on the other hand, unearth fossils, contributing to the chronology of life on Earth.

Psychology, a discipline examining the psyche(soul), focuses on cognition and behavior. Psychiatrists treat mental disorders, utilizing psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. The synergy of these sciences enhances our comprehension of the natural and human world, fostering a symbiotic relationship between knowledge and application.

Sample 2

Philosophy is a profound discipline that examines the fundamental nature of existence, knowledge, and ethics. Philosophers engage in dialectics, employing logic and reason to explore metaphysical questions about reality and ontology. The dialogues of Socrates, as documented by Plato, remain seminal texts in epistemology and ethics.

Metaphysics, a branch of philosophy, delves into the essence of being and the cosmos. It addresses questions of substance, causality, and the infinite. Epistemology investigates the nature and scope of knowledge and belief, differentiating between empirical and a priori knowledge.

Ethics, or moral philosophy, explores the concepts of virtue, justice, and the good life. Aristotle‘s Nicomachean Ethics offers a systematic examination of virtue ethics, proposing that eudaimonia, or human flourishing, is achieved through the cultivation of moral and intellectual virtues.

Aesthetics, another vital branch, analyzes the nature of beauty, art, and taste. Plato‘s theory of forms posits that aesthetic qualities are reflections of ideal forms. Aristotle‘s Poetics dissects the elements of tragedy and dramatic structure, influencing literary criticism for centuries.

The Socratic method, characterized by elenchus or refutation, is a form of dialectical inquiry that seeks to expose contradictions in an interlocutor’s arguments, promoting philosophical clarity and self-examination. Heraclitus and Parmenides contributed significantly to the ontology and cosmology debates, with their doctrines on change and permanence.

In the modern era, phenomenology, founded by Edmund Husserl, investigates the structures of consciousness and intentionality. Existentialism, with figures like Sartre and Heidegger, explores the human condition, freedom, and authenticity.

The study of philosophy remains essential for the comprehension of abstract concepts and the development of critical thinking. Through analysis, synthesis, and speculation, philosophers continue to contribute to the intellectual tradition and the quest for wisdom.

And an extreme example, understood by Academics

The philosopher and theorist utilized logic and ethics in their analysis of the cosmos. In their dialogue, they explored phenomena and ideas of metaphysics and epistemology. The dynamic synthesis of theories on psychology and aesthetics created a paradox in the paradigm of democracy and autonomy.

Their methodology included techniques of dialectics and rhetoric, aiming to achieve symmetry and harmony in their systematic hypothesis. The philosopher‘s critique of dogma emphasized the importance of rational analysis and empirical criteria. They debated the axioms of geometry and mathematics, focusing on the axiomatic principles and logic.

In ethics, the philosopher examined virtue, charisma, and hedonism, proposing a synthesis of principles for eudaimonia. The cosmopolitan ethos integrated aspects of democracy, autonomy, and sympathy. The philosopher‘s systematic approach combined hypothesis, theorem, and axiom, striving for clarity and coherence.

The scholar presented their thesis in a symposium, utilizing logic and rhetoric to convey the dynamic interplay of ideas and theories. They emphasized the synthesis of philosophical concepts, promoting dialogue and debate for the development of knowledge and wisdom.

Surprised? Don’t worry, you still have the rest of the words…but wait, 90% of the rest are Latin (directly or via French)! Αlso, you use the Latin alphabet, which, in turn, is a variation of the Ancient Greek Alphabet used in Euboea.

These Euboeans were the first colonists of Italy, and they brought their alphabet along, which was later adopted by Rome.

List of Greek words in English

Only an example of a few words of Greek origin is below, with their writing in the modern Greek language and their spelling with Latin characters. Practically unchanged since antiquity.

NOTE: The words on this list are not clickable; if you click on them simply nothing will happen!

  • Academy = Ακαδημία (Akademia)
  • Acrobat = Ακροβάτης (Akrovates)
  • Air = Αέρας, Αήρ (Aeras)
  • Airplane = Αεροπλάνο (Aeroplano)
  • Anatomy = Ανατομία (Anatomia)
  • Angel = Άγγελος (Aggelos)
  • Abnormal = Ανώμαλος (Anomalos)
  • Anti = Αντι (Anti)
  • Archaeo = Αρχαιο (Archaeo)
  • Architect = Αρχιτέκτων (Architekton)
  • Aroma = Άρωμα (Aroma)
  • Astronaut = Αστροναύτης (Astronaftis)
  • Athlete = Αθλητής (Athleetees)
  • Atlas = Άτλας (Atlas)
  • Atmosphere = Ατμόσφαιρα (Atmosphera)
  • Atom = Άτομο (Atomo)
  • Auto = Αυτο (Afto)
  • Bacterium = Βακτήριον (Vakterion)
  • Base = Βάση (Vasee)
  • Bible = Βίβλος (Veevlos)
  • Bio = Βιο (Veeo)
  • Biology = Βιολογία (Viologia)
  • Box = Βοξ (Vox)
  • Cemetery = Κοιμητήριο (Keemeeteerio)
  • Centre = Κέντρο (Kentro)
  • Centro = Κέντρο (Kentro)
  • Chair = Καρέκλα (Karekla)
  • Chaos = Χάος (Chaos)
  • Character = Χαρακτήρ (Characteer)
  • Chorus = Χορός (Choros)
  • Chromo = Χρωμο (Chromo)
  • Chronological = Χρονολογικό (Chronologiko)
  • Cinema = Κινημα (Kinima)
  • Climate = Κλιμα, Κλιματικό (Klimatiko)
  • Clinic = Κλινική (Kliniki)
  • Comedy = Κωμωδία (Komodeea)
  • Cosmos = Κόσμος (Kosmos)
  • Cube = Κύβος (Kyvos)
  • Cycle = Κύκλος (Kyklos)
  • Cyclo = Κυκλο (Kyklo)
  • Decade = Δεκάδα (Decada)
  • Demo = Δημο (Deemo)
  • Democracy = Δημοκρατία (Deemokrateea)
  • Devil = Διάβολος (Diavolos)
  • Diagram = Διάγραμμα (Diagrama)
  • Dialogue = Διάλογος (Dialogos)
  • Diet = Δίαιτα (Dieta)
  • Diplomat = Διπλωμάτης (Diplomates)
  • Dinosaur = Δεινόσαυρος (Dinosavros)
  • Disc = Δίσκος (Diskos)
  • Drama = Δράμα (Drama)
  • Dynasty = Δυναστεία (Dynasteia)
  • Dys = Δυσ (Dys)
  • Echo = Ηχώ (Echo)
  • Ecology = Οικολογία (Ekologia)
  • Economy = Οικονομία (Ekonomia)
  • Ecstasy = Έκσταση (Ekstasi)
  • Electric = Ηλεκτρικό (Elektriko)
  • Electronic = Ηλεκτρονικό (Eelektroniko)
  • Energy = Ενέργεια (Energeia)
  • Enthusiasm = Ενθουσιασμός (Enthousiasmos)
  • Episode = Επεισόδιο (Episodeio)
  • Erotic = Ερωτικό (Erotiko)
  • Ethics = ‘Ηθη (Ethe)
  • Eu = Ευ (Ef)
  • Euro = Ευρώ (Evro)
  • Europe = Ευρώπη (Evropee)
  • Fantasy = Φαντασία (Fantasia)
  • Galaxy = Γαλαξίας (Galaxias)
  • Genetic = Γενετικός (Genetikos)
  • Geography = Γεωγραφία (Geographia)
  • Geometry = Γεωμετρία (Geometria)
  • Giant = Γίγαντας (Gigantas)
  • Grammatical = Γραμματικό (Grammatiko)
  • Graph = Γραφ (Graph)
  • Guitar = Κιθάρα (Kithara)
  • Harmony = Αρμονία (Armonia), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Helicopter = Ελικόπτερο (Elikoptero), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hercules = Ηρακλής (Eraklees), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hero = Ήρως (Iros), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hippopotamus = Ιπποπόταμος (Ipopotamos), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • History = Ιστορία (Eestoreea), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Horizon = Ορίζοντας (Orizontas), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hormone = Ορμόνη (Ormonee), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Horoscope = Ωροσκόπιο (Oroskopio), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hour = Ώρα (Ora), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hydro = Υδρο (Ydro), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hymn = Ύμνος (Ymnos), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hypo = Υπο (Ypo), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hyper = Υπερ (Yper), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Hypnotic = Υπνωτικό(Ypnotiko), the “h” is rejected in modern Greek.
  • Idea = Ιδέα (Idea)
  • Idiot = Ιδιώτης (Idiotes)
  • Idol = Είδωλο (Idolo)
  • Irony = Ειρωνία (Ironea)
  • Jealous = Ζήλεια (Zelia)
  • Kilogram = Χιλιόγραμμο (Chiliogrammo)
  • Kilometer = Χιλιόμετρο (Chiliometro)
  • Kinetic = Κινητικό (Kinetiko)
  • Lion = Λέων (Leon)
  • Logic = Λογικό (Logiko)
  • Logo = Λογο (Logo)
  • Lyrics = Λυρισμός (Lyrismos)
  • Machine = Μηχανή (Mechane)
  • Macro = Μακρο (Makro)
  • Mega = Μεγα (Mega)
  • Magic = Μαγικό (Magiko)
  • Meta = Μετα (Meta)
  • Metaphor = Μεταφορά (Metaphora)
  • Metropolis = Μητρόπολις (Metropolis)
  • Micro = Μικρο (Mikro)
  • Mono = Μονο (Mono)
  • Muse = Μούσα (Musa)
  • Mystery = Μυστήριο (Mysterio)
  • Myth = Μύθος (Mythos)
  • Nectar = Νεκταρ (Nektar)
  • Neon = Νέον (Neon)
  • Nike = Νίκη (Nike)
  • Nine = Εννέα (Enea)
  • Ocean = Ωκεανός (Okeanos)
  • Olympic = Ολυμπιακός (Olympiakos)
  • Orchestra = Ορχήστρα (Orcheestra)
  • Organism = Οργανισμός (Organismos)
  • Orgasm = Οργασμός (Orgasmos)
  • Oxyzen = Οχυγόνο (Oxygono)
  • Paleo = Παλαιο (Paleo)
  • Panic = Πανικός (Panikos)
  • Panther = Πάνθηρας (Pantheras)
  • Paper = Πάπυρος (Papeeros)
  • Para = Παρα (Para)
  • Paradise = Παράδεισος (Paradeisos)
  • Patriot = Πατριώτης (Patriotes)
  • Pause = Παύση (Pafsi)
  • Pepper = Πιπέρι (Peperi)
  • Period = Περίοδος (Periodos)
  • Phase = Φάση (Phasee)
  • Philo = Φιλο (Philo)
  • Philosophy = Φιλοσοφία (Philosophia)
  • Photo = Φωτο (Photo)
  • Photography = Φωτογραφία (Photografia)
  • Physic = Φυσική (Physike)
  • Planet = Πλανήτης (Planeetes)
  • Poem = Ποίημα (Peema)
  • Pole = Πόλος (Polos)
  • Poly = Πολυ (Poly)
  • Pro = Προ (Pro)
  • Program = Πρόγραμμα (Programma)
  • Pseudo = Ψευδο (Psevdo)
  • Psycho = Ψυχο (Psycho)
  • Psychology = Ψυχολογία (Psychologia)
  • Pyro = Πυρο (Pyro)
  • Rhapsody = Ραψωδία (Rapsodia)
  • Rhythm = Ρυθμός (Rythmos)
  • Rhinoceros = Ρινόκερως (Rinokeros)
  • Sarcasm = Σαρκασμός (Sarkasmos)
  • Scene = Σκηνή (Skene)
  • Schizophrenia = Σχιζοφρένεια (Schizophrenia)
  • School = Σχολείο (Scholeeo)
  • Sphere = Σφαίρα (Sphera)
  • Star = Αστήρ (Asteer)
  • Stereo = Στέρεο (Stereo)
  • Strategy = Στρατηγική (Strategiki)
  • Sycophant = Συκοφάντης (Sykophantes)
  • Syllable = Συλλαβή (Syllavee)
  • Symbol = Σύμβολο (Symvolo)
  • Symmetry = Συμμετρία (Symmetria)
  • Sympathy = Συμπάθεια (Sympatheia)
  • Symphony = Συμφωνία (Symphonia)
  • Syntax = Σύνταξη (Syntaksi)
  • System = Σύστημα (Systeema)
  • Tactic = Τακτική (Taktikee)
  • Talent = Ταλέντο (Talento)
  • Techno = Τεχνο (Techno)
  • Technology = Τεχνολογία (Technologia)
  • Telescope = Τηλεσκόπιο (Teleskopio)
  • Telephone = Τηλέφωνο (Telephono)
  • Television = Τηλεόραση (Teleorasi)
  • Theatre = Θέατρο (Theatro)
  • Theme = Θέμα (Thema)
  • Theory = Θεωρία (Theoria)
  • Therapy = Θεραπεία (Therapia)
  • Thermo = Θερμο (Thermo)
  • Thermometer = Θερμόμετρο (Thermometro)
  • Third = Τρίτο (Treeto)
  • Tone = Τόνος (Tonos)
  • Tragedy = Τραγωδία (Tragodia)
  • Triumph = Θρίαμβος (Thriamvos)
  • Type = Τύπος (Typos)
  • Utopia = Ουτοπία (Utopeea)
  • Zone = Ζώνη (Zonee)
  • Zoo = Ζωο (Zoo)
  • Zoology = Ζωολογία (Zoologia)

Also, almost all words that start with “PH” are of Greek origin!

For my fellow Musicians

Of course, you all know that the word ‘Music‘ is Greek, don’t tell me that you don’t!

And if you play Guitar(another Greek word) you are familiar with tones, semitones, musical scales, etc, as well as with Heptatonic and pentatonic scales made in antiquity, such as Ionian, Dorian, Aeolian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Hypolydian, Hypodorian or Locrian…these terms have Greek origins, reflecting the influence of ancient Greek musical theory.

See for yourself: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mode_(music)

We must stop here, these are already very good samples, and is impossible to write down all the 150,000 Greek words used in English! But if you click this Wiktionary link, you can discover thousands more Greek words in English than you ever imagined.

Language tips

So, if you are one of those who say, “It’s all Greek to me,” it’s time to reconsider it; it will help if you follow a couple of simple tips.

Most importantly, the Latin sound of “C” is “K” in Greek. For Greeks, the sound of “C” is always written and pronounced as “S”.

(Parenthesis: During the Byzantine era, the letter C was used in Greek to produce the sound of S)

Keep in mind that the “TH” sound is written with the letter “Θ” in Greek.

In ancient Greek, the letter ‘B’ originally sounded like what ‘B’ sounds like in English today, but in modern Greek, it sounds like ‘V’. The sound of ‘B is written with two distinct letters “MΠ” (M+P), and is pronounced like the Latin ‘B’.

All ancient Greek words that had an aspiration before the first vowel were written in Latin with an ‘H’ letter instead of the aspiration, for example, ‘Ιστορία = History’.

This aspirate remained in English as the letter ‘H’, but is abolished in modern Greek, and the sound of “H” is not pronounced.

Anywhere you see an “Ω” or “Ο”, both pronounced as “O”. ‘Ω’ is called Omega (big, long O) and was pronounced as double O; both exist but sound the same as ‘O.

There are more minor differences, but slowly you will find out that you start to make sense.

Differences in the alphabet are minor. The Latin alphabet, after all, is the natural evolution of the Greek Euboean alphabet, which in turn was a local variation of the Greek alphabet.

Before 800 BCE, the Greeks borrowed the Phoenician alphabet to replace their Linear B script. It’s worth noting that they changed many letters to fit their pronunciation and added vowels, as the Phoenician alphabet did not have any vowels.

So, while the Phoenician alphabet may be considered the common ancestor of all European alphabets today, without the modifications by the Greeks, it would not fit at all.

Finally, you will see that saying “It’s all Greek to me” is a nonsensical expression. Therefore, it’s good to abandon this expression as it can be seen as a sign of ignorance; change it instead by saying: ‘It’s all Chinese to me’.

Learn 100 Greek words in 10 minutes!

Many Terms Have Greek Roots

Now that you’ve seen how many Greek words you already know, it’s no surprise that English speakers use many words of Greek origin every day—even without realizing it!

📄 Download the Full PDF

If you enjoyed this guide, scan the QR code below to instantly download the “List of Greek Words in English – Free PDF”:list of greek words in english

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Vandoros old house and Kefalonitis restaurant 1960

The Old Historic Buildings of Benitses

Posted in: All Info to Benitses 0

In Benitses, there are some very old and beautiful buildings, some of them more than 5 centuries old.

We tried to collect as much information as we could about the most important of them, it was really difficult as most old people who knew about are dead, and the living ones are so old that they can’t remember much or strangely don’t want to talk about.

Here is what we have learned about these houses, with the promise to add as much information as we can in the future.

All about Benitses Village

The tall building at the entrance of Benitses’ old port

This beautifully tall and slim neoclassical building was built right at the banks of the river that flows at the old Benitses port, when the main road that leads up to the old village was a river.

It must be older than 4 centuries, but details from its early history are not known.

Vandoros old house and Kefalonitis restaurant-1960
Vandoros’ old house and Kefalonitis restaurant-1960

Owners during the early 20th century were the three Vandoros brothers, Memas, and Aggelos, who were traders in Corfu’s Jewish sector, and Spiros, who was a lawyer.

EDES, a right-wing partisan group led by Napoleon Zervas, had its headquarters in the Vandoros building from 1945 to 1949, just after the war.

Serafim was a priest living in Messonghi, who later became an Archbishop. He was a member of this right-wing partisan group of EDES. He used to go around the area, always riding on a horse.

An Italian family with 2 daughters was living on the first floor during the Italian occupation(1941-1943)

In the same building, on the ground floor, and after 1949, the traders Matios and Likouris opened a general commercial shop, where they sold potatoes, onions, etc. Οnce they had been ripped at the area of St. John of pigeons by a gang of Greeks from southern Albania, their leader was the grandfather of today’s hotelier in Corfu.

From 1953 to 1958, the ground floor was a barbershop run by Yiannis Kontos(Bourelas), and from 1958 to 1971 was one of the two kafeneions that existed in Benitses before the 80s.

This was the kafenion Skaloma, named by the name of the area; indeed, the area around the port and at the seaside is called Skaloma.

Benitses cafe Skaloma-1967
Benitses cafe Skaloma-1967

Today, the building belongs to the Bellos family, as they bought it in 1971 from Spiros Vandoros.

The Grapevine Restaurant of Nikos Bellos, or Klimataria, is operating today on the ground floor.

The other building in the photo – Finanza

The other building in the photo doesn’t exist today. It was called Finanza back in 1941 and used to be the headquarters of the Italian occupation army; many members of the resistance were severely tortured inside this building.

Later, it became a restaurant owned by Stefanos Kefallonitis until it was demolished before 1974 when the square of Benitses and the new road were constructed.

The building of the Township

This house was built almost 3 centuries ago and owned by an Italian noble named Palaviccini.

Later, it became the property of Varvitsiotis, a family of famous notaries, and after the death of the last family offspring, it was donated to the state for public use. It is known today as the Varvitsiotis Legacy.

In this building were always the offices of the local municipality, many years ago, in a small office at the backside of the building, while the rest was used as a customs office.

The first customs officer was someone named Harilaos Pateras. During his duty here, he married Lina Kouris, a local girl from the wealthy Kouris family.

The custom office moved to Corfu in 1962.

From 1962 to 1965, a school for young women was working in the building; most of these girls were coming from other villages all over Corfu.

Yes, it sounds strange now, but in Greece of the 60s, schools were teaching young girls how to become good housekeepers.

This school, in 1965, moved a few yards further north to another building for a few more years until it permanently closed down in 1972.

Girls were living inside the house, and many of those met and got married to men from Benitses.

Today, the first floor of the building belongs to the municipality, while the ground floor is rented for commercial purposes.

The building of the Pagiatis family

Built by an Italian, the owner was another Italian named Palermo.

Pagiatis house
Pagiatis house

Then the Pagiatis family stayed there for more than 4 decades, and the house today belongs to them.

In this new photo, the house is completely renovated and different from the original building.

 

Photos of old Benitses buildings

Angelokastro: The Castle Next to Paleokastritsa

Angelokastro (Angel’s Castle) in Paleokastritsa

Corfu, Aggelokastro in Paleokastritsa
Corfu, Angelokastro in Paleokastritsa

Angelokastro was the westernmost outpost of the Byzantine Empire and the Despotate of Epirus to which Corfu belonged until 1267 AD, it is near the village of Krini north of Paleokastritsa next to a monastery.

Built in the early 12th century AD by the Despot of Epirus Duke Michael-Angelos Komnenos the second, therefore the name Angel’s Castle, and in its prime, in an emergency, it could protect the entire population of the region, about 4000 people.

Inside the castle, two large water tanks and the churches of the Holy Archangels and Agia Kiriaki are preserved.

The church of the Archangels was built in 1784 on the site of an older church.

Agia Kiriaki was built inside a small cave and has 18th-century paintings.

Angelokastro(Angel’s castle) saw many sieges but never fell except once to the Venetians after a six-month siege in 1386.

In 1537 only 8 soldiers of his guard with the help of the residents were needed in order to repel the attack of Barbarossa.

The Turks tried again and failed to conquer the Castle in 1571.

The villages around got their names from the soldiers who took pieces of land to settle on when they retired.

Examples are Makris-Makrades, Vistonas-Vistonas, Doukas-Doukades, Aspiotis-Aspiotades, Kabbadias-Kabbadades, etc.

Today the castle is still standing at the top of the rock and it is a strong tourist attraction, a well-preserved piece of history for this magnificent island.

Byzantine Stradioti and the Villages Around Angelokastro

The area around Angelokastro hosted many villages with the suffix -ades, names derived from family groups of soldier-farmers known as Byzantine Stradioti. These settlements had a defensive role and maintained the organization of the rural landscape.

Examples

  • Peroulades → from the name Peroulis
  • Avliotes → from the surname Avlonitis
  • Gousades → from the name Gousis
  • Poulimades → from the name Poulimas
  • Karousades → from the name Karousis
  • Kopsoheilades → from the nickname Kopsaheilis
  • Velonades → from the name Velonas
  • Rachtades → from the name Rachtas
  • Gavrades → from the surname Gavras
  • Magoulades → from the name Magoulas
  • Kavvades → from the surname Kavvadias
  • Kouvanades → from the name Kouvas
  • Armenades → from the name Armenis
  • Termenades → from the name Termenas
  • Aspiotades → from the name Aspiotis
  • Manatades → from the name Manatos
  • Arkadades → from the name Arkoudis
  • Aleimatades → from the name Aleimatas
  • Makrades → from the name Makris
  • Doukades → from the name Doukas
  • Gardelades → from the name Gardelis
  • Liapades → from the name Liapis
  • Kanakades → from the name Kanakis
  • Yiannades → from the name Giannis
  • Poulades → from the name Poulis
  • Argyrades → from the name Argyros

The suffix -ades is not just a linguistic feature; it preserves the memory of an old social and military organization in the Corfiot countryside, marking the families or clans that settled in the area.

Blue bus in corfu

Corfu Blue Bus Routes 2026: Timetable & Map (PDF)

Posted in: Corfu Travel Information 1
Corfu Blue bus station
Corfu Blue bus station

Corfu Blue Bus Interactive Map

The Blue Buses of Corfu, operated by ASTRA Urban Transport, provide a reliable and affordable means of exploring Corfu Town and its surrounding destinations. This complete guide includes route descriptions, departure points, and downloadable PDF timetables for navigating the local transport system.

🚏 Corfu Blue Buses Depart Points

There are three main departure points in Corfu Town:

  • San Rocco Square (Plateia San Rocco): Main terminal for most routes.
  • Mitr. Methodiou Street: Used by lines 5, 6, and 10, approximately 200 meters from San Rocco.
  • Spianada Square: Used only by Line 2a (Kanoni), located inside the Old Town.

🚌 Corfu Blue Bus Timetable Overview (2026)

Here is a quick reference timetable for all Corfu Blue Bus routes. For complete details and exact schedules, please refer to the official PDFs linked below each line.

Line Departure Point Route First Bus Last Bus Frequency
2a Liston Kanoni – Pontikonisi 6:20 23:00 See PDF
2b San Rocco Kefalomandouko 07:50 21:10 See PDF
4 San Rocco Potamos – Evropouli 6:40 21:10 See PDF
5 Mitr. Methodiou Kouramades – Kinopiastes 6:20 22:00 See PDF
6 Mitr. Methodiou Benitses 6:30 22:30 See PDF
7 San Rocco Dassia – Ipsos 6:20 23:00 See PDF
8 San Rocco Agios Ioannis (Aqualand) 6:20 22:15 See PDF
10 Mitr. Methodiou Achilleion Palace 6:40 20:05 See PDF
11 San Rocco Pelekas 7:00 22:15 See PDF
14 San Rocco Kanalia – Kompitsi 7:15 14:00 See PDF
15a San Rocco Port Shuttle 8:15 21:15 See PDF
15b San Rocco Airport Shuttle 7:05 22:45 See PDF
18 Mitr. Methodiou Viros – Kalafationes – Varipatades 6:30 16:05 See PDF

Line 2a
Departure: Liston
Route: Kanoni – Pontikonisi
First: 06:20 – Last: 23:00
See full PDF
Line 2b
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Kefalomandouko
First: 07:50 – Last: 21:10
See full PDF
Line 4
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Potamos – Evropouli
First: 06:40 – Last: 21:10
See full PDF
Line 5
Departure: Mitr. Methodiou
Route: Kouramades – Kinopiastes
First: 06:20 – Last: 22:00
See full PDF
Line 6
Departure: Mitr. Methodiou
Route: Benitses
First: 06:30 – Last: 22:30
See full PDF
Line 7
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Dassia – Ipsos
First: 06:20 – Last: 23:00
See full PDF
Line 8
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Agios Ioannis (Aqualand)
First: 06:20 – Last: 22:15
See full PDF
Line 10
Departure: Mitr. Methodiou
Route: Achilleion Palace
First: 06:40 – Last: 20:05
See full PDF
Line 11
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Pelekas
First: 07:00 – Last: 22:15
See full PDF
Line 14
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Kanalia – Kompitsi
First: 07:15 – Last: 14:00
See full PDF
Line 15b
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Port Shuttle
First: 08:15 – Last: 21:15
See full PDF
Line 15a
Departure: San Rocco
Route: Airport Shuttle
First: 07:05 – Last: 22:45
See full PDF
Line 18
Departure: Mitr. Methodiou
Route: Viros – Kalafationes – Varipatades
First: 06:30 – Last: 16:05
See full PDF

Frequencies vary by time of day and season. See PDF for full details.

📥 Download Full Timetables (PDF)

Click on a route below to download the official PDF timetable:

Corfu Blue Bus Routes Map

Corfu Blue Bus Routes
Corfu Blue Bus Routes

🎫 Ticket type | Price (2026)

These are the prices if you buy the ticket from a kiosk. Tickets purchased from the bus driver cost €0.50 more.

Ticket Type Price
Urban route (short) €1.10
Suburban (longer) route €1.50 – €2.00
Onboard purchase +€0.50 surcharge
Day Pass (unlimited) €5.00

 

Smart Tickets & Cards

Corfu Blue Buses now use a new “smart” ticketing system that replaces the old paper tickets.
You can buy or top up tickets and cards from vending machines at San Rocco Square, Metropolitan Methodiou, and Avra terminals, or from ticket kiosks.

Two ticket types:

Non-personalized: Paper or plastic, no name on it. Used for standard or multi-ride packages.

Personalized: Plastic card with your name. Needed for student or family discounts and monthly passes.

You can recharge tickets at machines, check remaining rides online or on the app, and pay either cash or card.
Day passes, 10-ride packages, and 30-day passes are available for Zone A and Zone B.

🌐 Resources

Corfu Blue Bus Routes and Connections on a map
Corfu Blue Bus Routes and Connections on a map

💡 Tips Before You Go

  • Check your route’s departure point carefully.
  • Lines 5, 6, and 10 leave from Mitr. Methodiou Street.
  • Line 2a (to Kanoni) starts at Spianada Square, inside the Old Town.
  • Line 15 (Airport/Port) departs from San Rocco, not the Old Town.
  • Schedules may differ on Sundays and holidays.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The Blue Bus network offers excellent coverage of central Corfu at a low cost. Whether you’re heading to the beach at Ipsos, the palace at Achilleion, or need to get to the airport, the system is simple and efficient, as long as you check your line number and starting point.


Bonus Tip:

Planning your Corfu travels? Download this free, full-size map in PDF of the Blue Bus route network, featuring all routes, major stops, and central pick-up points in Corfu Town. Perfect for quick reference on the go or offline use.

📥 Download Corfu Blue Bus Routes (PDF)

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