A small video showing purse seine vessels and fishing boats as they were fishing in the decades of 60-70 and 80
Fishing with Purse Seine – Gri Gri
Posted in: Corfu Videos
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Ruins of Roman Villa with Baths in Benitses
Posted in: Corfu Historical Sites & Points of Interest
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Remains of a Roman villa with baths in Benitses
Let’s clarify. When we talk about Roman baths in Benitses, don’t picture the grand public Roman baths found throughout the ancient empire.
Here, we’re referring to just a simple house in ruins once owned by a relatively wealthy Roman citizen who used it as a summer residence almost 2,000 years ago.
It was a typical Roman house with running water, hence the exaggerated title “baths,” and adorned flooring suggesting its affiliation with a wealthy family. As you notice we never use this title, we call it as it is, a Roman house with pipes for running water.
The floor is from a later period and features an elaborate arrangement of black and white marble pieces. It’s the only significant remnant of the building, but unfortunately, it is now buried underground and inaccessible to visitors.
The decision to bury the floor again and fence the site stemmed from tourists’ behavior, as they used to take small pieces of the floor as souvenirs. This led the Antiquities Authority to bury it, preserving what remained after the looting by “civilized tourists,” (those who now know how to write ‘good reviews’ on this… Tripadvisor) and enclosing the area with a metal fence.
This was deemed necessary as the archaeological value of the site wasn’t considered high enough to justify a permanent guard.
Given the sheer number of ancient, buildings in Greece, assigning guards to all is impractical. In essence, the site holds minimal archaeological value.
However, the orchard and the surrounding area are systematically cleaned 4-5 times a year to prevent the vegetation from engulfing the building within a few months.
This information is shared to set realistic expectations for your visit. We’ve come across amusing reviews on Tripadvisor that highlight the importance of managing expectations.
Official government Description
There are remains of a Roman villa with baths on the Kapsokavadis family land, in the centre of the village of Benitses.
At the East end, there is a large hall (Caldarium in Latin), with dimensions 4.70 x 6m, its entrance is from the north and the housing is based on arches (ride).
The walls are almost one meter (90 centimeters) thick and are built of the same size bricks and mortar, in some places the stones are irregular, elsewhere there are bricks and mortar, and preserved at the bottom are sections that were probably made of marble.
In the four corners and the centre of each wall are clay water pipes.
The floor has a very colorful mosaic with geometric jewels and has a rectangular opening communicating with the basement area (hypocaust) whose central area was surrounded by a vaulted corridor.
In the South wall, there is a small semicircular niche, its floor is lower than the rest and separated from the rest by a low wall.
Left of the semicircular apse there is a rectangle.
At the west end, there is a corridor (with dimensions 0.90 X4, 80m.) that was barrel-vaulted.
Southwest of the first room there is another arched room (Frigidarium), whose dimensions are 4,40 X5,50m.
The floor is of a later period and contains pieces of black and white marble. On the north side, a low wall separates this room from the water tank to the north whose base is 2.50 m lower down.
Other large areas have been partly excavated in the adjacent property to the west.
Of the top of the building, nothing has been saved, and of course, there is no trace of any roof.
How to reach the Corfu Roman villa with baths?
Because the access to the monument is a bit weird… as it is hidden behind houses, we prepared a little guide with photos of the trail that leads there, from the main road right up to the monument.
Somewhere in the village’s inner main street, just opposite the entrance of the Marina, you’ll spot Captain Octopus restaurant on the left (first picture) and the old characteristic renovated house of the second photo on the right.
You must walk to the end of the yard between those two and at your right-hand side, you will find the narrow path of the third photo.
Don’t be discouraged, follow this path and after 3-4 yards on your left side, you will see the narrow street of the fourth photo.
Arriving at the end of it you will find an opening as shown in the fifth photo, after 50 more yards on your right you will find the baths as they look in the last picture.
Roman remains around the island
Roman remains are not something many visitors associate with Corfu, but traveling around you can get glimpses that show you that their occupation was definitely not a quick holiday stop!
Many conquerors have left their marks on the island, the history of Corfu is a fascinating glimpse into power struggles, and the rise and fall of dynasties.
The Roman period is less well known than later times but was an extremely important time for the island.
Legend says that Nero watched a play in the theatre at Kassiopi– now disappeared sadly.
There are however Roman remains to be found in many villages around the island, Acharavi, Moraitika, and Benitses to name but a few. Indeed in Benitses, the remains of a splendid Roman bath with mosaics can be seen.
One of the most famous naval battles in history, in Actium, where Augustus Caesar (then Octavius) destroyed the fleet of Antony and Cleopatra, was fought in the seas just south of Corfu, and Caesar’s victory was celebrated by building a large city near the modern town of Preveza, called unsurprisingly Nicopolis, which in Greek means Victory City (Niki = Victory & Polis = Town).
At the northern end of the Corfu channel, on the Albanian coast, is located the remains of Butrint, an important archaeological site containing Roman remains, as well as relics of older Greek civilizations that have colonized this coast.
Corfu has always been very important strategically, as the entrance to the Adriatic Sea.
The main road to Rome, the Appian Way, began at Brindisi, the Italian port a bit to the north of Corfu, where today’s ferry passengers also disembark.
It was also the gateway to the eastern empire and for ships needing to refresh supplies of food and water, it was an essential stop.
Benitses Corfu of The 60s to 80s and The Legendary ‘Spiros on the Beach’
Posted in: All Info to Benitses
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The First Tourists of the 60s in Benitses
When we try to bring memories from Corfu of the 60s, 70s, and ’80s, the first place that comes to mind is Benitses.
In the early 60s, the first visitors began arriving in Benitses.
Many were wealthy and famous and were looking for beautiful traditional places such as Benitses.
Stage and screen designer Roger Furse and his actor and playwright friend Emlyn Williams had both bought land and built villas overlooking the sea, as had the publisher Hamish Hamilton.
Benitses was visited by famous actors and singers of the era, such as Peter Ustinov, Rex Harrison, Vivien Leigh, and Laurence Olivier.
Paul McCartney, Ava Gardner, Warren Beatty, Paul Newman, Doris Day, Gregory Peck, and Audrey Hepburn were among others who fell under the spell of the peaceful village.
Celebrities in Benitses of the 60s – With photos
Most of them saw it as an escape from civilization and the paparazzi of the era; they would spend their time on the beaches and in the two or three traditional taverns that existed at the time.
Vivien Leigh planned to buy a home nearby, and during the last years of her life, she visited her friends here in summer and winter.
George Harrison of the Beatles spent several days in Benitses water skiing.
Another regular visitor was John Lennon, who stayed in Agios Ioannis, three kilometers south of Benitses, in a room behind the restaurant of the Pachis family.
Inspired by the landscapes of Benitses in their songs, the Moody Blues used to play their wooden guitars on the Kaiser’s bridge.
From a 1967 album, with paintings of the painter Giannis Migadis, is the old cafe “Skaloma”. The photo was found on a blog; unfortunately, it is of very low resolution.
The music producer of the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever, Jesus Christ Superstar, and other notable productions, Robert Stigwood, made his appearance usually with his large yacht and used to organize big parties before leaving.
We can’t forget Cat Stevens, who, when out with a group of young friends, borrowed the guitar of the young Kostas Zochios. A few months later, he sent a new guitar as a gift to Kostas, this guitar is still treasured.
Although we have quite a rich collection of old photos, unfortunately, there is none with these people, but as we are sure that somewhere there are some, we will continue looking.
All of these may seem strange to today’s youngsters, but it is part of our history and perhaps interesting for other people who are a bit older.
It was the time that Benitses began to build their reputation, which during the 70s, brought a big wave of organized tourism, especially young women who came to Corfu not only for the sea and sun. The golden era of the “Greek kamaki”, a term known by older generations.
It was a beautiful era, a time that today’s sixty-plus-year-olds remember with nostalgia.
Spiros on the Beach
Just saying it brings back memories
Saying Spiros on the beach means a small seaside restaurant which, in a very short time, became the ultimate legend of Corfu nightlife during the 1970s and early 80s.
All the following photos belong and were made public on Facebook by Chris Hayward, who was the DJ at Spiros on the Beach during the 80s
The glorious decade of the 70s
Spiros on the beach was nothing remarkable, a small building a few square meters large, with an outdoor dancing area merging seamlessly with the beach.
This space was covered with the simplest material possible, with mats around the side and forming a roof.
Loud music of the era was played, simple lighting effects were used, and in the middle was a primitive wooden dancing floor.
All these were the ingredients that formed the almost legendary Spiros on the beach, the most “in” place of the 70s, the nightclub, the disco as they called them then, which every tourist visiting the island of Corfu was bound to visit!
From 1975 until 1985 it was the undisputed king of the Corfiot nightlife, gathering more than 3000 people every night, some to drink, others to listen to music, dance, and have a good time, and some to engage in the informal “sport” which increased the Greek reputation for being great lovers, the famous harpoon!… Kamaki!
The small bar was not able to accommodate all patrons and at some point, the customers paid for the drinks with banknotes without getting any change back, there was no time, and the pressure was so great, but despite paying three or four times more than expected they still felt happy that they had managed to get a drink at Spiros on the beach.
Music Hits Of the 70s – Oldies in 20 minutes!
This mix was created in 1982 and digitized in 2008. Our purpose was to provide just a taste of the 70s by playing only a few seconds from the most popular hits of that era.
70s-all-artists
Spiros on the beach had such an impact on youth at the time that the music sounded from the loudspeakers helped shape the musical taste of youngsters of the 70s.
Its reputation had surpassed the confines of Corfu, and especially in Great Britain, it was well known. “Spiros on the beach” was a place that many older people still remember.
Today, the area looks deserted, apart from some old abandoned buildings; there is nothing there, as the owner Spiros Poulis died young at the age of 50.
This article was written to keep the memories alive. This disco was a big part of the history of tourism for our village and made a tremendous contribution to the tourist promotion of Benitses at the time.
We found a Greek night barbeque ad of Spiros on the beach, it was September of 1974!!!… Certainly written on a typewriter and then came out on photocopies, computers did not exist then either in our imagination, click it to read.
What was the nightlife like in Benitses, Corfu, in the 80s?
Benitses then was the center of Corfu nightlife, its name became synonymous with nightlife, and it helped to bring more tourists in the following decade, the 1980s.
For over twenty years, Benitses was the holiday mecca for hordes of young British tourists, who were brought by major tour operators from the UK, although some were Greek-owned.
There was a time when on a road only two kilometers long were over 100 bars, nightclubs, and dozens of shops, Benitses had 10,000 people every night.
Those who lived here saw many tourists, some staying in the village, but others coming from all over the island who came to party the night away.
Meanwhile, the locals continued their lives by fishing as usual; that’s a small video from that era.
Then the problems began and increased every year, and there was a reaction by local people who objected to the drunkenness, promiscuity, and vandalism of some of these young people.
The tourists themselves were also unhappy, even young ones often complaining that they did not like to go out at night because of the bad behavior of others.
Inevitably, there were quarrels between local and foreign men over girls. The party had stopped being fun.
In the early 90s, the local people began to react, and many tourists were also complaining to the tour operators, some demanding refunds.
Tour companies began directing young people wanting to go crazy to go somewhere else.
For years later the number of visitors continued to decline as the village tried to live down its ‘party’ image.
A large number of shops, bars, etc., could not be sustained and closed one after another.
What is left today of those Benitses Clubs?
Get a glimpse of what is left from the photos below, and just consider that some buildings are missing, for instance, the club Babylon, which remembers it? We will add some photos soon!
If you are wondering what this is below? It was the entrance of the Paradise Club, I mean, what is left now, there isn’t any better angle to take a good shot, as the place is surrounded by uncontrolled vegetation.
Summer Villa of the Shipowner Pateras
In the above photo, you see the bay of Koutsomaroula as it was in 1960; then, there were only two or three houses, with the biggest one in the center.
It was the summer villa of the shipowner Pateras (Pateras is the Greek word for father), the father of the former(2011) President of the football club Panathinaikos.
Later, shortly after 1980, the villa was sold and demolished, and a nightclub called STADIUM was built there, a nightclub with a huge capacity and full of life.
Today, STADIUM operates as a nightclub and in recent years has become a popular venue for weddings, christenings, banquets, and other events.
What happened to the STADIUM Club?
Well, here’s the scoop: it’s recently changed hands, now owned by the same folks who run the luxury Angsana Hotel in Benitses.
Whispers in the wind suggest there are plans for posh villas to grace the spot, but that’s the extent of our intel for now. Exciting times are ahead, right?
Benitses 2023, a Place for Quite Family Holidays
Posted in: All Info to Benitses
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Benitses today
Today, Benitses is still developing, trying to attract more discerning visitors by upgrading the infrastructure whilst being careful to preserve the traditional look that it has never lost.
Tourism remains the main source of income for residents, but a lot of efforts are being made to keep improving the infrastructure to attract an increasing number of visitors.
The current priority is to complete the harbor and the new yachting marina so that it will start to bring income to the village.
Other important projects, such as a large artificial beach and the paving of internal roads, are planned, but unfortunately, due to the present economic crisis, we are experiencing that these plans are currently on hold and remain a dream.
Despite the current economic problems, those residents who have the skills and ideas feel obliged to strive to implement the plans and achieve as much as possible.
We must not sit back because of the crisis but keep trying for a better future, because even if it happens that Europe does not exist in the form we know it, Greece, Corfu, and Benitses will still be here, it is our home and we must keep it vital and alive.
We found an old photo of Benitses taken in 1940, taken from almost the same position as the current picture, so we thought it was useful to put them together to see firsthand the huge changes that time has brought.
We see the differences, the current picture is taken from a point about 50 feet ahead and a little more left from this of 1940, that is the only difference.
The mountains are the same, but the coastline has inevitably been developed. The truth is that the picture of 1940 shows a much more pastoral scene …. those electricity wires of today look terrible anyway…
Benitses Marina: Now managed by ATHENIAN YACHTS S.A.
Posted in: All Info to Benitses
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A Luxury Boutique Marina
Benitses Marina lies in the charming village of Benitses on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu.
You’ll find yourself strolling along the promenade, bathed in the warm Mediterranean sun, as you take in the breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
What makes this picture-perfect scene even more special is the heart of the village – the Benitses Harbor. Let’s dive into the story of this harbor, from its historical roots to the modern-day experiences it offers.
Benitses itself is known for its beautiful beaches, traditional charm, and vibrant local culture, making it a popular destination for tourists and boating enthusiasts.
Apart from Benitses and Gouvia Marina in Corfu, there are thousands of incredible boat and yacht rentals across Europe and options worldwide for travelers of all ages looking to experience the water.
If you are interested in a full report about other boating destinations across Europe, there is a good report here about the Top 15 Boating Destinations in Europe for 2024
Marina Overview:
- Size and Capacity: Benitses Marina can accommodate 96 boats up to 25 meters in length, including yachts and smaller boats. It was agreed that 10 berths would be made available free of charge to local professional fishermen. It’s a relatively smaller marina than others on Corfu, making it a more intimate and quieter location for docking.
- Facilities: The marina is equipped with essential facilities for boaters, such as water and electricity hookups. It may also offer services such as fuel supply, waste disposal, and possibly minor repair services. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.
- Access and Navigation: The marina’s location offers easy access to the Ionian Sea, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding waters, nearby islands, and coastal attractions. The waters around Benitses are generally calm, and the marina provides a haven for docking.
- Security: As with most marinas, special personnel and security measures, including surveillance and controlled access, are in place to ensure the safety of the docked vessels and their crew.
Nearby Attractions:
- Benitses Village: The village itself is worth exploring, with its mix of traditional tavernas, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Corfu Town: A short drive away is Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its historic architecture, vibrant streets, and cultural landmarks.
- Natural Beauty: The surrounding area is known for its lush landscapes and clear waters, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
Benitses Marina offers a charming and peaceful spot for boaters exploring Corfu and the Ionian Sea.
It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more relaxed and traditional Greek island experience.
A Glimpse into History
To truly appreciate the significance of Benitses Marina, we must delve into its historical roots.
The residents of Benitses have long relied on fishing and the cultivation of citrus and olives as their primary means of sustenance.
Naturally, a shelter for their fishing boats was essential, and so they decided to take matters into their own hands.
Work on the harbor commenced with the dedication of residents and a handful of mechanical aids. In the early stages, the process was labor-intensive and community-driven, as seen in old photographs of those initial efforts.
It’s important to note that the construction of the current marina didn’t entail the destruction of a beach, as some might assume. Instead, it involved expanding the old port by filling in part of the harbor to create a larger land area.
Over the years, two significant engineering projects have taken place in the harbor area, inevitably altering some of its picturesque landscapes.
A notable development was the shifting of the road away from the houses, addressing safety concerns, and accommodating the increasing traffic flow.
The first infill project began in 1972, covering the creek in the old port area where the road now lies.
The second major project took place during the construction of the marina in 2002, covering nearly the entire area within the old harbor’s boundaries.
The Benitses Harbor has come a long way since its inception. Historically, it was a bustling fishing harbor, and its transformation into the Benitses Yacht Marina commenced in 2002 as an extension of the existing port.
While it is officially complete, some equipment has endured wear and tear over the years due to a lack of upkeep and maintenance.
However, fret not! The harbor’s future looks bright. Soon, the Benitses Yacht Marina will officially fall under the purview of the Municipality of Corfu and resume its regular operations.
This step is bound to rejuvenate the harbor and breathe new life into this picturesque corner of the island.
Benitses Yacht Marina Today
The Benitses Yacht Marina was conceived to attract affluent visitors and their yachts.
The idea was to offer top-notch anchorage facilities to entice these travelers while boosting the local economy directly through mooring fees and indirectly through their spending.
However, the marina currently faces some challenges due to equipment shortages and damage, coupled with a lack of official operators.
As a result, its operations are somewhat rudimentary. Many ships are moored here, and there’s a growing demand for space.
Residents are eager to clarify the commercial status of the port.
March 2021 – Lease of the tourist port of Benitses
In March 2021, the Greek government made a significant move by leasing the tourist boat shelter to a private company for the next 15 years, with the possibility of two 5-year extensions.
Maritime Projects secured the lease for an annual amount of €250,000, along with approximately 2% local tax on turnover.
While this lease promises financial benefits for the Municipality of central Corfu, the local community of Benitses is expected to receive only a meager annual sum of €5,000 from the €250,000 lease revenue. Understandably, this has sparked some local controversy.
The lease also imposes restrictions on the company, preventing it from operating cafes or restaurants, and only allowing a leisure bar.
The decisions surrounding the lease were made after discussions (at least this is what they said) with the local council, which is closely aligned with the ruling party.
What Lies Ahead
As per the contract, the lessor is responsible for providing the necessary studies and permits for the port at their expense.
Following the granting of the operating license and the first round of repairs, the harbor was expected to start operating at the end of June or the beginning of July 2021.
An official inauguration ceremony took place on July 5, graced by the presence of a government minister.
For local professional fishermen, there’s a silver lining: 10 berths at the tourist port of Benitses are available free of charge. Additionally, amateur fishermen will have access to the sea via a ramp for their boats at a nominal cost.
The fate of the parking lot space remains uncertain. While there are rumors that it will reopen as a paid service after repair work is completed, this is not explicitly stated in the contract.
Fortunately, the parking area became operational again in 2022, albeit with a small and reasonable fee. But after a year or so, it became a parking lot only for the customers.
And because nothing lasts forever
Athenian Yachts S.A. announced the acquisition of Benitses Marina in Corfu, following a contract signed on October 14, 2024. This move continues the company’s vision for expanding its operations, which began in April 2024 with the acquisition of 50% of Messolonghi Marina. From now on, Benitses Marina will serve as the sole charter service base on the island of Corfu, replacing Gouvia Marina.
Benitses Marina is one of only 9 marinas worldwide to receive the 5 Gold Anchors award from the Yacht Harbour Association for the exceptional quality of its services. Additionally, it has been certified as an International Clean Marina and has been declared “Best Marina 2023.”
Overall
In essence, the Benitses Marina, once a vital fishing port, has evolved into a significant tourist hub.
Its journey through history, challenges, and recent developments is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this picturesque village on the shores of Corfu.
Whether you’re a traveler seeking a glimpse into the island’s heritage or a maritime enthusiast eager to explore the Ionian Sea, Benitses Marina offers an array of experiences and stories waiting to be discovered.
The STADIUM of FC Club Benitses
The STADIUM of FC Club Benitses Inaugurated today 04.01.2015
