Le Mirage Hotel in Benitses

Le Mirage Hotel in Benitses
Tucked just a few steps from the beach, Le Mirage Hotel keeps things simple and welcoming. Guests talk about clean, quiet rooms, a bright pool area, and a family atmosphere that makes you feel looked after from day one.

Kostas and his family run the place with genuine care — helpful, humorous, always around when you need them. Breakfast is relaxed, the pool spotless, and everything you might want is just outside the gate: cafés, tavernas, the bus stop, and the sea.

Rooms come with air conditioning, a fridge, and Wi-Fi — all you need for easy summer days. It’s not luxury, but it’s good value and honestly run. A reliable choice for couples, friends, or families who prefer a laid-back base right in the middle of village life.

(See more stays nearby: central Benitses hotels and small family apartments.)

Hotel Benitses Arches

Simple comfort, great location, and genuine hospitality

Benitses Arches sits right across from the beach, in the heart of Benitses village. The hotel is modest but convenient — tavernas, shops, and the bus stop are all within a short walk. Many rooms have sea views, and the balconies catch the morning light.

Guests often mention Konstantinos at reception, known for his energy and kindness, helping with everything from directions to local tips. Rooms are basic and could use some updates, yet they’re functional, air-conditioned, and generally clean.

Service is friendly and personal, though cleaning routines aren’t always consistent. For the price, though, most find it a solid value — a small, easygoing place ideal for travelers who care more about location and atmosphere than luxury.

More hotels and apartments

El Greco Hotel in Benitses Corfu

Hotel El Greco

Kaizer bridge – Corfu – Greece
Contact Mr. Dimas Dimitris
Reservation phone numbers: +30 26610 72093 , +30 26610 72023 +30 26610 39188,
Home phone: +30 26610 81407
Fax: +30 26610 72461
e-mails: info@corfuelgreco.com

The hotel is located 9 miles south of Corfu town and just 1 mile north of the picturesque village of Benitses, on the Lefkimi national road.

It is built above the eastern slopes of Achillion Palace Hills, just 10 meters from the sea, with 43 hotel rooms in the class of 2 stars and 16 apartments belonging to the category of 3 keys, we offer quality services to visitors to Corfu since 1982.
Our large swimming pool is next to the bar at the top of the building.

El Greco hotel from the sea
El Greco hotel from the sea

The view from almost every room is panoramic towards the southern part of the island, to the Continental
coasts of Epirus and Albania, and up to Mouse Island and the peninsula of Kanoni.
Its central position makes it ideal for those wishing to explore the entire island, the sights of Corfu town, the entire east coast, and the amazing and vast beaches of the west and south of Corfu.

Fly over Benitses with a Drone

Posted in: Corfu Videos 0

Benitses of 2015 in a video from a drone, from the area Limeri in the south up to the area of Agios Stefanos to the north.

This high definition video was taken by our friend Chris Servos with his own drone: DJI inspire 1, in June of 2015
We thank Chris for his offer to our website.

Here is the channel of Chris Servos on youtube where there are many more videos from all over Corfu.

Corfu aiport landing

Corfu Airport (CFU): Terminals, Transport, and Parking

Posted in: Corfu Information 0

Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” (IATA: CFU, ICAO: LGKR) is the only airport on Corfu, located about 3 km south of Corfu Town. It has a single terminal serving domestic and international flights, with peak traffic from May to October when UK and European charter airlines operate direct routes to the island.

The airport is named after Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece. It opened in 1937, became an international airport in 1972, and today handles around 3 million passengers per year.

Address: Corfu International Airport I.Kapodistrias, 491 00, Corfu, Greece
IATA: CFU  |  ICAO: LGKR
Tel: +30 26610 89600 & +30 26610 45829
Runway: 2,375 m  |  Elevation: 6 m
Distance from Corfu Town: 3.0 km
Official website: cfu-airport.gr
Corfu airport
Corfu airport

Where Is Corfu Airport?

Corfu Airport is located 3 km south of Corfu Town, on the edge of the Garitsa peninsula, next to the Halikiopoulos Lagoon and Mouse Island. The journey between the airport and Corfu Town takes about 10–15 minutes by taxi or bus, depending on traffic.

Corfu airport from google
Corfu airport from google

Getting from Corfu Airport to Corfu Town

The fastest ways from Corfu Airport to Corfu Town are taxi (about 10 minutes, €10–15) and bus line 5 (about 10–15 minutes, around €1.20–2). Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall for travelers heading beyond Corfu Town.

By Bus

Bus line 5 runs from Corfu Airport to Corfu Town and the main bus station. The stop is just outside the main terminal entrance. At the bus station, you can connect to the blue and green buses that serve the rest of the island.

By Taxi

Taxis are available outside the terminal 24 hours a day. The fare to Corfu Town center is approximately €10, and the trip takes about 10 minutes. Pre-booking online or by phone is possible and slightly more expensive, but gives you a fixed price and a private ride.

Taxi station on Corfu airport
Taxi station at Corfu airport

By Rental Car

Car rental companies operating at Corfu Airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt, with desks in the arrivals area. You need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in your name, and to meet the minimum age requirement, usually 21.

Booking ahead is advisable in peak season, when availability is limited and rates are higher.

Terminals at Corfu Airport

Corfu Airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The ground floor contains check-in counters, baggage drop-off, security, and arrivals. The upper level has departure gates, shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

Terminal at Corfu airport
Terminal at Corfu airport

Passenger traffic has grown sharply in summer, and the terminal has been expanded over the years with additional check-in and security areas, new boarding gates, and updated passenger facilities.

Airlines Operating at Corfu Airport

Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Ryanair base operations at Corfu Airport, alongside seasonal and year-round service from major European carriers. The airline roster varies by season.

  1. British Airways
  2. easyJet
  3. TUI Airways
  4. Jet2.com
  5. Wizz Air
  6. Eurowings
  7. Lufthansa
  8. Air Serbia
  9. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
  10. Norwegian Air Shuttle
  11. Transavia
  12. Volotea

Flight schedules and airline availability change with the season. Confirm the latest routes with your airline or travel agent.

Direct Flights from the UK

Direct flights to Corfu operate from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Edinburgh, with British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI Airways, and Jet2. Flight time from the UK is typically 3 to 4 hours, depending on departure airport and airline.

Parking at Corfu Airport

Corfu Airport has a 7,000 m² parking lot next to the terminal with 271 spaces, split between short-term and long-term areas. The first 20 minutes are free for drop-offs. Payment is by cash or card at automated machines in the lot.

Corfu airport entrance
Corfu airport entrance

Designated spaces are available for travelers with reduced mobility. The lot is monitored by cameras and airport staff. Parking rates rise in peak season, and alternatives such as taxis, buses, or pre-booked transfers can be cheaper for longer stays.

Parking Tel: +30 26610 39542

Facilities at Corfu Airport

ATMs

Several ATMs are located throughout the terminal, near check-in, departures, and baggage claim. They are operated by major banks and accept Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro, dispensing euros. Check with your bank about fees and daily withdrawal limits before use.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange offices are in the public areas of the terminal, usually near check-in and arrivals. Rates and commissions vary between providers. Exchanging a small amount at the airport and using a card for larger transactions is usually more economical.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Connect to the “Airport Free Wi-Fi” network and follow the registration steps, which may require an email address or phone number. The network can slow down at peak times.

Duty-Free and Shops

Duty-free shops are located in the departures area after security, selling cosmetics, fragrances, tobacco, alcohol, and confectionery. Other retail and dining outlets include clothing, accessories, electronics, cafes, and restaurants.

Luggage Storage

Corfu Airport does not offer luggage storage. Checked and carry-on baggage limits vary by airline; confirm the rules with your airline or travel agent.

Hotels Near the Airport

Hotels within a short distance of Corfu Airport include the Bretagne Hotel (about 1.5 km), Bella Venezia Hotel in Corfu Town (about 2.5 km), and several villa complexes in the surrounding area. A wider range of hotels and guesthouses is available a short drive away in Corfu Town and the nearby resorts.

Check-In and Security Times

Arrive 2–3 hours before departure for international flights and 1–2 hours for domestic flights. Security queues lengthen in summer, especially on peak changeover days, so allow extra time between June and September.

Security Check

Security wait times at Corfu Airport vary by time of day, season, and passenger volume. Lines are longest in summer. The standard guidance of arriving 2–3 hours before departure covers check-in, baggage, security, and boarding.

Transfers and Shuttles

Private transfers, shared shuttles, and hotel shuttle services operate from Corfu Airport to destinations across the island. Private transfers are direct; shared shuttles may stop at multiple hotels. Booking ahead secures availability and better rates, and some hotels arrange transfers on request.

Plane Spotting at Kanoni and Perama

The area around Kanoni, Perama, and the bridge connecting them is the best vantage point for watching takeoffs and landings at Corfu Airport. The airport’s position next to Mouse Island, Vlacherna Monastery, and the Halikiopoulos Lagoon makes the approach one of the most scenic in Europe.

Corfu Airport History

Corfu Airport opened on March 22, 1937, with a 600 m runway and the landing of a Heston Phoenix piloted by Efstratios Xidis. After World War II, the runway was extended by about 200 m using rubble from bombed buildings to reclaim part of Halikiopoulos Lake.

From inside Corfu airport
From inside Corfu airport

The final runway extension took place between 1957 and 1959, bringing it to 2,400 m and close to the Kanoni–Perama span. The first passenger flight, with seven passengers on an Avro Anson of AME, flew on April 19, 1949. AME and HELLAS later merged into TAE, which was acquired by Aristotle Onassis and became the basis of Olympic Airways in 1957.

The first passenger terminal was built in 1962, expanded in 1968, and completed in 1972, the year the airport became international.

FAQ: Corfu Airport

What is the airport code for Corfu?
Corfu International Airport’s IATA code is CFU and its ICAO code is LGKR. The airport is named after Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of Greece.

How far is Corfu Airport from Corfu Town?
Corfu Airport is about 3 km south of Corfu Town, roughly 10–15 minutes by taxi or bus.

How do I get from Corfu Airport to Corfu Town?
Take bus line 5 from outside the terminal (about €1.20–2, 10–15 minutes) or a taxi from the rank outside arrivals (about €10–15, 10 minutes). Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall.

How many terminals does Corfu Airport have?
Corfu Airport has one terminal building serving both domestic and international flights, with check-in and arrivals on the ground floor and departures, shops, and restaurants upstairs.

Does Corfu Airport have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal on the “Airport Free Wi-Fi” network. Registration may require an email address or phone number.

Is there parking at Corfu Airport?
Yes. The parking lot next to the terminal has 271 spaces across short-term and long-term areas, with the first 20 minutes free for drop-offs. Payment is by cash or card at automated machines.

How early should I arrive at Corfu Airport?
Arrive 2–3 hours before international departures and 1–2 hours before domestic flights. Allow more time in summer, when security queues are longest.

Wrapping Up

Corfu International Airport (CFU) is the only airport on the island and the main entry point for visitors arriving by air. It sits 3 km south of Corfu Town, has a single terminal, and handles around 3 million passengers a year, with the busiest period from May to October.

Getting to Corfu Town is straightforward by bus line 5 or taxi, and rental cars are available in arrivals for travelers heading further afield. Facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, and parking next to the terminal.

For more on the island, see our Corfu Island Guide and guide to Corfu Old Town.

Greece of 1900 – 1930 with More Old Photos

Posted in: Old Greece Photos 0

More old photos from Greece of 1903-1930, photos by Fred Boissonnas that show a quiet and different world.
All photos are in high resolution, open them in a new tab to see them in large size.

1 … 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 … 51