Corfu Travel Blog: An Insider’s View of Corfu Greece

Last updated on August 31st, 2024 at 09:13 pm

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 used to spend their time on the beaches and in the two or three traditional taverns that existed then.

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 were Moody Blues, they used to play their wooden guitars on the Kaizer’s bridge.

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, it was the golden era of the “Greek kamaki”, a term known by older ages.

It was a beautiful era, a time that today’s sixty-plus-year-old 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 following photos belong and were made public on Facebook by Chris Hayward who was DJ in 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.

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 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, 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?

If you are wondering what is this below? It was the entrance of 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?

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Last updated on October 6th, 2023 at 08:05 am

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 local residents, but a lot of efforts are being made to keep improving the infrastructure in order 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 these plans are currently on hold and remain a dream.

Despite the current economic problems those of the 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 is 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 been developed inevitably, the truth is that the picture of 1940 shows a much more pastoral scene …. those electricity wires of today look terrible anyway…

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Last updated on January 18th, 2025 at 03:27 pm

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:

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.

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