Something Different To Do This Summer

Perhaps you didn't think of...

Sagiada Thesprotia - Mud Baths

Across the channel from Gouvia Marina - on Mainland Greece - sits a tiny fishing village, Sagiada. The wonderfully formed port is full of life and well worth a visit.
Surprisingly busy considering it's compact size - yet remarkably peaceful - Sagiada offers a diverse range of activities that one must experience.
Surrounded by historical sites and places of interest, this picturesque base will give you perfect access to many sites.
Now for something different....
.....Sagiada is home to rare MEDICINAL MUD BATHS! These Mud Baths use locally sourced, volcanic mud. The 'Special' Mud has health properties for many different ailments.
Treat yourself to a splash in the mud. Immerse yourself in the pre-filled mudbaths provided. Allow the paste to harden on your skin, in the warm sun, while taking in the amazing scenery and surroundings. Take a shower - which are also provided - and feel the instant skin benefits.

This working community is peaceful yet bursting with character. Choose a restaurant on the keyside and soak up the atmosphere. This is the place to order seafood! Renouned for it's fresh prawns, mussels, squid and mullet, everyone has the chance to enjoy the exquisite food on offer. The selection will allow for everyones taste. 
While you relax you will also have the chance to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.

(Children and anyone with severe heart problems are not allowed to use mudbaths)



Madalena Boat Cruise

If you are looking for a different experience whilst visiting Corfu, a fantastic way to view the Island from a different perspective, is onboard 'The Madalena', a beautiful, wooden, day-cruising boat, with generous space for large groups to enjoy a comfortable day out at sea.
Captain Spyros welcomes everyone onboard and sets off on voyage. While Madalena calmly cruises along the Corfiut coastline, coffee and cakes are offered. There is plenty time to appreciate the breathtaking views, whilst surrounded by clear blue seas.
The carefully selected destination is a secluded beach in one of Corfu's most beautiful bays. While everyone is lazing in the sun, dipping in and out of the inviting water, Spyros is hard at work, preparing a delicious Greek bbq  for everyone to enjoy on the beach, relaxing in paradise.

Back on board, you can relax with as many refreshments as you like, all day!
All food and drink is included.

Plenty opportunities arise to jump straight off the boat into the sea - if you so wish - as several stops are made along the way, to allow for further exploration. Another stop off at a beautiful beach cafe for coffee, and back on board for the return journey.
If the mood is right, Spyros cranks up the party music and some get up for a dance. A Brilliant Day Out for everyone!

Melodies Music Bar

For an evening of entertainment, head to Melodies Music Bar in Gouvia. In the centre of Gouvia, you will find a groovy little bar. Easily recognisable from the music notes on the ground outside, and the music beat coming from inside. Many themed nights occur here, and you might be lucky enough to meet Elvis.
Get stuck in to the array of fancy cocktails on offer.

 Corfu Donkey Sanctuary

Set within Corfu's most beautiful scenery, lies Corfu Donkey Rescue. Please come and visit this wonderful place, to see first hand the work that this fabulous charity engages in.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the scenery and the donkeys. Please consider making a small donation to any of the animal charities on Corfu. They really need as much help as they can get.

 Casino Corfu

A short trip into Corfu Town will bring you to Corfu Casino. A small elegant Casino within The Corfu Palace Hotel.

Texas hold em Poker, Roulette, Live Games, Blackjack and Slot Machines can be found on location.

Drink, Dine and Play in one location.
Dress Code - Smart/Casual

Easter in Corfu

There is one piece of knowledge you must possess about Corfu. It is the No.1 place to visit during Easter. The quiet archways of the Old Town - where shoppers and sightseers are found meandering along, soaking up the atmosphere of the classical architechture and relaxed streets - become the hotspot for a frenzie of flying pottery and guns firing, in celebration of the beginning of Easter.

Crowds cheer as huge red pots are thrown from the highest balconies, towering over the narrow streets. The excited spectators take shelter in shop entrances and tuck neatly into doorways, It is a crazy sight to see.
As the Pots come smashing down on the road, the celebrations kick in, lead by the brass bands from every community in Corfu, marching throught the overcrowded streets with purpose. 

Why do they smash red pots in Corfu, at Easter?

There are a few stories.

• Every Easter Saturday, The ressurection of Jesus Christ is first announced at 11am. Everyone states 'Christ has Risen' and throws Red clay pots filled with water, out of their windows.

• Throwing the pots may symbolise ridding the house of bad spirits. This originates from Venetian New Years Day, where it was traditional to rid the home of old,energy, to make way for the new.

• Another reason is to celebrate the end of the 40 Days of Lent.

• It may symbolise 'The Stoning of Judas'. It is believed this practice was once used to rid the Jews from the streets of Corfu. 

Whatever the true reason is, high festivities are guaranteed every year.

ADVICE

Arrive in plenty of time.
Don't be put off by jumping on a bus - you may get further than if you take the car!
LEAVE THE CAR!!! I Repeat LEAVE THE CAR!!!
If you are not in the crowd by 10.45, don't bother trying, you will waste your energy.
The number of visitors for this short time slot is high - If you are not keen on crowds avoid this event, There are many more celebrations to attend throughout the Weekend.

 FIREWORKS 

Everyone loves fireworks. If you fancy something different, take your boat from Gouvia Marina on the Sunday night and head for the Old Fortress where you can watch the Easter fireworks display from the water. Here you will have the ultimate view of the fireworks as they illuminate the fortress below.

Gouvia Marina Ski Trip

From Marina to Mountain

Setting sail repairs and antifouling tasks aside, Gouvia Marina went Skiing. A group of happy sea lovers, left Corfu to seek out the snow and try their sea legs on skis. Snowboarders and skiers of all levels took to the slopes for a weekend of fun.

The North of Greece is a magical place in the winter, the highest mountain peaks glisten with snow. The ferry ride to the mainland, followed by a 2 hour coach journey, flew by, thanks to the nibbles, refreshments and high spirits.

Lanoi Hotel - Samarina

http://www.lanoi.gr/index_en.php
 
We arrived at the hotel and were greeted with a extremly cosy atmosphere, open fire and warm welcome.
The rooms did not disappoint either. A warm cosy room, traditional but modern decor, The bed was wonderfully soft and overy comfortable. The Duvet was the really heavy kind that pins you to the bed and devours you.
This is then crowned with the most picturesque view you could hope for.

Beautiful surroundings, Wonderful atmosphere, Welcoming family, Fantastic facilities.
A truly fantastic hotel. 


Vasilitsa Ski Resort

The North of Greece is home to a wide variety of ski slopes. The Metsovo Area now has 5 impressive working slopes. However, Vasilitsa remains undiscovered to a certain extent.

Sat within the Pindos Mountain range, nearly 2000m at it's highest altitude, Vasilitsa Ski slopes snake through gatherings of beautiful black pine trees. The picturesque setting not only has the perfect conditions for the advanced snowboarder or skier, it is a wonderful untouched area.

Home to Wild Boar and Brown Bears, the beauty may fool you. The chance of meeting a bear is slim, but you may be lucky enough to witness wild boar in their natural habitat.

You will also find on location, bars and a cafe, to warm up, chill out, recoup, spectate, or to simply soak up the atmosphere, while the DJ spins his tunes, all day long.
Ski Hire and Toilets are also onsite. The neighbouring villages all contain accomodation for rent. You will find a fantastic choice of Hotels, Villas, Rooms, Apartments and Chalets.


How to Get There?

• Ferry from Corfu - 1hr 45mins
• Drive/Hire Car - Approx - 90Euro (total cost inc fuel) - Approx 2hrs 30mins drive.
•  Locate local Accommodation
• Ski

*Be aware there are no Banks or Cash machines locally!

Weather Forecast 

Link - http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Vasilitsa

This is simply another reason, why Corfu is such a superb location all year round.
From sailing in Summer, to skiing in Winter, Boredom is impossible. 

Water Toys and Gadgets

 Fun NEW products on sale this season

  Perusing some of the Superyachts in Gouvia Marina, you would expect them to have everything you could ever imagine. 


  This is true to a certain extent, some even have their own Garages, filled with some of the most exciting water sport gadgets around.

 However, new technologies are being created all the time. So, I have compiled a list of some of the coolest fun nautical products I have discovered online. 

1. Bounce Splash Water Trampoline

http://www.yachtdiver.com/bounce-splash-water-trampoline.shtml

The 'Bounce-N-Splash Padded Water Bouncer' offers bouncing trampoline fun on the Water! 

2. The 'HotTug'

Link - http://www.hottug.nl/hottug_en.htm

The HotTug is a wood-fired hot tub, that floats and cruises while you enjoy a a warm jacuzzi.

3. Hydro Bike

Link - rdrmarine.com/products/plasticWaterToys.html

The HydroBike is a bike with a twist. Propel yourself along the water on this great new aquatic sports gadget.
  Don't miss out on this fantastic product.


4. Inflatable Water Toys

LINK - http://rdrmarine.com/products/inflatableWaterToys.html

Pack maximum fun and excitement into an easily manageable package with these fun inflatable water toys.

5.Hydro Bronc

LINK chinesewaterball.com/product/detail-362-.html

The water walker, for land or sea. Ride the ocean waves. Hydro Bronc is human powered and great exercise. 

Earthquake Shook Corfu

Today, at 10.04 am, An Earthquake measuring 4.5 hit North of Corfu. Everyone paused as the ground shook and objects rattled. If you were on board a yacht at the time, you would have felt nothing out the ordinary. (Or if you were fast asleep like myself, you missed it completely) 

As we sit surrounded by fault lines, there is a guarantee of some reasonable earthquakes being felt throughout the year.
Poseidon, God of the Seas, also known as 'Earthshaker' is pertinent to the Island.
Lover of many. Father of an array of children. Pursuing, conquesting and kidnapping women were his traits. Both Godesses and mortal women were on his list.
Corfu is named after one of his conquests, korkyra. 
Regardless if you believe the myths or not, the Earthshaker was definately present today.