San Stef in the winter

[Tredegar Boy]

Evening all,

My wife and I are fast (too fast) approaching an age when we'll be able to retire and we have dreams of spending it abroad, somewhere warm either permanently or over the winter and back to Wales for the summer (that'll probably be a weekend in June such as it is).

We love San Stef but wonder what it's like in the winter months. From what I can glean from previous topics its very quiet but is it too quiet? Would my wife and I find enough to do to wile away the days waiting for summer again? What are the temperatues like? A friend has recommended Tenerife as its in the low 20's there in the winter but I think San Stef is noticeably cooler than that.

Just gathering info thats all.

Any comments much appreciated. 

[katmc1]

San stefanos is shut as far as I know in winter I suppose its ok if you drive so you can go to sidari for your shopping.My doctor has told me to go over for the winter because of health issues.So I am hoping to do that but have to find some form of income.I can get somewhere to live but its money none knows any rich greek man who needs a nurse do you.I cannot think of a better place to live I love san stefanos.

[sunnygirl]

     Hi ,
           Yes it much cooler in the winter months -but still great weather for walking.
     Shopping has to be done in Sidari but the bus still runs to town (Corfu) via Sidari . 2 large , although not tesco-supermarkets are open 6 days a week.
     For snacks in the day or evenings out there is The 3 www cafe for drinks .
     Town Pizza is open at the weekends eat in,takeaway or delivery.
     Accomodation can always be found.  When we decided to stay we were advised to live thro the winter before finaly deciding. It was very good advice-you do have to like peace and quiet 'cause theres loads of it. 

[debra]

I read Travel with Friends website where they write news letters
http://www.twfcorfu.com
they write about happenings in the Winter etc.
I know there are some hotels open in April in Arillas - may fouind out on their website http://www.arillas.com

[e ritchie]

Very wet in the winter . My husband and I went in the summer we drove their from
Scotland and stayed June july and august was fantastic would do it again. We've been holidaying there for the last 30 years great place.

[hippopots]

It is a different place in the Winter. Personally we love it, but it's not for everyone!

Temp wise, on average it tends to be about 10 degrees warmer than UK. Most people heat their house with a log burner, as heating oil is pretty expensive.

It can be very wet, but not usually for long periods of time. Our first winter here in 2013 was very wet and windy. Last winter was lovely, with more sun than rain.

As mentioned, San Stef shuts for winter, with just 3 W's open, and Town Pizza at weekends, plus San Stef supermarket on reduced hours. There is a supermarket just above Arillas, or a trip to Sidari is necessary.

There are a couple of bars open in Arillas, and the night owl in Afiaonas, and Mon Amour in Kavadaddes also open.

There is a nice community feel in winter, with ex pats and Greeks socialising together, and there is also usually table top sales most weekends, but thats about it!

If you like long relaxing days, walking, and just the occasional night out, you'll love it, if you like hustle, bustle, shopping ,cinema etc, you'll go stir crazy!!

[Andy7]

It is a different place in the Winter. Personally we love it, but it's not for everyone!

Temp wise, on average it tends to be about 10 degrees warmer than UK. Most people heat their house with a log burner, as heating oil is pretty expensive.

It can be very wet, but not usually for long periods of time. Our first winter here in 2013 was very wet and windy. Last winter was lovely, with more sun than rain.

As mentioned, San Stef shuts for winter, with just 3 W's open, and Town Pizza at weekends, plus San Stef supermarket on reduced hours. There is a supermarket just above Arillas, or a trip to Sidari is necessary.

There are a couple of bars open in Arillas, and the night owl in Afiaonas, and Mon Amour in Kavadaddes also open.

There is a nice community feel in winter, with ex pats and Greeks socialising together, and there is also usually table top sales most weekends, but thats about it!

If you like long relaxing days, walking, and just the occasional night out, you'll love it, if you like hustle, bustle, shopping ,cinema etc, you'll go stir crazy!!

Hmmm, I love San Stef and visit several times a year but when I retire in 3 years I will be spending winters in Lanzarote, which is open all year round and has a much drier, warmer climate in winter.

In the summer we will spend even more time in San a Steph!

Andy

[Lesley]

Quattro are also planning to open at weekend over the winter and El Greco normally is open for mid morning coffees as well.  The village of Aviotes an easier walk in the cooler temps so you can visit Ilias Taverna which serves coffees and drinks at lunchtime and a small menu in the evenings and often has a special at the weekends.  Then we also have in the village the Cake shop, Landos Coffee shop, The old Post office coffee Bar and the lovely Havanias Meze place as well which is open for meze lunch and evening meals..... along with as above mentioned........