General info please

[Pally88]

Hi. This is our first post.
Going to San Stefanos in August. The beach looks really quiet. Is it always like that? Do the sun beds get busy and does anyone know how much they cost a day? Is the beach sandy/shingle/stoney/other?
Questions about the town. Is there a bank/cash machine? Any advise on vegetarian options at restaurants?  Any good car hirers?
Thanks

 

[stressed0506]

Hiya Pally,
You will undoubtedly love the village.

The beach is very very long and is wonderfully sandy. There are always lots of sun beds. The usual rate is something like 8 euros per day for two beds and an umbrella that is then yours for the day.

There are lots of wonderful places to eat. Just browse the forum to get some ideas.
There many traditional greek taverna type places and this year there is apparently even a Chinese. Everywhere you choose to eat will be good! There are specials in most places for about 8 -9 Euros.

There is one ATM outside of the Thomas Bay Hotel (in the centre of the village) but it is not to be depended upon. It can run out of funds. (Although I have never had a prob with it)

If you have any specific questions just post them here and someone will answer!
it's a special place and the people who go there are generally great.

[debra]

Hi Pally

Yes the beach is wonderful, as you walk along it there is a feeling of space - because it is so long.  We love that - even in the height of season.  I suppose it would be termed a quiet beach but the beach tavernas are great.  The Havana Bar is funky and plays up to date music and filled with beautiful Greek folks!!  The sea is amazing and crystal clear with a sandy bottom - I love it because there is no shingle.  Lets not forget the incredible sunsets....................

[Jules]

The sea is also very safe as you have to go out a long way before you can't touch the bottom.

[tonyco1]

The resort tends to sit in a cycle of good weather, usually always sunny, and with a lovely breeze blowing onto the shore.
When I say a cycle of weather, I have always noticed over the years that it goes from almost a dead calm with the sea like a crystal clear millpond,
to a stiff breeze. - - - Locally this is called a Mistral. Whenever we go (always usually 2 weeks), we notice this cycle in the weather.

If you are there when it blows, the waves can whip up a bit which is great fun, but not so good for swimming then.
This makes the beach even more interesting. In August you will appreciate this wind.

The beach can get busy, especially on weekends, but because it is so big, it doesn't ever feel too crowded.

Right on the Beach you have the Havana Beach Bar, Mango Beach Bar, Athina Hotel, Waves Taverna, Mistral Restaurant.
All have a shower outside or close by and toilet facilities. Good for lunch as well!!

Right at the "Church" end, you will see a concrete road - a fairly steep incline up to the Golden Beach (San Stefanos) Hotel.
which is also the Fantasea Restaurant & Bar, which also does great lunches with a great view over the whole beach, worth a try!
If you walk up the side of Mistral you will find the Nafsika Hotel and Manthos Taverna, again both do lunch.
I have only mentioned those closest to the beach, obviously there are many more just a short walk away, and all good.!!

It is quite a long beach, and good for walking along, although there is a section under / near the cliffs which is used by some naturists,
However, that has never stopped anyone from taking a walk - and can be quite amusing!!

There are some water sports and boat hire facilities along the centre of the beach, should you wish to try them as well.

There are several "cut-through's" to the main street along the beach - which become obvious,
including walking through - - and to the side of - - - the Athina Hotel.

You will find you are welcomed into any Hotel or restaurant or Bar, so please go in and explore these.

[Susan J]

Hi

Re car hire. Would recommend trying Valantis at San Stefano Car Hire, on the main street.  You will get excellent, friendly service.  Last week we paid 125 euros for 5 days and it was worth every cent as it was so hot in resort.  Also, as usual good evening meals everywhere, but, we had a lovely meal at Fantasea - never eaten there before but will do so again in September - lovely location. 

[Pally88]

Thanks for all the help. Looking forward to going. 33 days to go.....

[tonyco1]

say only 33 to go - it goes fast!

Only 1 more day Mon and we leave early hours of tuesday morning! (well almost mon night really)!!

[Sellsy]

Hi Pally 88, welcome to the forum, sure you will find many threads helpful as you count down the days. Re car hire we have secured some quotes from the resort for later this year in peak season. We found the prices not too bad, only a little up on previous years. Eg via san stefano travel £130 for  3 days ( Hyundai accent- mid august- cerrys@san-stefano.gr )
Or as mentioned Valantis Kantarelis offers a medium sized vehicle  at £110 x 3 days - info@corfuexplorecarhire.com
Daily rates become cheaper again for longer hire periods. In addition the smaller mini type cars seem about 10% cheaper than above. Hope this helps, enjoy your holiday!

[Pally88]

2 weeks today and we will be there!!!

Enjoyed reading this forum. Are the mozzies really as bad as they sound? 
Read lots about places to eat. Any veggies been recently? Mushroom a la creme sounds good, what is it served with?
 On to the alcohol!! Is it pronounced mythos or mithos, and what's fix like?

[Gavlah1973]

Myth os

[Waspman]

Hi Pally 88, welcome to the forum, sure you will find many threads helpful as you count down the days. Re car hire we have secured some quotes from the resort for later this year in peak season. We found the prices not too bad, only a little up on previous years. Eg via san stefano travel £130 for  3 days ( Hyundai accent- mid august- cerrys@san-stefano.gr )
Or as mentioned Valantis Kantarelis offers a medium sized vehicle  at £110 x 3 days - info@corfuexplorecarhire.com
Daily rates become cheaper again for longer hire periods. In addition the smaller mini type cars seem about 10% cheaper than above. Hope this helps, enjoy your holiday!

Small car hire is available for as little as £140 at present, I was quoted this 3 days ago.

[Sellsy]

Small car hire is available for as little as £140 at present, I was quoted this 3 days ago.

Hi Waspman, how long was the hire period for £140 quote? 

[Waspman]

Hi Waspman, how long was the hire period for £140 quote? 

For seven days

[Linnetman]

Booked car for 13 days in Sept for 220 euros. Bargain!!!