Benitses Resort

The Benitses resort is located on the green east coast of the island, about 12 km from the capital. About twenty years ago, the resort was a place of hilarious parties, yet today it wants to be a more peaceful holiday resort. Like most villages on Corfu, Benitses was originally a fishing village, with fishing being the main source of income for the local inhabitants. With the growing interest of tourists, it has developed first into a busy, then a peaceful holiday resort which is one of the most popular on the island. Also the local inhabitants have mostly changed their jobs and started to work in tourism. Despite all that, the place still preserves its traditional atmosphere and charm. In other words, it could be said that Benitses is an attractive combination of the nostalgia of old times and contemporary modern world.

Benitses tourist background

The local tavernas and restaurants can be enjoyed especially by the lovers of fish specialities, but you can also order something from the wide range of both Greek and continental dishes. Other popular places are those offering grilled delicacies. In the afternoon or in the evening, you can enjoy a nice sit-down over a sweet-smelling cup of coffee in some of the local cafés. Besides catering facilities of all kinds, you will also find a medical centre and a pharmacy in the resort, as well as a tourist information centre, a bicycle rental service, among other things. There are also souvenir shops and internet cafés.

Benitses beaches

The main beach in Benitses is formed mainly by pebbles and stones. The water is clean and crystal clear, and so, it is no wonder it has been awarded the EU Blue Flag for top quality. Yet the seabed is quite inclined here and there, therefore it is not recommendable for children and les experienced swimmers. Of course on the beach, you can practice various water sports depending on the current offer. Unlike in other resorts, the beach in Benitses is not overcrowded and so you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming without needing to force your way through crowds of tourists. Like on most beaches, here  you can also rent an umbrella and a deckchair. The sea there is also suitable for diving and snorkeling. If you prefer to relax at a swimming pool and your hotel doesn´t have one, you can use the pool of some of the local bars offering this facility.

What to do in Benitses?

Despite being a rather calm resort, this doesn´t mean you will get bored in Benitses. There are several music clubs open till late at night, although according to the local regulations, they are obligated to not to cause disturbance and have to turn the music down.

There is a lot to see both in the resort and its surroundings. The most remarkable tourist attraction is the Shell Museum, exhibiting especially al kinds of shells but also stuffed fish and other sea animals. On the coast, you can sea the well-preserved original houses of the fishermen, while in the centre, you will find the typical little Greek houses decorated with flowers. Those who enjoy long hiking tours can set off to the green hills of the local nature on some of the signposted paths to discover the local beauties far from the hustle of the resort. If you want to go on a boat ride, you can make a trip to the island capital of Kerkyra at the same time. There you can walk through the streets full of historic monuments, or sit down in a nice Greek taverna to enjoy some tasty dishes and drinks. Another possibility is to go for a boat trip to the Mouse Island (Pontikonissi). According to a legend, the place is actually not an island but a petrified ship. From there you can enjoy a unique view on the whole island of Corfu. About 4 km south of Benitses, there are two other famous tourist resorts, Messonghi and Moraitika that are also worth visiting. And before you leave this picturesque part and go back home, you should definitely visit one architectural site which is probably th emost famous attraction of the whole island, since it is located less than 2 km from Benitses - the Achillion Palace, the famous residence of the Austrian empress Sissi who let it built in the 19th century and named it after the Greek god Achilles.

Where else to go on Corfu?

Some of the most visited resorts on Corfu are: Agios Georgios south, Agios Georgios north, Agios Gordis, Agios Ioannis Melitieon, Agios Ioannis Peristeron, Agios Petros, Agios Stefanos, Acharavi, Almiros, Arillas, Barbati, Benitses, Dassia, Ermones, Gialiskari, Glyfada, Gouvia, Ipsos, Kanoni, Kassiopi, Kavos, Kerkyra, Kommeno, Liapades, Messonghi, Moraitika, Nissaki, Paleokastritsa, Roda and Sidari.