Arillas, an unspoilt retreat on a favoured isle...

 

The road to Arillas wanders through peaceful hillside villages far from the tourist mainstream before descending into olive groves and pine trees down to the clear blue sea.

 

Far from the well-trodden tourist paths, Arillas is renowned for its beauty, friendliness and the honesty of the villagers. Nestling as it does between cliff tops on the north west coast offering scenic walks to other nearby beaches, with spectacular views overlooking offshore islands and the crystal clear, clean blue Mediterranean sea. If you're patient, you'll see wild tortoises 'rushing' about and many varieties of birds and wild flowers as well as fireflies, cicadas and donkeys. This is a place where time has stood still, and only recently been discovered. Holiday memories are made of these moments.

 

Come in May or June for the wild flowers, the twinkling fireflies and amorous bullfrogs, July and August for hot lazy days around the pool bar with the sound of chirruping cicadas in the oleander trees or September and October for warm seas, ripe fruit and balmy evenings.

 

The gently shelving beach and shallow waters offer perfect sunbathing and safe swimming for all ages and there are sunbeds, umbrellas, pedaloes, small boats and surfboards for hire. For the more adventurous there is waterskiing, paragliding or riding the "tyres" behind a speedboat! All the Arillas watersports are available from Sam on the beachfront. Scuba diving is available a few miles away at Pagi and you can jetski at San Stephanos. While away from the beach you can enjoy tennis and horse riding.

 

Nightlife can be as simple as an inexpensive meal in a small taverna, where the day's 'special' is often fish caught that very morning. There are local specialities such as moussaka, souvlaki or a selection of English dishes. Tavernas are always informal and babies and young families are very welcome.

 

Greek dancing takes place most evenings in one of the local venues and everyone is encouraged to join in. Take your camera and you'll have holiday memories forever!

 

There are several cocktail bars offering nightly entertainment - disco or Greek music, quiz nights, karaoke, professional singers and bands once a week - all good fun and great atmosphere and drinks are generally cheaper than in Britain.

 

Don't worry if you're not a night owl though. All music has to move indoors at midnight so you won't be disturbed if you prefer a quiet nightcap in the privacy of your balcony. Especially after a busy days sunbathing!

 

Apart from its many tavernas, Arillas has a garage, a large supermarket and several mini markets stocking all your requirements from toiletries and sun creams to beach toys, clothes and jewellery. They even have English papers!

 

There are about ten free swimming pools where everyone is welcome and some of these have regular barbecues.

 

The village has a 24-hour medical centre with English speaking staff (indeed, nearly everyone in Arillas speaks the language).

 

Clifftop paths lead to neighbouring resorts which also have marvellous beaches, and a stroll inland brings you to the tiny villages of Kavadades, Afionas and Magoulades, where the old men enjoy their days playing backgammon and sipping ouzo. Take your camera with you, as many of the older ladies still wear traditional costume and ride their donkey's sidesaddle.

 

Remember that in this region it's siesta time from 2pm till 5pm and only the English go out in the sun (but it's not compulsory)!