Getting here
Since Pelekas isn't represented by Tour Operators, one part of any visit has always been arranging travel. Each year there seem to be more and more options. This year two new services have begun operating, adding to the travel choices.
Firstly , a new harbour-to-harbour seaplane service will cut travel times between the Ionian Islands, mainland Greece and Italy, from hours to minutes. The initial aim is to link up the larger islands - Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Paxos and Lefkada. The fares from one island to another will vary from 35 euros (£24) to 100 euros (£69). There will also be a service to Brindisi in Italy. Floating piers will allow passengers to hop from port to plane. Seaports will be equipped with security and luggage handling. The company is starting with sightseeing and charter flights between the islands, with, from autumn, a full range of scheduled services
In addition, RyanAir have recently opened up a new route from Stansted to Brindisi. This provides a cheap option - especially during the months when charter flights are not available - and combined with the seaplane service, a faster alternative to EasyJet via Athens.
Some more useful travel links
Book a Flight online
Book a Ferry online
Book a Coach online
Route Planner
EasyJet
Olympic Airways
Aegean Air
"Birmingham" Steve Marks 1956 - 2004
 It is with great sadness that we report Steve's death earlier this year after a short illness. Many of you will have known Steve who had spent almost 20 summers in Pelekas and had been a permanent resident of Pelekas for the last few years. Pelekas is poorer for his passing. Everyone at Pelekas.com would like to extend condolences to his family and to his wife Margaret. Rest in Peace Steve.
Guided walks in the Pelekas area
By far the best way of appreciating any environment is to walk through it and in late summer there is a range of guided walks on offer around Pelekas and along the stunning west coast of Corfu. The walks revolve around the many fascinating elements of this beautiful island. A typical walk is about 10 km but there are shorter walks available.
Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness (and a decent pair of shoes!) will be able to participate fully. Walks start from Pelekas, Yialiscari, Vatos and Agios Gordios. Full information is available from Lemon House Walks.
Cookery Corner
We thought maybe you'd like the opportunity to re-create some of your favourite Corfiot taverna recipes at home. This issue, Baklava.
Ingredients
Half kg frozen filo pastry sheets. 1 cup melted butter. 2 cups finely chopped walnuts. One and a quarter cups sugar. Half teaspoon ground cinnamon. Three-quarters cup honey. 1 cup water. 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Instructions
Thaw filo pastry and separate sheets according to package directions. Keep pastry not being used covered with clean damp dish towel to keep it from drying out. Place half of pastry sheets in a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan, one by one, brushing each sheet quickly and all over with melted butter. Combine nuts, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon; sprinkle over buttered pastry. Place remaining sheets on top, brushing each with melted butter. Cut baklava pastry into 2-inch diamonds. Bake at 400°F or 205°C until brown and crisp, about 30 to 35 minutes. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine remaining 3/4 cup sugar, honey, 1 cup water, and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Boil baklava syrup for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until syrupy. Cool and pour over baklava.
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Editorial
Due to a combination of factors there has been a drop in the number of tourists - especially from the USA - visiting Greece so far this year. This means it is a summer of bargains!
Despite some price rises - due to the euro and a couple of disastrous years for Greek agriculture - the cost of accommodation in Pelekas has stayed stable for several years.
A basic double room in a pension can cost from only 15 euros a night. (That's only £5 per person!) At the top end of the market (air conditioning, en-suite facilities, breakfast etc.) it's still possible to find prices as low as 30 euros per night. Outside the high season it's always worth asking for a better price. You may be lucky!
It is also relatively cheap to hire a car, especially when the cost is shared between several people. What better way to explore Corfu? Once again it may be worthwhile haggling over the price. (One word of warning. Don't be tempted to try the ubiquitous quad bikes. Corfu hospital is filling up quickly this year!)
Pelekas is also blessed with a large variety of eateries that will satisfy even those on a shoestring. From the humble souvlaki, through excellent home made pizzas, to fresh fish and fine wines. How much (or how little) you spend is up to you.
Cheap flights, cheap accommodation, food and drink to suit all pockets, maybe this is the time to start thinking about a late summer break.
Champions!
Tens of thousands of Greeks turned out to honour the Greek national soccer team as it returned from Portugal holding the European cup - and President Costis Stephanopoulos held them up as models for the nation that they had so delighted.
You lifted Greece from last place all the way to the top, and all of us should adopt the elements that brought the national team here, so that we can make Greece a winner in other spheres as well, - he told the players at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
This was the sedate culmination of a wild party that began lasted from when Greece beat the favourites, the Czechs, in the semi-final, and then intensified through a night of dancing and cheering after the Greeks beat their Portuguese hosts in the final in Lisbon.
Thousands of people in every city and town of Greece, and every part of the world where Greeks live, celebrated furiously after the national team, which had never won a match in a major competition, stunned the soccer world with its triumph.
Prominent throughout was the hope that the euphoria that followed the European championship would carry on into next month's Olympics in Athens.
We would also like to congratulate AO Kerkyra (Athlitikos Omilos Kerkyra - Athletic Club of Corfu) on winning the Second Division Championship. They are now looking forward to starting their first ever season of top flight football.
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