AGIOS STEFANOS (North West)

Situated on the North-West coast of Corfu, Agios (Saint) Stefanos, also known as San Stefanos has been for many years a popular  (yet uncrowded) holiday destination for singles, families and couples appealed by its golden sandy beach with shallow water, sun beds and umbrellas for rent , fantastic local cuisine and friendly atmosphere.  Many holidaymakers return every year having made friends with local people.

But the original Agios Stefanos consisted of a few houses, a small church and a harbor. It was also the agricultural area for the village of Avliotes, with the local clay being used for pottery. The area has been linked with the shipwreck of Odysseus and his rescue by Nausica, the daughter of King of the Phaeacians, leading archaeologist Wilhelm Dorpfeld to excavate local sites which turned out to be Neolithic, in 1912 and 1913. It was a small fishing village where locals from Avliotes would take their boats out from the harbor and literally fish for their supper. This is still true of some locals today, the old harbor is still visible but a new working harbor was built to accommodate modern times. Agios Stefanos faces the Diapontian Islands which can be reached by ferry from the small local harbour where fishing boats bring in their daily catch.

This resort is bustling with tourists during the summer months, but in the winter the locals get to enjoy their picturesque surroundings resting and preparing for the following season. Most local people live in neighboring Avliotes, located on a hillside and a traditional Corfiot village  which, years ago was the main town. Agios Stefanos is a diverse resort, with something to suit everyone right here on your doorstep. Shops, bars, restaurants, pools, music-cafés, a baker’s, a jewellery shop, several souvenir shops and a glorious beach are the delight for tourists. There are several medium and small size hotels in Agios Stefanos but you can also consider a luxury villa, house or apartment.

The majority of businesses within San Stefanos are run by local families who take great pride in making sure that every visitor is made to feel at home. You may have noticed that most locals here share the same last name, Mouzakitis. It is common in Greek communities that a whole town of people will share the same last name. In Avliotes there are even two churches, one for the Mouzakitis’ and one for all the others with a different last name. No matter what your last name, you’ll feel like part of the family by the end of your stay!