Golden Sunset

Cross the street and find a spot. You can find a place to swim anywhere in Boukari. It's a five minute walk up the hill to the next village of Kouspades and perhaps a ten minute walk to the fishing village of Petreti. The only shop that I found in Boukari is run by an English woman name Andrea whom I found to be very engaging and lovely to talk to. She runs the Peris market across from the Hotel Penelope. You can get most basic things you need there. Be sure to get a mosquito repellent plug-in unit there. Andreas can arrange for excursions upon request, as well as car rentals, motor bikes, etc. The best parking in Boukari is found at this hotel. Which is open from May throuth the middle of October, when the tourist season ends.

The first person to greet me was Elena, who speaks only Greek, but somehow, you know what she's saying. She took great care of me during my three week stay and I developed a great fondness for her. All members of the family are very engaging and freindly. Italian, German and English are the primary languages, as well as Greek and there are many mainland guests who return annually. The rooms are cleaned daily. As is typical of the Greek culture, a discrete and respectful distance is always the standard. When you want them, they are at your side and ready to attend to your needs as soon as you make your request.

As stated before, the food is traditional Corfiot cuisine, with offerings of grilled sea bream, stifado, sofrito, moussaka, grilled lamb and of course, the traditional Greek salad. In the mornings, Elena's home made preserve is offered as an option, which I preferred to the packaged jellies. There is a bar inside the hotel which is enclosed and you can view the current soccer match while you enjoy your drink. I observed that most diners sat for long hours enjoying the sea view from sunset until close to midnight, when the kitchen closes. Tipping is not included in the bill so one should remember to do so. I never paid more than 12 euro for my dinner, but I don't drink. I did however buy drinks for two other patrons one night and my total bill was still quite reasonable.

Internet access is available inside the hotel bar area. There is a table tennis table near the public bathroom and seating area in the lounge. There is no pool at this facility, but there is no need because the sea is across the street.

Every room has a small refrigerator. I asked to be shown all the other rooms and Elena arranged for the maid to show me several rooms. There is air conditioning in every room, which is a great comfort when you are sleeping. Each room has a television and the bathrooms are a very comfortable size. Bear in mind that bathtubs on Boukari are rare. All the rooms here have showers. The beds are traditionally lower than American beds of course, but the mattrresses are firm and comfortable. Extra blankets are available and are kept above the wardrobes in the rooms which provide adequate space for your belongings during your stay.

The hotel opens May 1 and closes with the end of the tourist season in mid October. I learned this my last day. The hotel rooms are all reasonably priced. When is the best time to travel? The best time to travel is between May and October. Bear in mind that there are very immediate weather changes from August to September and it is definately colder on the islands once October sets. August is when the mainland Greeks take their holidays and Corfu is their preferred destination. Italians also take their holidays in August, so perhaps the best time would be June through July, however this is considered peek season. Because Boukari is a 30 minute drive from Corfu town, the prices however are very reasonable. If you need to make phone calls, I would advise you purchase a phone from Vodafone in Corfu town for calls within Europe. You can get more reasonable rates that way than if you use your US phone. Have them assemble it and set to your language before you leave the store however. I made the mistake of leaving with the phone in the box and needed help afterwards from Theo on setting it up. Corfu Town is the hub of civilization. I would not advise driving in Corfu town. Take a bus from Moraitika to Corfu. Two euros gets you a safe ride on the green bus. Get a tour guide book and enjoy the sites.