Corfu, Jewel of the Greek Islands

As one of the largest of the seven Ionian islands, Corfu is situated along the west coast of mainland Greece with fast ferry connections from Italy and Albania as well as Igoumenitsa and Patras in Mainland Greece.

The unique history and culture of Corfu have become well known favourites of backpackers from around the world who enjoy the summer season temperatures, crystal clear waters and the lush greenery of the island.

Well known resorts on the island include Kavos, Rhoda and Ipsos, now enjoying the mass package tourists from countries such as Hungary, England and Germany.

But what if you want something off the beaten track? Hostelsclub discovers the revival of a backpacker destination and a hostel serving produce direct from it’s own organic farm.

On the west coast of the island is little known, yet much celebrated Pelekas beach, a small beach community enjoying the rural surroundings away from the main package tourist drags.

Back in the 1980’s, the beach was home to many hippy backpackers enjoying the sun, the golden sands and the warm sea without little interruption.

Nowadays, the hippies are returning. This time, however, they bring their families to let them experience their faveourite hangout of the past. They no longer sleep on the beach. Instead, they head for the Sunrock backpackers hostel.

Located on Pelekas beach, Sunrock is a traditional hostel with an interesting and unique twist. Instead of a guests kitchen, backpackers are regarded as one big family, sharing the delights home cooked traditional Greek cuisine with ingredients coming from an increasing range of organic produce home grown on Sunrock’s very own organic farm.

With plenty of choices for vegetarians, meat eaters are served from ranges of fresh meats including what can be locally regarded as one of the highly sort after locally produced beef and Pork steaks.

The quality of the Sunrock produce has attracted many interesting offers from package tourist businesses on the island. However, owner Spiros Pigis prefers to keep his farm’s produce solely for his backpackers.

“It is the backpacker that counts at Sunrock. They make a choice, they make Sunrock. I like to give them my best, so I give them the produce from my Farm.”

Spiros, who spent his childhood in nearby Sinarades and, later, on Pelekas beach, has worked with backpackers since the age of 12 years old. Together, with wife Madalena, (who is the Sunrock menu guru), Spiros & Madalena specialise in catering for backpackers on a budget, with a plan drawing on years of experience of working with backpackers.

“Spiros designed and built Sunrock himself. He had a dream, a vision of offering backpackers a unique experience in a beach resort, concentrating on offering home grown, organic produce”.

His vision became a reality in 1986, when Spiros welcomes his first guests after opening Sunrock.

Fast forward to 2006 and the hostel, compete with Bar, Sundeck and fabulous sunsets, offers a chance to chill out, laze on the beach, party in the bar and, uniquely, enjoy home cooked food and locally produced wine – all at special backpacker prices.

With bed rates starting from 15 euro per person, per night including freshly cooked breakfasts served until 1pm and traditional evening meals as well as free transfers from Corfu ferry port, Corfu town, Corfu bus station and the airport, you too can discover your own Corfu experience in a relaxed, yet lively, traditional Greek atmosphere.

HOSTELSCLUB EXCLUSIVE SUNROCK OFFER:

Book and stay at Sunrock for 3 nights and your 4th night is free! (Offer excludes July and August).

Book the Sunrock Backpackers Hostel here

Relevant links:

www.ktel.org – Greek national bus company.

www.greek-ferries.com – Get to Corfu

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