Volume 2, Issue 2
May 2009
Copyright © All rights reserved. Made By OliveNet Design.
| Previous Issue | Archive | Advertisers | Roda Online | Roda Forum |
| Previous Issue | Archive | Advertisers | Roda Online | Roda Forum |
colourful flowers abound and there are all manner of houses, some modernised, some in need of renovation, next to next, but all enjoying the tranquillity of
Not everyone who visits Roda is able to, or wants to, hire a car to get out and see some of the island, but many of the nicest traditional villages are just a stone’s throw away and easy to reach on foot. Most of the resorts are connected in some way to an older settlement a little distance inland where life goes on much as it has done for
junction on the left, after which, the road starts to climb to the village just above you. The last 200 metres or so are uphill, but we did it with a wheelchair and the village and the views are worth the effort if you are determined. Throughout the village, you will be able to see glimpses of Roda, the blue Ionian Sea and the impressive Balkan mainland beyond.
On entering the village proper, there are some wide steps on the left which lead to the upper part of Sfakera and it is nice to wander up between the houses, both new &
On entering the village proper, there are some wide steps on the left which lead to the upper part of Sfakera and it is nice to wander up between the houses, both new &
old, and enjoy the peace & quiet of village - life which is so different from the atmosphere in nearby Roda. From the top of the steps, you can stroll to the right and
twists & turns, plunges downhill to who knows where? Just beyond ‘Neon’, the road swings sharply to the left before leading downhill & out of the village. Turn right on the bend itself and you will find yourself in a spacious, paved area, almost like a village square, with the magnificent Church of Panagia Maria standing proudly in the middle. Around the square, pots of
a central reservation where the road divides for Sfakera & Platonas. Go straight ahead a further 200 hundred metres, the local nursery school being by the
as this, and listen to the locals chattering away and enthusiastically greeting the occasional passer-by like a long-lost friend.
Across the road is one of the small, steep, picturesque lanes which, with its intricate
Across the road is one of the small, steep, picturesque lanes which, with its intricate
the oncoming traffic. After about 400 metres, you will find a small isolated church on the right which is a sister church
to the main one in Sfakera and, around the back, there is a typical Corfiot bell-tower which, unfortunately, has seen better days. As you leave the church, and head off for Sfakera, there is
return to the main road by the ‘Neon’ Taverna, with its cool interior and shady terraces. Hektora & Spiros will be only too pleased to serve you with a snack and a cold drink, while reminding you that they serve excellent souvlaki at the weekends. Sit quietly
under the vines, contemplate what life must be like in a village such
such a laid-back village.
Sfakera is a relaxed village, stunning views, attractive corners, with just a few cars passing through since the lower road to Platonas was built. It is a treasure trove of friendly people,
Sfakera is a relaxed village, stunning views, attractive corners, with just a few cars passing through since the lower road to Platonas was built. It is a treasure trove of friendly people,
hundreds of years. Roda is no exception. Just 1km (2/3 mile) from the crossroads by ‘island Tropicana’ lies the small village of Sfakera and many of Roda’s families have relatives there.
If you leave the village by ’Pixida Italiano’ and head straight inland you will follow the main road to Platonas & Sfakera. It’s always best to walk on the left to face
magnificent buildings and serenity – a place to be at peace in.
Church of Panagia Maria recognised for giving salvation & healing.
