FAQS
Travel
We cannot directly arrange travel sharing directly but some of the taxi companies offer shuttle services. It may be possible to arrange shared transport with other group participants. Our Evolve Travel Partner Green Corfu can arrange accommodation as well as shuttle & taxi services.
Accommodation
We cannot directly arrange accommodation sharing directly but our Evolve Travel Partner Green Corfu may be able to put you in touch with other Evolve-ers who are happy to share accommodation. Contact Daizy info@greencorfu.com Tel: +30 26630 51889.
Well, how do you like heat?? Corfu can be warm and still but it tends not to be very humid. The average temperatures in June range from 16-28 degrees Celsius. Most accommodation around Arillas is air-conditioned though some places may impose a daily surcharge. Older places may not have air conditioning but typically provide a fan.
Be aware that unless you are staying in a modern building with British plumbing you are reminded that toilet paper must not be flushed down the toilet. A bin will be provided at your accommodation, in restaurants and public toilet facilities.
Budgeting
You are responsible for arrangements for you own meals with the exception of the
*Budget 8-12 euros for a light supper or lunch
*Budget 15-20 euros for a more substantial meal
*Budget Glass/bottle of beer 3-5 euros, Large glass of wine 5-7 euros
Self-catering accommodation is available locally, check with your accommodation if required. There is a bakery in the village, a number of small Greek food markets and two alternative food outlets, including Ina’s (on the main beach road) and Kostas Bio Market (about 10 mins walk up the hill from Arillas). Corfu Carne is a bigger supermarket about 10 mins drive from Arillas.
REMEMBER: Complimentary Opening Ceremony dinner and breakfast daily is included in your ticket to Evolve The Gathering.
A complimentary Welcome Dinner on 16th June is included in the price of your ticket. We will cater for vegetarian and vegan requirements.
Complimentary breakfast is included in the price of your ticket and will be served daily 17th – 22nd June prior to Evolve The Journey workshop sessions.
We will plan and co-ordinate at least one evening of themed dinners in local restaurants. NOTE: you will be responsible for the cost of your dinner and drinks.
You are otherwise responsible to arrange and pay for ALL of your meals during your stay. There are many restaurants and cafés within walking distance of the venue and beachfront.
Drinking water will be provided for free on site. Please bring your own reusable water bottle. There are NO snacks or hot drinks available on site at the venue.”
There are a number of mini markets in and around the resort of Arillas (and surrounding villages), including two health food stores – Ina’s on the main beach road and Kostas Bio Market at the Agios Stefanos cross roads. There is a bakery and a pharmacy as well as the Recycling Centre for books, clothes etc, there are number of tourist shops selling souvenirs and art as well as Summer clothes and beach umbrellas, mats, googles snorkels etc. In addition to the Pharmacy there is a Doctor’s clinic. Visit fee is 50 euros.
Beach recliners and umbrellas were available for 8-10 euros a day for 2 people in 2023. Several shops sell beach mats, sunglasses, beach wear, sun screen and cheap snorkelling gear. Local travel agencies offer snorkelling and other day trip options.
NOTE: Be aware not to book any day trips on from Monday 17th to Saturday 22nd June as your attendance is required for ALL the Evolve The Journey workshop sessions.
Arillas is a low-key, low-cost resort which makes it very easy if you are on a budget. Alcoholic drinks, which are not available at the venue, are additional as is the cost of any day trips, peddle/power boat hire.
The Basics
The currency in Greece is Euros. Cash, debit and credit cards are widely accepted and there are least 4 ATMS in the resort of Arillas. Please note that you may need to advise your bank that you are travelling to ensure that your cards are not blocked because you are abroad.
EU, US & UK citizens are not required to have a visa for a short term stays up to 90 days. If you are a citizen of any other country, it is your responsibility to check if you require a visa for your trip.
For Greece there are two associated plug types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Check World Power Plugs to see if you need an adapter.
It is your responsibility to confirm the power requirements of any electronic equipment you may bring. Check your accommodation for provision of things like hair dryers, if required.
Being A Tourist
One of the delights of Arillas is how affordable it is. Restaurants typically offer Greek fare, the ubiquitous Greek salad and also wonderful warming stews like stifado and pastitsada. Vegetarians are well served in this alternative community and Ina’s on the beach front offers great vegan and vegetarian options as well as a comprehensive alternative food store.
There are no upscale restaurants in Arillas but if it is your birthday or you are celebrating an anniversary you might want to try out Panorama in the nearby village of Afionas (a 40 minute uphill walk or a short drive), Akrotiri on the headland between Arillas and San Stefanos or the sunset terrace at The Horizon hotel. For great fish check out Vavilas – best with a group of friends.
For a good brunch check out Ammos on the main Arillas beach road. Further afield, approx 30 minutes drive, 7th Heaven at Loggas Beach is special for sunset drinks and dance music.
Arillas isn’t a party resort – sorry to pop your balloon – but if you want to live it up on Happy Hour there are a handful of ‘party bars’ beside each other – Malibu and, fitting companion, the Coconut bar both complete with karaoke sing-along, Tribute nights as well as wide-screen TV to watch Wimbledon, soccer or other sports that you might be missing at home. Estia Bar offers evening music, entertainment and open mic nights.
Arillas is generally quite safe and relaxed. It does not look or feel like a big resort and it tends to attract a slightly more mature clientele. It is relaxed during the day and at night nonetheless, please take care of your valuables and be conscious of walking alone on country roads or in dark unlit areas. Be responsible for your health and safety at all times.
The cliffs of the surrounding beaches consist of a green clay that is reputed to have healing and detoxifying qualities. It can be mixed with local seawater to apply a full body mask. In addition, Arillas has become a destination for alternative and new-age visitors from Europe and the UK.
The area is home of The Corfu Buddha Hall, a well-established Osho community and a number of meditation centres. In addition, the well known Sound & Silence gatherings and a number of festivals have attracted musicians and other artists including Deva Premal & Miten, Estas Tonne, Mirabai Ceiba, Jai-Jagdeesh, Netanel Goldberg, Pepe Danza, MoJoh, Patrick Ganster and others as visitors and sometime residents.
Unlike other tourist resorts, Arillas is located on a ley line that runs from Skellig Michael in Ireland and through Glastonbury. Unlike other tourist resorts, you will find many in Arillas are long-stay visitors and seasonal guests. You may inexplicably find yourself attracted to stay longer!
Warmth and water invite mosquitos. They DO NOT carry malaria or other known diseases in Corfu but, to make for a better holiday, avoid getting bitten by checking if your accommodation has mosquito screens for the doors and windows and/or mosquito nets over the bed. You can buy mosquito repellant locally including effective bio and organic options. There is a local pharmacy should you need anti-histamines and a local doctor for anything more serious. The green clay from local beach cliffsides is reputedly an effective salve for bites as well.
The high cliffs of green clay in Arillas have become popular as an all over body cosmetic. The clay is in ample supply and mixed with a little sea water is easily applied. Let it dry in the sun before washing yourself off in the sea. There are often buckets available in the nudist sections at the far ends of the beach. You may wish to ask a friend help to apply it and make sure you don’t miss any bits!
Besides the green clay and the Corfu Buddha Hall, strictly speaking in Magoulades, Arillas is the home of Corfu Beer and tours of the brewery are available. In addition to creating traditional beers, Corfu Beer produces alcohol-free beer and a popular range of refreshing ginger beers – lemon, grapefruit and orange flavoured.
You will find a wide variety of massage, wellness, alternative therapy and other sessions by practitioners around Arillas. As a ticket holder, you have access to an online NOTICEBOARD with information about providers, session-givers and therapists who are offering their services during the week of our gathering.
Be aware that unless you are staying in a modern building with British plumbing you are reminded that toilet paper must not be flushed down the toilet. A bin will be provided at your accommodation, in restaurants and public toilet facilities.
Climate & Environment
Corfu is the most northerly Greek island in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece – a ferry ride from Brindisi — the “heel” of Italy. From the north of the island you can see the impressive and sometimes snow-capped mountains of Albania rise in the near distance. The island gets a lot of rain in the winter and, unlike most other Greek islands, stays green throughout the year earning one of its nicknames — the Emerald Isle.
Arillas is in the North Western corner of Corfu. It is 37km and approximately 60 minutes drive from Corfu town over rugged, picturesque terrain. Arillas is one of the most unspoilt resorts villages in Corfu with a small, friendly and vibrant seasonal population. For more information see Why is Arillas and the surrounding area known as Green Corfu?
In June you can generally expect blue skies and very pleasant temperatures. Although not as hot as the Aegean islands further south, temperatures tend to range between 20 – 27 degrees Celsius during the day, and may spike to 30 degrees or more.
The weather may be variable in June, it can rain so bring a light rain jacket and a second layer or sweater for cooler evenings. Equally it can be hot and still and you may need a fan/air conditioning at night. Despite the mostly moderate temperature, the UV index is at its highest in June so sunscreen is essential!
The Arillas beach is long and although not postcard-perfect it offers options for the most reserved and unreserved of bathers. Along the tourist strip and in consideration of the conservative Greek population bathing suits are a must. Nudist bathing however, bookends both ends of the beach out of sight of cafes and restaurants. Reclinable beach chairs are available to rent.
The beach in Arillas is largely protected and the bay is shallow making it calm and generally safe for swimming. Currents and choppy surf can occur if it is breezy. Take responsibility for your swimming and know your limits.
NOTE: There are NO lifeguards along the beach.
Sea temperatures are generally warm but can be refreshing particularly in the morning. Regardless swimming in Greece in June is much warmer than swimming in northern waters around UK and Ireland.
Along the tourist strip and in consideration of the conservative Greek population bathing suits are a must. Unusually for Greece, nudist bathing bookends both ends out of sight of cafes and restaurants and flanked by the privacy of high cliffs of clay. With a long standing alternative population, nudism is normal and accepted for visitors and their families. Reclinable beach chairs are available to rent.
To the north of Arillas San Stefanos is a short drive and to the south, beyond the village of Afionas, about 15 minutes drive you will find the deep bay of Agios Giorgis. Both holiday resorts with a more traditional clientele but plenty of facilities. The famous and picturesque Porto Timoni double-headed beach is a 30-minute hike from the village of Afionas.
Evolve is about pleasure, purpose & possibility (seeking to balance all three). We are a small organisation with limited resources but we choose to take small, consistent actions in the direction of “the more beautiful world that our hearts know is possible”, as Charles Eisenstein puts it, and to encourage our clients to do the same.
Crossing Frontiers is a 1% for the Planet member. 1% for the Planet was founded by Patagonia Founder Yvon Chouinard to prevent greenwashing, certify reputable giving and provide accountability. “This is not philanthropy. This should be a cost of doing business. It’s paying rent for our use of the planet.” Yvon Chouinard. The 1% for the Planet certification is given to businesses and individuals that donate 1% of annual sales to environmental causes. This means that 1% of your ticket price will be paid to an approved non-profit charity working on sustaining & regenerating the environment in Greece.
In consideration of our ethos at Evolve to tread more lightly on this earth, we encourage you to look at how you travel e.g. travelling with hand baggage only and/or carbon offsetting your flight if possible. We also suggest bringing a cloth bag for groceries and (or buying when you arrive) organic/bio degradable shower gel/hair shampoo/hair products as the drainage systems here tend to be soak-away i.e. straight into the ground and water table.
Unlimited drinking water is provided free of charge at the venue. We advise you drink lots in the summer heat. To reduce single-use plastic, PLEASE bring your own bottle, buying one locally (Kostas Bio Market has a selection) or source a glass bottle in one of the supermarkets. Arillas is the home of significantly alternative community who are interested in sustainability and regeneration. Many of the shops offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and diary free alternatives. An alliance of local businesses work hard to restrict high-rise development and keep the resort in local hands. The Recycling Centre is one of the best managed on the island and is a great source of second hand clothes, books, furniture and a menagerie of curios.