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PHOTOGRAPHS OF PORTO
TIMONI |
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Leaving the village square in Afionas walk along the
narrow road which you see on the right of the Church towards Dionysos Taverna.
After passing a small cottage on your left take a rough footpath which leads
off to the left.
This footpath then passes just below the taverna
across the short grass of this sun drenched headland.
Map
(opens pop-up window)
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The views over Agios Georgios and the bay are fantastic as
the path twists and turns between the rocks and thorn bushes.
Agios Georgios Bay and
Headland
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After about 20 - 30 minutes the twin inlets of Porto
Timoni come into view below, separated by a narrow strip of land. It is said
that the smaller bay on the left of the photograph was created (or at least
enlarged) by an exploding mine which drifted onto these rocks. |
Twin
bays of Porto Timoni |
Following a final scramble down the rough path the early
morning walker can enjoy the peace and solitude of the lovely tiny sandy
beaches and bays of the ancient Porto Timoni. The natural shelter that the sea
inlet provided ensured its use by ancient sailing boats seeking refuge from
storms.
(The dark object on the sand is an overnight camper still enjoying
his sleep.) |
Beach solitude |
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The nearby islands can be clearly seen through the narrow
entrance to the inlet, whilst the little bay on the left of the photograph
ensured anchored boats could not be seen from the open sea. |
Sheltered Bay |
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Leaving the beaches a narrow path climbs on up the next
headland 
Path to a
surprise
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Suddenly the target of the path becomes clear as a small
"building " comes into view tucked into the rocky hillside.
Mysterious
Edifice
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The open door reveals a tiny chapel created in a cleft in
the rocks.
Interior of
Chapel
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The story is that many years ago a picture of Saint
Stilianos was found on the hillside here. It was taken to the village square
outside Saint Yiannis Church. After some days the picture disappeared and it
was found back on the hillside at Porto Timoni. So the tiny chapel was built
there. |
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PLEA TO VISITORS
You would expect that people who appreciate an
idyllic remote cove like this would not desecrate it by discarding their
rubbish aimlessly but it happens !
Please do not let this lovely place be spoilt by its
growing popularity, particularly from rubbish left by thoughtless visitors. In
some years bins are provided but due to obvious difficulties of emptying they
become full and overflowing.
PLEASE HELP preserve this lovely place by
simply TAKING BACK any empty drinks cans or food wrappings which YOUR PARTY
take there. |
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Finally, when returning up the footpath take time to pick
your route carefully as it is easy to choose the wrong way when going
uphill. |
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On the return journey the views of the sheer cliffs which
overlook Agios Georgios bay are more dramatic. |
Inhospitable
Cliffs
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On reaching the top a small diversion towards the far side
of Dionysos Taverna will reveal the glorious views northwards across the
islands. |
Distant Islands
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On a typical hot Corfu day the open doors of
Dionysos Taverna are now particularly
welcome.
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