Canal D’Amour-or-or. Ratadadadada!

Most of my family have had a holiday in Sidari at some point or another. That alone was probably enough to make me decide not to stay there! I’m not being disparaging about the place (or my family), but I know that Sidari in the main, is a manufactured tourist resort. It is served by large tour operators such as TUI and for those that want a little bit of England when on holiday, Sidara is perfect. However, I’m only going for one thing and one thing only – and that is to see the natural rock formations known as the Canal D’Amour.

During the week, the A1 bus runs between Corfu Town and onto Agios Stefanos via Sidari 5 times a day. A bus departs Agios Stefanos at 10:20 (or thereabouts!) I had intended to wait at the bus stop at Aspa Supermarket but at the last minute, I decided to walk to the bus stop between the Thomas Bay Hotel and Barras. It’s lucky that I did!

The lady in the bakery confirmed that the bus was usually late and today it was late by 40 minutes. I was surprised when the bus stopped at the T Junction and shouted for everyone at the bus stop to come over. It took another exit out of the village and didn’t pass by Aspa Supermarket. That was yet another sheer fluke where I was able to catch a bus – but nearly didn’t! Tomorrow I leave Agios Stefanos for Gouvia so another lesson learned.

Anyway, the bus took us through the outskirts of the village where there are some fine examples of old olive trees. Huge specimens with gnarly trunks and with a presence that makes them feel animate. The bus journey takes us through the charming traditional village of Avliotes. That looks my type of place though a glance through the window of a speeding bus will have to suffice.

It takes about 25 minutes to reach Sidari where we are deposited onto a wide strip lined with bars, shops and eateries – one called Three Little Pigs. I noted the name so I could navigate my way back to the bus stop later.

I head straight towards the Canal D’Amour which is heavily signposted – Google Maps isn’t required. I find myself walking through a series of resorts, all set around swimming pools and cafe bars open to anyone. Maybe it’s designed this way to tempt passersby in for refreshments. I reached what looked like a canal and my first thoughts were – “Is that it!” As I walked further around the coast I came to what is the Canal D’Amour of the ‘legend’. This is the one that says, couples that swim the length of the canal together, will remain in love forever, or words to that effect depending on which legend you read. Today nobody will be swimming in the canal as the sea is rough. Maybe the legend will be true for couples that take selfies together because there are hundreds of people doing that today.

The giant waves are creating a spectacular display, gradually taking a little bit more of the sandstone cliffs away. One day they will be gone.

It’s entertaining to watch the Millenials play dodge the waves as they try to capture that perfect dramatic shot for their TikToks. I take a much more laissez-faire approach!

It’s fair to say that Sidari as a whole didn’t impress me. The end of the visit was rather marred by a very inebriated English man approaching people at the bus stop. Not a sight anyone wants to see. Anyway. The Canal D’Amour was worth the visit. Not the manufactured trappings that surround it, but the sheer wonder of nature’s work. Set against the backdrop of the mountains of Albania – it was a sight to behold!