Escape to Paradise: Natalia Apartment's Breathtaking Agios Gordios Bay Views!
Escape to Paradise: Natalia Apartment's – Honestly, Breathtaking Views & My Chaotic Corfu Adventure! (Review - It's a Long One!)
Metadata (Just a quick note for the search engines, you know?): Agios Gordios, Corfu Hotels, Natalia Apartments, Breathtaking Views, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Corfu Holiday, Greece, Accessible Hotels, Best Views, Romantic Getaway, Honeymoon, Spa Holiday.
Right, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't just a review, it's a confession, a love letter, and a slightly frazzled postcard all rolled into one. Let's be real, planning our trip to Natalia Apartments in Agios Gordios was a whirlwind. We were craving that postcard-perfect Greek escape, you know? And honestly, those photos of the bay? They’re not lying. The views are…well, breathtaking. Seriously, inhales dramatically Breathtaking. You could sit on that balcony all day, just staring at the turquoise water and the dramatic cliffs… and I did. (More on that later, it involved a near-miss with a particularly persistent seagull.)
First Impressions & the Grand Entrance (or, How We Got There):
The drive in was a bit…eventful. Corfu roads? Let’s just say they embrace the concept of "rustic charm" with a vengeance. Narrow, winding, and with the occasional goat crossing, it's an adventure in itself! We splurged on the airport transfer (thank god!) and the driver was a lifesaver, navigating those hairpin turns like a pro while we nervously clutched our duty-free ouzo. Car park [free of charge]? Yep, they had it. Crucial detail, believe me.
Accessibility – My Own Personal Rant (And It’s a Mostly Positive One!):
Now, as someone who sometimes has mobility issues (I’m not gonna dive into it - let's just say stairs and me aren't besties), accessibility is a huge deal. And I was genuinely impressed with Natalia Apartments. Facilities for disabled guests are present, even though it wasn’t a 100% fully dedicated accessibility hotel. The access was generally pretty good, and they have an elevator, which is a godsend on a hillside hotel. There were ramps in some areas, and the staff were incredibly helpful, always offering a hand (or wheeling me around!). The exterior corridor design was a bonus too - less tripping hazards, more sea breeze. It's not a pristine, purpose-built accessible paradise, but it's a solid effort, and I felt comfortable and well-cared for. And let's be real, a hotel built into a cliff face is always going to pose some logistical challenges.
Rooms – My Balcony Battle and Other Adventures:
Our room? Beautiful. Seriously. Air conditioning that actually worked (vital, trust me). A balcony with those aforementioned breathtaking views. Internet access – wireless? Yep, and thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (That's a modern necessity, people!). We had a seating area, a desk, a refrigerator for the all-important bottle of water and, a coffee/tea maker, not to mention complimentary tea. All the basics were covered.
The Balcony Saga: Okay, so back to the balcony. That view… I could get lost in it. And I did. My husband just shook his head. I went out to take a photo… and this ridiculously bold seagull swooped down. It was like something out of a Hitchcock movie, but instead of birds of prey, it was a slightly chubby, incredibly persistent seagull going for my sandwich. I screamed like a banshee, dropped my phone (thankfully, only cracked the screen!), and narrowly escaped a full-on avian attack. The seagull, meanwhile, made off with half my gyros. Lesson learned: guard your lunch! (And maybe invest in a seagull repellent… just kidding… sort of.)
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Secure (and Sane):
With the world being, well, the world, cleanliness and safety were high on our priority list. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays all put my mind at ease. They had hand sanitizer readily available, and the staff were all masked up. They seriously did a great job of showing they cared. I could even opt-out of room cleaning, which I loved - needed a couple of days of being a hermit on my balcony.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Food Coma Diaries:
Oh, the food. My Achilles heel. Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread, though I may have accidentally eaten my weight in fresh fruit and pastries every morning. They had an Asian breakfast, which felt weird at first but ended up being delicious. The coffee/tea in restaurant was always hot and strong, perfect after, you know, fighting off seagulls on the balcony.
The Poolside bar and restaurants were perfect for lazy afternoons. The a la carte in restaurant was a delight. The salad in restaurant was always full of flavour. The bar staff were fantastic and the Happy hour was… dangerous. The poolside bar was my second home. The international cuisine in restaurant was top-notch! Let's just say I embraced the holiday diet, and the poolside bar made sure I stayed blissfully hydrated. The restaurants were a mix of Greek and international cuisine. They got the basics right: fresh, flavorful, and with a view. There's also a snack bar which really came in handy when the seagull took my lunch!
Things to do & Ways to Unwind – So Many Options, So Little Time:
The swimming pool [outdoor] was calling my name constantly – and that view from the pool made everything feel like a movie. They even have a pool with a view (duh!) Perfect. I also took advantage of the sauna and Spa/sauna (bliss), the massage (pure, unadulterated relaxation), and the spa. They offered body scrub (my skin felt like silk afterwards), and the steamroom was a great way to unwind after a long day of… well, mostly staring at the view. They have a Fitness center which I barely used (too busy enjoying the food, let's be honest), But it was there!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things that Matter:
They go above and beyond. The concierge was incredibly helpful with everything from booking taxis to recommending local tavernas – the taxi service was a lifesaver for getting into the local town. Daily housekeeping kept everything spick and span (even after the seagull incident). Cash withdrawal on site was handy, and the luggage storage was a relief on check-out day. The front deck [24-hour] meant someone was always there to help. I was genuinely impressed with the attention to detail.
For the Kids – Family Fun:
While we didn't have kids with us, Natalia Apartments seemed extremely family/child friendly. They had babysitting service and kids facilities so you could actually be relaxed, which, let's face it, is the Holy Grail of family holidays.
Getting Around – Navigating the Chaos:
Airport transfer was a must, as I mentioned. Car Park [on-site] was very useful for those who drive. The taxi service was also super convenient. Check-in/out [express] was a breeze, though I did miss a bit of the personal touch. Check-in/out [private] was also great, especially after the long journey and general craziness!
Overall Verdict – Go, Just Go! (But Beware the Seagulls!)
Look, Natalia Apartments isn’t perfect. No place is. But the views alone are worth the trip. The staff genuinely care, the facilities are excellent, and the location is absolutely stunning. The accessibility is good. Yes, the drive is a bit hairy, and yes, you might have an encounter with an aggressive seagull. But honestly? Those are just part of the adventure. I'd happily return in a heartbeat. Just… maybe I'll bring my own lunch next time. And a bird whistle. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (minus half a star for the seagull trauma).
Escape to Paradise: Na Na Ya Ji B&B, Taitung's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sterile, pre-packaged travel guide. This is my Corfu chaos diary after a week at Natalia Apartment A, and trust me, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. Get ready for sunstroke-induced ramblings, questionable food decisions, and a whole lotta "Oh, that happened."
Corfu Catastrophe & Coastal Crack-Up: My Chaotic Corfu Itinerary
Preamble: Landing, Luggage Liberation, & Immediate Existential Dread (Day 1)
Ugh, the flight. Let's just say EasyJet and "easy" rarely occupy the same sentence. Finally, after hours of sardine-can confinement, we landed. Corfu airport is basically a glorified shed, but hey, it's shedding sunshine, so I can't complain… much. Found the rental car (a Fiat, naturally. tiny, like my hopes of actually parking it) and the drive to Agios Gordios was a white-knuckle adventure. Those roads? Designed by a maniac with a death wish.
Climbing up to Natalia Apartment A - and it was truly climbing, felt less like a climb and more like a sherpa expedition. The view though… whoa. Agios Gordios bay spread out like a turquoise dream. This is what all the pain was for! Dropped our bags, immediately inhaled the complimentary welcome bottle of wine (a truly questionable rosé, mind you, but welcome nonetheless), and collapsed. This whole "vacation" thing is exhausting, isn't it?
Day 1: The Agios Gordios Immersion & Pre-Dinner Panic
- Morning: Woke up to the rooster's aggressive serenade. Pretty sure he had beef with my existence. Coffee on the balcony. That view… still takes my breath away. Seriously, picture postcard material. I could get used to this. Maybe I’ve found my retirement plan.
- Afternoon: Ventured down to the beach. The sand? Pebbles. Like walking on a thousand tiny, judgmental little fists. But the water! Crystal clear, ridiculously blue, and gloriously warm. Spent the afternoon attempting to swim but mostly being tossed about by the waves. Embarrassing. Learned the painful truth; I needed a beach umbrella ASAP! Found one. Price? Outrageous. Worth it.
- Evening: Dinner at "Taverna Sunset". The name, though slightly cliché, was accurate. The sunset? Spectacular. The food? Mixed bag. Ordered the Moussaka - a classic, right? The plate was gigantic but so salty it left me chugging water well into the next day. Highlight – their extremely fluffy pita bread. Lowlight: the waiter’s attempts at seduction (he was definitely speaking to my husband but I felt it in my bones!).
Day 2: Beach Bummin', Boat Boo-Boos & the Quest for Authentic Gyros
- Morning: Back to the beach. Spent a solid three hours doing absolutely nothing. Successfully perfected the art of horizontal sunbathing. My skin is already acquiring that lovely lobster hue. Worth it.
- Afternoon: Boat trip! Paid a small fortune for a "private tour". The boat was not exactly the Titanic (more like a glorified inflatable dinghy), and our captain, bless his heart, didn't quite speak English. Ended up in a cove that was breathtakingly beautiful, and then promptly lost my sunglasses overboard. My fault entirely. I’m just a clumsy disaster.
- Evening: The Gyro hunt. Heard tales of legendary Gyros in Corfu town, a quest I was determined to conquer. Drove. Got horribly lost. Yelled at Google maps. Saw a lot of olive groves. Found the wrong town, and ultimately caved and had a late-night Gyro at a roadside stand. It was amazing. Delicious. Possibly the best thing I've ever eaten… and the absolute redemption of the day.
Day 3: Corfu Town Shenanigans, Cathedral Chaos, & Souvlaki Salvation
- Morning: The dreaded rental car and another terrifying drive to Corfu Town. The traffic! The scooters! The near-death experiences! (All self-inflicted, I swear). Found a parking spot – a miracle!
- Afternoon: Explored Corfu Town. So much beauty, so many narrow streets. Got hopelessly lost within five minutes. Visited the Cathedral. Absolutely majestic. Spent way too long browsing the shops. Bought a ridiculously overpriced scarf I'll never wear. Tourists, am I right?
- Evening: Tried more of the Gyros, this time in Corfu Town. Success! Found a tiny, unassuming place with the best Souvlaki I’ve ever eaten. My happiness peaked. Walked the town. It was beautiful after dark. I feel like I could live here, at least for a week.
Day 4: Paleokastritsa Paradise, Monastery Mayhem, & Wine-Induced Whimsy
- Morning: Another death-defying drive, this time to Paleokastritsa. The scenery? Unreal. The coves, the cliffs, the ridiculously turquoise water… it’s like a screensaver IRL. Took a boat trip to explore the caves.
- Afternoon: Visited the Paleokastritsa Monastery. Serious serenity vibes. Then got yelled at by a monk for wearing shorts. He had a point, but still, a little harsh. Bought some olive oil. It's actually good, unlike the rosé.
- Evening: Wine tasting! Found a local winery. The wine? Surprisingly delightful. The company? Even better. By the end of the tasting, I was practically best friends with everyone there. Made some questionable decisions, bought way too much wine, and stumbled back to the apartment giggling. Don't judge me.
Day 5: Agios Gordios Down Time, Beach Bliss, & the Bruschetta Breakthrough
- Morning: Lazy morning. Slept in, read a book on the balcony. Life doesn't get better than this.
- Afternoon: More beach time. Perfected the art of napping under the beach umbrella. Attempted swimming again, with slightly more success. The sea is my friend.
- Evening: Cooking on the balcony, a simple bruschetta. It was a revelation! First attempt was disastrous (burnt toast, watery tomatoes). Finally got it right. Bruschetta and a sunset. Almost cried.
Day 6: Goodbye Kiss & Flight Frights
- Morning: Last coffee on the balcony, a final few moments soaking in that view. Heartbreak is an understatement.
- Afternoon: Packing. Then, the horrifying task of squeezing the rental car back to the airport (which is still a shed).
- Evening: The flight home, with a screaming baby and turbulence. I miss the rooster.
- Later: I am here to tell you that it all changed. The next time I'm flying, I'm getting into the holiday spirit, because I can't stop myself!
Postscript:
- Food Failures: The Moussaka. The salty everything. My attempts at Greek cooking.
- Triumphs: The Bruschetta! The Gyros! The view!
- Lessons Learned: Always pack sunglasses tethers. Don't trust Google Maps implicitly. Embrace the chaos. Drink the wine. And always, always, make time for the view.
Corfu, you beautiful, messy, chaotic, unforgettable island. I'll be back. Maybe with better navigation (doubtful), but definitely with a thirst for more. Goodbye, and thank you for the memories. This is me, signing off.
Zhengzhou's WILDEST Animal Adventure: Thank Inn & Yinji Animal World Await!
Okay, Fine, Let's Talk Escape to Paradise: Natalia Apartment's...Views. Seriously, Though?
Is the view *really* as good as the pictures? Because, you know, filters and whatnot...
Alright, alright, let's be honest. I'm a cynical travel blogger at heart. "Breathtaking views" are a dime a dozen. I’ve seen sunsets that look like someone threw up a rainbow, and beaches that are, frankly, pebble-y. But... Agios Gordios from Natalia's? Yeah. It's a bit much.
The pictures, they’re good. But they don't *quite* capture the, you know, "oh my GOD I need a drink NOW" level of beauty. Seriously, the first time I walked onto that balcony... I actually stumbled. Not a graceful stumble, mind you. More of a "whoa, legs, you okay?" sort of wobble. My jaw just *hit the floor*. I’m not even kidding. Almost chipped a tooth. (Okay, maybe exaggerating a *teensy* bit, but still.)
It’s more than just the view; it's the feeling. The way the sun hits the water in the morning. The way the cliffs change colours as the day goes on. The smell of the sea, mixed with... well, you know, the smell of a Greek taverna wafting up from below. It's… a lot. Prepare to spend an obscene amount of time just staring. And maybe taking, like, a thousand photos. Just to try and capture it. And fail, spectacularly. Because, trust me, it’s impossible.
The apartment itself... what's it *really* like? Is it all Instagram-worthy pristine, or a bit, you know, 'lived in' ?
Okay, so, let's be real. I like my creature comforts. I am *not* a fan of "rustic charm" that translates to "dusty and slightly damp." The apartment? It's… charming. It's not *sterile* – phew, a relief! Think clean and bright, with a definite Greek island vibe. White walls, colourful cushions… the usual. But also, and this is important, it’s genuinely well-maintained. No crumbling plaster (thank god), and the bathroom? Spotless. (I'm a bathroom snob. Don’t judge.)
Yes, you might find a tiny imperfection here and there. A slightly wonky light fixture, maybe. But that's… life. It's Greece. It's *real*. The kitchen is adequate. You can make basic meals – which, if you're anything like me, means mostly opening a bottle of wine. The balcony is the star, let's be honest. And the fact that you have your own private space to drink your wine and watch the world go by (and avoid conversations with that overly friendly couple from the apartment next door) is priceless. Trust me, I know. That couple's enthusiasm was...intense. And early. Very early.
How's the accessibility? It looks like it might be up some hills… I'm not exactly a mountain goat.
Right, so, this is where things get *slightly* less idyllic. Agios Gordios, like much of Corfu, is not exactly flat. Getting *to* Natalia's involves a bit of a climb. Think… a moderate incline. Nothing Everest-y, but you’ll definitely feel it after a long day at the beach. Especially carrying groceries. (Note to self: next time, order delivery. Even if it seems excessive.)
If you have mobility issues, or are dragging a suitcase the size of a small car, maybe check with the owners beforehand to see if they can arrange a ride. Otherwise… embrace the burn! Think of it as pre-dinner exercise. Or an excuse to buy another gelato. I chose the gelato. Multiple times. No regrets.
What's the beach like? Is it ridiculously crowded?
Okay, the beach. Beautiful, of course. Agios Gordios beach is a classic – sand (mostly), clear water, and dramatic cliffs framing the bay. Yes, it gets busy, especially in peak season. But… it’s manageable. You can always find a spot, even if you have to get there a *little* earlier than you'd like. (Sunset, the most crowded, but my most favourite time to be there!)
There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (a lifesaver in the relentless Greek sun - and if you're pale like me, a *must*), and tavernas right on the beach, so you can stay fueled with ice-cold Mythos and delicious, greasy food. I spent a solid week eating gyros and swimming, which, honestly, may be my ideal life. The water is calm, and clear. Perfect for swimming or just floating and staring at the sky, thinking about, well, absolutely nothing. Bliss. (Except for the occasional rogue wave that tries to sneak up on you, which is slightly less blissful.)
Food! What's the food situation like in Agios Gordios? Good? Avoid it? (Please tell me there's good souvlaki….)
Hallelujah! The food situation in Agios Gordios is… excellent. And yes, there is *plenty* of souvlaki. Glorious, juicy, perfectly seasoned souvlaki. You'll eat so much, you'll almost be able to *become* a souvlaki. I may or may not have considered it at one point. I'm not even a huge meat eater, but... Greek souvlaki is different. It’s magic. Pure, delicious magic.
Beyond the souvlaki (although really, is there anything beyond souvlaki?), there are plenty of tavernas offering traditional Greek fare. Fresh seafood, moussaka, grilled halloumi – all cooked with love and lashings of olive oil. There are also some nice little cafes for breakfast, and a few places where you can get a decent pizza (though, frankly, I wouldn't bother. Stick to the Greek food!). And the portions? Generous. Very, very generous. Be prepared to loosen your belt. Or, you know, buy new, larger clothes. I chose the latter. No regrets again!
Anything else I should know… any hidden downsides? (Be honest, I can handle it.)
Okay, okay. The "hidden downsides." Well, there’s the walk, as mentioned before. The climb. The thing where you’re panting for air like a dog after a particularly enthusiastic game ofSearchotel
