12 km south of Corfu Town you will find the picturesque village of Benitses. This name, traces of which can be found for the first time in ancient civilisations dating from 1469. The water of the springs which flow from the mountains of Aghii Deka and Stavros, join together in two small rivers and have given the area the name Pinisse (derivation from the ancient Greek word 'Pinio'), Pinitse, Benitses.
Recent archaeological excavations have brought to light the ruins of an old Roman thermal public baths still in good condition. Main occupation of the inhabitants was fishing. the cultivation of citrus crops, as the location was full of citrus trees, olive-oil production and in the operation of water mills on the mountainous part of the village.
The mild climate and the natural beauty of the village had already attracted a lot of tourists from the beginning of the century. It is only during the last 20 years that tourism has replaced all other sources of income and now is the only occupation of the inhabitants.
The population of the village today is 800 inhabitants. Its geographic position directly opposite and only a few kilometres from the mainland was the main reason for the emigration of a great number of people from Epirus, who were trying to distance themselves from Turkish-occupied Greece hoping to find a better life in Venetian Corfu. A large number of the current inhabitants are of Epirus descent, especially from Souli. After Souli's occupation by Ali-Pasha, in two different time periods, once in 1804 and again in 1821, lots of Souli's inhabitants have been established across the south coastline.
After the reunion of Corfu with Greece in 1864, Benitses became part of Chrisideon community. From 1912-1928 it was a part of Gastouri community and from 1928 until now is a self community.
Benitses offers a variety of night life suitable not only for the young and young-at-heart, but also for families. The choice is varied - from fish tavernas, charcoal-grill tavernas, traditional Greek coffee bars (kafeneion), bars serving meze (ouzerie) and many restaurants serving a selection of international and Greek cuisine. Thus the night time is full of life. In the daytime the village reverts to its former role as the the meeting place for the local fishermen.They also set up stalls on the side of the road from which they sell their fresh daily catch.
The old village is full character and charm and leads to the emerald valley behind which is criss-crossed with footpaths. One of these footpaths will take the inquisitive walker to a lushness surrounding the Benitses water works, part of the unexpected hidden wilderness.
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