Spiro Halikiopoulos, the beloved taxi driver and friend of the Durrell family, remained in Corfu after the family left. He continued his life on the island, dealing with the changes brought by World War II and its aftermath.
Spiro Halikiopoulos was a real person who played a significant role in the lives of the Durrell family during their time in Corfu, as depicted in Gerald Durrell’s books and the television series “The Durrells in Corfu.” After the Durrells left the island in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II, Spiro faced the challenges of living in an occupied territory. Corfu was occupied by Italian forces in 1941 and later by the Germans in 1943.
During the war, Spiro, known for his resourcefulness and loyalty, would have had to navigate the difficulties of life under occupation, including shortages of food and supplies, as well as the dangers associated with resistance activities. After the war, Corfu, like the rest of Greece, went through a period of recovery and rebuilding. Spiro, with his deep roots in the local community and his strong personality, likely played a part in this process.
Unfortunately, there is limited historical information available about Spiro’s life after the Durrells’ departure. The personal details of his later years remain largely undocumented, and his story after this period is not widely known. However, his friendship with the Durrells and the impact he had on their lives in Corfu have immortalized him as a cherished character in the memoirs of Gerald Durrell and in the hearts of those who have enjoyed their stories.
