The eternal temptress of the Ionian islands
Corfu has long enticed conquerors and holidaymakers with its intoxicating mix of historical monuments, lush hillsides, blue skies, sand and pebble beaches and calm, azure waters. British and French influences can be seen in Corfu’s atmospheric Old Town – however, it’s obvious that the Venetians, who stayed around for 400 years, exerted the greatest sociocultural impact on the island.
While resort areas are spread around a vast coastline, the eastern shores, such as Ipsos, Dassia, Moraitika and Benitses, are especially popular and particularly family-friendly. Retreat to the swish northeast and stay in a pastel-coloured villa hidden among olive tree-covered slopes, where you can revel in spirit-boosting sea views.
Hit television series The Durrells, inspired by Gerald Durrell’s entertaining trilogy on his family’s time on Corfu, has sparked a revival of interest in the Ionian island and attracted many enthusiastic first-timer visitors. Add to that new luxury hotels, and interesting openings on the dining, beach bar and nightlife scene – and you have an eternal Greek island classic on your hands.
Hot right now . . .
Helen Iatrou, our resident expert, offers her top tips on the hottest things to do, as well as places to stay and drink at, this season.
Eat
At Pomo d’Oro (11 Skaramanga Sq; 00 30 26610 28 680) in the Old Town, French-Greek chef Aristotelis Megoulas masterfully executes his new seasonal menu concept ‘cucina nobile’, which endeavours to bring nobility to Corfiot cucina povera (peasant cooking). No foodie worth their salt should miss out on this whimsical journey connecting the island’s culinary past and present.
Stay
Angsana Corfu (11th km of Kerkyra – Lefkimmi National Rd; 00 30 210 72 57 419) marks Banyan Tree’s first European opening and is set to make its long-awaited debut in September 2019. The 199-room property will feature a signature Angsana Spa and Michelin-starred Corfiot-Italian chef Ettore Botrini’s latest venture. Double rooms from €225 (£201).
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vickyp.85
Eat
Imabari (Faliraki Beach; 00 30 2661 100340) – a cosmopolitan waterfront all-day café, bar and restaurant, where you can swim in blue-green waters with views of the Old Fortress – is the perfect summer spot. Athens-based burger fiends The Kahuna Bros have whipped up a distinctly tropical menu with Caribbean, Hawaiian, Latin American and Asian influences.
Do
The Corfu Museum of Asian Art (Palace of Saints Michael and George; 00 30 26610 20193) is hosting an exhibition celebrating the bicentennial of the palace and the Order of Saints Michael and George until November 17, 8am-8pm daily.
48 hours in . . . Corfu
Day one
MORNING
If time is of the essence, stay relatively close to Corfu Town, which is situated roughly halfway down the eastern coast. A hire car is a must on this sprawling island so that you have the freedom to move around at your own pace. Grab an early breakfast and park beside the old harbour so you can explore the pedestrian-only Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Cross the moat to the 14th-century Old Fortress before the cruise crowds arrive. From the Tower of the Land, revel in grand views of the watercolour patchwork of terracotta roof-tiled neoclassical buildings bathed in light next to a glittering Adriatic Sea. Spot the two winged lions of St Mark, the Tower of the Sea, the British barracks and the church of St George.
At classy French-built Liston Arcade, sit outdoors at Café Kohlias (16 Eleftherias St; 00 30 2661 028118) and revive your senses with an iced espresso while taking in Spianada Square, the largest square in the Balkans.
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Neil Farrin
AFTERNOON
Do lunch late, as locals do, and check in at Marina’s Tavern (35 Velissariou St; 0030 2661 100792) in the old Jewish quarter. Chow down on delectable meze like taramasalata (fish roe dip) with marinated anchovies along with nourishing pies from owner Marina’s native Epirus region, and braised lamb with artichoke.
Next, lose yourself in the maze of skinny alleyways and laundry hung high to dry that characterise the Campiello neighbourhood, bordered by Kapodistriou, Arseniou and Nikiforou Theotoki streets. Across from Agios Vassilios church you’ll find the Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets Brand Store (34 Agiou Vassiliou St; 00 30 26610 41102), where you can pick up a smart-looking bottle of smooth kumquat cream liqueur, an updated version of the traditional tipple that is delicious on ice.
Then, pop into retro Papagiorgis patisserie (32 Nikiforou Theotoki St; 0030 2661 039474), which dates to 1924, to sample the best pistachio gelato this side of Naples.
LATE
Slip into your resort linens and espadrilles for an elegant night out in the Old Town. Chef Aristotelis Megoulas works seasonal farm-to-table finesse at his restaurant Pomo d’Oro (11 Skaramanga Sq; 00 30 26610 28 680), where the menu changes monthly: you might find the likes of octopus carpaccio with strawberries and pine nuts in red pepper sauce. Make sure to book ahead, particularly in July and August. Ask Aristotelis about the little-known history of Skaramanga Square.
Afterwards, amble down to ultra-cool streetside local favourite Café Bristol (49 Evgeniou Voulgareos St; 0030 693 666 0101) for signature cocktail Monkey & the Beans and jazz tunes. If you prefer to be seaside, sashay over to the rooftop of buzzing bar-restaurant NAOK Azur (1 Dimokratias Av; 00 30 2661 080700), a prime spot to behold the Old Fortress.
Day two
MORNING
Today you’re off to explore Corfu’s western coast. Your first destination is Paleokastritsa, a resort town of hills and dramatic cliffs studded with olive, pine and fir trees. Pack a picnic, shade and water supplies and rent a motor boat for a half-day from Ampelaki Boats (Paleokastritsa; 00 30 6974 375 852) so you can track down isolated beaches accessible only by sea. Drop anchor and dive into the aquamarine waters of Giali, Limni, Paradise, Stelari and Iliodoros, among others.
Alternatively, discover the excellent dive sites near Paleokastritsa such as Colovri islet, where you’ll spot marine life including tuna, jacks, anthia and nudibranch amid reefs, caves and canyons. Achilleon Diving (Paleokastritsa; 00 30 6932 729011) offers dives and courses for both newbies and experienced divers.
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Gosiek-B/Gosiek-B
AFTERNOON
Head up to the Theotokos Monastery (00 30 2662 041210), built on Paleokastritsa’s highest peak, at exactly 1pm, when it closes for an hour to the public. Walk directly to the two nearby lookout points, often people-free at this time of day, and capture staggering views of the town’s two main beaches and densely-vegetated bluffs that plunge down to a turquoise-shaded sea.
Afterwards, absorb the serenity of the monastery and its tiny church housing rare icons, founded in the 13th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
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Balate Dorin
If hunger pangs hit, Corfu’s original slow food awaits at Taverna Elizabeth (00 30 2663 041728), in sleepy Doukádes village, 10 minutes by car east of Paleokastritsa. Here, you must try piquant, tomato-based pastitsada, a traditional tummy-pleasing casserole prepared with beef or, occasionally, cockerel.
Ensconced in a rocky cove since the 1960s, La Grotta Bar (00 30 2663 041006), accessible from Paleokastritsa’s main road via 142 steps or by boat, is ideal for a refreshing late afternoon swim and snorkel in The Blue Lagoon-like waters, followed by a locally produced ale or old school piña colada.
LATE
On the way back to your hotel, stop in at hip Nagual (00 30 6971740665) on long, sandy Kontogialos Beach, a former hippie haven, for a legendary sunset, exceptional cocktails and possibly a movie with your feet in the sand. Dare a midnight dip in the cool, shallow waters.
You may choose, instead, to freshen up and hit Corfu Town. Splash out on dinner at the giddily romantic The Venetian Well (Kremasti Sq; 00 30 2661 550955), where chef-owner Yiannis Vlachos envisions creative Mediterranean dishes such as crayfish tartare marinated in vanilla and citrus juices.
Where to stay . . .
Luxury Living
Domes Miramare Corfu is the Ionian isle’s gold standard. This five-star, adults-only hideaway sits on its own beach in peaceful Moraitika, southeast of Corfu Town. The charismatic yet unpretentious property was once owned by the Onassis family and was a celebrity magnet in its Sixties heyday. It’s worth splashing out on a sea view or waterfront pavilion retreat, where you can stretch out on chaise longues and destress in your hot tub or private pool, or both. Soul beats float above the shingle beach, where it’s deceptively easy to spend a day unwinding on sun loungers and cooling off in the aquamarine Ionian Sea.
Doubles from €184 (£165). Miramare Beach, Moraitika; 00 30 2661 4 40500
Boutique Bolthole
Those seeking peace and serenity should head to MarBella Nido, surrounded by pines and firs above a sandy Blue Flag beach. Rooms and suites revel in enviable sea views; most encompass a private pool or whirlpool with a roomy patio. Meticulously-tended gardens of lavender bushes and all manner of flowers serve as an aromatherapy wake-up call. Dinner on the open-air fine dining restaurant Apaggio is decidedly romantic. Pair creative spins on classic Corfu recipes like slow-baked lamb tsilichourda with one of many excellent Greek wines. The stone-built pool area is lovely place to take in views of a cerulean Ionian Sea to the sound of jazz.
Doubles from €151 (£135). Agios Ioannis Peristeron; 00 30 26610 76452
Budget Beauty
With an elegant spa, secluded corners and child-friendly entertainment, Aeolos Beach Hotel succeeds in catering for romance as well as family holidays. The large resort mimics a traditional Corfiot village, with pathways winding among stone cottage-style buildings. Splash around the two pools, kick back in the spa and sauna (each guest is entitled to a free 15-minute taster massage), or enjoy a choice of tennis, beach volleyball, water polo and aqua aerobics. Restaurant offerings are plenty, ranging from Greek buffets, Italian and pan-European fare to a seven-course gourmet meal including apéritifs and wine.
Doubles from €65 (£58). Perama; 00 30 26610 33132
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photography © Christos Drazos
What to bring home . . .
Minimalist-minded Myrto Zirini (5 Arseniou St; 00 30 26610 41560) crafts contemporary ceramics that convey the plasticity of a clay object eroded by the sea. See her in action at her waterfront workshop in Corfu Town’s Mouragia neighbourhood.
Marie Vaggalati, of Leather Trinkets, designs exceedingly desirable jewellery inspired by Byzantine and post-Byzantine book binding. Her statement gold print Tressa necklaces need nothing more than a monochrome canvas. Shop at Muses (22 Michael Τheotoki St; 00 30 2661 030708).
When to go . . .
Most hotels open in early May (sometimes late April) and close in October, though dates vary. Corfu is busiest in summer, while the shoulder season months of May, September and October are increasingly popular, particularly among couples and retirees, though cloudiness and occasional showers are possible.
Corfu’s capital is worth a visit in its own right, therefore most hotels in and near the Old Town stay open year-round along with a host of attractive apartments. Orthodox Easter is an annual drawcard, so expect crowds. Hikers should visit in spring, when the weather is cool and the island ablaze in a riot of blooms, or in autumn.
Know before you go . . .
Essential information
Tourist board information:00 30 26610 37638; visitgreece.gr
Emergency fire: 199 or 112
Ambulance: 166
Emergency police: 100
British Vice Consulate: First floor, 18 Mantzarou St, Corfu; 00 30 26610 23457; in an emergency outside working hours of 8am-3pm, call 00 30 210 727 2600; gov.uk
Local laws and etiquette
• As is the case in most of southern Europe, locals and visiting Greeks tend to have lunch or dinner late, as in after 2pm and 9pm respectively. Almost all tavernas and restaurants open at noon and then around 7pm to cater to early diners, while many don’t close at all in the afternoon. The more upscale Corfu Town restaurants tend to only open for dinner.
• In terms of dress codes, shorts and beachwear is fine at casual tavernas, while trousers and skirts are required at smarter restaurants. Covering up in church is mandatory; shawls and skirts are provided if necessary.
Tipping is not required, however most restaurants have a cover charge for bread. A tip of around 10 per cent is most welcome.
• Public transport is good and affordable. Corfu’s green KTEL intercity buses (greenbuses.gr; 00 30 26610 28900) offer regular service from Corfu Town to resort areas, inland villages and most beaches, with an extended coastal service in the summer. Purchase tickets at the central KTEL station or on board the vehicle.
The island’s blue buses (astikoktelkerkyras.gr) cover routes in and around Corfu Town and link the capital to several villages. Most blue buses depart from central San Rocco Square. Line 15 links the airport, port, the city centre and the KTEL intercity bus station. Purchase blue bus tickets in advance from kiosks, the station master’s office in San Rocco Square and automatic vending machines. Tickets cost more if paid for on the bus. Day passes are available and if you buy 10 tickets, you receive an extra one free.
• Cabs (dark blue) are easy to find in Corfu Town and can be booked by phone for other destinations. Corfu Taxi (corfutaxi.gr; 00 30 26610 33811) operates 24 hours year-round and provides rates online for airport and port transfers to and from your destination. A taxi ride from the airport to Corfu Town should cost around €19 (£17). There are taxi ranks at the airport, port, San Rocco Square, Spianada Square and Ioannou Theotoki St.
• Hiring a car is highly recommended so that you can explore Corfu independently. Try not to rely on sat nav as you might end up on some very narrow rural roads. Corfu Old Town is pedestrianised, so avoid it altogether. Stay on the main roads and keep a close eye on road signs, while it’s a good idea to call ahead to ask for directions. Don’t be shy to ask locals to point you in the right direction if you find you’re lost.
• Handshake greetings are the norm, however, two kisses are commonplace if you know one another well.
The basics
Flight time: Around three hours and 10 minutes from London
Currency: Euros €
International dialling code: 00 30 266
Author bio
Greece expert Helen Iatrou is an unabashed Ionian island aficionado. By day, she goes sailing off the northeast coast and swimming at remote Porto Timoni beach. By night, she seeks out soul vibes in Corfu Town’s coolest bars.
Experience Corfu with The Telegraph
Telegraph Travel’s best hotels, tours and holidays in Corfu, tried, tested and recommended by our Corfu experts.
