Corfu

For those who’ve read or heard of Gary Durrell’s novel, My family and Other Animals, or Lawrence Durrell’s Corfu travel memoir, Prospero’s Cell – both of which in their own right famously put Corfu on the map of the must-visit world destinations – it comes as no surprise how wonderfully rich, radiant and idyllic the island is with its wealth of natural curiosities, be it flora, fauna or geological formations. On the other hand, the island is bursting with authenticity having a unique amalgam of Hellenic, Roman, Venetian, Byzantine, French and British influences and folklore which are meticulously pieced together displaying the mosaic of Corfu. If the Durell brothers’ books haven’t piqued your interest in the island before, now’s the time to put a fresh spin on traditional vacation reads. The island has changed dramatically since the memoirs were first published, nonetheless view the books as peculiar guides for exploring many and varied Corfu neighborhoods and villages and as the recipe for soulful cultural immersion.

PALEOKASTRITSA

On the west coast, about 16 miles from Corfu, Paleokastritsa is one of the most important places on the island. Endowed with several beaches and famous sea beds, this seaside is a paradise for lovers of water sports. Paléokastritsa is composed of three quite distinct coves: a port and two small beaches between the city and the mountain.

AGIOS STEFANOS

Set around a deep horseshoe-shaped bay bustling with boats, the seaside village of Agios Stefanos is faultlessly pretty. Home to five waterfront tavernas, two civilized bars and a couple small supermarkets stocking essentials, Agios Stefanos has the exact right amount of facilities and entertainment. The atmosphere is very low-key and casual, with just enough life to keep current visitor numbers happy, while keeping the masses at bay.

AGNI

Agni is one of the grander inlets of the northeast and was once best known for being the idyllic spot. This magical little bay is now best known and loved for its three beachfront tavernas. Hailed as a food lovers’ paradise, all the restaurants have a fantastic reputation and offer guests a sunbed on the pebbly beach, perfect for relaxing after a sumptuous lunch

NISSAKI

The small, sprawling coastal village of Nissaki offers simple pleasures of Greek living, yet it’s attractive to well-heeled visitors. This comes as no surprise since it is home to Ultima Corfu, an exclusive private villa “carved” into the hills of Nissaki village, towering above the Ionian Sea. From the village set back off the coast, a gentle stroll through the olive groves gets you to the small main beach area – a picturesque cove of pebbles and sand – with crystal-clear water and lava rocks rising out of the sea, so it's popular with scuba divers. From the main beach, you can enjoy coastal strolls in both directions, where you will find secluded little coves with some beaches where you can swim straight off the rocks. Nissaki’s revered shorelines are home to Island’s flagship luxury home, the aptly named Ultima Corfu. This enchanting fortress-like behemoth is gorgeously embedded in the coastal cliff sides for an unforgettable fusion of natural majesty and boundary-pushing luxury architecture.

GOUVIA

Gouvia sits on the east coast of Corfu. Back in the 17th century, it was a Venetian naval base, but now the village comes with more sophisticated waterfront credentials thanks to its smart marina. There are shops and lively bars in the center, plus plenty of traditional Greek restaurants for meze. It is a posh place and with Corfu’s biggest yachting marina where you can moor your motorboats, sailing yachts, Benetti, Navi, or similar vessels. The waterside cafés and restaurants make great spots to soak up the atmosphere. And just behind the marina, you’ll find the grand arches of the old Venetian port still standing.

CORFU TOWN

Corfu Town, the capital of the island, is arguably the most beautiful city in Greece. It is divided into the Old Town and the New Town. Old Town is a mix of Venetian residences and French public buildings and it has preserved its Venetian style and architecture creating an imposing atmosphere of another time where the present meets the past and it seems that time stands still. The historic centre is actually a Unesco World Heritage site since 2007. The picturesque maze of narrow and cobblestone streets known as "kantounia" and Venetian stone houses transport you to a romanticized past. Endless rows of vaulted arches, stone columns and tall buildings epitomize the essential characteristics of the Old Town. Keep an eye out for Mon Repos on the southern outskirts – this elegant mansion was Prince Philip’s, (Duke of Edinburgh) birthplace, which is why so many Corfiots are called Philip or Philippina; it is now an archaeological museum. Just outside the immediate peripheries of the town lies the magnificent VIlla Noella, a luxury vacation home embraced by fragrant woodlands with awe-inspiring Ionian panoramas.

BENITSES

Situated on the east coast, just 12 kilometers south of Corfu Town and the airport, Benitses was one of Corfu’s first tourist resorts back in the 1960s. Notwithstanding new construction, most of the old, traditional village of Benitses has been preserved. The resort has one main sand and shingle beach with its harbor and a number of smaller sandy coves within easy reach. But be sure to spend some time exploring the original Benitses village with its narrow streets and local bars and shops to get a real feel of traditional Corfu. The countryside has some interesting attractions such as the Achillion Palace, the Corfu Shell Museum, the Lakopetra Rock and the ruins of the old Roman Baths.

The dining scene in Corfu blends Roman and Venetian influences with familiar Greek cuisine. Think meltingly tender beef stews served over pasta, hearty dishes of lamb and game, fresh fish and seafood drizzled with onion and red pepper broth, meze plates partnered with glasses of wine from nearby vineyards, as well as liqueurs and sweets made from the island’s signature fruit, kumquat. With restaurants that range from rustic tavernas to stylish modern venues – many of which with ocean views and alfresco terraces – tuck in at one of Corfu’s atmosphere-packed dining spots and get your taste buds tingling.

TRILOGIA | MEDITERRANEAN

Trilogia provides a romantic setting beneath ancient castle walls, magnificent views overlooking beaches, rocks and the sea. You will find a friendly, unhurried atmosphere and of course excellent wine and cuisine!

RR RODOSTAMO | GREEK

In a five-star hotel, Rodostamo offers a unique menu of high gastronomy, presenting a modern version of traditional Corfiot and Greek cuisine. The place comes complete with breathtaking views of Kommeno Bay.

VENETIAN WELL | EUROPEAN

Venetian Well is one of the most historic and beautiful restaurants in town! The ambiance is romantic, with open horizons overlooking the beautiful Kremasti Square in front of the historical Venetian well.

Local produce and fresh ingredients are used to compose a great selection of dishes for an unforgettable culinary experience.

BOTRINI'S | GREEK

Botrini's is owned by one of Corfu most well-known chefs, Ettore Botrini. He brings high-end gastronomy, a flexible menu, and various tastes into the elegantly designed space. Botrini’s is considered one of the best restaurants in Corfu.

TORTUGA | MEDITERRANEAN

Right where the waves reach the shore, you can find the Tortuga Bar & Restaurant. With velvet sand under your feet, you can taste the finest flavors of Greek and International cuisine. The Tortuga culinary journey is complete with an astonishing sea view.

KOH | ASIAN FUSION

Koh offers trendy Asian fusion cuisine outdoors at the pool terrace of Angsana Corfu. Designed by world class chefs, Koh serves a mix of modern Asian dishes and sushi bites, a colorful result that lifts the senses. The interior is minimalist contemporary.

The nightlife in Corfu is legendary. The island is well-known for embracing and cradling the dionysian lifestyle. Corfu’s nightlife scene is a broad mix of party-mad resorts, sleepy fishing towns and upmarket villa enclaves spread out around a number of different areas all over the island. The island’s capital has plenty of areas known for its nightlife, from the historic old town to the famous disco strip, north of the center. The heaving bars and clubs in the (in)famous resort of Kavos stay open until the night gives way to a day. From sophisticated cocktails, drinks by the beach or an all-night rave, there’s a bar for everyone.

7 SINS COCKTAIL

Cocktails are a pretty big deal in Corfu. No bar worth its salt can expect to survive for long without an extensive cocktail menu and 7 Sins Cocktail Bar is arguably the best cocktail bar on the island in a very crowded pool. A little off the beaten path, 7 Sins Cocktail Bar is near the beach town of Barbati just a little north of Ipsos. It is an ultra-chic bar with a retro/vintage vibe and its 7 signature cocktails are packed with the perfect blend of punch and flavor that will blow you away.

LA GROTTA BAR

La Grotta, a bar situated on Corfu’s west coast side near Paleokastritsa, is special due to its unique location. La Grotta is built into the caves and cliffs with the bar and several outdoor decking areas overlooking the incredible turquoise waters of the surrounding bay. A staircase of 140 stairs leads down to La Grotta, but it’s worth it to end up in one of the most scenic bars anywhere in Europe. There are diving boards and jumping-off spots dotted around the jetty for those tempted to head into the crystal clear water. At night the bar and the cliffs are beautifully lit up and the night vibe and the atmosphere are set by DJs playing popular tunes with lapping waves as back vocals.

54 DREAMY NIGHTS

Probably the most famous nightclub on the island, 54 Dreamy Nights is a Corfu institution, commonly touted as one of the best clubs in Greece. That reputation is well deserved as 54 Dreamy Nights is easily the largest club on Corfu. It’s rigged up with a colossal sound system that blasts out a wide range of Greek and international music, including techno, pop, house and more. Along with a dazzling lightshow and an incredibly stylish bar area, 54 Dreamy Nights is still the king of Corfu’s nightclubs.

IMABARI SEASIDE LOUNGE BAR & RESTO

Situated right below the Old Palace, which is now the Museum of Asian Arts, Imabari is the only spot with access to the beach. Not only does this make for an appealing rest stop for explorers, but it also provides views of historic sites like Corfu’s Old Fortress. Throughout the day an ambiance of background music can be enjoyed; and as the sun sets, candles are lit as Imabari becomes host to a series of live music events. Its combination of atmosphere, menu and idyllic location make it one of the best clubs in Corfu.

Corfu certainly has an unprecedented appeal. The Durrells’ descriptions of Corfu and Kalami Bay have captured the hearts and the imaginations of many visitors, giving a special identity to the island of Corfu – which Gerald Durrell referred to throughout his life as “paradise.” The respect and adoration the Durrell brothers gained in the Corfu community is evident, when the park next to the medieval Old Fortress was renamed “Bosketto Durrell” and became home to sculptures of the brothers. Take a stroll down the streets of Old Town, passing by many attractions or take scenic drives to some of the most picturesque locations on the island.

ANGELOKASTRO

Angelokastro is one of the most important Byzantine castles in Greece. It is also one of the oldest, dating back to the 7th century. It is located in the northwestern part of Corfu, near Paleokastritsa atop a rock formation on a steep slope, 305 meters above sea level. In good weather, the unique panoramic view from the summit shows not only Paleokastritsa, but also the whole island.

KOULOURA BAY

Going down the road to the beautiful village of Kalami, take the left fork which leads to Kouloura – one of the most scenic bays of Northeastern Corfu. The bay emerges through cypress trees and stands out with its highly picturesque fishing port, mainly filled with wooden boats. There sits the most famous and luxurious mansion in Corfu, Agnelli Villa. This mansion built by the Venetians as a fortress against pirate raids, was home to blue-bloods and aristocrats of Europe for many years.

THE WHITE HOUSE

The White House in Kalami has become a Corfu icon. It is best known as the former residence of British author, Lawrence Durrell, where he wrote his poetic memoir about Corfu, Prospero's Cell. Lawrence lived here in the 1930s with his wife, Nancy. Their Kalami home was regularly visited by his family including young Gerald Durrell who later became a leading conservationist and popular author. The White House has been owned by the Atheneos family for generations and it has stood witness to the changing times that Greece, Corfu and the wider world have experienced. Two world wars, civil war, home to Lawrence Durrell, visits from famous and infamous writers, the advent of mass tourism and the backdrop to film and TV productions; all of these events have shaped and molded the White House of today.

LISTON

The Liston is a pedestrian street and area in the heart of Old Corfu Town. There are two versions of how Liston got its name. One says Liston comes from the Venetian word “lista” meaning wide, straight walking road. The other, more intriguing, is that it comes from the Golden Book (Libro d'Oro), a list of names of noble Venetian families which enjoyed privileges to walk at Liston while common people did not even have the right to pass by it. This famous arcade with lanterns is now home to coffee houses which attract both locals and visitors.

ST. SPYRIDON’S CHURCH

The church of Saint Spyridon is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Corfu. The canton of “Agios” is located in the center of the Old Town and it’s recognizable due to its characteristic steeple-like red bell tower which is easily spotted from any part of the city. It is 40 meters high, has seven bells and a big blue clock, a symbol and is “the beating heart” of Corfu.

ST. SPYRIDON’S CHURCH

The church of Saint Spyridon is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Corfu. The canton of “Agios” is located in the center of the Old Town and it’s recognizable due to its characteristic steeple-like red bell tower which is easily spotted from any part of the city. It is 40 meters high, has seven bells and a big blue clock, a symbol and is “the beating heart” of Corfu.