How you can Plan the Good Journey to Corfu, Greece

From the place I stood on a dock in Sarandë, Albania, Corfu regarded shut sufficient to the touch, or on the very least, shut sufficient to swim to. It appeared like a paradise, with rolling inexperienced hills, azure waters, and old-world buildings dotting the coast. As we approached the island on our 30-minute boat journey, I shortly discovered it was not a mirage; the Greek island actually is as stunning up shut as it’s from a distance.

“Corfu is a singular vacation spot as a result of its beautiful pure magnificence, wealthy historical past, and vibrant tradition,” Christopher Sino, the visitor relations supervisor at Domes Miramare Corfu, shared with Journey + Leisure. “The island boasts crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque seashores. Its mix of Venetian, French, and British influences is clear within the structure and delicacies, providing guests a various cultural expertise.”

As Sino famous, the island is not like different well-known Greek isles. Right here, you may spot far fewer white-washed buildings, however you may nonetheless discover welcoming Greek hospitality.

“The individuals of Corfu are down-to-earth and relaxed – on most days, you will discover locals within the village, having fun with espresso outdoors, gathering in taverns, or assembly for providers at historical chapels,” Tassos Andriotis, the chief chef at Angsana Corfu, defined. Native citrus and cheese are eating regimen staples on this island, Andriotis explains, including that Corfu is “famend for olive oil, with some 5 million olive oil bushes rising throughout the island. Most of the farms and mills welcome guests to find the native Lianolia Kerkyra olive tree, which is particular.” 

Able to see and style all the pieces Corfu has to supply? Hold studying to plot out your good Greek island getaway.

Finest Accommodations & Resorts

Domes Miramare

Tucked alongside a beautiful stretch of the Ionian Sea, Domes Miramare is a shocking luxurious escape that is tailored for discerning friends. How discerning, you ask? It was the popular summer time getaway for the likes of Aristotle Onassis and Jackie O, giving the lodge loads of jet-set road cred. On the lodge, friends can unwind in spacious suites that overlook the water, dive proper into the ocean straight from the lodge garden, or lounge by its large pool lined by chaise lounges. These on the lookout for an even bigger journey can ebook a day on its personal yacht, which can choose you up from the dock proper outdoors.  

Angsana Corfu

Angsana Corfu is a vacation spot beloved for its mix of Mediterranean fashion and trendy facilities. On the resort, friends can dive into its completely large pool that overlooks the crystal-clear waters or laze about of their boho-chic rooms which are decked out in sandy tones with large image home windows that make the view the star of the present. For an unforgettable keep, splurge on a pool suite.

Aeolos Seashore Lodge

Discover a family-friendly ambiance on the Aeolos Seashore Lodge. The resort affords each direct entry to the seashore and an Olympic-sized swimming pool for adults, together with a kids’s pool for the little ones. The rooms and suites listed here are nice for households as nicely, together with the Superior Bungalows designed for 3 friends.

Grecotel Corfu Imperial

Situated by itself personal peninsula, Grecotel Corfu Imperial affords an expensive getaway with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Friends can take pleasure in personal seashores, connoisseur eating, and stylish lodging that mix trendy consolation with classical Greek decor. The resort’s opulent setting and distinctive service present an unforgettable vacation expertise.

Finest Issues to Do

Discover Previous City.

Construct in at the very least a half day to absorb the sights round Previous City, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed vacation spot. The cobblestone streets will weave you thru and across the historic buildings, that are full of trinket retailers, cafes, and taverns that are perfect for a fast chew. Do not miss the Previous Fortress (to be truthful, it is monumental, so it is fairly exhausting to overlook) and stroll by the beautiful St. Spyridon Church, earlier than ducking right into a spot like Laini Handmade Ceramics to select up a neighborhood memento. 

Hike Corfu Path.

Spend a bit time with Mom Nature with a hike down the Corfu Path — or at the very least a part of it. In totality, the path affords greater than 100 miles to traverse because it winds by means of various landscapes from the coast by means of the plush forests. Observe this Corfu Path information, which comes with audio, textual content, and maps to observe so you will not miss a factor. 

Spend the day on the seashore.

Corfu is house to a few of Greece’s most stunning seashores — and as somebody who’s visited her justifiable share of Greek seashores, I do not say that evenly. Go to stretches of sand like Cape Drastis to view the island’s dramatic cliffs that disappear into turquoise waters; head to Rovinia Seashore for its secluded allure and white pebble shores; and cease at Porto Timoni for a really breathtaking view. Do not forget to pack a pair of goggles: You may wish to see all of the life lurking slightly below the floor. However these aren’t the one seashores that may make your journey full. “A lot of the shoreline is untouched, so there are lengthy, sandy seashores with hidden caves and secret snorkeling spots,” Andriotis mentioned. “Some seashores, like Chalikouna, are protected as nature reserves and residential to unbelievable wildlife like flamingos, cormorants, and turtles.” 

Finest Eating places

Coconela

Start your day at Coconela, a specialty espresso store in the course of Previous City. The store serves each form of caffeinated beverage you might want alongside a rotating menu of baked items, that are finest loved outdoors on its patio space (this permits for prime people-watching, too). And, in case you have a Keurig at house, be certain that to select up a number of the absolutely compostable pods by The Underdog within the store. They’re completely scrumptious. 

The Venetian Properly

When you ask anybody who’s been to Corfu the place to eat, The Venetian Properly will in all probability come up. The upscale eatery is a go-to vacation spot for a romantic ambiance and implausible meals. Go for the tasting menu to pattern as many Greek delicacies as potential, and add the wine pairing whilst you’re at it. 

Klimataria

Have a extra low-key meal at Klimataria, a family-run taverna that focuses on straightforward dishes made with recent, native produce. It is a fish-forward spot, so count on loads of dishes like psari bianco (fish in a lemon sauce), octopus, and psari bourdeto (fish in pink sauce). 

Alonaki Bay

Get a meal with a view at Alonaki Bay. It is a really perfect vacation spot for lunch because of its stunning surroundings and menu that comes chock-full of recent seafood and conventional Greek fare, together with some zucchini fritters that you’re going to dream about lengthy after you have left. 

Villages to Go to

Corfu City

The island’s capital, Corfu City, is an ideal mix of historical past and tradition. Go to its clothes boutiques like Muses Corfu for one thing domestically made, take a tour by means of the fortress, and cease in at Coconela for the right day. 

Kassiopi

Situated on the northeastern coast of the island, Kassiopi is a pleasant little fishing village that is house to a picture-perfect harbor. Right here, guests can benefit from the sights, eat recent fish, and go to the Kassiopi Citadel for a bit extra Greek historical past. 

Agios Gordios

Discover one other little seashore city with a go to to Agios Gordios alongside the west coast of the island. It is a quaint neighborhood with just some retailers and eating places lining the road that results in the seashore, however actually, it is obtained all you want, as a result of right here, the seashore is the primary attraction. Come spend a whole day on the shore by renting a chaise lounge and an umbrella from one of many many clothing stores ready to hook you up. 

Finest Time to Go to

The most effective time to go to Corfu is from Could to October, when the climate is at its prime and sunny days are in no quick provide. Nonetheless, as Sino suggests, the bookends of those months could also be the very best. “The most effective time to go to Corfu is from late spring to early autumn (Could to September). Throughout these months, the climate is heat and sunny, good for seashore actions and exploring the island’s outside sights,” Sino shared. “July and August are peak vacationer months, so visiting in Could, June, or September can provide a extra relaxed expertise with fewer crowds.”

How you can Get There

By airplane: Corfu Worldwide Airport (CFU) is the primary gateway to the island, with each day flights from main European cities. The airport is situated only a quick drive from Corfu City, making it a simple place to jumpstart your journey on the island. 

By ferry: There may be common ferry service from the mainland of Greece to Corfu, together with frequent departures from Igoumenitsa and Patras. There may be additionally a global ferry connection from Italy to Corfu, which takes between seven to fifteen hours, relying on the departure level. There may be additionally a global ferry (the one I took) from Albania to Corfu, which will get you there in beneath half-hour. 

How you can Get Round

By automotive: Corfu is massive, so one of the simplest ways to get across the island is by renting a automotive. The roads listed here are well-maintained and straightforward to drive, making this the prime choice. There are a ton of native retailers to lease from who will fortunately meet you on the ferry terminal or the airport along with your rental automotive. (Word: Like different Greek islands, you may lease scooters or ATVs; nevertheless, the island is sufficiently big to warrant a automotive as a substitute.) 

By public transit: Corfu has a constant and dependable public bus system should you actually wish to forgo renting a automotive. Better of all, it is extraordinarily reasonably priced (beneath $2 a journey) and saves you the trouble of looking for parking, which is very essential should you’re making an attempt to discover Previous City.