CORFU | Our Secret Island

General information and the Town

 

Corfu Greece is among the most beautiful and popular islands of the country. Due to its strong historical connection with Europe, this was among the first Greek islands to open to tourism. Corfu island has a cosmopolitan feeling combined with a special traditional character.

Corfu town, especially for its oldest part, is one of the most charming and romantic places of all the Greece!  It is a perfect example of ancient Venetian and Byzantine art that will be able to fascinate you with its little streets and its panoramic points.

 

 

Beaches

Greek islands are renowned for their beaches and pristine waters, but arguably Corfu, with its endless forests reaching the blues of the Ionian sea has the most spectacular beaches in the whole of Greece. There is a staggering number of beaches for such a small island with a tremendous variety in texture and character which will simply spoil you for choice. Let us name a few nearby going from West to East : Paleokastritsa, Arillas, St George St Stefanos, Sidari (Canal D’amour ), Astrakeri, Roda- Acharavi-Almyros, St Spyridon,Imerolia, Kassiopi, Kalmi, Kouloura, Kerasia, Agni, Barbati, Nissaki….

Gastronomy

 

Corfu's cuisine is tied in with its history and this is what makes the food here so different from the rest of Greece. It is fascinating to look through a menu and try to deduce who brought what.

The four best known Corfiot dishes show their Venetian influence. These are Sofrito (sliced veal cooked with vinegar, garlic and parsley), Bourdeto (a peppery fish stew), Bianco (a white, garlicky fish stew) and Pastitsada, (a pasta and meat dish).

Today many of Corfu's well known dishes are available all over the world, but they are best sampled here. The climate, atmosphere, food and drink seem to belong together and provide a unique experience whatever the meal.

 

 

 

Close Resorts

Acharavi

 

Achavari is the main town in this part of the island, which means you’ll find plenty in the way of shops and nightlife. The central street is dotted with bars, shops and restaurants, and you’ll find even more along the little roads leading to the beach. The surrounding countryside is pretty spectacular, too – one of the world’s best walking trails sits in the hills behind town.  The clean, sandy beach stretches the entire length of the town – a whopping 3 kilometres. It’s perfect for paddling and for little ones – it stays shallow for 50 metres out to sea. There are loungers and umbrellas for hire, and a top-notch selection of cafés and tavernas along the beachfront.

Roda

 

Roda is a quiet, picture-postcard village surrounded by lush fields and fragrant olive groves. For centuries, fishing and farming have been the major breadwinners here, but in recent years it’s opened its arms to holidaymakers from near and far. A big part of Roda’s appeal is the 7-kilometre stretch of golden sand and pebble, which it shares with Acharavi, the resort next door. It’s a Blue Flag-winning beach, so it’s spotlessly clean. And its shallow Mediterranean water makes it a really safe stretch for paddling and swimming. For those who want to up the ante, the beach lines up parasailing, jet-skiing and beach volleyball, too.

 

 

Kassiopi

 

In the northeast of the island, 36 kilometers north of Corfu Town, this traditional fishing village has retained its character despite its popularity. Overlooking a pretty harbor filled with wooden fishing boats, it offers a choice of seafood tavernas and cafés, which are popular with affluent Brits and Italians, some of whom have villas here. Calm and unhurried, it is especially noted for its numerous small coves with white pebble beaches and amazing turquoise blue sea. The best way to explore this stretch of coast is to hire a small boat. For amazing views hike up to the ruined Byzantine castle .

Paleokastritsa

 

On the west coast, 25 kilometers northwest of Corfu Town, Paleokastritsa encompasses a glorious stretch of indented coast with six deep, curving bays sheltering lovely beaches, both of sand and pebble, extending to a crystal clear blue sea. It's popular with day trippers, so it does get busy in peak season. In the hills rising above the coast, you'll find another attraction - a 13th-century monastery with a courtyard garden, church, and small museum.

 

 

Sidari

Probably the most famous destination on Corfu’s north coast, Sidari is certainly one of the liveliest. This one-time fishing village grew during the Eighties to become a veteran resort. These days you’ll find a huge array of bars and restaurants on its busy main strip, but you’ve also got pretty, secluded coves and lovely coastal walks, too.  Sidari’s main beach is a 500-metre stretch of Blue Flag sand and shingle. The waters here are calm and shallow, and they come with a great line-up of watersports, including parasailing and diving.  When it comes to evening entertainment Sidari is a night owl that lays on the late-night bars and pubs in a major way.

 

Attractions

Old Peritheia

 

This historic 'Heritage Protected' village is in  'A Designated Area of Natural Beauty', situated on the attractive north east corner of the island., and  just below. It is the oldest example of the original mountain villages of Corfu. Records date back to the mid 14th century, although it is considered to have been inhabited many centuries before. Around 130 houses were built, entirely by hand, some of which have now fallen into ruins, many of which are now under restoration.  ‘Suspended in time’ the village remains an enchanting discovery for visitors from all over the world. So whether you want to enjoy a great day out, step back in time, walk in the mountains, or just relax in one of the four tavernas and sample some locally sourced and home cooked food, then visit Old Peritheia.

 

 

 

Mount Pantokrator (The Almighty)

 

Take a break from Corfu’s beaches and visit the impressive highest point on the island, Mount Pantokrator which rises 906 meters. A road leads all the way to the top, so you can drive up or cycle, though some people even prefer to hike from the village of Perithia (the walking time is approximately two hours). At the top, the Pantokrator Monastery dates back to the 14th century, though its present appearance is mainly from the 19th century. The views from the summit are stunning, with Albania to the east, the Diapontia islands (Mathraki, Erracusa, and Othondi) to the north, and the islands of Paxos and Anti Paxos to the south. On a clear day, you can even see the southern tip of Italy some 130 kilometers away.

 

Water Park

Just 5 minutes drive from the villa, outside Acharavi, constructed on an area of 34.000 sq. m. there is “Hydropolis” our Waterpark.Further away (about 45 km)  from the villa there is the famous Aqualand Waterpark, one of the most amazing and adventurous water parks in Europe. In an area of 12.000 sq. m. , there are water rides and slides, rivers and pools with plenty of fun and excitement on over 15 different water-themed rides and attractions for all who want to have fun with their family.