The sound of the waves falling softly onto the sand, the breeze coming from a nearby mountains and wonderful hidden beaches just a boat stroll away. You can find it all in Corfu. Greece.
It’s no news nor secret that Greek Islands are amongst the most beautiful in the world. The clear turquoise water, multicoloured little houses piled toward a dark blue horizon and amazing Greek cuisine is just a few things that attract vacationers here. Corfu is a little bit different from it’s more popular sisters. Yes, you’ll find typical Greek beauty here, but you’ll also discover some quiet hideaways, unique views, and even a slow village life.
Corfu is considerably big as an island. To put it more into perspective, famous Santorini is about 76 km² in total, Crete, around 8,336 km² and Corfu 585.3 km². It might look like a huge island but it is easy to travel around with a car and see most things around Corfu in just one week or less.
WHERE TO STAY
I’m a big believer in quality stays these days. There are times when you save and times when you splurge and those rare times when you can find a golden middle. Corfu was exactly that! I visited on the week when island has opened for tourism again so it was: 1. high season 2. still quiet and 3. full availability on many accommodations. Because Corfu is considerably large it can be hard to choose where to stay. Rest assured, I have you covered. I’ve divided my week between two locations – both middle of the island, east and west of that middle.
Eleals is a sanctuary of tranquility and serenity, offering guests ultimate comfort and high-quality services. Located just a few miles south of Corfu’s airport, Eleals Boutique hotel offers you breathtaking views of the sea, private beach, delicious food all done sensibly and luxuriously. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway without breaking a bank I can’t think of a better place than Eleals.
Hotel offers four room types: Classic, Superior, Family and Prestige Suite. Each room has a balcony with a beautiful view overlooking the sea, extremely comfortable king size bed and a breathtaking sunrise!
Let’s take a minute to talk about hotel food. Good brekkie it is a deciding factor for me! Each time I check into hotel I feel anxious about next morning because what if breakfast isn’t going to be good?! But what if it’s going to be amazing? Eleals swept me off my feet! Wide breakfast menu is their jam! They offer food to everyones choice. Each morning I tried choosing something different and ended up happily overeating.
The staff was friendly, helpful and the attention to detail was unmatched. Eleals really helped make Corfu a can’t miss island in my book.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN CORFU
1. Visit all the wonderful beaches
You know me. And if you don’t then I will repeat myself – I am a mermaid, a beach girl, an ocean child. Beautiful beaches revive my soul and charge my batteries.
To say the least I didn’t expect much from Corfu’s beaches at first. Because I am aware of how spoilt yet grateful my soul is seeing the most amazing beaches around the world and how hard it is to find something that can surprise my eyes.
Yet, I should say Corfu has gorgeous little spots! Some of my favorites were these:
Porto Timoni – You have to make the hike down in order to really see this beach in all its glory. Pack a picnic and hiking shoes as you won’t be left disappointed.
Rovinia Beach – tucked away and hard to find while sand beach with a cave. Not crowded, always azul clear!
Liapades Beach – very close to Rovinia but has a different pebble vibe.
La Grotta – not exactly a beach but rocky area near a cafe that gained popularity due to it’s nature. This place reminded me of Mallorca.
Sidari – Endless sandy beaches with stunning sandstone formations, as if the sea moulded the sand like a potter. On the western side of Sidari, there are the fjords and the famous Canal d’Amour. The myth has been passed along for generations that, if you swim in this natural passage, you’ll find your soul mate.
2. Admire Porto Timoni from above
Porto Timoni is arguably the most beautiful beach in Corfu. Once you arrive it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place. I haven’t trekked down to the beach but instead decided to admire the view from above. To reach the view point, you need to part your car at a nearby village Afionas, which is worth the stroll too. That’s where you find little cafes and blooming flower walls.
Trek to Porto Timoni view point is about 15-20min from Afionas and my biggest advice would be wearing comfortable shoes plus arriving early – midday sun and crowds won’t be as pleasant afterall.
3. Watch Planes Fly over the Kanoni Area
The Kanoni area of Corfu is iconic for several reasons. Firstly, the Vlacherna Monastery is magnificent, where you take a narrow bridge to reach it on the tiny islet. This is one of the top photography sites of Corfu. There are over 800 monasteries and churches on the island so make sure to visit a few while touring around Corfu.
Secondly, while visiting Vlacherna you also get a chance to see planes land and take off from Corfu Airport as they fly close to the monastery. It’s a sight not to be missed!
4. Rent a boat and explore the coast of Paleokastritsa
One of the best ways to truly see Corfu is to rent a boat. You’re probably thinking what about the license? Good news is you don’t need any! Just show at rental point at the beach, listen to instructions and whiz around the island, stopping at scenic spots, caves and beaches. I rented one at Liapades beach; got a deal 4 hours for 35 euros, plus 10 euros for petrol used.
I must say it was all clear and easy to navigate. I did much needed exploration and quiet tanning in the middle of Ioan sea. Can’t think of a better day spent aboard.
5. Indulge in local greek cuisine
No trip to Greece is complete without some olives, giros and greek salad. And Corfu is no exception! Portions are huge and produce is always fresh. You can also enjoy locally caught seafood, which I’m not gonna lie is deeeelish! Stifado is one of Greece’s most hearty stews filled with chunky beef, onions, some cinnamon and a little wine. Another big staple is Mousaka. Would say I had the best one in Paleokastritsa.
If you want a quick and hearty bite, grab yourself a gyro that is best described as a European kebab – meaty wrap filled with salad, sauce and sometimes fries. Gyros are served everywhere and cost around 2 euros!
Corfu is an oasis full of lovely people, crystal clear water and great food. It’s a place you should definitely visit. There are many islands in Greece to choose from but with history, food, and it’s overall allure, I know Corfu will charm every kind of traveler.
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