Corfu travel guide, by Angela Papageorgiou

By Angela Papageorgiou of CV Travel

For such a small island, Corfu offers surprising diversity. You can live here for over 35 years – as I have done – and still discover places you never knew existed. These are some of my favourites.

BEACHES

Take the kids to the vast sandy beach of Halikouna, in the south-west. There are few facilities here so pack your own food, drinks and some portable shade and luxuriate in the peace and privacy.

Still in the south-west, Paramonas is another ideal family beach, its sand scattered with boulders that hide intriguing rock pools. Kids can play for hours, within sight of their parents who can safely relax at the friendly beach tavernas.

Corfu’s most exclusive villas are grouped along the spectacularly beautiful north-east coast; here you will find Kerasia (top left), beloved of yachtsmen, backed by eucalyptus trees, with one superb taverna. Tiny Kaminaki (top right) is impossibly pretty, while the glorious pebble bay of Avlaki has staggering views of Albania and is open to the prevailing afternoon winds - perfect for sailing and surfing.

EATING OUT

Nothing beats a leisurely meal with the water lapping barely inches from your feet. Tavernas from Kaminaki in the north-east to Boukari in the south-east offer this experience – savour grilled fresh sardines drenched in fresh lemon juice and served with a glorious salad of fruity tomatoes sprinkled with herbs and local olive oil. So simple and so good.

Most visitors to Corfu seek good Greek food but Corfu has connections with Italy that run deep and not only influence home cooking but also result in a profusion of excellent and authentic Italian restaurants in and out of the town – my personal favourites are La Cucina in Corfu Town, Little Italy in Kassiopi.

For an authentic Greek evening, steer clear of the organised tours and head for Yannis in the town’s suburb of Garitsa. You are unlikely to see any Greek dancing, but a gifted local musician provides pleasant (Greek) background music and welcomes sing-alongs if you know the words. Go into the kitchen to choose from the simmering pots of local delights such as tsigarelli (sautéed greens with chilli) and soffrito (veal stewed to melting tenderness with wine, parsley and lots of garlic).

A favourite Sunday treat is a plate of tiny, flaky cheese pies with a drink of ouzo or tsipouro (local brandy) at one of the elegant Liston cafes in Corfu Town.

SIGHTSEEING

Visit at least one Corfiot village and travel back to a more leisurely world, where old houses cluster about a feudal mansion. Splendid Byzantine castles such as Angelocastro are now being restored, thanks to the recent award of UNESCO Heritage Site status to Corfu. Hire a boat, enjoy the views of the stunning north-east coast and pick a deserted cove for a spot of swimming and snorkelling.

MUST DO

Spend a day in Corfu Town – you can easily explore it all on foot, with frequent pit-stops at one of the many cafes. Atmosphere, history, great shopping, excellent food, open-air concerts, alleys hung with washing contrasting with grand municipal architecture, streets reverberating to the sound of the local brass bands. I would also recommend a visit to the British Cemetery, not least for the orchids that bloom there.

For villas in Corfu, visit CV Travel.

Tags: Corfu, CV Travel

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