Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches of black, red and white lava pebbles.
How has Santorini became the most famos island in the world?
Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.
‘Greece is the country that offers you the discovery of yourself ‘ — Lawrence Durrell.
Corfu is unique in so many ways. Unique amongst the Mediterranean islands, and amongst the Greek islands.
Due to its geo-location, this island is unlike other Greek islands. Corfu Island, the big sister of the Ionian Islands, as the locals like to call it, will make you fall in love with Greek culture, delicious food, and the sapphire sea.
The Island is located on the Northwest coastof Greece in the Ionian Sea, close to the coast of Italy.
While it can be extremely arid in summer, Corfu has lush rainforests thanks to abundant winter rainfall. Winter is mostly cloudy and windy. Corfu has mountains and pine forests.
Altogether, the Ionian Archipelago has a Mediterranean climate with dry summers (30 degrees Celsius) and mild winters (average temp. of 14 degrees Celsius).
The main Ionian islands are
Kerkyra – CORFU
Paxi – PAXOS
Lefkada – LEFKAS
Ithaki – ITHAKA
Kefalonia – KEFALONIA
Zakinthos – ZANTE
Kythira – CYTHERA
Due to its location again, Corfu played a significant role in Greece’s history from the very beginning (Pre-Antiquity). Corfu appears in the writings of Thucydides, 5th century BCE, Peloponnesian War, alongside Athens and Corinth. From the dawn of history to the present day, Corfu has played a catalytic role in the long and rich history of Hellenism.
More recently, unlike other Greek islands, Corfu was one of the very few that never fell under Ottoman oppression. While it’s been under Venetians, the French and British, the Ottomans never ruled; they played a major role in pulling the Greeks towards the West, ideologically and culturally.
The city of Kerkyra became home to the first Greek University – the Ionian Academy, the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the first School of Fine Arts.
What makes Corfu the pearl of the Ionian Islands?
I’m well aware that most of the Greek Islands have unparalleled beauty, some ranking very high amongst the most beautiful and popular in the World, and yet Corfu somehow manages to dazzle its visitors, making them return again and again.
Let’s see what makes Corfu the pearl of the Ionian Islands?
Corfu’s exceptional natural beauty. Sapphire sea as far as your eyes can see, hundreds of miles of impressive coastline shaped by the natural elements without human intervention, excellent weather all year round and a geographical location offering easy access by plane – Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport and by boat from continental Greece, Italy and Albania.
History overload, the Old Town Fortress designed during the 17th-18th century and of course, hundreds of picturesque villages as old as time.
Architecture at its finest, because of the historical richness from the dawn of civilisation to modern times, Corfu never ceases to amaze its visitors. Kerkyra Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When it comes to arts and culture, Corfu comes at the top again with its long tradition in music, and its internationally recognised Philharmonic Orchestra and choirs.
The Church of St Spyridon, the island’s patron saint. In particular, the Easter celebrations are impressive.
several museums worth visiting. Banknote Museum, Byzantine Museum, Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Dionysios Solomos – Greece’s national poet.
Mouse Island has become a symbol for Corfu. Once you’ve seen this tiny island, home to the church of Panagia Vlacherna, you’ll recognise it anywhere, because it’s the most photographed spot in Corfu, the perfect postcard otherwise.
a handful of places that once belonged to big names in history :
Elisabeth, the Empress of Austria (aka Sisi) used to escape to Corfu, especially after she lost her son. The Palace Achilleion was built for her on the island. After Sisi’s assassination in 1898, the Palace Achillion was bought by Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II as his summer residence.
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born on the island in Mon Repos Palace, built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife.
An Odyssey to Corfu
There are quite a few movies filmed in Corfu, but the British series The Durrells is an unconventional and heartwarming odyssey to the beloved Ionian island.
“The Corfu Trilogy” by Gerald Durrell offers a delightful escape into the sun-drenched island of Corfu, where the young naturalist and his eccentric family embark on a series of enchanting adventures that celebrate the splendour of nature and the rich tapestry of human life. With wit and warmth, Durrell paints an irresistible portrait of their Mediterranean paradise where curious animals, quirky locals, and a sprawling menagerie of family antics come vibrantly to life.
As you turn the pages of this uplifting memoir, you’ll be transported into a world brimming with laughter, wonder, and the simple joy of exploration, making it impossible not to fall in love with the Durrells’ unconventional and heartwarming odyssey.
“The Durrells of Corfu” by Michael Haag sweeps readers into the enchanting world of a British family whose eccentricities and adventures in the sun-drenched Greek island of Corfu are as compelling as they are endearing. Drawing from both the beloved writings of Gerald Durrell and a treasure trove of family letters and personal anecdotes, Haag paints a vivid portrait of a family whose love for nature, humour, and each other brought them to a place where they could truly thrive. Readers will be charmed by the Durrells’ vivid personalities and their profound connection to Corfu’s breathtaking landscapes, as they delve into an intimate and spirited exploration of their unforgettable sojourn.
The TV show “The Durrells “ aired in 2016, and it was shot in Corfu.
The entire plot is built around the Durrell family relocating to the sunny island. Each one of the five main characters and Roger (the dog) navigates their own challenges and adventures, trying to find their place amongst the locals, both welcoming and hostile.
During the 4 seasons, some of the children will try to ‘’escape’’ soul searching, but in the end, they all find their way back to Corfu. The bittersweet (mostly bitter) series finale captures the Durrells being forced to say their farewell to their friends and their beloved island in the dawn of the Second World War.
Louisa Durrell makes the difficult decision to move her family back to England in the rise of nationalism amongst the European nations, and after receiving news that her cousin Basil was murdered on his way back to England, ‘’just for being English’’
So what makes this show so unique and entertaining?
Because the Netflix series is based on naturalist Gerald Durrell’s novel The Corfu Trilogy, the raw natural beauty of the island is a central feature. The characters are constantly marvelled by the diversity of wildlife and the paradise they find themselves in.
British humour at its finest, Louisa in particular.
The clash of the two countries and cultures, illustrated with the subtle teasing and historical references, is unmatched.
“I love the English, they’re the first at everything… and the last to leave”, Spiro
Locals played by Greeks for authenticity,
The family life is kept at the core of the plot. The British family of the ’30s is depicted during the four seasons, the good, the bad, the ugly, but most importantly, the beauty of sharing every moment with your loved ones is what makes life worth living.
Top 6 things you must try while in Corfu
Corfu Town it’s a blast of little local markets, coffee places, pubs, bars and restaurants, not to forget the high street merchandisers of clothes, jewellery, makeup, tech and food.
1. The old Fortress of the City
In case you get lost in Corfu Town, somehow you will end up at the Old Fortress. There’s no need for a map, you will get there with the flow. You can also find yourself in this situation several times before realising what is happening, it’s hilarious, I promise!
There is no need to get into historical debates and details about the origin of this marvellous fortress. All it is worth knowing is that over the centuries the Island belonged to the Republic of Venice, France, the United Kingdom and finally to modern Greece, because you’re able to see a mixture of styles and influences on the Fortress’s architecture. A ‘little younger’ but dating from the same 16th century, it’s the new Fortress of Corfu that is worth visiting.
Today, this part of the city offers spectacular views, great museums, endless walking paths and parks, a variety of traditional restaurants, cold beer and iced coffee. You can easily spend a day enjoying the beauties of both Fortresses of Corfu Town.
For this sort of experience, you don’t need to walk on a specific side of the island. Once you’ve left the old Fortress, everyone will try to sell you something. But every single little narrow street of Corfu town will host a few souvenir shops.
I have only one piece of advice for you: Do not buy from the first shop in your way, but rather explore the area and do your souvenir shopping on your last day.
2. Best beaches and villages
Halikounas beach is about 15 miles south of Corfu town, and don’t get scared when you get there. It looks like a desert. It is a huge wild beach and it lacks any kind of tourist facilities.
If you’re a fan of fancy sunbeds, umbrellas and loud music, this beach is not for you. Go find one anywhere on the island, but if you don’t mind carrying your beach rug, towels and books with you, by all means, spend a day on Halikounas Beach. I promise it’s just going to be you, probably another few lucky folks, the golden sand and unreal, endless blue water.
Best beaches to try near Corfu Town:
Anemomylos beach
Mon Repos, near the palace with the same name
Vido beach
Dasia is the former residence of Merlin, the agriculturist who introduced the well-known Japanese Kumquat citrus in Greece. Nowadays, Corfu is world-renowned for its kumquat liquor and jam, a must-try when you visit. Don’t miss Dasia beach.
Pelekas beach is probably the best spot in Corfu to watch the sunset, and that’s an expert’s opinion
Kouloura Bay and the village make a perfect postcard shot
Sidari
Mesongi
Agios Matthaios
Agios Georgios
Lefkimmi
Issos
Kerassia
Kalami
Barbati
Dafnilas
Gouvia
Benitses
Mytiotissa
Achavari
Kontogialos
Ermones is the beach from the Myth of Odysseus (Ulysses)
Glyfada
Kassiopi
3. Scuba diving and marine life
One thing to try, and I highly recommend, is scuba diving. You will never be able to experience the undersea world better than on a Greek Island.
For your peace of mind, there are no deadly poisonous jellyfish or sharks that could eat you alive. There are better places to experience scuba diving, nothing compares to famous Micronesia, Yongola (Australia), Hawaii or Belize, but since we are on the old continent, the Greek undersea world will stay on top of the list.
4. Paxo and Antipaxo day trip
Paxiand Antipaxi are two small, stunning Greek islands located in the Ionian Sea, south of Corfu. They are famous for their crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, olive groves, and a laid-back atmosphere, making them popular with travellers looking to avoid the crowds of more tourist-heavy Greek islands.
How to get there?
To Paxi: No airport, access is by boat or ferry from Corfu, or mainland ports like Igoumenitsa.
To Antipaxi: Small boats, water taxis, or organised tours from Paxi (mostly from Gaios).
Paxi (Paxos)
Main Town: Gaios – a picturesque harbour town with Venetian architecture.
Size: About 25 km² (9.7 sq mi)
Known For:
Beautiful beaches (pebbled and hidden coves)
Sea caves and turquoise waters
Olive oil production (over 250,000 olive trees)
Charming villages: Lakka and Loggos
Activities:
Boating around the island
Exploring sea caves on the west coast
Dining in seaside tavernas
Visiting old churches and windmills
Antipaxi (Antipaxos)
Located: Just 3 km south of Paxi – accessible by boat in 15–20 minutes.
Size: About 5 km² (1.9 sq mi)
Known For:
Voutoumi and Vrika beaches – often ranked among the most beautiful in Greece
Crystal-clear, Caribbean-like waters
Local vineyards – Antipaxi produces small quantities of red wine
Activities:
Swimming and snorkelling
Beach picnics
Exploring by small boat or kayak
5. Nightlife
Kavos village is located about 27 miles from Corfu town on the Southern coast of the island, and it’s famous for its loud parties. It’s the place that doesn’t sleep in the summer and is regarded as the top destination for British tourists. It’s not the place you go to try the local cuisine or the best beach, nor is it famous for its luxury family-friendly hotels or spas, but the place you go to party hard. You go there for the best pool gatherings, exquisite cocktails, foam parties, helium balloons, and the rest.
Tip: You should never accept a drink or smoke from anyone in Kavos. It is dangerous and easy to take some serious drugs during the night in Kavos.
Other than Kavos, you will find a few bars in every single village of the island. We particularly loved 54 Dreamy Nights in Corfu town, plus Quatro Summerand Sea Onein Agios Georgios South. They all have friendly staff, high-class customer service, delicious drinks, affordable prices and a great location.
In case you don’t wanna party hard, you could use a few drinks after a long, hot day, go to Agios Gordis village and ask about The Lemon Tree cocktail bar. This bar it’s not easy to find because the locals like to keep it that way. The atmosphere it’s chill and relaxed, laced with sisha aromas and exquisite drinks and cocktails for every taste. Since it’s a family business owned by 4 siblings, the customer service it’s exceptional.
Funny fact: They actually have a lemon tree growing in their open-air bar, so they will use fresh lemons for your drinks, so the name is well worth.
When they ‘kick you out’ at 6 in the morning, you just need to walk down a few streets and you will end up on the beach. Enjoy the sunrise!
No, this is not a paid review.
6. Hikes in Corfu
Sidari to Cape Drastis for a picturesque coastal view, approximately 15 miles
From the fishing village of Kassiopi to Pantokratoras (911 m alt.), the tallest peak on the island, for a panoramic view of not just the entire island but also the coast of Albania and on a clear sky day, 120 miles across the sea, the coast of Italy.
Paleokastritsa and its surroundings. The view from the coast’s peaks is unreal. Crystal clear shallow water, golden beaches and lush green vegetation everywhere, despite the 26 degrees C average temperatures.
Legend has it that the bay of Paleokastritsa is the place where Odysseus’s ship is destroyed by Poseidon, and he washes ashore on Phaeacia, landing near Nausicaa and her maids. Nausicaa’s actions set in motion the events that will eventually lead to Odysseus’s return home.
The ideal time for hiking in Corfu is April-May and October-November, to avoid the scorching summer temperatures.
Conclusion
Time and time again, Corfu has been chosen by historic personalities for various events, and that was no coincidence. This island represents the quintessence of Greek culture and civilisation.
Corfu is not the biggest island, or the busiest, nor is it the most popular or the most expensive of the Greek destinations, but it is the most exquisite of all; it’s beautiful by being the most authentic. History has pulled Corfu towards the West, and in return, the pearl of the Ionian islands, with its people, has played a catalytic role in defining the modern Greek culture as we know it, built on the richest history of all.
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