I was on Corfu in August – gorgeous, but very hot. My tip: go in the shoulder season instead, in May or September/October. What stays with you: good-humoured islanders, rocky coves with crystal-clear water and excellent food. I’ll be back – just at a better time.
Getting there
I booked a package through TUI (flight, transfer, hotel in Gouvia with breakfast). If you travel flexibly, it’s best to compare flights on the usual search engines.
The right location
- Gouvia – plenty of restaurants, quick by scooter to quiet coves in the north-east, close to Corfu Town by taxi. The town itself isn’t pretty, but it’s practical.
- Corfu Town – wonderful for a stroll, with a seaside lido. Ideal for a day.
- Paleokastritsa (west) – touristy, but with quiet spots away from the crowds.
I stayed at the Paradise Hotel Corfu in Gouvia – good value for money, a pool, ten minutes to the sea, friendly hosts. The owner’s husband grows the breakfast olives himself.
Beaches
Sand, rock and town beaches – I like the rocky ones for snorkelling best.
- Kaminaki Beach – my favourite: small, low-key, with loungers and two little tavernas.
- Paleokastritsa – several coves; just drive through to the big car park and walk 100 metres for a quiet spot.
- Faliraki – Corfu Town’s town beach, crystal-clear water with a view of the Old Fortress.
Restaurant tips
- Aries Taverna (Gouvia) – host Arie and his brother dance Greek-style in the evening, fire show included. I went three or four times: mezedes and open house wine.
- Olive Tree (Corfu Town) – upscale Greek cuisine with fresh fish, nicely set on a square.
For the sundowner
- Puppet (Corfu Town) – a huge cocktail menu, great music and design, just 50 metres from the Olive Tree.
- Bar at the Molfetta Hotel (Gouvia) – a cold “Corfu Beer – Royal Ionian” every evening with a view of the sea.
