Corfu is an island of unexpected wonders, making it a location that allows you to discover something brand-new each time you visit no matter how many times you return. The warm Mediterranean climate engulfs you like a comforting hug while the verdant greenery and glorious beaches are there to remind you that you’re somewhere that is sprinkled with a little bit of magic. The enchantment that blankets Corfu is the perfect backdrop to a tale of Greek myth and legend, and its glorious ancient history is wonderfully juxtaposed by its thriving cosmopolitanism. From traditional tavernas and family-run aparthotels to five-star all-inclusive resorts and exciting waterparks, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better destination than Corfu that ticks all the holiday boxes. Don’t believe us? We’ve compiled nine reasons why Corfu should be your next holiday but once you visit, you’ll be able to come up with 100 reasons more.
Where to Stay
The five-star Grecotel Costa Botanica in Corfu’s Acharavi is the perfect family getaway. Spread across a staggering 100,000 square metres, the resort is backed by picture-perfect hills and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, providing the most beautiful verdant views wherever you look. Guests can expect to be located directly on the sands of a Blue Flag beach which stretches for over a kilometre. The hotel itself is built in a village style, boasting stellar accommodation that ranges from comfortable rooms and suites to spacious villa-style country houses. Acharavi town centre is roughly 500 metres away and the lively Corfu Town is less than an hour’s drive; there are also plenty of activities in-resort to keep you entertained and occupied throughout your stay.
1. Messonghi Beach
Corfu’s beaches are one of the biggest draws to the island and one of the most tranquil spots to experience the best of sun, sea and sand is Messonghi Beach. It’s located in a small village of the same name roughly 20 kilometres east of Corfu town, and is always brimming with activity while also being the perfect spot for children to safely swim in the shallows or adults to lounge on the shore with the latest bestselling novel. Beautiful olive groves and verdant rolling hills offer a picturesque backdrop to the beach, and there are plenty of opportunities for watersports including jet-skiing and speedboats.
2. Kassiopi
On the hunt for a place to watch the world go by? Look no further than Kassiopi, the largest village in the north-east of Corfu based around the harbour. Dine al fresco at a waterfront restaurant with a glass of Greek wine in hand and people-watch as tourists and locals alike conduct their daily activities. Kassiopi is well worth the day trip from Corfu Town, and the harbour provides ample opportunity for a boat excursion or two to discover secluded beaches and hidden gems of Corfu. If you want to keep your feet solidly on the ground, take a stroll on the walking trails to admire the views of Mount Pantokrator or if exercising your credit card instead of your legs is more your thing, Kassiopi boasts retail therapy galore. The village lights up when the sun goes down with late-night bars and a club near the harbour, as well as Greek themed nights with live music and traditional dancing.
3. Corfu Town
Get yourself energised with a classic Greek breakfast of coffee and pastries and be prepared to paint the town red. Exploring on foot to get the most out of this UNESCO gem is a must as you wander through the charming, narrow streets that are abundant with history and archaeological magnificence. The Venetian influences are truly astounding, and a stroll by the Old Town Hall will take your breath away, first built as a social club in the late 17th century, then transformed into a theatre and opera house in 1720 before finally becoming a town hall in 1820. The beautiful buildings continue with the Ionian Parliament and the Ionian Academy, modern Greece’s first university built back in 1824. Don’t forget to admire the views of the Old Fortress, which is perched on a majestic hilltop, and, if your footwear permits, explore the grounds and climb to the top to take in the panoramic vistas that comprise the sparkling sea, the entirety of Corfu town and the forested island of Vido.
Corfu Town’s most spectacular street is arguably Liston, which was modelled after the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. Constantly bustling with tourists and locals alike, this charming parade of bars and cafés is abundant with Corfiot authenticity, so don’t leave without recharging your batteries with a meal in one of the cosy tavernas. Corfiot cuisine has a unique take on Grecian fare thanks to its northern Italian influence, but whatever you choose is guaranteed to be delicious. Be adventurous and sample pastitsada which is pasta served with rooster, or if you’re a seafood lover, take comfort in knowing that Corfu’s harbour boasts some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste.
4. Greek Orthodox Easter
Corfu doesn’t shy away from festivities and Greek Easter is no exception. Visiting the island during this period will be an experience you remember forever, with the celebrations lasting for a week and all the locals partaking in a range of traditional activities that tourists are welcome to involve themselves in. Street parades are in abundance while Holy Saturday morning sees people throwing vases and pots from their windows, a tradition designed to eliminate any misfortune. Most Greeks will then attend mass which concludes with a firework show, and Easter Sunday is usually a feast of spit-roasted lamb followed by traditional dancing and merriment that lasts well into the night.
5. MarBella Corfu
What’s a five-star destination without a five-star resort to match? MarBella Corfu ticks all the boxes for a luxurious retreat suitable for families and couples alike, providing the perfect base to experience all of what Corfu has to offer. Redefined luxury comes to life at this inspiring property, ideally situated to provide jaw-dropping views of the Ionian Sea, a gorgeous beachside setting and is less than 30 minutes from the centre of Corfu Old Town. Relax at the spa or lounge poolside with a cocktail in hand, while kids will be in their element at Kids Planet which boasts entertaining and educational activities for both children and teenagers. Add to the mix a staggering 10 restaurants and bars including an American diner, a rooftop terrace bar and an elegant seafood eatery, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable Corfu holiday in more ways than one.
6. Aqualand
Perfect for both the very young and the young at heart, a visit to Agios Ionnis’ Aqualand waterpark will be one of the many highlights on your holiday to Corfu. Constructed by the same designers who brought Universal Studios and the Disneyland parks to life, this 75,000-square-metre water oasis is the perfect way to cool off from the summer sunshine while also getting an adrenaline fix. Aqualand has been acknowledged as one of the best waterparks in Europe and provides guests with free sun beds and umbrellas, changing rooms and showers, multiple food outlets, shops for convenience, and free parking. When it comes to the attractions (which include over 36 different water slides, 15 adventure pools, a Jacuzzi and more), guests of all ages are seamlessly catered for. The playful splash area for those aged four to eight and the family area for ages eight to twelve are perfect for younger guests while the high-speed slides and rides are ideally suited for excitement seekers aged 12 and over. The brand-new Tornado & Catapult attraction is one not to be missed!
7. The Corfu Trail
If you’ve seen the popular TV series The Durrells, you’ve witnessed the beauty beyond the beaches of Corfu, with the focus brought to the island’s beautiful landscape and breath-taking vegetation. Walking the Corfu Trail has become a popular rite of passage for avid walkers abroad, and the gorgeous scenery you’ll get to admire on this hike is surely worth packing your sturdy shoes. The Corfu Trail is 220 kilometres long and around every corner is a different view, yet they are all as equally beautiful but if you’re seeking a truly dramatic landscape, following the trail’s natural direction towards the northern side of the island to discover rugged gorges and the karst plateaus is a must. The Corfu Trail is also the location for Corfu’s annual mountain marathon but don’t confuse the marathon signs with the ordinary trail signs as the marathon runs in the opposite direction.
8. The Mediterranean climate
Summers in Greece are like the smell of freshly cut grass or the sound of a child’s laughter – warm, comforting and will instantaneously bring a smile to your face. Long sunny days and minimal rainfall can be expected throughout the region, but Corfu’s northern location means that summers are slightly cooler and milder than other Greek islands thanks to its lush, green landscape and approximately three million olive trees. July boasts the highest temperature with the most daily hours of sunshine but visiting any time between May and September will promise you glorious warmth, a cool breeze and plenty of beautiful blooming flowers and vibrant vegetation.
9. The Archaeological Museum of Corfu
The shining star of Corfu Town, you’ll be fascinated by the Archaeological Museum of Corfu even if museums aren’t usually your thing. This grand landmark was built between 1962 and 1965 with the initial purpose to house the archaeological finds from the Temple of Artemis in Corfu. Today, the museum additionally exhibits findings from multiple excavated sites throughout the entirety of the island dating from the Prehistoric to the Hellenistic times. Expect to see artefacts including ancient coins, clay pottery and marble statues, not to mention impressive exhibitions such as the stone lion of Menecrates and a limestone pediment from a temple of Dionysus. This is the perfect place to get an insight of the archaeological aspect of Ancient Greece and to get a glimpse of the daily life of Corfiots from way back when.
Nine reasons are simply not enough when it comes to the incredible destination of Corfu. This striking island is the perfect holiday location for every kind of traveller whether you’re seeking a beach fix, a little bit of an adventure, a touch of culture, or simply an all-inclusive resort where you can be waited on hand and foot. Olympic Holidays is your number one port of call for everything Corfu, promising to assist you in creating holiday memories that are certain to last forever.