Corfu people are happy and easy to get along with. They are also full of artistic activities such as music, theatre, painting etc. Corfiots love beach life so here are some picks of Corfu beaches and their bars so you can enjoy holidays in Corfu to the max!
Glyfada’s incredible beach is easily the most popular on the island. It’s well organized with plenty of loungers, umbrellas and showers. A great choice for families, the water is shallow and crystal clear, while the lifeguards on duty offer some peace of mind for parents with young children. The Aloha Beach Bar is full of life and is home to great parties in the evening. The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for young people who are starting their night with a cocktail.
Close by is the resort of Aghios Gordios, another well organized stretch of sand for people who want to try out some water sports or take some pictures. The long, sandy beach has plenty of loungers and parasols and the AloBar is worth the visit alone! Gorgeous view and really laidback, enjoying a cocktail here at sunset is the moment you know you’re on holidays.
Not just a pretty face, the Greek Island of Corfu offers mouthwatering hotels Mediterranean cuisine, with a Venetian twist. After a long day soaking up the sunshine, what better way to spend an evening, than enjoying a home cooked meal of fresh fish, delicious vegetables and maybe a little tipple of local wine. Come find out more in our Corfu food guide.
This is the most popular of local Corfu dishes. Made of shanks of veal stuffed with chopped garlic, parsley, salt and pepper, and is also seasoned with a spicy red sauce.
Purple Tip: The locals say that the sauce is successful only if it can stand on a man’s moustache.
Thin slices of fried beef with a white sauce made of chopped garlic, parsley, white pepper, white wine, salt and vinegar. You can eat it either with rice and baked or mashed potatoes.
Purple Tip: Keep the necessary distances or you might knock someone over with garlic breath!
Kumquat is a citrus fruit which can be enjoyed in a variety of forms. The nicest and a Purple Travel team favourite, is as part of a mix of fine liqueur made with the fruit and peel of the kimquat.
Purple Tip: Have it as a digestif after a sumptuous meal or as a relaxing drink at your hotel’s terrace.
Book the best value cheap holidays in Corfu now with the Purple Travel expert team and save.
If you’re looking for ideas for the fast-approaching May bank holiday, take a second to think about Greece. Not only is the weather heating up, there are great deals to be had because it’s early in the season, and in early May Orthodox Easter is well under way so you can immerse yourself in something really different. So, grab the chance and get a first hand experience of the Corfu’s customs and traditions.
Easter celebrations in Corfu are a really special experience for visitors. During this time, various aspects of Corfiot traditions come together. You’ll find pagan tradition, Orthodox faith, the Catholic community, Venetian influences and marching bands all blending in with the Corfu Spring.
During Holy Week (Megali Evdomada) visitors can experience the many events that take place, just bear in mind that many of these are religious ceremonies, and should be treated as such. The grand finale of the Corfiot Easter customs is the breaking of the ceramic jugs (kanatia).
This custom takes place in the Old Town of Corfu, where all the balconies and jugs are adorned with red ribbons. As soon as the bells of the first Resurrection ring at 12 o’ clock sharp, Corfiots throw the jugs filled with water off the balconies. The custom dates back to the Venetian occupation of the island. For the people of Corfu the breaking of the ceramic jugs signifies the end of winter, a new beginning and the birth of spring. Visitors usually keep a piece of the broken jug for luck.
Another Easter custom of Corfu is Mastela. According to the tradition, residents of Corfu put a wooden barrel tied with ribbons and myrtles outside their houses and urge passers-by to throw in some coins. At the end of the day, when the Resurrection bells ring, somebody has to dive in the barrel and take out the coins. Oh, we wouldn’t mind that job!
Also, because Orthodox Easter falls late this year, the lucky visitors of Corfu can celebrate the 1st of May (May Bank Holiday) in that all beautiful lush green scenery by having a picnic in the central Spianada square or on one of the superb beaches to soak up all the sun, sea and sand they can handle. Corfiots, and in general all Greeks, celebrate this day with excursions in the countryside or by the beach, so it would be a great chance to interact with the locals.
The queen of the Ionian Sea, Corfu is one of the greenest of the Greek islands, thanks to intermittent rains from September through May. Its landscape is comprised of thousands of olive trees making for a much more rural appearance that many other touristic spots in the country. Its combination of beautiful beaches and warm waters, with a fascinating history (not to mention great food), make it one of our top selling destinations.
Corfu is best visited from Easter until October, though many resort hotels only work from May to September. We recommend mid-May to June, when discounted room rates, better taverna service and moderate weather make for an all-round superior trip. July and August are warmer, but also more crowded and expensive.
To get the most out of Corfu holidays, read on for our travel guide, including recommendations from the experts at Nelios.com (Greece’s leading e-tourism agency) and from our own Sales Team who specialise in holidays to Greece and its islands.
Beaches in Corfu
Kerasia – the quiet one
Kerasia Beach is a calm cove, with a long, sweeping beach, which lies between Kouloura and Agios Stephanos. The beach may not have many amenities, with just one tavern amongst a handful of villas, but its peacefulness and relaxed atmosphere are beyond compare. Its privacy also makes it a celebrity favourite; the Rothchild’s have a house there and Prince Charles and Lord Sainsbury are regulars.
Sidari – the traditional one
Sidari, two little villages connected by a beautiful stretch of sand, is an excellent choice for those who enjoy swimming and a piece of traditional life on the island. And if you’re travelling as a couple, one of Sidari’s most famous landmarks are the unique cliff formations known as canal d’ amour (French for the channel of love). Legend has it that if a couple swim together in its water, they will be forever in love.
I recommend Sidari for swimming or diving (it’s an amazing place!) and Corfu Town for a night stroll… Paxi island is also great for a day cruise.
Maria Tsekoura, Content Writer at Nelios.com
Glyfada – the pretty one
Glyfada Beach is by far the most beautiful on Corfu. Surrounded by a fine selection of tavernas and bars, you can easily spend all day here. The beach is made up on soft sands, making it a great choice for those with young children too.
Things to Do in Corfu
Rent a Car
As much of the tourist development on Corfu holidays is isolated to the coastal patches, travelling inland is much like travelling to a completely different island, or perhaps even in a different era altogether. Secondary roads in Corfu appear not to have changed at all since British times. Renting a car is a must if you wish to see more of the rural landscapes and perhaps even take a picnic with you to make a day of it.
I recommend renting a car, pick a nice sunny day and your other half and go to one of the tallest mountains in Corfu and enjoy the breathtaking view. I know I did.
Georgios H. Kafataridis, Support Department at Nelios.com
Take a Walking Tour of Corfu Town
Corfu was the island that offered shelter to Homer’s Odysseus and allowed Poseidon to indulge his love for Amphitrite in Greek mythology. Today the island inspires the same creativity and love, with its cultural diversity and stunning scenery. The best way to see the most interesting parts of Corfu Town is to take a walking tour.
Corfu town is a welcome mix of old and new, having been owned in the past by both France and Britain, there are distinct influences of its historic past in the architecture, atmosphere and local produce. It feels more like a French or Italian town rather than a Greek one, particularly in the square of the Esplanade, known as the Spianada. This square was first planned by the French, but is also encircled with beautiful Italian style buildings and even an old Venetian fortress known as the Old Fort, which features a small museum of Corfu’s history and an art gallery of traditional paintings. On a walking tour, you’ll pass a 19th century park and esplanade that is one of the largest plazas in all of Europe, Liston Street, the home of all that famed Venetian Architecture and the spectacular neoclassical Palace of St George and St Michael.
Visit Pelekas
Pelekas is a lovely village that with a great deal to offer tourists. Sandy beaches, tavernas, olive groves, nightlife and more make it well-worth a visit, whether you wish to stay in the resort or spend a day here. You’ll find some of the island’s finest traditional food and drink, enjoyed aside wonderful views from its hilltop location.
The scenic and infamous village of Pelekas, in southwestern Corfu is situated on top of a hill offering panoramic views all over the island. The village is nestled amidst lush greenery and here you can totally relax admiring the sun setting over the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea. For exceptional views and unique pictures visit the Kaiser’s Observatory to experience the ultimate sunset, as the German Emperor William II used to do, or Hotel Levant’s café for a refreshing drink as well.
Eleni Dimou, Content Writer at Purple Travel
Food and Drink in Corfu
At Purple Travel, we think Corfu holidays are all about the food and drink, and we’re certain you’ll feel the same after a trip there. Long gone are the soggy chips and cold moussakas of the old days, modern Corfiot food is fresh and exciting and produced mainly using locally-grown ingredients. From traditional tavernas to fine dining seafront restaurants, you’re certain to find ample choices of eateries on the island.
I recommend you to go on Fridays evenings at Lemon Garden Restaurant in Acharavi for the “Greek Night” with live music and dancers and drink minimum a “Lemon Pie” cocktail.
Luca Mitrea, Sales Advisor at Purple Travel
A drink in the famous Cavalieri Hotel is a must-do. This stunning 17th century hotel has long been a meeting point for writers, actors and poets, statesmen, businessmen and leisure travellers Having once belonged to the family of Count Flamburiari, it reopened as a hotel in the mid ‘60s, becoming one of the first luxury hotels in Corfu.
If you go to Corfu, you must try pastitsada and sofrito at Bellissimo Restaurant. If you don’t you can’t say you’ve been there!
John Ropas, Senior Developer at Nelios.com
Book your cheap holiday to Corfu today by calling Purple Travel on 0207 993 9228.
Purple Travel takes a look at some of the best hotels in Greece: this week we’re looking at the Northern Island of Corfu. We chose these hotels because of their high quality standards of service and the great feedback we get from you – our customer – on any budget.These properties are really something to get excited about, especially with the great prices we have on offer. If you like what you see, take a look at our website to get the holiday from your local airport. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give our expert travel advisors a ring on 0207 993 9228 and find out more about Corfu hotels Greece now.
Kontokali Bay Resort & Spa, 5*This beachfront hotel has everything you need for the perfect escape. Set just outside of Corfu Town, and right on the beach, you can have your ideal escape without giving up the wonders of Corfu Town just around the corner. A beautifully finished hotel, it has the stunning views of the sea in front and a secluded woodland surrounding.
Customer Rating: 5/5 Restaurants: Beach front restaurant, fish taverna style and buffet style. Bars: Beach bar and piano bar in the lobby. Activities: Tennis Court, horse riding, water sports, Spa centre, hammam, private beach, free wifi. Children: Family rooms, children’s playground.
Louis Kerkyra Golf 4* The Louis Kerkyra Beach all inclusive hotel is the essence of a perfect family holiday. Located right on the beach in Gouves, the hotel has something for everyone. With complete dining, entertainment, and relaxation facilities, you’ll never want to leave!
Customer Rating: 5/5 Restaurants: Greek & International Buffet Restaurant, Main Restaurant, Chinese Restaurant, Lagoon Restaurant Bars: 5 Bars Activities: Entertainment, Varied Sports, Jacuzzi, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Mini Golf, Watersports Children: Kidzone Mini Clubs, Children’s Entertainment, Waterworld Lagoon, Children’s Pool
Seafront Apartments Kavos Set right at the foot of the Kavos strip, the Seafront Apartments offer the perfect combination of a being in the centre of the lively resort without giving up the peaceful beachfront location. This family-owned, friendly and basic accommodation offers exactly what you need for the perfect Kavos holiday.
Customer Rating: 4/5 Restaurants: Beach Snack Bar Bars: Beach Bar Activities: Water Sports, plus the infamous Kavos Strip is just two minutes walk away.
As with most things, holidays are something best enjoyed with good company. After all, few people haven’t dreamt of packing up their things, taking their mates along and embarking on a holiday that will make history. Nonetheless, most of times group holidays seem to be a daunting prospect. Be it the fact that most people have to worry about day jobs and paying their rent, life seems to get in the way of the perfect group vacation more often than not. In case however, that you decide to go, another set of challenges might arise and in order to overcome these, you have to be prepared. Since we ‘re always about helping you with your holidays, we have gathered some of the best advice and suggestions of places to visit, in order to help you organise your perfect holiday without breaking your friends’ hearts, bones and of course the bank.
Going on a family holiday is one of the occasions where you finally get the chance to enjoy the company of the most significant persons in your life while at the same time enjoying a great change of scenery. However, before you book and start preparing the family for the best holiday yet, you have to keep in mind certain things. Organising a family holiday can be a challenge, but effectively it could boil down to two questions. So in order to share some of our passion in travelling, along with our experience in doing so with our children, we have decided to share some tips, tricks and destinations to make planning your family holidays in 2016 more pleasurable and easy than ever.
Holidays are always a prime opportunity to let it all hang out and forget about everyday stress and obligations. Being a party animal or a simple partygoer might sometimes differ in intensity, but nonetheless you have to choose wisely in order to make the most of the limited time and money you often have to spend on vacations. Choosing short haul vs long haul destinations to go to sometimes is evident in itself but hypothetically if you are about to have the best time of your life partying where should you set sail to? Some of the strongest participants of this race are the Caribbean and Europe so we plan on finding out which one offers the most nighttime thrills.
We don’t exactly know what attracts us to spend some sunny days on the coast of an island, but to be honest the reasons are more than enough. Opt for flying or sailing towards a secluded piece of land in the middle of the sea and enjoy a few of the things only an island could provide you. Two of the most well-known holiday destinations in Europe, Greece and Spain, are always a treat to visit and even more so when you kick back on one of their famous islands. Say that you have a bit of time and money on your hands and you’re about to visit one of the two. Which one should you go for? In this article we aim to find out.
An all-time favourite for vacationers, Greece is amongst the sunniest and friendliest family holiday destinations in Europe. The sun, sea, sand and magnificent sights all over are just some of the perks of having your family holidays in Greece and if you also count the fact that its rated as one of the safest countries in Europe, travelling there could be one of the best family experiences ever! As Greece has more than 2000 islands under its jurisdiction, it would be quite hard to find the perfect one for you and your family. However, in order to make your life a bit easier here are 5 islands full of things to see and do, along with why those are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained.
