I have heard about this Greek island a number of times over the years. I almost went there in 2010 but we opted to visit islands in closer proximity to one another and I had the misconception that this was a party island. I still hear people referencing it that way but I stayed here for a few nights on my way to and from Saranda, Albania and was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was a beautiful and charming place that did not fit the box people have put it in. So I wanted to share to prevent others from passing up on the opportunity to visit based on a false notion of what kind of destination it is.
Things to Do
- Wander the Old Town
- Have a sunset drink on the roof of the Arcadion Hotel for incredible 360-degree views of the fortress, sea, and over the stone rooftops of Corfu town.
- Have a drink and people watch on the busy streets of the old town. We had delicious cocktails at a pretty bar called Sway that offered an ideal vantage point to watch people passing by. And they provided small snacks with the drinks.
- EAT, Eat, and Eat Some More
- Oh my god, the food! Hopefully you like cheese because it’s in and on almost everything. I can’t go to Greece and not have Saganaki, that is a favorite of mine. Another common dish was cheese with honey with a few different variations of this combination (in filo or with sesame seeds, etc).
- There are a ton of restaurant options in old town. The main type of food that is served on the island is a cross between Greek and Italian.
- Avli Restaurant is a little ways outside the old town but the food was excellent and the service was even better. Their meatballs in tomato sauce were some of the most flavorful I have ever had.
- See an Open-air Concert at the Old Fortress
- The fortress hosts a summer concert series. You can purchase tickets for a seat in front or watch for free from above in the area next to the Old Fortress Café.
- Visit Prince Philips Birth Home and then See Incredible Views as you Follow the Trail to a Hidden Cove
- Prince Philip was born on the dining room table of the Villa Mon Repos. Mon Repos was built in 1828-1831 and offers incredible views from its perch over the sea. You can follow one of the many trails from it down to a hidden “beach” (Kardaki beach) with a small rock jetty jutting into the water. Beach is in quotes because there is no sand here – it is just rocks. It’s beautiful and since it’s a little known spot, you won’t see many other people here.
- Visit the Royal Baths Mon Repos
- This is a restaurant, beach bar, and spa all in one in a charming environment right on the water. While the Kardaki beach and cove doesn’t have a proper sand beach or any of the luxuries of beach chairs, you can find all of that here along with a variety of seating options and elegant décor.
Tip
Avoid visiting in August! It was a million degrees. I still enjoyed it but September would have been a more ideal time to visit - fewer tourists and better weather.
Bonus
it’s only a 30 minute ferry across to Saranda, Albania which is another incredible destination with minimal tourism. Make the most of your flight and visit both!
