Tag: Greece

5 things to see in Zante on a self-catering holiday

5 things to see in Zante on a self-catering holiday

Zante, or Zakynthos as it’s traditionally known, is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and a wondrous destination that deserves to be explored to its full extent. A self-catering getaway in Zante is ideal as you’ll be able to discover more of the island, with the added flexibility of staying at some places for longer. These are five things to see in Zante which’ll make your time here truly unforgettable.

Navagio Beach

Navagio Beach
Image by Ghost of Kuji, used under CC License (CC by 2.0) 

Navagio Beach is instantly recognisable, and for good reason too. This so-called Shipwreck Beach is known for towering nearby cliffs, vibrant turquoise waters and gleaming white sands. There’s also an archaic shipwreck in the middle which adds to the magic of the place.

When people think of Zante this beach is often the image that springs to mind. You can only get to it via boat, which makes the whole trip far more of an adventure. Self-catering comes into its own here – take a packed lunch and stay past 3pm and you’ll get the beach practically to yourself. It’s perfect for a romantic afternoon, snorkelling in the sea and playing pirates with the kids.

Zakynthos

The capital of Zante makes for a great day out for couples, families and groups of friends. The city has stunning Venetian architecture, a wealth of shops and a laidback, yet still entertaining nightlife. Take a stroll to the fresh fruit and veg market that runs every Monday and Thursday, and load up on scrumptious flavours to spice up your self-catering holiday.

Aside from the markets, the Church of St. Dionysios, the Solomos Museum and the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos are all well worth a visit.

Loggerhead sea turtles

Loggerhead sea turtles
Image by Alaina McDavid, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

Loggerhead sea turtles, or caretta caretta to use their scientific name, are some of the island’s most enthralling beings. These magnificent creatures can grow over 30 inches long and live for more than 60 years. The best time to see them in action is from June to late August, when they go to lay their eggs around Laganas Bay. Be careful not to disturb them, however, as they’re also an endangered species.

The Blue Caves of Volimes

The Blue Caves are a popular attraction in Zante and can make for some Instagram-worthy holiday snaps. It’s another attraction that’s only accessible by boat, but is still well worth the trip. These beautiful caves reflect the varying blue hues of the sea – why not see them submerged on a snorkelling or diving trip?

If you like the sound of the Blue Caves, then try the Keri Caves too. They’re both similar in nature, but after all, who can really get enough of these tranquil natural wonders?

Marathonisi islet

Marathonisi is also only accessible via the sea, and is a popular breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles. This luxurious island has two beaches with totally distinct features, some sea caves and a colossal amount of charm. With its golden shore and lush vegetation, it’s easy to want to stay on Marathonisi long after the last boat has left for the mainland. Whip up a delicious lunch at your self-catering villa and make the most of the dreamy views.

If you enjoyed this, check out some other blog posts for more holiday inspiration.

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family focus, and she is in the middle of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.

Hidden gems of Kefalonia

Hidden gems of Kefalonia

As the largest Ionian Island, it’s a safe bet that Kefalonia has lots of hidden hotspots dotted throughout its serene shores. It’s easy to sunbathe and swim your days away here, you’re on the Ionian Sea after all. But get out of that luxury villa, and prepare to enhance your holiday in Kefalonia by taking a trip to these amazing locations.

Choose a Villa Holiday on Kefalonia
Image by schmilblick, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Evening meals in Lourdas

Self-catering villas in Lourdas provide all the ingredients for a luxury meal at home, but sometimes it’s nice to explore outside. Lourdas is a charming coastal town, with beaches and cafes galore. It’s when you dine out here that the magic of Lourdas comes to light.

Choose Kefalonia for a Self-Catering Break
Image by Ben124, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Much of the island is populated by olive trees, so wine and olives naturally make the perfect starter. Savour some of the wine for washing down a portion of lamb kleftiko, a traditional Greek dish of meat and vegetables. Lourdas has plenty of terraced restaurants letting you gaze into the sea whilst you eat.

Turtle spotting near Skala

Getting closer to nature brings everyone together. What better way to do so than with a spot of late night turtle watching? Head to Potamaki Beach, a few kilometres along the coast from Skala. It’s a conservation area for loggerhead turtles, night time ‘turtles watches’ are arranged for anyone who wants to watch these creatures in their natural habitat. This isn’t on everyone’s itinerary for holidays in Kefalonia, yet should be essential if you’re looking to experience a hidden side to the island.

Visit traditional villages

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Kefalonia’s most treasured spots were all by the coast – but they’re not. Troianata, an inland village unbeknown to many, gifts visitors an insight into traditional Greek living. Take a taxi, or drive eastwards into the hills, and explore this quaint settlement of taverns, a church, and stunning viewpoints over the island.

Drive to Melissani Lake

Despite Kefalonia’s size, everywhere is within driving distance. Comprising a lake within a cave, this makes for a great way to see a different perspective of the island. Guided tours are available, whilst the opening in the cave’s roof allows the hallowed walls to be lit by the Greek sun. You might not fancy a swim here, but remember the villa’s private pool will be waiting for you at the end of the day!

Walk to Emblisi Beach

A short walk from Fiskardo, Emblisi Beach sits within a bay of turquoise waters. Walking down the path which leads you to the sea, you can’t help but want to submerge under the calm waves. Surrounded by vegetation and chalky cliffs, even the views are suitably tranquil. It’s also a great sunspot in north Kefalonia – ideal for those seeking long afternoons admiring the Ionian Sea.

If you’ve landed a cheap holiday to Kefalonia, count yourself lucky. The island has cultural and scenic wonders in abundance, so you can discover a side to Greece you’ll never forget.

Ready for your own Greek adventure? Take a look at some of our villas.

By Ciaran Brooks. A former history graduate, Ciaran Brooks’ love for old stories has led him around the world. A self-confessed adventurer, he fell into travel writing after his blog chronicling his year in Thailand was picked up by a national paper.

Best drinks for your self-catering holiday to Rhodes

Best drinks for your self-catering holiday to Rhodes

When it comes to drinks, visitors to Rhodes are spoilt for choice. The island has centuries of alcohol production under its belt, so you know you’re in for a quality tasting experience. The best part of a self-catering trip is that you don’t have to stick to the menu in a hotel bar, leaving your options wide open.

In the comfort of your private holiday rental, you can try a different drink every night of your trip – wine, beer, liquor, or whatever else takes your fancy. Here are some authentic Rhodian flavours that you simple have to try:

Enjoy an ice-cold ouzo from the balcony of your Rhodes villa
Image by jerrroen, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Ouzo

This strong liquor is often hailed as Greece’s national drink, and it has a long history, originating from a 14th century drink called tsipouro. Ouzo is anise-flavoured, so if you like liquorice, you’re bound to like this.

Ouzo is found local supermarkets, but for the best flavours, choose a reputable brand like Plomari. For an authentic experience, follow the Greek custom of drinking ouzo with food. Typically, is it sipped alongside mezedes, the Greek version of tapas, so treat yourself to some small plates whilst cooling down with chilled ouzo in the garden of your villa.

If ouzo on its own is a little too strong for your tastes, try adding water – and don’t be alarmed when it turns milky. This happens to all anise-flavoured spirits. Alternatively, you could experiment by making some ouzo-based cocktails in your kitchen.

Souma

Another traditional Greek drink, made from either figs or grapes, is souma. Similar to ouzo, and is also pretty strong, souma in Rhodes is usually the grape-based variety, and has a distinctive sweet taste.

As a result of the tradition and ritual surrounding the production of souma, it is not produced on a wide-scale by large companies. Instead, it is crafted by individual distillers, and often sold in unlabelled bottles. In the village of Siana, you can visit a distillery to learn about how this spirit is made before purchasing a bottle to bring home your holiday rental.

Rhodes is well-known for its excellent wine
Image by GanMed64, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Wine in Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most prominent winemaking areas in Greece, with wine production dating back to the ancient Phoenicians. The island is home to thousands of acres of vineyards, where grapes thrive thanks to the hot, dry climate.

The CAIR (Company Agricultural Industry of Rodos) cooperative is the most esteemed wine producer on the island, and perhaps the best in the whole of Greece. For a luxury experience, be sure to sample the company’s top quality Mandylariá and Athiri wines.

The Emery winery is another top producer in Rhodes, offering a choice of wines including dry whites, rose, and reds. No matter what your tastes, you’ll definitely find a bottle you can bring back to enjoy alongside a home-cooked meal.

Beer in Rhodes

Beer might not have the same reputation and history as wine in Rhodes, but you can still enjoy some fine Greek offerings. The lager beer Mythos is made by one of Greece’s largest and most popular breweries. It won’t be hard to find in your nearest shop, and it’s perfect if you want to relax with a refreshing pint on the terrace of your holiday villa.

By Shaun Fraser, a former drinks rep, who now focuses on writing about his favourite tipples from Europe and beyond. He credits his good nose to a previous life as a sommelier.

Top things to see and do in Corfu

Top things to see and do in Corfu

The natural beauty of the island is reason enough to visit Corfu. But that’s not to say that the Greek isle isn’t full to the brim with cultural and historic sites to see. The farthest north of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is just a quick hop from Albania and mainland Greece and remains one of the country’s most beguiling jewels.

With such beautiful surroundings, no one would blame you for just wanting to laze the days away in a luxury villa whilst taking in the views. While there is always time for relaxation, Corfu is a destination that rewards exploring a little further. With that in mind, here are some of its finest attractions.

Wander through Corfu Old Town on holiday
Image by Dean Sas, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)

Corfu Old Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Corfu Old Town is a must-visit location on the island. With a long and storied history that stretches back nearly three thousand years, the town has played a key role in the region’s past. It’s been under Greek, British and Venetian rule at varying points, with architectural traits as testament to this. Dominated by the large 16th century Venetian fortress, the town is a maze of winding streets and historic buildings. No trip here would be complete without visiting The Palace of St Michael and St George and a visit to the historic St Spiridon’s Church – home of the island’s patron saint.

Relax by the Corfu seaside
Image by petraust, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Paleokastritsa Beach

In many ways, Corfu typifies the beauty and allure of a Greek paradise, and nowhere is this more apparent than at Paleokastritsa Beach. With spectacular views and waters that are so clear they’re almost invisible, this is where to go to enjoy Corfu at its best. Taking its name from the picturesque surrounding village of Paleokastritsa, the beach is a firm favourite with visitors to the island. Once you see it for yourself, it’s easy to understand why.

Achilleion Museum

Achilleion Museum is among the key things to do on the island of Corfu. Originally inhabited by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (known as ‘Sissi’) and Kaiser William the 2nd of Germany, it boasts both grandeur and a fascinating past. Yet its amazing sea views and opulent setting are reasons in their own right to visit the palace. Beyond them, it houses numerous antiques, pieces of art, and fascinating artefacts from the empress and her family.

Visit the Achilleion Museum in CorfuImage by Manu, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Mount Pantokrator

At nearly a thousand metres high, Mount Pantokrator is easily the highest peak on Corfu. Thanks to its height it offers incredible views out over the island, and across the water to Albania. On especially clear days it is even possible to see right across the Aegean Sea towards Italy. The mountain makes up a portion of the popular Corfu Trail walking route, and it offers moderate hike and pleasant day out.

By Arianne Fabrice, a travel journalist who specializes in the popular resort destinations in and around Europe. Having worked for some of Paris’ premium travel mags, she’s recently moved into English-language publications.

Hidden Gems of Rhodes

Hidden Gems of Rhodes

As with most of Greece, Rhodes marries beautiful weather and scenery with rich history and culture. This island is an irresistible place to relax and it is easy to get lost between the ancient civilisations and incredible ruins. Popular holiday towns like Lindos, Faliraki, and Rhodes City may hoover up most of the tourists, but look further afield and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems to discover that will make your holiday all the more rewarding.

Marvel in the beauty of Rhodes
Image by AtrBirkett, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)

Halki

Only 10km long, the small island of Halki is a beautiful and slow-paced destination just off the west coast of Rhodes. Offering as undeveloped a slice of Greek island life as you can find, Halki is tranquillity personified. Just over an hour from Rhodes, Halki has only a few hundred residents, one hotel and three beaches, meaning that you have little option other than to relax! The picture-perfect main village on the island is called Emporio and there are several delightful tavernas found around the harbour.

Enjoy Rhodes' rich history
Image by andyreid1, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Monolithos

For a more spectacular slice of Rhodes, take a trip to the coastal village of Monolithos. The village is known for its castle which is perched on a hundred-metre high rock face and has amazing views across the surrounding green hills and blue seas. As well as the views, the castle is an intriguing place to visit for its historical importance as it was built to protect the island by the Knights of Saint John in the 1400s.
Treat yourself to a stay in a Rhodes villa

Asklipiio

One of the most scenic settlements on the interior of the island, Asklipiio is worth visiting. Close to the popular resort town of Kiotari, Asklipiio is well known for its 13th century fort. The village also has a folklore museum housed in an even older 11th century church, replete with remarkable Byzantine wall paintings. A stroll around the village offers a pleasant change of pace from the lively beachfronts close by.

Embona

Embona is the highest village on Rhodes and it can feel a world away from the island’s busier towns. It is also right in the middle of the island’s most verdant grape producing region. This means it is the unofficial wine capital of the island as it is home to several vineyards. Wine lovers should visit in the spring when the village celebrates its wine making prowess with a local festival. Embona is also celebrated for its first-rate food thanks to the quality of local olive groves and orchards. As well as wine, it’s also the best place to sample Rhodes’ local spirit, suoma.

By Ciaran Brooks. A former history graduate, Ciaran Brooks’ love for old stories has led him around the world. A self-confessed adventurer, he fell into travel writing after his blog chronicling his year in Thailand was picked up by a national paper.

Easy meliasti – the perfect recipe for your self-catered Greek holiday

Easy meliasti – the perfect recipe for your self-catered Greek holiday

When you’re on holiday, having a self-catering villa opens you up to a whole new realm of dining possibilities. If your villa is on the Greek island of Rhodes, then why not try your hand at a delicious local dish. With fresh and tasty ingredients that you might struggle to find elsewhere, it’s easy to stock your luxury villa with some authentic Greek flavours and rustle up some easy meliasti.

Greek cuisine

Greeks tend to eat mezedes (the Greek word for appetizers), which tend to encompass a variety of fish and meat. These are enjoyed around a table accompanied with a glass of beer or ouzo (a Greek aperitif), so everyone dining gets to try everything on offer. You’ll often find tzatziki – a delicious blend of yoghurt, garlic and cucumber – alongside a mixed grill of local meats. And one dish which is no stranger to the table, is meliasti.

Tasty Greek Feta
Image by grongar, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Greece is notorious for its feta, and Rhodes is renowned for its honey. As soon as you dock on the island, you’re immediately made aware of the busy bees hard at work producing the delicious spread. Why not combine delicious Greek cheese and Rhodes honey to make the ultimate pastry-based snack for your self-catering holiday? Sound good?

Fresh honey from Rhodes
Image by Michael Zero Mayer, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Simple, no fuss meals for a self-catering break

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. That’s not to say it’s not elegant enough to impress the whole table at a dinner party, mind you. With minimum preparation and washing up needed, it’ll leave you more time to happily sun yourself by the pool of your villa.

You’ll be able to whip it up in next to no time back home, and the taste will transport you straight back to pearlescent white Greek beaches.

To make enough for two, here’s what you’ll need –

200g Greek feta
2 sheets of filo pastry
2 tablespoons of runny honey
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
olive oil
1 tablespoon of water

The recipe

Start by chopping the feta into four equal sized pieces, each roughly 1cm thick. If it’s wet, give it a wipe with some kitchen towel (this’ll help the pastry to stick later). Cut the filo pastry into four pieces, and brush each one with a little olive oil. Once you’ve done this, fold them all in half. Place each piece of feta onto the pastry and wrap them into four small parcels.

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a pan, and once it’s hot fry each of the parcels until they’re golden brown on each side. If they’re a little too oily after doing so, rest them on some absorbent kitchen roll. In a separate pan, heat the honey, red wine vinegar and water until the mixture is boiling and the honey has dissolved. Place the feta and pastry pieces in a dish and drizzle them generously with the honey mixture. Sprinkle them with sesame seeds, and serve hot with some Greek salad!

Meliasti makes everyone happy, and it’ll make you love your Greek holiday that little bit more.

Enjoy this? Why not read about local food specialities in Menorca?

By Imogen Bishop, a part time travel writer, part time restaurant critic, and full time mum. She has an affinity for Mediterranean cuisine and can usually be found in the kitchen with a bottle of olive oil in hand.

Your guide to Corfu

Your guide to Corfu

Corfu is the second largest of Greece’s Ionian Islands but it’s small enough to make you feel at home! The island is only 226 mi² in size, which makes Villa Plus Holidays to Corfu ideal for holidaymakers who want to hire a car and travel across the whole island. Not to mention travellers seeking a leisurely break where everything they need is within walking distance.

Treat yourself to a Corfu holiday
Image by mickpix, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Visit the island’s northeast coast for the best diving opportunities. Alternatively, consider taking a boat trip to Paxos island for a day of white sand beaches and sparkling blue seas. Corfu’s location in the Ionian Sea, just off Greece’s northwest coast, means that it’s ideal for travellers looking to fit two holidays into one. A visit to neighbouring Albania or mainland Greece is simple to arrange and an inexpensive way to see more of the world.

Visit Corfu
Image by kseko76, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Religion is particularly important in Corfu and the island’s old town alone has a grand total of 37 churches. They are all within 15 minutes walking distance of each other, so taking a religious tour of the old town is easy to do! Saint Spyridon Church is the most important church on the island. It takes its name from Saint Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu, and has the tallest bell tower of any church in the Ionian Islands!

Agios Stefanos

Agios Stefanos is a small resort found on the northwest side of Corfu Island. Most visitors to the resort choose to rent a villa and take advantage of the perks of a self-catering holiday. Take a short walk to Agios Stefanos’ local harbour in the morning and you can buy freshly caught fish. Save it for a special lunch or dinner time treat and serve with buttered potatoes.

Fancy a night off from cooking? You’ll be spoilt for choice for eateries in Agios Stefanos. There are Greek tavernas and restaurants at every turn and many restaurants also offer entertainment in the form of Greek music and dancing for their diners to enjoy. Try out a local speciality like tzatziki or stifado and savour the taste of Corfu while you enjoy the Greek entertainment that’s on offer.

Agios Stefanos has kept a firm hold of its fishing village roots and this sense of character makes the area a joy to explore. Agios Stefanos’ main beach in particular is a sight to behold. The beach is over a mile long with a backdrop of green hills, olive trees and paths that lead to gorgeous white-painted houses. This family friendly beach is spacious enough for children to play games and for adults to kick back and sunbathe with plenty of room to spare for a picnic basket.

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is a popular resort town which lies just 23 miles north of Corfu Town. Want more freedom and space than a resort or hotel offers? Choose from a range of self-catering accommodation and luxury villas in Corfu to make the most of your stay in Kassiopi. Once you’ve arrived and unpacked your bags, then you’re free to explore this charming resort town.

Kassiopi was once a fishing village and it still feels like a small, tucked away gem. Like any good gem, Kassiopi boasts a long and storied history. The area is overlooked by Corfu’s tallest mountain, Mount Pantokrator, and Kassiopi Castle which dates back to the Byzantine period. The exact century the castle was built in is unknown, but other discoveries suggest that it may have been as early as the 6th century!

A walkway that surrounds the castle offers fantastic views of the harbour and gives visitors the chance to see Kassiopi Castle up close. At the bottom of the walkway stands another important part of the village’s history, Kassopitra Church. The 16th century church on top of the site of an ancient 4th century temple which was dedicated to Zeus. Wear church-appropriate clothing and take a peek inside this unique church at the end of your walk.

Kalami

Kalami is a typical, sleepy Greek village. Treasured by many holidaymakers for its unique blend of traditional tavernas, a beautiful bay area and a picturesque pebble beach, Kalami offers a treat to be savoured. The village is best suited for those who want a laid-back holiday filled with relaxation, sunbathing and the occasional dip in the sea. Kalami is somewhere you’ll want to return to time and time again and the village will truly come to feel like a home away from home.

Nissaki

Nissaki is a village located on the north-east coast of Corfu, 15 miles from Corfu Town. The name Nissaki means ‘little island’ which comes from the small island that was once in Nissaki’s bay. Over time, the small rocky island joined with the main land of the village after a jetty was constructed. The area is still home to several taverns including Mitsos Taverna, a family run restaurant which serves up traditional Greek dishes with a smile.

Nissaki is also a good starting point for a challenging hike to the peak of Mount Pantokrator. Choose to walk or take the winding roads up to the top in a car. However you get there, once you make it to the 906-metre-high summit the whole of Corfu and neighbouring Albania can be seen. On especially clear days, it’s also possible to see Italy in the distance. During peak season, there’s a café at the summit to take in the incredible views over Corfu with a well-deserved drink.

Hiking in Corfu

For hikers and walkers who want a challenge, Mount Pantokrator is the biggest you’ll find in Corfu. From the mountain’s base, the hike is 8.5 miles. Wear sensible walking boots, a wide brimmed hat and pack plenty of water to ensure an enjoyable hike.

At the start of your journey you’ll find the deserted village of Old Sinies which stands on the foothills of the mountain. Once home to a bustling village community, Old Sinies has been a complete ghost town since the 60’s. Take some time to explore the lost village and marvel at the buildings that have been left behind.

Once you reach Mount Pantokrator’s peak there is the opportunity for a breather by visiting the Monastery of Ipsilos. The monastery holds many precious artefacts such as saint relics, stoles embroidered with gold and crosses embellished with rubies and roses. This opulent monastery also holds some incredible religious art and offers the best views on the island.

For a more relaxed walk at your own pace, the Corfu Trail is a fantastic option. The trail runs the whole length of the island, but walkers can join and leave the trail as they please. Get a taste of Corfu’s natural landscape before tourism as you walk along the trail and admire olive trees, juniper bushes and wild flowers. Want walking to be the focus of your holiday? You can find self-catering accommodation close to the Corfu Trail letting you enjoy Corfu’s stunning walking routes.

Scuba diving in Corfu

Corfu benefits from clear blue seas which provide the perfect conditions for divers. Nissaki is a favourite spot for regular divers and the area is home to many talented diving instructors. Whether it’s your first or tenth time going under, you’ll be in safe hands when diving in Nissaki.

Take a day trip further afield and enjoy the fantastic diving conditions available on the small, nearby Greek island of Paxos. A 90-minute boat ride from Corfu will deliver you to the white sandy shores of Paxos. The island is just eight miles long and two miles wide but it’s Paxos’ crystal seas and hidden coves that the island is best known for. Experienced and novice divers alike can enjoy a dive in Paxos’ seas and will have the chance to catch sight of rarely seen sea life such as starfish, octopi and coral reefs.

Romantic holidays in Corfu

Visiting Corfu on a romantic holiday? A trip to Canal d’Amour, the Channel of Love, at Sidari beach should be at the top of your to-do list! The beach is known for its underwater caves and unusual sandy rock formations that stretch out into the blue sea. The tunnel underneath the rocks is the Channel of Love and rumour has it that if you and your partner swim through the tunnel together then you’ll either stay in love forever or you will get married soon, depending on who you ask. Otherwise, if you swim through on your own then legend says that you’ll meet your one true love on the other side!

For a holiday that will leave you feeling refreshed, reiJust nvigorated and rearing to return, visit one of Corfu’s finest resort towns. Start planning your trip by browsing our available villas in Corfu today and you’re sure to become one of the many travellers who fall for the island of Corfu.

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family-focus, and she is in the midst of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.

Hidden gems of Corfu

Hidden gems of Corfu

Ever-popular Corfu is a big draw for beach lovers. Holidays in Corfu can mean long lazy days soaking up the sun, but there’s much more to this picturesque Greek island than crashing out on a beach in a large resort.

Beach in Corfu
Image by mickpix, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY 2.0)

Discover the south

The hotels in Corfu are plentiful, but to slow down the pace and discover an authentic side of the island, try a luxury villa holiday in Corfu. Head to the south, perhaps to a town like Benitses, and you can spend your days exploring the sleepy old village. Then you can follow the paths that lead to the cypress and olive tree woodlands on the surrounding slopes.

Staying around Benitses, or the equally tranquil towns of Boukari or Lefkimmi, gives you a glimpse into local life. It offers an abundance of authentic local cuisine and treats you to landscapes that are untouched by development. Come evening, you can retreat to your Corfu holiday rental for a relaxing dinner and to sample some local wine.

Visit Corfu
Image by cyberborean, used under Creative Commons license (CC BY SA 2.0)

Venture to the west

Choosing a Corfu villa holiday can help keep costs down by minimising how much you dine out. It also avoids the extra expenses associated with hotels like drinks, tips and laundry. Venture beyond the big resorts found north of Corfu Town and you’ll find plenty of villas in Corfu along the west coast of the island, in and around towns like scenic Paleokastritsa or the coastal village of  Lakones.

Secluded beaches of Corfu

Peaceful beaches are easy to find in Corfu, especially if you head for the east coast and the beaches around San Stefanos. As they are pebbly, they stay quieter, but doesn’t mean they aren’t as lovely as their sandier counterparts. South of Gardiki Castle is the vast Lake Korission, separated from the sea by a narrow stretch of beach. This is a good spot to find a secluded patch of sand, away from the masses. With Villa Plus Holidays to Corfu, you’ll have privacy, sun, and luscious views – what more could you want from a getaway?

Hilly retreats

Corfu’s rugged and steep terrain makes for impressive viewing and the roads twist and turn through the landscape for an adventurous journey. Dotted along the roads on the hillsides are tiny villages like Spartylas and Strinylas, a far cry from the busy resorts of Gouvia and Dasia. Find a luxury villa on a Corfu hillside and you’ll be treated to views of green woodland reaching to the distant blue of the ocean.

Staying near the Corfu Trail

Corfu’s famous hiking trail is 136 miles long and stretches from one end to the other. It affords some of Corfu’s most fantastic and memorable views. Finding accommodation near the trail is a good idea for those planning on donning their hiking boots on holiday to explore Corfu’s diverse geology on foot.

By Ciaran Brooks. A former history graduate, Ciaran Brooks’ love for old stories has led him around the world. A self-confessed adventurer, he fell into travel writing after his blog chronicling his year in Thailand was picked up by a national paper.