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48 hours in. . . Corfu, an insider guide to the queen of the Ionian

Corfu has an enticing mix of historical monuments, lush hillsides, blue skies, sand and pebble beaches and calm azure waters - AleksandarGeorgiev
Corfu has an enticing mix of historical monuments, lush hillsides, blue skies, sand and pebble beaches and calm azure waters - AleksandarGeorgiev

Hot right now . . .

Helen Iatrou, our resident expert, offers her top tips on the hottest things to do, as well as places to stay and drink at, this season.

Eat

AtPomo d’Oro (11 Skaramanga Sq; 00 30 26610 28 680) in the Old Town, French-Greek chef Aristotelis Megoulas masterfully executes his new seasonal menu concept 'cucina nobile', which endeavours to bring nobility to Corfiot cucina povera (peasant cooking). No foodie worth their salt should miss out on this whimsical journey connecting the island’s culinary past and present.

• The best restaurants in Corfu

Pomo d’Oro
Chef Aristotelis Megoulas cultivates his Corfiot roots and combines that with a seasonal menu concept at Pomo d’Oro

Stay

Angsana Corfu(11th km of Kerkyra - Lefkimmi National Rd; 00 30 210 72 57 419) marks Banyan Tree’s first European opening and is set to make its long-awaited debut in late 2019. The 199-room property will feature a signature Angsana Spa and Michelin-starred Corfiot-Italian chef Ettore Botrini’s latest venture. Double rooms from €225 (£201).

The best hotels in Corfu

Angsana Corfu - Credit: vickyp.85
Angsana Corfu, Banyan Tree’s first European opening, will feature a signature Angsana Spa Credit: vickyp.85

Eat

Imabari(Faliraki Beach; 00 30 2661 100340) – a cosmopolitan waterfront all-day café, bar and restaurant, where you can swim in blue-green waters with views of the Old Fortress – is the perfect summer spot. Athens-based burger fiends The Kahuna Bros have whipped up a distinctly tropical menu with Caribbean, Hawaiian, Latin American and Asian influences.

The best bars in Corfu

Imabari
Imabari's summer menu has distinct Caribbean, Hawaiian, Latin American and Asian influences

48 hours in . . . Corfu

Day one

MORNING

If time is of the essence, stay relatively close to Corfu Town, which is situated roughly halfway down the eastern coast. A hire car is a must on this sprawling island so that you have the freedom to move around at your own pace. Grab an early breakfast and park beside the old harbour so you can explore the pedestrian-only Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town.

Cross the moat to the 14th-century Old Fortress before the cruise crowds arrive. From the Tower of the Land, revel in grand views of the watercolour patchwork of terracotta roof-tiled neoclassical buildings bathed in light next to a glittering Adriatic Sea. Spot the two winged lions of St Mark, the Tower of the Sea, the British barracks and the church of St George.

At classy French-built Liston Arcade, sit outdoors at Café Kohlias (16 Eleftherias St; 00 30 2661 028118) and revive your senses with an iced espresso while taking in Spianada Square, the largest square in the Balkans.

Old Fortress - Credit: Neil Farrin
The Old Fortress was built by the Venetians in the 14th century and expanded by the British Credit: Neil Farrin

AFTERNOON

Do lunch late, as locals do, and check in at Marina’s Tavern (35 Velissariou St; 0030 2661 100792) in the old Jewish quarter. Chow down on delectable meze like taramasalata (fish roe dip) with marinated anchovies along with nourishing pies from owner Marina’s native Epirus region, and braised lamb with artichoke.

Next, lose yourself in the maze of skinny alleyways and laundry hung high to dry that characterise the Campiello neighbourhood, bordered by Kapodistriou, Arseniou and Nikiforou Theotoki streets. Across from Agios Vassilios church you’ll find theLazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets Brand Store(34 Agiou Vassiliou St; 00 30 26610 41102), where you can pick up a smart-looking bottle of smooth kumquat cream liqueur, an updated version of the traditional tipple that is delicious on ice.

Then, pop into retro Papagiorgispatisserie (32 Nikiforou Theotoki St; 0030 2661 039474), which dates to 1924, to sample the best pistachio gelato this side of Naples.

Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets Brand Store
Bookmark the Lazaris Distillery & Artisan Sweets Brand Store for your souvenir hunt – the shop sells delicious kumquat cream liqueur that makes great gifts

LATE

Slip into your resort linens and espadrilles for an elegant night out in the Old Town. Chef Aristotelis Megoulas works seasonal farm-to-table finesse at his restaurant Pomo d’Oro (11 Skaramanga Sq; 00 30 26610 28 680), where the menu changes monthly: you might find the likes of octopus carpaccio with strawberries and pine nuts in red pepper sauce. Make sure to book ahead, particularly in July and August. Ask Aristotelis about the little-known history of Skaramanga Square.

Afterwards, amble down to ultra-cool streetside local favourite Café Bristol(49 Evgeniou Voulgareos St; 0030 693 666 0101) for signature cocktail Monkey & the Beans and jazz tunes. If you prefer to be seaside, sashay over to the rooftop of buzzing bar-restaurant NAOK Azur (1 Dimokratias Av; 00 30 2661 080700), a prime spot to behold the Old Fortress.

NAOK Azur
NAOK Azur has unsurpassed views of the Old Fortress and a small beach below

• The best restaurants in Corfu

Day two

MORNING

Today you’re off to explore Corfu’s western coast. Your first destination is Paleokastritsa, a resort town of hills and dramatic cliffs studded with olive, pine and fir trees. Pack a picnic, shade and water supplies and rent a motor boat for a half-day from Ampelaki Boats (Paleokastritsa; 00 30 6974 375 852) so you can track down isolated beaches accessible only by sea. Drop anchor and dive into the aquamarine waters of Giali, Limni, Paradise, Stelari and Iliodoros, among others.

Alternatively, discover the excellent dive sites near Paleokastritsa such as Colovri islet, where you’ll spot marine life including tuna, jacks, anthia and nudibranch amid reefs, caves and canyons. Achilleon Diving (Paleokastritsa; 00 30 6932 729011) offers dives and courses for both newbies and experienced divers.

• The best beaches in Corfu

Paleokastritsa - Credit: Gosiek-B/Gosiek-B
Paleokastritsa is a resort town of hills and dramatic cliffs studded with olive, pine and fir trees Credit: Gosiek-B/Gosiek-B

AFTERNOON

Head up to the Theotokos Monastery(00 30 2662 041210), built on Paleokastritsa’s highest peak, at exactly 1pm, when it closes for an hour to the public. Walk directly to the two nearby lookout points, often people-free at this time of day, and capture staggering views of the town’s two main beaches and densely-vegetated bluffs that plunge down to a turquoise-shaded sea.

Afterwards, absorb the serenity of the monastery and its tiny church housing rare icons, founded in the 13th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Theotokos Monastery - Credit: Balate Dorin
The hilltop Theotokos Monastery was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and built in the 13th century Credit: Balate Dorin

If hunger pangs hit, Corfu’s original slow food awaits at Taverna Elizabeth (00 30 2663 041728), in sleepy Doukádes village, 10 minutes by car east of Paleokastritsa. Here, you must try piquant, tomato-based pastitsada, a traditional tummy-pleasing casserole prepared with beef or, occasionally, cockerel.

Taverna Elizabeth
The family-run Taverna Elizabeth is where to go for Corfiot-style slow food

Ensconced in a rocky cove since the 1960s,La Grotta Bar (00 30 2663 041006), accessible from Paleokastritsa’s main road via 142 steps or by boat, is ideal for a refreshing late afternoon swim and snorkel in The Blue Lagoon-like waters, followed by a locally produced ale or old school piña colada.

La Grotta is ideal for a refreshing late afternoon swim and snorkel, followed by a locally produced ale or a piña colada
La Grotta is ideal for a refreshing late afternoon swim and snorkel, followed by a locally produced ale or a piña colada

LATE

On the way back to your hotel, stop in at hip Nagual (00 30 6971740665) on long, sandy Kontogialos Beach, a former hippie haven, for a legendary sunset, exceptional cocktails and possibly a movie with your feet in the sand. Dare a midnight dip in the cool, shallow waters.

You may choose, instead, to freshen up and hit Corfu Town. Splash out on dinner at the giddily romantic The Venetian Well (Kremasti Sq; 00 30 2661 550955), where chef-owner Yiannis Vlachos envisions creative Mediterranean dishes such as crayfish tartare marinated in vanilla and citrus juices.

Nagual
Nagual impresses with a legendary sunset and exceptional cocktails

The best nightlife in Corfu

Where to stay . . .

Luxury Living

Domes Miramare Corfuis the Ionian isle’s gold standard. This five-star, adults-only hideaway sits on its own beach in peaceful Moraitika, southeast of Corfu Town. The charismatic yet unpretentious property was once owned by the Onassis family and was a celebrity magnet in its Sixties heyday. It’s worth splashing out on a sea view or waterfront pavilion retreat, where you can stretch out on chaise longues and destress in your hot tub or private pool, or both. Soul beats float above the shingle beach, where it’s deceptively easy to spend a day unwinding on sun loungers and cooling off in the aquamarine Ionian Sea.

Doubles from €184 (£165). Miramare Beach, Moraitika; 00 30 2661 4 40500

Domes Miramare Corfu
Domes Miramare Corfu is the Ionian isle’s gold standard for luxury hotels

Boutique Bolthole

Those seeking peace and serenity should head to MarBella Nido, surrounded by pines and firs above a sandy Blue Flag beach. Rooms and suites revel in enviable sea views; most encompass a private pool or whirlpool with a roomy patio. Meticulously-tended gardens of lavender bushes and all manner of flowers serve as an aromatherapy wake-up call. Dinner on the open-air fine dining restaurant Apaggio is decidedly romantic. Pair creative spins on classic Corfu recipes like slow-baked lamb tsilichourda with one of many excellent Greek wines. The stone-built pool area is lovely place to take in views of a cerulean Ionian Sea to the sound of jazz.

Doubles from €151 (£135). Agios Ioannis Peristeron; 00 30 26610 76452

MarBella Nido
All of the rooms at MarBella Nido revel in enviable sea views

Budget Beauty

With an elegant spa, secluded corners and child-friendly entertainment, Aeolos Beach Hotel succeeds in catering for romance as well as family holidays. The large resort mimics a traditional Corfiot village, with pathways winding among stone cottage-style buildings. Splash around the two pools, kick back in the spa and sauna (each guest is entitled to a free 15-minute taster massage), or enjoy a choice of tennis, beach volleyball, water polo and aqua aerobics. Restaurant offerings are plenty, ranging from Greek buffets, Italian and pan-European fare to a seven-course gourmet meal including apéritifs and wine.

Doubles from €65 (£58). Perama; 00 30 26610 33132

Aeolos Beach Hotel - Credit: photography © Christos Drazos
The structure of the expansive Aeolos Beach Hotel mimics a traditional Corfiot village Credit: photography © Christos Drazos

• A complete guide to the best hotels in Corfu

What to bring home . . .

Minimalist-minded Myrto Zirini(5 Arseniou St; 00 30 26610 41560) crafts contemporary ceramics that convey the plasticity of a clay object eroded by the sea. See her in action at her waterfront workshop in Corfu Town’s Mouragia neighbourhood.

Myrto Zirini
The intriguing look and shape of the ceramics at Myrto Zirini convey the plasticity of a clay object eroded by the sea

Marie Vaggalati, of Leather Trinkets, designs exceedingly desirable jewellery inspired by Byzantine and post-Byzantine book binding. Her statement gold print Tressa necklaces need nothing more than a monochrome canvas. Shop at Muses (22 Michael Τheotoki St; 00 30 2661 030708).

Muses
The edgy leather jewellery from Leather Trinkets resembles Byzantine book binding

When to go . . .

Most hotels open in early May (sometimes late April) and close in October, though dates vary. Corfu is busiest in summer, while the shoulder season months of May, September and October are increasingly popular, particularly among couples and retirees, though cloudiness and occasional showers are possible.

Corfu’s capital is worth a visit in its own right, therefore most hotels in and near the Old Town stay open year-round along with a host of attractive apartments. Orthodox Easter is an annual drawcard, so expect crowds. Hikers should visit in spring, when the weather is cool and the island ablaze in a riot of blooms, or in autumn.

Know before you go . . .

Essential information

Tourist board information:00 30 26610 37638; visitgreece.gr

Emergency fire:
199 or 112

Ambulance:
166

Emergency police:
100

British Vice Consulate:
First floor, 18 Mantzarou St, Corfu; 00 30 26610 23457; in an emergency outside working hours of 8am-3pm, call 00 30 210 727 2600; gov.uk

Local laws and etiquette

• As is the case in most of southern Europe, locals and visiting Greeks tend to have lunch or dinner late, as in after 2pm and 9pm respectively. Almost all tavernas and restaurants open at noon and then around 7pm to cater to early diners, while many don’t close at all in the afternoon. The more upscale Corfu Town restaurants tend to only open for dinner.

• In terms of dress codes, shorts and beachwear is fine at casual tavernas, while trousers and skirts are required at smarter restaurants. Covering up in church is mandatory; shawls and skirts are provided if necessary.

Tipping is not required, however most restaurants have a cover charge for bread. A tip of around 10 per cent is most welcome.

• Public transport is good and affordable. Corfu’s green KTEL intercity buses (greenbuses.gr; 00 30 26610 28900) offer regular service from Corfu Town to resort areas, inland villages and most beaches, with an extended coastal service in the summer. Purchase tickets at the central KTEL station or on board the vehicle.

The island’s blue buses (astikoktelkerkyras.gr) cover routes in and around Corfu Town and link the capital to several villages. Most blue buses depart from central San Rocco Square. Line 15 links the airport, port, the city centre and the KTEL intercity bus station. Purchase blue bus tickets in advance from kiosks, the station master’s office in San Rocco Square and automatic vending machines. Tickets cost more if paid for on the bus. Day passes are available and if you buy 10 tickets, you receive an extra one free.

• Cabs (dark blue) are easy to find in Corfu Town and can be booked by phone for other destinations. Corfu Taxi (corfutaxi.gr; 00 30 26610 33811) operates 24 hours year-round and provides rates online for airport and port transfers to and from your destination. A taxi ride from the airport to Corfu Town should cost around €19 (£17). There are taxi ranks at the airport, port, San Rocco Square, Spianada Square and Ioannou Theotoki St.

• Hiring a car is highly recommended so that you can explore Corfu independently. Try not to rely on sat nav as you might end up on some very narrow rural roads. Corfu Old Town is pedestrianised, so avoid it altogether. Stay on the main roads and keep a close eye on road signs, while it’s a good idea to call ahead to ask for directions. Don’t be shy to ask locals to point you in the right direction if you find you’re lost.

• Handshake greetings are the norm, however, two kisses are commonplace if you know one another well.

The basics

Flight time: Around three hours and 10 minutes from London

Currency:
Euros €

International dialling code:
00 30 266

Author bio

Greece expert Helen Iatrou is an unabashed Ionian island aficionado. By day, she goes sailing off the northeast coast and swimming at remote Porto Timoni beach. By night, she seeks out soul vibes in Corfu Town’s coolest bars.

Experience Corfu with The Telegraph

Telegraph Travel's best hotels, tours and holidays in Corfu, tried, tested and recommended by our Corfu experts.

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