Corfu is one of the most fabulous villa holiday destinations in the Greek Islands, and indeed anywhere in Europe. No matter what your idea of a perfect holiday, renting a villa in Corfu offers something for everyone.
Whilst visiting Corfu you will can enjoy so many activities. Lazy days beach combing or decide on an activity such as walking and hiking, bird watching, or mountain biking.
Culture lovers can enjoy taking little jaunts into the Corfu island villages. Sightseeing in Corfu town , a world heritage centre, is an absolute joy . There are many churches, museums and art galleries in Corfu town.
Adventure seekers will also enjoy visiting Corfu. Boating, snorkelling, bay fishing, water tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, and parasailing can be found all along the coast..
Corfu is not just about sea and sun. This is an island of surprisingly rich history and heritage, culture and outstanding beauty, that helps make it a most fascinating and varied island adored by anyone who visits.
All these activities and more, are within easy each of Villa Del Cielo.
The East Coast – Perfectly Picturesque
The wonderfully picturesque north east coast of Corfu (nicknamed “Kensington-Upon-Sea”) is arguably the most sought after corner for the discerning traveller, certainly one of the most picturesque and varied.
This part of the island is visited year after year by many returning families who have made it their “family holiday destination “ of choice.
The coast road is less than 10 minute down the hill from Del Cielo. The closest small resort is at Ipsos where there is a mile long beach, a joggers trail, many tavernas, bars and clubs.
It is also a great spot for the young, and young at heart, with water sports and para-sailing. Here you will also find the day to day conveniences of supermarkets, ATMs , chemist, scooter and car hire, launderette and hairdressers.
You can find some great boat hire, water sports and diving at Nissaki about 10 minutes further north up the coast. Boat Hire (up to a certain cc) does not require a licence and is very easy to master even for the uninitiated.
At Dassia (about 12 minutes on coast road to south) there is also excellent boat hire including high speed craft. There are numerous bays and coves to explore, and many guests like to hire a boat, snorkel and swim in the coves before stopping for lunch at one of the several Tavernas especially at Agni bay, Agios Stephanos, Koulouri, Kalami , Avalaki and Kassioppi.
Eating Out in Corfu – A Feast for the Senses
The closest taverna is within a short walk of Villa Del Cielo and is called Taverna Agnadio. Here you can enjoy good traditional Greek Food.
There are many cafes & tavernas at Ipsos too. Try the most unlikely looking place called Moby Dick (next to chemist) which has the best food, despite basic surroundings and not much ambience! But it´s great for a quick meal, has surprisingly good Italian dishes, delicious salads, (try the ‘Mediterranean’) and excellent pizzas and pastas (if you like mushrooms try ‘Chef’s Spaghetti’).
Also excellent is the grill house ‘Roumeli’ (next door to Vitamins) at Nissaki, famous for it’s grill specials; suckling pig on a Wednesday, traditional music and dancing ( not tacky on Fridays). Roumeli’s is most reasonably priced and a typical and authentic grill/taverna run by Vangelis and his wife Anne-Marie (the cook) who always make you feel most welcome. .
The 3 famous tavernas at Agni, are well written about (we love the most simple and ever-so friendly-Taverna Nikolas – you will be well looked after by Pericles and his waiters, they will even help you moor up at their jetty for lunch or dinner.)
The Fish taverna at Koulouri harbour is superb (book) and Taverna Eucalyptus in Agios Stephanos (40 mins in car, less by boat) is not to be missed excellent for a long Sunday lunch, -leave the children to safely stroll around the village or splash about in the sea whilst enjoying a carafe of the floral house white, Mochofilero, whilst waiting for your fish to be cooked to order.
Nearer to home, go up the mountain and stop for Sunday lunch at Strinilas, first on right, great for Sunday lunch. Maps and guides are available for you at the Villa.
Read our regular blog “Tavernas in the Spotlight” for up the latest up to date and more in depth information.
Corfu Culture – Charm and Natural Beauty
The island´s charm is not just down to it´s natural unspoilt beauty and fabulous climate. Corfu’s diverse and facinating history has left it´s mark all over the island, even in the most remote of places and particularly in Corfu Town which in it’s own right is a world heritage centre.
Corfu has a special architecture, partly influenced by it’s conquering invaders but in a style all of it’s own. Corfu is an island of highly developed civilisation and culture.
There are many places to visit in Corfu Town and two visits at least should be made during the day and in the evening when it comes to life with locals and tourists, young and old , mingling , strolling sitting and relaxing along the famous Liston, in the Spianada and catching up in the many bars, tavernas, restaurants and cafes throughout the central old town.
There are numerous places to visit in Corfu town (Read our blog “the top 10 place to visit in Corfu Town”): The Liston, The Spianada, St Spyridon’s Church, Duomo, the old and the new fortresses, the Art gallery housed in the palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, as well as the amazing Asiatic Art Museum .
Visitors also love to wander through the kantouna ( narrow lanes) of the old town with its various quarters and a very unique spot, the British Cemetery ( a peaceful and cool haven in the heat) as well as the Museum at Mon Repos and the Museum of Antivouniotissa.
Useful Websites – Explore Corfu
Watersports
Undoubtedly a great day out would be to hire a boat, there are several reliable places very close; we have hired from Nicos and Maria who can be found in front of Chandris hotels in Dassia www.corfuboathire.com or contact Fondas at Nissaki www.nissakiboatrental.com
Walking and Nature
For those who like to get out and about on foot, guided walks of Mount Pantokrator can easily be arranged www.corfu-walking.com The Corfu Trail, the island’s long distance walking route, runs through Spartilas. Hike up Mount Pantocrator, or to Sokraki, by way of the Trail www.thecorfutrail.com . Of particular interest to nature lovers is a great site www.corfuflowers.com
Stocking up
Should you wish to pre order groceries www.corfuvillasupplies.com are an online supplies and will deliver to the villa.
Maps of Corfu
For maps: www.corfumap.net and www.news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/69 for reliable weather forecasts. If you require general information covering all aspects of Corfu life, take a look at www.greeka.com/ionian/corfu
[codepeople-post-map]
