Postcard from Corfu
A travel guide for my favourite Greek island
With the weather turning in London, emergency coping mechanisms had to be deployed. Sure, you can pop a Vitamin D pill, or you can jump on a plane, trading those winter blues for ocean hues. Corfu was an absolute delight and quickly became my favourite Greek island. Sporting the whitest, sandiest beaches with crystal clear water, so calm and just salty enough to float around with a drink in hand. Bliss! It wasn't pretentious, had some of the friendliest people around and the best food too. We based ourselves in the enchanting old town because the thought of driving a car down narrow streets, on the opposite side to what my licence prescribed, did not sound like a relaxing vacay. Instead, we explored the island with a lovely little chauffeur service called A BUS. It got us everywhere we wanted, eventually. And at about €2 a trip, left plenty of cash for the more important things in life, like espresso martinis and leather sandals. Follow me for more budget savvy advice!! It also allowed us to swim all day and spend the evenings wandering the maze-like streets, bar hopping and shopping 'til our luggage limits were well and truly exceeded.
Caffeine
Cafetierra - Plakado - A modern coffee spot with staff who really know how to make a coffee and are always up for a chat. Sit outside in the square and watch the world go by for a few quiet moments before one of the many churches’ bells chime. When you find a really good thing, there’s not much need to branch out.
Eat
Pitonostimies - A cheap and cheerful Greek restaurant with excellent gyros and souvlaki plates. It’s only a small restaurant but located smack bang in the heart of the old town. Good, wholesome food.
Papagiorgis - I’m not going to tell you how many times a day I visited, or ever admit to the sheer volume of pistachio gelato consumed here. But let’s just say the guy knew me by name after a few days. They also sell bangin’ baklava.
To Tsipouradiko - A traditional style tavern by the old port serving delicious mezze plates which change daily. It’s a busy spot - especially if you want an outside table under the trees - so go early.
Imabari beach bar in Corfu old town is the perfect afternoon hangout spot.
Sip
La Grotta - A bar with a diving board into the ocean? You had me at bar, but you kept me all afternoon with the cliff jumping, stunning views and crowd entertainment. This beach club in Paleokastritsa is such a fun place to spend a few hours swimming, dancing or doing whatever you want. Free entry, but the drink prices can add up quickly.
Imabari - Beach bar in Corfu old town with DJs spinning tunes all day every day, as you sip, swim and sun yourself. Grab one of their deck chairs on Faliraki Beach with sweeping ocean views over the old fortress and mainland Greece.
Chavez - A candle-lit, bohemian bar with decor from a bygone era, whipping up one of the best espresso martinis of my life. Yes, it is my personality.
Mikro Cafe - In the heart of Corfu’s old town, this dive bar serves coffee by day, and bangin’ cocktails by night with loads of personality. Hustle for a place on their gorgeous outdoor terrace on a balmy evening.
Bristol Cafe - A great bar with tables out on the cobblestone streets, making it the perfect spot for some afternoon people watching.
Visit
Antipaxos Island - Board a boat from Paxos Island to paradise. Antipaxos must be home to the bluest water and the whitest sand on this earth. Spend the day floating in the crystal clear sea and lounging on a free beach deck chair. There’s a little bar and restaurant tucked behind the dune for when you get thirsty.
Palaiokastritsa - A seaside village with a beautiful beach on the island’s north-west. Beach bars and shops surround the busy bay and it’s a great destination in itself. Yet, it’s also easy to catch a boat to other remote pebbly beaches. If you’re lucky, a canteen boat - selling drinks and snacks - may even visit those beaches.
Barbati Beach - Surrounded by lush mountains and olive groves, this underdeveloped white pebbly beach is truly gorgeous. The shallow waters make it easy to swim and splash about with a few fun beach bars and water sports to keep it fun.
Glyfada Beach - A long, golden sandy beach, surrounded by large mountains, with plenty going on seaside, including pedal boats, buzzing restaurants and shops. It’s quite a busy beach but plenty of space to spread out.
Barbati Beach at dusk.
Shop
Mimi+ Kiki - A colourful and inviting boutique with unique clothes and other items, including baskets. Definitely worth checking out!
Muses Corfu - Greek-inspired design reimagined into fun, modern art pieces from teaspoons to sculptures, hats to puppet vases.
Markets - Lose hours wandering the market streets in the old town, with stalls selling everything from leather sandals to silver jewellery, woven basket bags to soap and beautiful clothes. You’ll find anything and everything.
Shops are tucked down side streets and alleyways all through Corfu old town.
*What else would you recommend for our next visit?