Villa Holidays in Corfu
Nestlng between the heel of Italy and the west coast of mainland Greece, green, mountainous and incredibly beautiful CORFU (Kérkyra) was one of the first Greek islands to attract mass tourism in the 1960s. Surprisingly vast amounts of the island still remain with unspoiled coastline, olive groves, mountains or woodland.
Corfu is thought to have been the model for Prospero and Miranda’s place of exile in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and was certainly known to writers such as Spenser, Milton and – more recently – Edward Lear and Henry Miller, as well as Gerald and Lawrence Durrell. Lawrence Durrell’s Prospero’s Cell evokes the island’s “delectable landscape” still evident in some of its beaches, the best of the whole archipelago.
The capital, CORFU TOWN, has one of the most elegant island capitals in the whole of Greece. Although many of its finest buildings were destroyed by Nazi bombers in World War II, two massive forts, the sixteenth-century church of Áyios Spyrídon and some buildings dating from French and British rule remain intact. Corfu Town's Historic Centre, the area enclosed by the Old Port and the two forts, consists of several smaller districts:. These districts and their tall, narrow alleys conceal some of Corfu’s most beautiful architecture. Sit and enjoy a frapé on the Elegant 'Liston' whilst watching an afternoon of Cricket. Corfu will not disappoint.
Corfu is thought to have been the model for Prospero and Miranda’s place of exile in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and was certainly known to writers such as Spenser, Milton and – more recently – Edward Lear and Henry Miller, as well as Gerald and Lawrence Durrell. Lawrence Durrell’s Prospero’s Cell evokes the island’s “delectable landscape” still evident in some of its beaches, the best of the whole archipelago.
The capital, CORFU TOWN, has one of the most elegant island capitals in the whole of Greece. Although many of its finest buildings were destroyed by Nazi bombers in World War II, two massive forts, the sixteenth-century church of Áyios Spyrídon and some buildings dating from French and British rule remain intact. Corfu Town's Historic Centre, the area enclosed by the Old Port and the two forts, consists of several smaller districts:. These districts and their tall, narrow alleys conceal some of Corfu’s most beautiful architecture. Sit and enjoy a frapé on the Elegant 'Liston' whilst watching an afternoon of Cricket. Corfu will not disappoint.
Agios Gordios (Gordis) ~ West Coast
|
The most amazing thing about Agios Gordios (Agios Gordis) is the breathtaking view that you see when you first drive through the mountains and down to the village. it's a good base for walkers and nature lovers as well as seekers of a quiet beach holiday and has a huge bay with a beautiful, sweeping crescent of sand.
|
|
Backed by forested hills that tempt keen walkers, and fronted by a turquoise Sea, life here revolves around the beach. Facing west, it is a terrific beach for catching the afternoon sun. Good choice of quality restaurants are renowned for excellent food. The village is relaxing but by no means asleep. It can get busy in high season and there is the occasional disco. The beach is lined with taverna's serving mouthwatering home cooked food and a good selection of relaxing chill-out bars where you can sit and watch the sunset for which this resort is famous. Perfect location for families and a romantic resort for couples.
Gastouri ~ Nr Benitses ~ (East Coast)
|
Gastouri is a traditional sleepy Corfiot Village nestling in the olive groves above the beach resort of Benitses. There are a couple of traditional Taverna/Grill Rooms, a bar & a small convenience store. Famed for once winning the 'Most Picturesque Village in Greece' award and secondly the Achilleion Palace where the filming of
|
|
the James Bond movie 'For Your Eyes Only' took place. The stunning appearance of this stately palace takes the visitor back in history to when the palace was inhabited by two great figures from European history whose only common bond was their adoration for Corfu, Greece and its culture, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as 'Sissi') and Kaiser William II of Germany. With the beach and atmosphere of Benitses just a five minute drive away, Gastouri is the ideal choice for people who enjoy the best of both worlds.
Gouvia ~ (Central East Coast)
|
Gouvia, a small former fishing village has been developed throughout the last four decades into a modern holiday resort. Ideal for couples and families who also want easy access into Historical Corfu Town. The village was originally built on the site of an ancient Venetian harbor which still stands at one end of the village.
|
|
Today, Gouvia is home to the main marina of Corfu and welcomes many yachts from all over Europe. There are several beaches of sand & shingle. Tiny coves are also to be found close to the centre of the resort. Swimming here is safe for children. Access to the beach is easy from anywhere in the village. Beach activities include paragliding, diving and most water sports at the superb Corcyra Beach Water Sports Centre. There's a good selection of bars and International restaurants serving Greek, Mexican, Chinese etc these are mainly concentrated along the narrow High Street and during the Summer months there is a lively atmosphere at night.
Kentroma ~ Nr Agni ~ (North East Coast)
|
Situated on the beautiful North East coast of Corfu, Agni, is as famous for its excellent waterside tavernas as its location. Agni literally translates as ‘unspoilt’ in Greek and this describes the bay perfectly. Nearby is the chapel mentioned by Laurence Durrell in ‘Prospero’s Cell’. Below is a small underwater cave for the more adventurous snorklers and swimmers.
|
|
It i's a coastline of cypress and olive trees and down in the picturesque bay you will no doubt see some of the Worlds most luxurious Motor Yachts moored off shore whilst their owners enjoy fresh mussels and a bottle of fizz at one of the three delightful taverna's along the shore. The beach is of pebble so swimming shoes are recommended, the water is the brightest shade of turquoise and crystal clear. A holiday here won't be your last we guarantee, it will leave you with lasting memories which will never fade.
Nissaki ~ (North East Coast)
|
Located in the heart of the northeast coast, Nissaki is laid out around a trio of coves, with sweeping views over to Albania. There are a clutch of shops and restaurants and luxury villas spreading up into the pine-covered foothills of Mount Pantokrator, Corfu’s highest peak.
|
|
The narrow, horseshoe-shaped main beach is made up of white pebbles & shingle, shelving gently into the clear waters. You’ll always find a spot here, even at the busiest times, and there are plenty of sunloungers and parasols to rent. If you’re feeling adventurous you can snorkel around the nearby coves, or hire a boat to explore them. Behind the village, there are paths leading through the cypress-covered sides of Mount Pandokator. The 220-kilometre-long Corfu Trail, which winds around the island, passes through the valley behind Nissaki – you’ll get a stunning sea view if you head out along the steep coastal path towards the rocky coves of Katavolos.
Kommeno (East Coast / Central)
|
Kommeno Bay has some of the most desirable shoreline in all of Corfu – this is where Greece’s elite build their villas. Hotels own the beaches but non-guests can get to all of them. They’re scattered and very small, sometimes even just a patch of sand-and-shingle fit for 2. Watersports centres are based in the |
|
hotels – the parasailing gives you a really great view of Albania across the water. Corfu Town is easily reached, just a ten to fifteen minute drive away. There is a good selection of high quality restaurants, most of which are signposted from the road that winds its way around the peninsular. For a lively evening Dassia and Gouvia are both within a five minute drive.
Sinies ~ Nr Agios Stefanos & Kerasia ~ (North East Coast)
|
Agios Stefanos is set around a deep horseshoe bay full of boats and is one of the prettiest seaside villages in Greece. With five waterfront tavernas, two bars and a couple of small supermarkets and boat-hire places, it offers just the right amount of facilities and entertainment.
|
|
The atmosphere is low-key - ducks waddle on the beach, children throwing pebbles into the water, and there is very little through traffic - but the place has some life. Less than five minutes' drive away, Kerasia's 250-yard-long beach is one of the best pebbly strands on this section of coast.
Vingla ~ Nr Kouloura ~ (North East Coast)
|
This stunningly beautiful corner of Corfu captivates everyone's imagination. The lush green hills with picture postcard views below will be certain to seal your love of this island for ever. Kouloura is a beautiful little bay located arout 30 kms (45 minutes) from Corfu Town.
|
|
It is just around the headland from Kalami and has a small harbour, a tiny beach and one taverna. It is a place of peace and tranquility and unspoilt by tourist development.
