7375 Greece 2019 Corfu.qxp 23/11/2018 11:07 Page 54 Greece | Ionian Islands | Corfu Corfu this most northerly of the Ionian islands is the greenest and, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most traditional of them all. Corfu’s charm and beauty have captivated visitors for generations and remain as intoxicating as ever. Corfu’s variety also plays a part in its Aharavi Kassiopi enduring popularity. With over 200 kms Avlaki of coastline, the island really can offer Kalami ‘something for everyone.’ “Beautiful, Agni Nissaki flower-filled, washed with soft Ionian Barbati light,” Corfu is impossible to describe in a Paleocastritsa few words. Liapades Gouvia Groves of tall, silvery-green olive and Corfu cypress trees cover the slopes of the v Town t central hills tumbling down to the steep o P A Agios Gordis X west coast, famed for its sweeping sandy o beaches and magnificent sunsets. our S small resort of Aghios Gordis here appeals to all generations of different nationalities, and families particularly appreciate the Perivoli fact that there is no coastal road running behind the superb beach here. Lefkimi Still among olive trees, netting spread at their feet ready for the harvest, the south to quote from ‘Landscapes of Corfu’, levels out. our tiny hideaway of Maltas “Walking on Corfu is sheer bliss. You will combines an untouched countryside, rich be spoilt by a kaleidoscope of landscapes, in traditional ways, with one of the best and you needn’t be an intrepid hiker to sandy beaches on the island. find these beauty spots. the walks lead to Go north and you will find a different some of the most beautiful beaches you scene: a rocky, twisting coastline of cliff will ever see.” and ravine, curling round the great Corfu town is different again, and different mountain called Pantokrator, ‘Lord of too from all other Greek towns, the result Creation’. the north east, with its white- of long successive years of Venetian, pebble coves, stupendous views and French and British rule. By reason of its countless walks, is particularly magical. two massively strong forts it never yielded the Corfiots are the most friendly and to the turks. We’d recommend a visit to generous people, especially the country the new Archeological Museum which folk. they work hard on their land and reopened in 2018 following a 6-year/4.5 many still follow traditional lives. euro upgrade. the mazy streets of the old Walkers, botanists and ornithologists will town contrast with the Venetian and find an inexhaustible source of interest in French elegance of the centre – and very Corfu. the Corfu trail, which winds from English cricket is played on the Esplanade north to south through some of the green! island's most beautiful and enduring So don’t miss out on Corfu. As any one of landscapes, can be tackled in small its regular visitors will tell you, to know chunks and runs close to all our chosen this particular island is to be captivated resort areas (and even through Liapades). by it. Corfu InformATIon Getting to Corfu Monday flight Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol or Manchester (other regional flights incl BHX, NCL, GLA, EMA on request). Then 30-75 mins by coach or taxi (see resort descriptions). For flight details see page 270. multi-Centre options Corfu with Paxos (Corfu first), or any Corfu resort with any other. Car Hire See page 268-9 for details. representative Based in Corfu Town –visits all areas. 54 | Sunvil 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk 7375 Greece 2019 Corfu.qxp 23/11/2018 11:07 Page 55 Greece | Ionian Islands | Corfu 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk Greece & Cyprus | 55 7375 Greece 2019 Corfu.qxp 23/11/2018 11:07 Page 56 Greece | Ionian Islands | Corfu our chosen areas hotel at the far end, the majority of North East Coast North Coast Aharavi accommodation is housed in smaller units Barbati & Kalami Transfer time 60 minutes dotted amongst the trees. Past the tip of the island is the start of Excursions run, and there is an efficient bus Transfer time 40-60 minutes Almiros beach, one of the longest on Corfu service to Corfu town only 16 kms distant. For years the north-east corner of Corfu has and remarkably little-developed until Hire of a car will enable easy exploration of attracted the discerning visitor, for this Aharavi a little way along. this small resort other beaches and the pretty hill-top village winding stretch of coastline packs a huge is generally low-key and the beach is of Pelekas, which reputedly has the best scenic punch. the rocky coast restricts magnificently sandy. Some fine walking is views (and sunsets) of all Corfu. development, so here narrow roads run also to be had from here. Liapades is located at the northern end of steeply down to white-pebble coves and In fact walking everywhere in the north is a the Ropa Valley. A network of country lanes beaches. this is a land of small villages and major attraction. Serious walkers will find and donkey paths crisscross the area, making fishing hamlets dominated by Mount Mount Pantokrator offers unlimited scope, its it wonderful for walking (the Corfu trail runs Pantokrator above. Especially beautiful are slopes awash with flowers, birds and through here). Some lead down to a number the views to Albania. Boat hire is a big deal butterflies in the spring and early summer. of beautiful coves and beaches; others to here - the indented coastline is made for it - Casual walkers will enjoy the coastal routes, some of Corfu's loveliest villages. and both our resort areas have motorboats as tracks over the headlands link the coves in Liapades old village is a kilometre inland and available for rental. mainly easy walking. typically sleepy, its small but pretty square Barbati marks the start of the north-east overlooked by the 17th century church of coast and has one of its best beaches - a Ayia Anastasia. Between the village and the mile-long stretch of pristine shingle shelving West Coast Aghios beach you will find a good choice of small gently into a sparkling sea. Backed by a shops, cafes and taverna restaurants. the handful of fashionable beach bars and Gordis, Liapades & beach is a mix of sand/shingle, about 100m restaurants Barbati has a chilled 'beach life' long. Flanked by the rocky arms of the vibe. Up on the main road above you will Paleokastritsa headland the sea here is sheltered and calm, find more restaurants (some very good - and the most wonderful shades of Transfer time 45-60 minutes Barbati has a growing reputation for the aquamarine. It is organised, with sunbeds, quality of its food), some low-key bars, a Aghios Gordis’ steep verdant hillsides and canoes and motorboats for hire. couple of supermarkets, a church and a shell rugged cliffs plunge into an aquamarine sea Buses run up to five times daily from the old museum. Views are good too, over the sea and typify Corfu’s central western coast. the village above to town. Alternatively small to Corfu town's fortress. vistas of mountain and sea are spectacular, boats will take you to sea caves as well as to particularly as the sun goes down (this Halfway up the north-east coast, at its heart, nearby beaches, many of which can only be coastline is famed for its sunsets). is pretty Kalami. the village is small, albeit reached by sea. one you can get to quite busy in season, but has not been overly Gordis is family-friendly by virtue not only of easily is gorgeous Rovinia, just a ten minute spoiled by its claim to fame in the shape of its long sandy beach but by the fact that it walk over the headland. the Durrell family who lived here in the has only one narrow street leading down to A few miles to the north the famous beauty 1930s, their house now a pleasant taverna the sea and no beach road. spot of Paleokastritsa should need no above the sea. there are three more the beach is one of the best – a kilometre- introduction. Spread around three bays, each tavernas on the sheltered shingle beach and long stretch of sand (some shingle outcrops) with a beach, tucked into the twisting rocky one up on the hillside behind. in a glorious natural setting. the small resort shoreline, backed by steep mountain slopes there are some lovely walks available from behind has all the facilities you should need – covered with pine and olive, Paleo (for short) Kalami, using coastal paths and steeper over twenty tavernas, a good choice of cafés, a has good facilities and plenty of restaurants, inland tracks. A 15-20 minute pleasant walk handful of bars and a number of small shops. cafes and small shops. However because of south over the wooded headland - via the Yet, because Gordis attracts such a mixed the terrain it is quite spread out and does not gleaming white-pebble beach of Yaliskari clientele (the village is popular with all ages have the feeling of a large resort. (excellent snorkeling) - brings you to and nationalities) it lacks the excesses of the the northernmost of the bays has the main peaceful Agni, one of Corfu's most scenic larger resorts. Some nightlife there is, so safe beach of Agios Spiridon, overlooked by the bays and home to three of the island's best options for older teens (in August there are a 12th century monastery of theotokos, and known taverna restaurants. two of them couple of music bars) but most people staying understandably is usually busy during the operate a boat-taxi service from Kalami in here have come to quietly relax: on the beach day.