Despite living only an hour away from Greece, I have never visited any of the emblematic Greek islands - and there are hundreds of them. Each one is different, unique and has its own attractions to offer. So this year, I finally decided to head to Corfu.
Corfu is incredibly beautiful and welcoming, and certainly doesn't leave any visitor indifferent. Mountainous terrain where bright blue and bright green shades of nature exist in perfect harmony. Olive trees peek curiously from each corner and welcome people from all corners of the world. The majority of beaches are calm, small and private, with rocks and pebbles.
If you have never been to an island before, it's recommended to do a more extensive research on where to stay and what to do and visit, beforehand. Finding your way then and there isn't necessarily straightforward. Public transport and taxis are also quite limited and not very reliable, at least not in Corfu.
Kassiopi
Kassiopi is one of the main holiday resorts and tourist areas in Corfu, located in the northern part of the island. It is one of the places where tourists mostly flock and look for accommodation. It is a small and lively village with an abundance of entertainment - restaurants, cafes and shops are at every corner, full of many holiday goers from all around.
Kassiopi offers 3 main beaches located within walking distance and situated next to each other - Bataria, Kanoni and Mpataria Beach. Papitos Beach and Avlaki Beach are also close by. All consist of rock and pebbles without any sand. It is recommendable to have special shoes that you can walk with on the pebbles. They are suitable for water as well and are available in pretty much every store in Kassiopi.
All beaches are quiet, private and secluded, offering tranquility and turquoise waters. Of course, during the high season in July and August it gets busy everywhere, but who would say no to a bit of party vibe! Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent and 2 sun beds with one umbrella, and a table will cost you EUR 9-10 a day.
When in Kassiopi, don't forget to visit the harbour. This is the cosy home of all local boats and yachts and without a doubt the charm of Kassiopi.
Should you decide to explore further and leave the area for a bit, the easiest way to do so is to visit some nearby beaches that are located a bit outside Kassiopi. Take the Green Bus and head to Kalami Beach - about a 15-minute ride or get off at Barbati Beach - about a 30-minute bus ride. The road is very steep and narrow and usually cars and buses have to wait for each other before they pass, which makes the bus rides a little longer than initially scheduled.
Barbati Beach
Located only 30 minutes away by bus from Kassiopi, Barbati Beach is a fancier and bigger stone beach. One can enjoy crystal clear waters where boats look as if they are floating on air.
Various types of sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent. The most expensive ones are at 35 euros for two people. Barbati is a great place to spend a full day at, inhaling the tranquility of Corfu's coastline, bathing in lovely waters, taking a boat ride or enjoying lunch, snacks and cocktails at the beach.
Kerkyra, Corfu Town
When in Corfu, it's worth spending a day or two exploring Kerkyra. Kerkyra is the name of the capital town of the island and is actually the Greek name of Corfu.
I have to admit I was nicely surprised to find a big, lively and busy town as opposed to my expectations of a quiet, small and relaxed place. Kerkyra is the beating heart of Corfu and if you are missing some city vibes during your holiday, then you won't be left disappointed.
Kerkyra is one of the oldest towns in Greece and closely tied with Greece's history and the Greek mythology. Therefore, Kerkyra abounds with rich cultural life with lots of museums, libraries, music and theater.
The island's town and spirit is also largely impacted by the Italian, and more specifically, the Venetian culture. When you walk around you will notice that the architecture, streets and overall look of the surroundings remind a lot of the small and coquettish old Italian towns.
In the 19th century Corfu became a popular tourist and holiday destination for the rich aristocratic European families. They also contributed largely to the island's architecture by building beautiful and lavish villas and mansions. Some of these houses are popular tourist attractions until today.
Make sure you don't miss Spianada Square - the largest square in the city of Corfu and one of the widest squares in Europe. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy cute cafes and local crafts shops.
Corfu offers many more attractions, famous beaches and gorgeous natural sites. My advice is to spend at least a full 7-day week and rent a car. This way you will have a lot of freedom moving around and you won't be dependent on shaky bus schedules. The best time to visit is perhaps May, June and September as temperatures can reach 40 degrees during July and August.
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