Corfu Villa Holidays

Corfu is the greenest island in Greece, fed by winter rains that the drier Aegean islands never see. The landscape — rolling olive groves, Venetian hilltop villages, cypress trees, water that shifts between emerald and deep blue — is closer to Italy than the Cyclades. Which makes sense: the island spent centuries under Venetian rule and the old town reflects that completely, with its Liston arcade, pastel facades, and two great fortresses.

Where to Stay The north-east coast around Kassiopi, Kalami, and Agios Stefanos is the most sought-after part of the island for villa holidays — unspoilt coastline, clear water, good tavernas, and a gentler pace. Paleokastritsa on the west coast is spectacular, with a monastery on the cliffs and the clearest water on the island. The south has Kavos for the livelier end of things. Corfu Town itself is worth at least a day.

Beaches Paleokastritsa has some of the most beautiful coves in Greece — accessible by boat from the main beach. Canal d'Amour near Sidari has interesting rock formations and shallow water. Glyfada on the west coast is a long sweep of sand popular with families. The north-east coast has small pebble coves perfect for swimming straight from your villa steps.

Things to Do Explore Corfu Town on foot — the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and genuinely beautiful. Walk up to the Old Fortress at dusk. Drive the north of the island and stop at villages like Peroulades for the clifftop views. Take a boat trip to the tiny island of Paxos and its even tinier neighbour Antipaxos, whose beaches have Caribbean-quality water.

Food & Drink Corfu has its own distinct cuisine shaped by the Venetian influence — sofrito (veal in white wine and garlic) and pastitsada (slow-cooked meat in spiced tomato sauce) are the island specialities. The kumquat liqueur is a Corfu-only curiosity worth trying once. The fish tavernas along the north-east coast are excellent — order whatever came in that morning.

When to Go May through October. June and September are ideal. Corfu is one of the most accessible Greek islands from the UK with direct flights from most regional airports, which makes it a practical choice as well as a beautiful one.