logo
Step back in time and discover beautiful beaches and fish feasts on the island of Corfu

Step back in time and discover beautiful beaches and fish feasts on the island of Corfu

The Irish Sun26-04-2025
WANDERING along the cobbled alleyways, the air is filled with the scent of lemon and pine trees, and the pastel-coloured buildings are dripping with bougainvillea.
Corfu's pedestrian-only, UNESCO-protected Old Town feels like stepping back in time.
Advertisement
4
This horseshoe-shaped bay is both sandy and pebbly, with calm, clear waters and jet-skis to rent
4
Our stunning home for the week is Villa Icarus
My last visit to this Ionian island was to go clubbing in Kavos as a teen, but I'm keen to discover the real
Known as Greece's greenest island, its interior is lush and mountainous, while the edges are filled with sandy beaches and stony rugged coves, and Lake Korission even boasts a flamboyance of flamingos!
SUNNY STAY
We're staying on the eastern side of the isle near Benitses, a sleepy little fishing town.
Our home for the week is Villa Icarus, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom pad with open-plan living area and a large balcony with views across the mountains.
Advertisement
READ MORE TRAVEL
There are plenty of shady spots around the private pool to escape the midday sun and a small outdoor kitchen with a barbecue.
It's great for young families, as you can request everything from cots and high-chairs to kid-friendly cutlery and stair gates.
4
Corfu's pedestrian-only, UNESCO-protected Old Town feels like stepping back in time
4
Lake Korission even boasts a flamboyance of flamingos
Advertisement
It's also just a 15-minute drive to the Old Town, and we spend one evening exploring the 16th-century Old Fortress and people-watching at Cafe Kohlias, sipping sweet, ice-cold kumquat cream liqueur, from £4 (
The best spot to get ice cream has to be the retro Papagiorgis patisserie, which dates back to 1924.
Most read in Beach holidays
And it would be rude not to try the kourabiethes (little almond biscuits), £4 for 100g, too (
The Old Town is full of cool shops, such as Mezzo Mezzo, where you can pick up dresses and sandals from emerging Greek designers, and Patounis' Soap Factory for olive-oil soaps.
Advertisement
I visited Corfu's 'secret' beach – and you can only get there by using a lift
The next day, we pack a picnic and drive 45 minutes to rent a motor boat for the day from Ampelaki Boats on Paleokastritsa beach, from £75 for six hours (
We chug around the coast exploring hidden beaches and dropping anchor for swims whenever we spot a patch of turquoise water, before finding a secluded stony bay to eat our sandwiches.
Our boat comes with snorkelling equipment, and there are shoals of tiny fish, with the occasional large tuna and grouper to marvel at.
Sun-baked and salty, we dine that night at the quaint family-run Taverna Elizabeth in Doukádes, filling up on traditional fish dishes – seafood pastitsada, a Corfiot pasta bake stuffed with mussels and prawns, and fresh seabream and octopus salad.
Advertisement
Mains cost from £12 (
STREET PARTY
Craving more beach time, we head to the Blue-Flag-awarded Agios Georgios, an hour's drive from the villa.
This horseshoe-shaped bay is both sandy and pebbly, with calm, clear waters and jet-skis to rent.
On our final night, we keep it local and dine alfresco on lemony garlic fish stew, Greek salad and saganaki (fried cheese) at Klimataria in Benitses.
Advertisement
Mains cost from £18 (
Afterwards, we stroll by the harbour, eyeing up the luxury yachts as the sun sets and a brass band fills the street in a lively procession.
A bystander explains it's a local fiesta and, after a couple of glasses of tsipouro fruit brandy, we join in. Who needs Kavos anyway?
FYI
A week's stay for eight people at Villa Icarus, including return flights and car hire, costs from £1,230 per person (
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The underrated European sunshine spot with 136km of beaches, historic sites, €1.50 pints and €49 Ryanair flights
The underrated European sunshine spot with 136km of beaches, historic sites, €1.50 pints and €49 Ryanair flights

The Irish Sun

time20 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

The underrated European sunshine spot with 136km of beaches, historic sites, €1.50 pints and €49 Ryanair flights

EVERY year, thousands of Irish holidaymakers fly to Portugal for their holidays to enjoy the hot weather. But most tend to stick to the tourist hotspots, including the Advertisement 6 The city is full of historic sites Credit: Alamy 6 Ochre cliffs overlooking Gale-Fontainhas beach Credit: Alamy 6 A beach cove in Alentejo Credit: Alamy These places tend to be full of tourists, but there are a number of other hidden gem spots to go to if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. Alentejo is located in southern The east of the region borders The region is known for its culture, stunning beaches and laid-back way of life. Advertisement READ MORE IN TRAVEL Here, you can find a range of cultural must-visit places including open air galleries. Or, head to historic sites like medieval castles, fortified villages, cathedrals, convents and museums. There are old cities including Elvas and Évora that are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO and well worth a visit. You will see small walled villages with medieval history and Roman ruins, giving a glimpse into the past. Advertisement Most read in Beach Exclusive Exclusive And there is no shortage of beaches to relax on in the region, with over 136km along the Alentejo's Atlantic shore. This is one of the most conserved coastlines in southern Europe, where you can see green pine cliffs, crystal clear waters and golden sand. STUNNING NATURE There are many to choose from if it's a relaxing holiday you're in search of. The nature here is also stunning, with inland lakes and waterways spreading out to the coast - making it the perfect place for water sports. Advertisement The landscape is dotted with cork oaks, vineyards and olive trees, while there are a range of nature reserves to wander through, including the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. This is located an hour south of Lisbon, running 9 miles south along Portugal's Alentejo Coast, and is full of grassy dunes, pools and species of flora and fauna. At the mouth of the area you can even see dolphins, making it a holiday to remember, as it's one of a few places across the world where they live in freshwater. There are over 200 bird species here, as the area is a sanctuary for a range of many animals due to its protected status. Advertisement CHEAP PINTS The reserve has a beach that is separate from the Atlantic so you can swim here, as recreational lagoons are sectioned off away from the nesting areas. And it's also the perfect place for foodies, with a range of local delicacies on offer in the towns. Here, a pint will set you back between €1.50 and €3, with a meal usually costing as little as €7.50. To get there, you can fly from Dublin Airport with Aer Lingus to Faro from €49. Advertisement Then it's a two hour drive to the Alentejo region. 6 Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Carrapateira Credit: Alamy 6 The fortified village and Alentejo plain at Monsaraz in the Evora District Credit: Alamy 6 The historical village of Monsaraz Credit: Alamy Advertisement

These are Europe's cheapest places for family holidays this summer – package breaks in stunning locations from £282
These are Europe's cheapest places for family holidays this summer – package breaks in stunning locations from £282

The Irish Sun

timea day ago

  • The Irish Sun

These are Europe's cheapest places for family holidays this summer – package breaks in stunning locations from £282

NEED a holiday this summer but outrageous prices putting you off? We've crunched the numbers to find the cheapest locations for family holidays across Europe. All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK have jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations among Brits, including Spain, Cyprus and Greece. Advertisement 5 We've gone to the UK's top tour operators to find Europe's cheapest sports for a family holiday this summer, from Kos in Greece to Sozopul in Bulgaria (pictured) Credit: Getty However, some holiday hotspots in these countries still have some Because where you go in Europe can make a big difference to how much you spend. These are the cheapest destinations in Europe for a holiday this summer 2025 ( All package prices are for two adults and two children and include return flights from the UK ). Advertisement Sozopol, Bulgaria Sozopol is a top pick for budget-conscious Brits who want a break in the sun without a As well as a beautiful old town dotted with cute and cheap cafes and shops, Sozopol has one of the most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria. Our Bulgaria expert, Pavlena Todorova, recommends Central Beach in Sozopol over the more famous This sweeping bay is rich in golden sand and has beautiful, calm blue water that is perfect for swimming. Advertisement Plus, the beach bars and cafes along the sand are slightly cheaper and you'll find it easier to get a table overlooking the sea. Beach Bar, Sparrow, has a shady terrace on the sand and you can get a beer for £2.50 and chicken and chips for £6. Book with: Kos, Greece 5 Historic ancient church ruins on Kos island Credit: Getty Kos has always had a quiet reputation for being one of the lesser crowded, more affordable of the Advertisement You are spoiled for choice here with brilliant blue waters, sandy Rent a small speedboat for £50 a day and explore the harder to reach beaches, or just take it a mile off the shore and spend the day sunbathing or and jumping off the boat into the crystal clear sea to get cool. For dinner, one of the many local restaurants in A cold glass of wine to wash it all down is around £4 at most places. Advertisement Book with: Paphos, Cyprus 5 The coastlne in Paphos, Cyprus is stunning and affordable for families on a budget Credit: Getty Paphos is a top The coastline is packed with stunning There is a range of hotels in Advertisement If you want to spend time exploring, many of Ask if your hotel has a shuttle to get you there, the rest can be explored on foot. This includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, which has some of the Mediterranean's best-preserved mosaics and You have to go to Pinguino on Book with: Advertisement For a similar, mid-holiday package, departing on 25th July and staying at the Marion Apartments, in Paphos, it's £339 with l Heraklion, Greece 5 Heraklion has a lot of historic sites but beautiful beaches and excellent value resorts are a short drive away. Credit: Getty Crete is the largest of the Heraklion is the largest The best deals for Advertisement There are a lot of resorts along the coastline, most look out onto the brilliant blue The You will find there are lots of boat trips and guides offering tours at affordable prices. Book with: Lanzarote, Canary Islands 5 Playa Blanca in Lanzarote is just one of the island's beautiful budget beaches Credit: Getty Advertisement Lanzarote is one the You are spoiled for choice with more than Everything is on offer here, from paddleboarding to boat hire, paragliding and of course, paddling and swimming in the calm waters, which are ideal for Plus, the weather here is almost guaranteed to be The beaches are framed by green hillsides that have hotels and residential homes nestled in cliffs. Advertisement Deals on hotels from all the major holiday companies are very competitive with packages for as little as £200 per person for a week if you can travel outside of the And there are so many beachfront bars and restaurants, if you don't get food with your hotel package, there is no end of offers to get you in. Bottles of beer are £4 on the seafront but only £2 if you pick up a pack in the supermarket. Book with: Tips for booking bargain breaks in summer 2025 Budget-conscious ways to save money booking a holiday this summer Go somewhere different. You may have set your sights on the Costa del Sol but you may find much better deals for lesser-known beach places like Bulgaria and Poland. These destinations have beautiful beaches and Money talks. To be really clever, choose destinations where the value of the pound is strong. This means more bang for your buck whether you are buying a beer and a sandwich or indulging in a serious shopping spree. This year, the weakest currencies against the GBP include Turkey, Bulgaria and Portugal. Staycation in the UK Staying on British soil means you don't have to navigate the airport or pay extra for baggage, transfers or currency exchange. There are still some excellent deals going on Is all-inclusive always best? If you are not a big drinker or eater or have fussy kids in the family, booking an all-inclusive might not be the best option for your group. So many resorts have self-catering packages too. You will get all the perks of the resort facilities, like kids clubs, evening entertainment and pools, but with a small kitchenette to make your own lunch and dinner and save big. Book very early… Some packages, such as with If you know when you want to travel, keep an eye out for prices on the destinations and resorts you want to book. They may go up and down in price throughout the year, depending on whether airlines and companies have a sale on. …or, last minute. Alternatively, booking last minute can mean some fantastic final dash prices. See our list below for the cheapest places to holiday in Europe

Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes
Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes

The Irish Sun

time3 days ago

  • The Irish Sun

Abandoned European airport being BULLDOZED & turned into new ‘smart city' unveils timeline for first homes

THE site of a major international airport is set to be transformed into a smart city as new plans have been unveiled. Spanning a whopping 6.2 million square metres, this site even played a role on the Olympic stage. 6 The Ellinikon development will see the former airport site coverted into a 'smart city' Credit: 6 The former international airport was used during the Athens Summer Olympics in 2004 Credit: Getty 6 First built in 1938, the Athens airport served over 12 million passengers a year in its heyday before closing in 2001 Credit: Getty The former Athens International Airport site is set to undergo the First used as a airport in 1938, the Greek airport saw its last flight in 2001 as operations moved to the new Spata site. Since then parts of the development were repurposed for the Athens Summer Olympics in 2004. Sports such as canoe‑slalom, hockey, and softball were hosted on the grounds. Read More On Airports Ambitious development In 2012, purchased the site and now executives have shared an update on their ambitious plans. Set to be one of Europe's largest regeneration projects , the Ellinikon urban development will see a new "smart city" constructed on the premises of the former airport. And despite minor delays of three to four months in some areas due to updates in national building regulations, construction remains largely on track with the city set to welcome residents by 2027. There are four residential projects underway, one along the coastal front and three within the 'Little Athens' district. Most read in News Travel Accordinf to Lamda, these are all progressing ahead of schedule, with the average price for residential units in the Little Athens neighbourhood now exceeding €8,500 (£7,372) per square metre. There is also strong commercial interest in the retail aspects of the project, with the Elliniko—Vouliagmenis Mall poised to become the largest mall in Greece. Incredible 'airport of the future' revealed - with no queues or long waits To date, Lamba has generated €1.2 billion (£1 billion) in revenue from real estate sales at Ellinikon. The development is rapidly establishing itself as a landmark urban regeneration model, combining luxury living, retail, and green public spaces in a singular coastal destination. It is set to include a 600 acre metropolitan park, a Hard Rock Cafe & Casino, museums, schools, university campuses, cinemas, office towers, and even beaches. The development, which is roughly three times the size of Monaco, will be largely powered by renewable energy. It will even feature a massive green canopy to reduce heat island effect. History of Ellinikon International Airport By TOM MALLEY Ellinikon International Airport once served around 11 million passengers a year - and recorded 13.5 million passengers during its final year of operation. Located four miles south of central Athens, the airport was initially built in 1938, just before the Second World War, at a time when the area was sparsely populated. But shortly after it opened, the Third Reich invaded Greece and after 1941, the airport served as a Luftwaffe airbase during the occupation. In 1945, the Greek authorities had to sign an agreement with the United States Air Force that allowed them to use the airport for flights between Italy and the From October 1, 1945, to 1969, the airport became the Hellinikon Air Base. A command and control centre, as well as a passenger and cargo terminal, were opened at the airport. In 1958, the airport changed its name to Athens International Airport when its purpose was changed to civil aviation. In 1988, however, Greece refused to renew their agreement with the US Air Force, which conducted its last operation at the airport in 1991. Following its official closure ten years later, abandoned planes, empty hangars, overgrown runways and crumbling infrastructure formed part of the huge eyesore that was once a major international airport. And while most of the existing structure will be bulldozed, some of the historic hangers will be maintained and converted into cultural spaces. Project timeline The development is currently in its first phase, with construction of the park, Riviera Tower, and casino set to be complete by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the Little Athens residences, Hard Rock Hotel, and commercial areas will be developed between 2027 and 2030. And from 2030 onwards, work will focus on the full expansion of cultural, business, and educational hubs. 6 The development will include a large park, retail spaces, residential units, and uniersity campuses Credit: 6 The Ellinikon development will even feature a beach front area for residents Credit: More airport stories Plus, the And the The Plans for a And 6 Some historic elements of the airport will be preserved while the rest is set to be demolished to make way for the massive city Credit: Getty

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store