17-05-2025
Where to eat, stay and play on the Greek island of Corfu
EAT
Corfu classic Alfresco side-street dinners are what Corfu holidays are made for and Rex, off Corfu Old Town's main square, has plenty of old-school charm. Try the spinach pie with feta-cheese cream (above, £14) or beef sofrito (£19), an island speciality (
Gone fishing Pasta is prevalent on this 64km-long Greek island, which is just seven hours by ferry from Brindisi, Italy. Find the ultimate octopus pastitsada (slow-cooked with spaghetti) at Klimataria in coastal town Benitses. Book early, there are only 11 tables (
Sweet spot Papagiorgis patisserie is more than 100 years old and perfectly placed for a sugar-hit pit stop while exploring Corfu Town. The Dafnis family's secret recipes make for renowned ice cream, baklava and chocolate-dipped kumquats (
STAY
Family favourite Ikos Dassia, a 20-minute drive from the Old Town on the island's east coast, is a luxurious, all-inclusive parents' paradise, with private beach, pools, restaurants with menus from Michelin-starred chefs and, most importantly, clubs for kids and teens. The adults-only areas offer zen-level calm (from £259,
Uptown pearl A gem of a hotel in Corfu Old Town, Bella Venezia's main selling point is its picturesque terrace, where breakfast is served in warmer months (from £150 B&B,
Spa special The all-inclusive Luxme Costa Botanica (above), on Corfu's quieter north coast, has a new spa, private white sandy beach and a village feel with its selection of restaurants, accommodation and pools (from £290 with a private balcony,
Beach life Narrowing down which of Corfu's many beaches to frequent is tricky. Do you go for the wild, unspoilt Megas Choros in the southwest? The shallow, snorkel-friendly waters of Cape Drastis up north? Or golden Glyfada on the west coast, with its backdrop of olive groves and water sports aplenty?
Back in time Taste traditional Corfiot life with a visit to one of the island's villages. Pelekas, 20 minutes from Corfu Town, is a delight.
Heavenly scent With its colourful bougainvillea-strewn courtyard, the hilltop Theotokos Monastery (above) is a pinnacle of peace, 40 minutes from Corfu Town in Paleokastritsa, on the island's west coast. Boho bar After the monastery, head to nearby La Grotta, a boho beach bar with a diving board above a perfect turquoise cove.
