Maybe it’s something to do with the utter lushness of its landscape – thanks to the heavy rains sweeping the island from October to March – but the Brits just can’t get enough of Corfu.
The Ionian island is simply swamped in summer, but such is its scale that clients can still opt for a week in Corfu without feeling surrounded by tourists. Yes, the northeast coast has come to look rather similar to Benidorm in July, but there are still plenty of scenic, green swathes of countryside where the fly-and-flop brigade don’t venture.
And there’s just so much choice. Dudley der Parthog, programme director of Greece specialist Sunvil, says: “Corfu’s variety plays a part in its enduring popularity. With more than 125 miles of coastline, there really is something for everyone: good sandy beaches for families, excellent walking for the more active, and interesting flora and fauna for nature lovers.”
So how has the island fared in the downturn? Planet Holidays aviation and commercial manager Harry Kyrillou feels the island’s pull will overcome the recession. “Corfu has suffered with a downturn in business in the same way as other parts of Greece,” he says.
“But it is definitely one of the country’s most popular and well-established holiday destinations. It appeals to the Brits because it’s very green, and there are plenty of great eateries and bars for those who want them. But there are also secluded coves for those who want to stay away from the crowds, and superb family resorts, too.”
What to do
Those who like to be in the thick of it should head to Corfu Town. A stroll around this graceful old town, with its Venetian, French, British and Greek architecture, is an enjoyable day in itself.
There are the old and new fortresses, Roman baths, Roman villas and many archaeological sites to inspect, plus more museums than you could shake a stick at. You can even catch a game of cricket on the Esplanade Green, a relic of British rule.
For beachlife, the busy northeast offers white pebble coves, and the west has idyllic sandy spots, with excellent water sports. Nature lovers should explore Lake Korission, which has a vast array of birdlife.
Those seeking the quieter side of Corfu should head north (Sidari is popular) or south for quieter beachlife, or inland, where they would be unlikely to notice that mass tourism had arrived on the island.
When to go
For guaranteed sunshine, don’t visit Corfu between October and March when rain is likely. Between April and October, however, it’s a different story altogether, with the sun beating down throughout the summer, although providing a slightly gentler heat than you will find in the Aegean.
Where to stay
Corfu has retained its popularity over the years because of its sheer variety of accommodation options, from budget to very high spec.
As general product manager for mid haul for Thomson and First Choice Katrina Barry explains: “Corfu has remained a popular destination among British tourists – despite the rising cost of the euro – because it is good for customers on every budget.”
She recommends the newly renovated Kontokali Bay Resort and Spa. The cool décor and decked pool area by the sea, plus its brand new spa, should excite the hip crowd – and not just the adult market, as there is a section of the building dedicated to families.
Villas are also gaining popularity on the island, with increasing numbers of customers opting for high-end self-catering. Upmarket villa operators such as CV Travel and Greek Islands Club have been quietly developing a strong programme to the island with very luxurious properties.
Luxury
With its short flying time and low lead-in prices, Corfu has traditionally been thought of as a bucket-and-spade destination, but in more recent times, upscale accommodation has been developed.
Kyrillou says: “Nowadays there are a few more top-end hotels, and we feature the best six on the island. Grecotel has excellent properties here, including the five-star Grecotel Corfu Imperial and our new product, the Grecotel Daphnila Bay Thalasso.”
The latter is set among olive and pine trees with gardens that tumble down the hill to the beachfront of Dassia. The hotel, which is a mile from the centre of Dassia and seven miles from Corfu Town, has great spa facilities.
Budget: With many flights into Corfu, the island has always had over-capacity, which has meant great deals for clients. With self-catering apartments in plentiful supply, this has meant prices have been as low as £199 per person for flights and accommodation.
Lowcostbeds.com is offering the Christakis Apartments near Sidari, five minutes from the beach, and 200 yards from shopping and cafes, for just £8.57 per person per night twin-share this summer.
Sample product
Sunvil offers a seven-night stay at the self-catering Anthi Apartments from £543 per person twin-share in a studio in August. The price includes return flights from Gatwick and transfers. sunvil.co.uk, 020 8758 4758
First Choice offers seven nights in Corfu on a self-catering basis at the three-star Angelinas Studios from £415 per adult, £249 for the first child, and £269 for the second child, based on a family of four sharing, departing August 31. The price includes flights from Gatwick. firstchoice.co.uk, 0871 664 9019
Planet Holidays offers seven nights in August at the four-star all-inclusive Grecotel Daphnila Bay Thalasso from £1,061 per person twin-share, on an all-inclusive basis. The price includes flights from Gatwick and private taxi transfers. planet-holidays.co.uk, 0871 871 2234
