Experience
Greece

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : CORFU

The Emerald Island

A few kilometres from the Albanian coastline, the most northern Ionian island is a perfect blend of Greek and Italian cultures. Everybody falls in love with Corfu thanks to its patchwork of greenery, mountains, tree-lined hills, traditional villages and idyllic beaches.

IN SEARCH OF ONE OF THE BEST OLIVE OILS IN THE WORLD

A true gift of nature, Corfu’s unspoiled scenery is exceptional. Filled with garigue, forests of cypress trees and olive trees, the island’s hills are a rich display of different greenery, contrasting with the blue tones of the Ionian Sea.

Wild and cultivated olive trees, an estimated 4 million, have been a resource for Corfu for centuries. Many were planted centuries ago, with the island home to some of the world’s oldest olive groves. The estates growing this liquid gold are handed down from generation to generation, and the families love to share their passion with visitors.

For over 100 years, the jewel in the Dafnis family crown has been Lianolia, an olive variety brought to the island for the first time by the Corinthians in around 730 BC, which now only exists in Corfu. By combining centuries-old techniques with modern processes, the olives are gently ground and pressed at optimal temperatures to produce oil of exceptional quality.

The Dafnis family offers guided tours of their production process. The itinerary includes a walk in the olive fields, visiting the production and transformation area and tasting. The farm has been in the family for several generations and is now committed to sustainable farming. The final product, the Dafnis family olive oil, has received numerous awards and is now recognised as among the best in the world.

Must-sees in Corfu

The Love Channel in the northwest of the island of Corfu

CANAL D’AMOUR

On the northwest island, close to Sidari, the Canal d’Amour is well known for its impressive sandstone formations. Over time, a narrow canal has been carved between two cliffs, leading to a little beach with sky-blue waters. According to legend, swimming and crossing the channel brings eternal love.

BLUE LAGOON

Book a day trip on a boat from Corfu to this cove, one of nature’s hidden treasures, located on an uninhabited Sivota Island. An idyllic beach, turquoise waters, swimming and snorkelling – just blue-green sea and multi-coloured fish. If paradise exists, it’s here at Blue Lagoon.

ACHILLEION PALACE

On the island’s east coast, a visit to the Achilleion Palace is a must-visit. Dedicated to Homer’s famous hero, Achilles, this Neoclassical white-marble palace was built at the request of Elisabeth of Austria, the famous Sissi, between 1889 and 1891. The gardens are home to statues and have incredible views of Corfu’s bay, a homage to Greek mythology.

MOUNT PANTOKRATOR

In the north, Mount Pantokrator is the highest point on the island. On foot or by car, take a trip to the summit for the exceptional views of Corfu, Greece and the Albanian coast in good weather. Stop in the traditional villages dotted along the route and discover the monastery at the top of the mountain where monks still live today.

PORTO TIMONI

Lined with rocky hills and coves, the northwest coast of Corfu is notably home to the spectacular Limni and Porto Timoni beaches at the foot of the village of Afionas. The two bays sit back to back between the rocky hills, separated by a narrow strip. It’s a magical place where the greenery of the land seems to dive into the deep waters of the sea.