Our founder, Nick Cookson, spent every summer of his childhood on the island and it’s fair to say that Villa Collective’s whole ethos grew from his love and appreciation of Corfu. We take a look at this special Greek island and why it remains so resolutely sought after.
The location of many of our villas, Corfu’s rugged east coast is surrounded by wildflower-strewn plains, olive groves and secluded, rocky coves. Blessed with an undulating coastline shaped over millennia by sea and wind, views stretch across to the rolling hills of Albania. East Corfu is where you can retrace the footsteps of naturalist Gerald Durrell, rockpooling for starfish in Kalami Bay, seeking small creatures and birdlife along coastal pathways or finding that perfect picnic spot in wild nature.
In west Corfu, it’s all about golden sunsets on the warm, sandy beaches that open out from characterful, narrow-laned villages, where brightly-hued bougainvillea frame whitewashed homes. The verdant hills set behind the west coast are full of bounty, and the endless stretches of olive groves and vineyards make wonderful terrain for exploring. Punctuated by tiny coves, ancient fortresses and picture-perfect monasteries, the coastline of west Corfu is a rewarding place for discovery in nature.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Venetian-built capital is beautifully preserved and has a lost-in-time feel, brimming with history and stunning architecture at every turn. Privately guided tours of Corfu Town take in Venetian fortresses, British mansions and French esplanades; the layers of history revealing a remarkable tapestry of times past. Cafe culture thrives in Corfu Old Town with locals and visitors alike gathering for strong Cypriot coffee or afternoon aperitifs.
The evening brings out another side to the Old Town, glowing in golden and bustling with life. The charming streets are home to stylish, upmarket restaurants and welcoming bars that are easy to while away a few hours. After a lingering dinner, romantic boat trips home under the stars transport guests to their villas.
Other cultural spots on the island include Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle on Corfu’s northwest coast, which stands 1,000 feet above the sea, offering panoramic views. Built in the 5th-7th century, it played a key role in defending the island; today its ancient ruins offer breathtaking vistas of the island and beyond.
Nothing beats the wind-in-your-hair freedom of a boat day in the Ionian, cruising from bay to bay, stopping for lunch and exploring hidden beaches. Corfu offers myriad ways to explore by boat; its turquoise water always a tempting backdrop to a day at sea. Highlights include mooring up on the jetty of either Avlaki or Agni to relax at their beach clubs, enjoying swims and toes-in-the-sand taverna lunches, or stopping by the harbour town of St Stephano for an ice cream.
Corfu’s west coast feels wilder and more exploratory – the coastline is dramatic with towering cliffs, and without the shelter of Albania, the sea is cooler and moodier with boat trips depending on good weather. It also has stunning sandy beaches for a more peaceful escape. For more information, read our Guide to Corfu’s beaches.
The proximity of Paxos gives more options for exploring by boat. Paxos’s dramatic west coast cliffs slice into crystal clear waters, revealing caves and secret swimming spots, while little sister island Antipaxos is known for iridescent water and a peaceful ambience.
We know well that Corfu is a destination that’s well-equipped to keep every member of the family happy, and that’s why multi-generational families holiday here year after year. Just as Nick Cookson did as a child, Corfu offers a wonderful sense of freedom, stress-free quality time and magical moments that become part of family history. Families with young children love the easy-going welcome, sandy bays and calm, warm waters.
Corfu really comes into its own for families with teens craving independence. The laid-back nightlife of harbour towns Kassiopi and Agios Stefanos are the perfect backdrop to mingling with like-minded others. During the day, activity abounds – the gentle breezes of the Ionian Sea provide ideal conditions for sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, while the calm, clear waters make Corfu a good spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Back at the villa, adults can make the most of free time: gazing at Ionian sea panoramas, lingering over long lunches with ice-cold rosé or making the most of the villa’s extras such as massages, cookery classes or wine tasting.
Mealtimes in Corfu are exuberant celebrations that will fire up all your senses, sampling a fusion cuisine that brings in both Greek and Italian influences. Dishes such as meze are a great way to try lots of different bites; each one a taste of heritage and local flavour.
Early mornings start with sweet pastries called bougatsas, that pair perfectly with slow-brewed Corfiot coffee. Lunchtimes are a showcase of the island’s abundance of fresh, Mediterranean produce, which fills the kitchen of every taverna, restaurant and villa with fresh zingy salads, meze and grilled fish. Come evening, tavernas come to life, offering a vibrant and authentic dining experience. Sirtaki folk songs hum in the background as painted ceramic plates are piled high with local specialities, their recipes passed down through generations of Corfiot grandmothers.
For a more private affair, the Corfu hills are home to some of the island’s oldest tavernas with the very best sunset views. For a different feel entirely, Corfu’s atmospheric Old Town celebrates cutting-edge cuisine in contemporary restaurants.
Does it feel like Corfu is calling you? Speak to us about planning an idyllic villa holiday. For more information about getting to Corfu and around, read our blog.
