The Best of West Corfu

Golden beaches, turquoise waters, red houses, and swaths of endless green decorate every corner of western Corfu.

According to locals, Paleokastritsa is one of the most beautiful places on the island. Underwater currents fill the successive bays with crystal-clear water and are waiting to be explored by kayak, canoe or boat. Whichever you choose, include a stop at ‘La Grotta’, a famous bar created inside a natural cave by the Rizou family in the late 60s below their hotel. This incredible place resides beside a bay filled with green water and is reachable by descending 142 steep steps from the road above. Spectate local youths diving from cliffs while enjoying imaginative cocktails with relaxed, chilled-out tunes.

For complete immersion, visit the13th-century Monastery of Paleokastritsa, also known as the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos. If you are searching for raw, unspoilt nature, go to Rovinia, a small and secluded beach that is difficult to access. If you love to combine sightseeing with sampling local foods, visit Lakones, a small and picturesque village built on a verdant slope above Paleokastritsa, to an altitude of 182 m. The main road is lined with charming 18th-to-19th-century stone houses with characteristic-Corfiot Botzo (covered verandas) in their courtyards. You will have impressive views of Paleokastritsa bay that can be reached by taking the old path from Eftichis, a café in the village square, but not before tasting its homemade sweets and fresh lemonade. 

A short distance away, visit the Theotoky Estate in Livadi Ropa in Giannades, open during morning hours. The 1,200-acreestate features pine and olive groves, its mansion (a part of the winery) containing a famous library where books outnumber bottles. The grounds are home to many domesticated animals, including horses, dogs and ducks, and a 60-acrebio-vineyard producing five varieties of wine. Further on, in picturesque Pelekas, you can find Ambelonas, an estate created by Vasiliki Karounou. It is worth visiting for sunset dinners in an atmosphere reminiscent of Provence. The food is cooked with love and accompanied by excellent wine; try her incredible smoked-eggplant salad!

What else is worth doing in western Corfu? Visit the cosmopolitan beach of Glyfada, and the golden sands of Kontogialos. Myrtiotissa beach is perfect for snorkelling, nude bathing and lovers of nature. Stroll through the narrow streets of Kouramades village with its beautiful mansions and Corfiot houses painted in all possible shades of red.

TEXT & PHOTOS : JULIA KLIMI