Fly Me to the Moon and fall in love with Corfu, once more!

Fly Me to the Moon is a bespoke journey company that specialises in crafting distinctive and unforgettable experiences in Greece. With a ardour for the nation’s wealthy historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence, they design itineraries that effortlessly introduce travellers to the genuine Greek lifestyle.

Final summer time, as I deliberate my return to Corfu, I sought the experience of Fly Me to the Moon. I wished to discover a aspect of the island I hadn’t skilled throughout my earlier go to. Their invaluable insights helped me rediscover Corfu, particularly at a time when the island was crowded with vacationers from everywhere in the world after one other record-breaking 12 months for vacationer arrivals in Greece post-Covid. I wished to expertise Corfu with out the crowds whereas nonetheless having fun with its magic. As they are saying at Fly Me To The Moon, you could possibly observe the crowds or let Fly Me to the Moon present you the Greece you wouldn’t discover by yourself.

A timeless island paradise

Corfu, or Kerkyra, is a fascinating Greek island nestled within the Ionian Sea. Famend for its gorgeous pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage, Corfu has enchanted guests for hundreds of years. Influenced by Venetian, French, and British rule, the island boasts a singular mix of cultures evident in its structure, traditions, and delicacies.

From Odysseus’s legendary journey to Shakespeare’s poetic descriptions, Corfu has impressed numerous legends and literary works. The island’s attract has additionally attracted historic figures equivalent to Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond discovered himself entangled in an exhilarating journey on Corfu’s shores.

From Odysseus’s legendary journey to Shakespeare’s poetic descriptions, Corfu has impressed numerous legends and literary works. The island’s attract has additionally attracted historic figures equivalent to Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond discovered himself entangled in an exhilarating journey on Corfu’s shores.

Arriving late within the night from London, I discovered Corfu to be a handy vacation spot with quite a few worldwide flights. Particularly from London, you’ll discover quite a few direct flights arriving on the island yearly (April to October). Following Fly Me To The Moon’s suggestion, I rented a automotive from an area company (to keep away from the post-COVID surge in costs, lengthy strains, and extreme administrative processes) and drove to Agios Prokopios village.

With just one espresso store (additionally a bar, bakery, and comfort retailer!) within the centre of the village and a everlasting native inhabitants, Agios Prokopios served as a peaceable oasis through the peak vacationer season. This small, non-touristy village, the place Fly Me To The Moon had organized a conventional home for my keep, is conveniently situated within the coronary heart of the island. From Agios Prokopios, I had quick access to Corfu city, each north and south Corfu, well-known seashores, and villages. Exploring Corfu from this base allowed me to keep away from crowded roads and visitors, particularly contemplating the 1000’s of vacationers visiting the island.

Corfu’s wealthy historical past and distinctive life-style

A go to to Corfu isn’t full with out exploring its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Outdated City, a labyrinth of Venetian structure, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks just like the Outdated and New Fortresses. To actually respect Corfu’s wealthy historical past and inventive heritage, remember to go to the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the Municipal Artwork Gallery. I discovered myself returning to the Outdated City a number of instances, each day and night time, to absorb its distinctive ambiance.

Within the evenings, Corfu City comes alive with its slender streets, Spianada Sq., and vibrant nightlife. Take pleasure in scrumptious Corfiot delicacies at famend eating places like Pomo d’oro, Venetsianiko Pigadi (Venetian Nicely), and Tο tavernaki tis Marinas. Don’t miss out on attempting native specialties like Pastitsada, Sofrito, Noumboulo, and Bourdetto, paired with Tsitsibira (ginger beer) or Corfiot Pink Beer. For a candy deal with, savor Mandoles (caramelized almonds), Sykomaida (fig paste), or conventional desserts like galaktoboureko, mandoles, and loukoumades at native bakeries and confectioneries – to call only a few: Periklis Alexis’s dairy store for galaktoboureko, Papagiorgis confectionery for mandoles and ice cream, and Stazi Meli for conventional loukoumades, all in Corfu previous city.

Whereas exploring the island and after an extended day at a seashore, remember to strive among the native eating places exterior of Corfu City. To Stavrodromi restaurant, situated between Agios Ounoufrios and Pelekas villages, provides conventional Greek delicacies, whereas Grill restaurant close to Kastellani village is a well-liked spot with locals. And don’t neglect to get pleasure from a meal at one of many many seashore bars and eating places across the island.

Though I visited many seashores throughout my journey, Agios Gordios seashore turned my favorite. I cherished spending my afternoons there at one of many seashore bars and staying till after sundown, having fun with the peaceable ambiance and gorgeous views.

A style of journey

As an lively traveller, I couldn’t resist spending two days exploring Corfu’s mountain climbing trails. My first hike was from Paliokastritsa to Angelokastro Citadel, a reasonably difficult trek rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views. Alongside the way in which, I paused within the charming village of Lakones for a refreshing break and a scrumptious yogurt with honey and nuts, admiring the gorgeous views of Palaokastritsa.

After the hike, I cooled off on the lovely Palaokastritsa seashore, the refreshing chilly water a welcome respite from the summer time solar. I ended up spending the entire night there, having fun with a drink at Aragosta Seaside Membership and a scrumptious dinner. The mixture of fantastic service, scrumptious meals, and a relaxed ambiance stored me there with no regrets. The risotto was notably scrumptious!

My second mountain climbing journey took me to the summit of Mount Pantokrator. Ranging from the picturesque village of Outdated Peritheia, I ascended the island’s highest peak, having fun with gorgeous views alongside the way in which. After my descent, I explored the historic village of Outdated Peritheia and visited Canal D’ Amour, a well-known seashore identified for its distinctive rock formation.

Persevering with my journey, I found Porto Timoni, one in every of Corfu’s most lovely and secluded seashores. Following Fly Me To The Moon’s suggestion, I headed to Afionas village to witness a spectacular sundown. Anemos Bar and Restaurant, a preferred spot for having fun with the sundown, is a must-visit. You’ll want to arrive early or make a reservation to safe a great desk.

Royal aptitude and Corfu class

On my last day in Corfu, I indulged in a little bit of royal aptitude. I visited the magnificent Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical mansion constructed for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) within the late nineteenth century. The palace is adorned with gorgeous statues and frescoes impressed by Greek mythology, reflecting Sisi’s fascination with historic Greece. Proper after, I explored the Mon Repos Palace, the previous summer time residence of the Greek royal household and birthplace of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

For a pleasant last meal, I dined at Flisvos The Seaside Expertise, a beachfront restaurant subsequent to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna. Having fun with the scrumptious delicacies and breathtaking views of airplanes touchdown on the island was a memorable expertise. After dinner, I strolled again to Corfu City for an evening stroll, exploring the slender streets and having fun with a nightcap at Cale Larga, a preferred spot for high quality drinks and late-night chats. I notably loved the gin and tonic with an olive twist!

When you have extra time, contemplate escaping the crowds at Agios Georgios seashore (close to Afionas village and Porto Timoni seashore) or taking a ship tour to discover hidden coves and close by islands like Paxos and Antipaxos. Whereas I all the time plan to go to these islands throughout my journeys to Corfu, I typically discover myself so captivated by the island itself that I find yourself saving them for one more time. This manner, I all the time have an excuse to return!

Fly Me to the Moon and again to Corfu!

I all the time discover myself drawn again to Corfu! For some cause, I can by no means get sufficient of this island, making it one in every of my favourite Greek escapes. And it’s not only for summer time. Corfu is a tremendous place to go to year-round. In addition to summer time, it’s notably well-known and in style throughout Easter, attracting 1000’s of vacationers. Whether or not you’re in search of journey, leisure, or cultural immersion, Corfu provides one thing for everybody. With its breathtaking landscapes, wealthy historical past, and heat hospitality, this enchanting island is certain to go away an enduring impression.

In the event you’re trying to expertise Corfu like a real insider, Fly Me to the Moon is your very best information. As Elena Papanicolaou, founding father of Fly Me to the Moon says: “There’s something pure and primitive about Greece. The soul of the nation – the vibe – is what makes it distinctive. You possibly can take up that essence, particularly in additional unexplored locations. In the event you simply breathe and shut your eyes or lookup on the sky, you’re feeling such as you’re part of the millennia, which can be talking to you.”

Dimitrios Athanasopoulos

Dimitrios Athanasopoulos is Director of Positive Illustration. Positive Illustration is a London-based boutique and impartial illustration and consulting company for beautiful journey and travel-related manufacturers. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog with the intention to elevate your profile, please contact us.