eco tourism corfu

THE 5 BEST Corfu Eco Tours

Eco tours in corfu.

• Boat Rentals
• Speed Boats Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Corfu Experience

2. Almyra Corfu Luxury Cruise's

3. Lord Travel

4. CorfuTrips

5. Noon Island Journey

6. Around Corfu Tours

What travelers are saying.

• Almyra Corfu Luxury Cruise's
• The Corfu Experience
• Noon Island Journey
• Lord Travel

THE BEST Corfu Town Eco Tours

Eco tours in corfu town.

• Equipment Hire
• Speed Boats Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. CorfuTrips

2. Lord Travel

Bioporos Organic Farm is a farm spreading across an imposing olive grove of 70 acres at the Southwest part of Corfu island. In a unique location right next to Lagoon of Korission Lake, which is unspoiled as it is protected by Natura 2000, we created a small paradise for everyone to relax and get familiar with the natural beauty of Corfu.

In Bioporos Organic Farm we offer high standard ecotourism accommodation services, in order for you to be able to enjoy a few days away from anything stressful. Our visitors are not just customers to us. We see them as guests and we certainly want to grant them a complete, educational and unique relaxing experience. Give yourself the chance to recharge your batteries during your holidays in Corfu!

We cultivate olive trees, seasonal fruits and vegetables and we’ve also developed a small beekeeping unit, as we take care of a flock of sheep, a horse, a donkey and several poultries. Our love for the nature and the environment led us to develop mild and natural forms of farming without using any industrial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides

Family run farm

Created by a family who above all loves nature, Bioporos Organic Farm in Corfu is ready for you to visit and live a great experience

The parents of the family: ms Agathi and mr Kostas have been working everyday for years in the kitchen and the farm itself to grow and collect the very best organic ingredients for the restaurant.

Nowadays the new genration, Criton, Genneos and Iro, has come to evolve and manage Biopooros Organic Farm and they are here to take care of the farm activities in order to make sure that everything works just fine. They are cheerful and creative and they would be more than happy to lead the way to the farms’ activities.

we all give our best to ensure that our visitors will get the maximum possible of this experience of farm life

The way of living

The mission here is to get a little closer to the nature in a way that suits you… And in the end, if you don’t want to participate in and explore any of the above, you are free to enjoy the wonderful mediterranean sun by relaxing all day in our hammocks, while filling your body and mind with energy, that will stick with you during the upcoming winter…

The Farm Activities

If you are looking for immense contact with the local nature and the traditional techniques and ways of farm life, we can offer you a series of indoor and outdoor activities such as hiking, participation in or just observation of the daily farm activities, and also of the cultural events that take place in the neighbouring villages, traditional greek cooking lessons, herbal walks, traditional bread preparation, wax making, bird watching and many more.

The Restaurant

Bioporos Organic Restaurant is located inside the farm and we cook traditional Greek and Corfiot dishes everyday with the traditional agricultural way of cooking. Using only organic ingredients from our farm or from local certificated producers, our kitchen is open Wednesday to Sunday, always ready to host our guests.

• Our Organic Farm will be open for visits guided tours or activities from 01/06/24👋

Corfu – An Unspoilt Island Guide

With countless beaches and secret coves, stunning mountain scenery, the Venetian streets of its historic capital, it’s no wonder that Corfu is one of the most popular destinations in Greece.

I happen to love Corfu. It was the first place I ever visited in Greece, on a family holiday back in my teens. I think the landscape is dreamy. One of the most northerly and greenest Greek islands, Corfu has an established tourist infrastructure – it was one of the first islands to embrace package tourism in the 1960s.

There a wide variety of resorts all around the coast, so there’s something to suit everyone here. And despite the number of visitors and developments, it has retained a wild beauty thanks to the rugged coastline which has charmed visitors for centuries (just look at the literature produced by the Durrells).

This travel guide covers:

• What’s the vibe like?
• Where to Stay on Corfu
• Food and Drink
• Best Beaches on Corfu
• What to Do and See on Corfu
• Hidden Gems
• Getting There and Around

WHAT’S THE VIBE?

The colours on Corfu are something else – from the aquamarines and emeralds of its seas, the dense inland evergreens, to the soft pinks and ochres of its weathered buildings which are echoed in the sunsets.

The beauty of the island is not confined to one part, and resorts are spread out around the island. But broadly speaking, the north of the island is more hilly and craggy with lots of little bays. The pretty stretch between Nissaki and Kassiopi is popular with wealthy Brits and Russians who like to hide away in discrete villas in the hills.

Safe sandy beaches attract package holidaymakers and families, particularly in the cheap and cheerful resorts that spread out along the coast in either direction from Corfu Town.

Corfu’s key strategic position – close to the mainland but controlling access to the Adriatic Sea – has ensured a rich and colourful history. Its Byzantine fortresses and are evidence of centuries of struggle against attacks. It was a key touch point between the Venetians and the Ottoman Empire.

The island never fell to the Ottomans, though, unlike many of the islands in the Aegean Sea. Instead, the legacy you see here is many Venetian and British – with a touch of French and Russian thrown in for good measure. Nowhere else in Greece will you find a cricket lawn and ginger beer.

Knarly olive trees dominate the landscape – thanks to a Venetian policy that encouraged its cultivation.

Corfu Town is a historical gem but also an administrative hub and home to the Ionian University, which keeps it lively even in the low season (in comparison to other island destinations, at least). Acharavi and Lefkimmi are two alternative options for winter.

The downside of its popularity is that the coastal regions aren’t exactly undiscovered – head to the mountainous interior if you want to escape tourism altogether.

One thing to note – Corfu has an ongoing issue with trash collection. The main landfill site is overflowing and illegal sites are popping up around the island. This isn’t a problem everywhere (you’re most likely to notice it on the roads leading into Corfu Town, and in the Lefkimmi/Kavos area) and it doesn’t affect the beaches –  I suggest checking the Tripadvisor forums if you’re concerned. You can help by separating your waste whilst you’re there – recycling bins are available.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets of the Corfu Old Town ; a unique part of Greece. Formerly known as Kastropolis – city of castles – this historic city upon first glance appears to have more in common with the fortified towns of nearby Croatian and Italian coasts than with its fellow Greek islands.

Corfu Town has a cosmopolitan and upmarket vibe. The nexus of the Old Town is the area around the Venetian Old Fortress, the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George, and next to it the Spiniada (the bit with the cricket lawn) and the Liston (the French-influenced promenade).

For food and drinks try :

• To Dimarcho ,
• The Venetian Well .
• Rooftop drink at Cavalieri Hotel.

For evening vibes head to  Bristol Cafe , 54 Dreamy Nights , or Sessions Cafe .

Read More: Exploring Corfu Old Town

WHERE TO STAY

Corfu Town may seem like the obvious choice however accommodation is surprisingly hard to come by. It’s a popular (and easy) day trip from pretty much every resort on the island. As such, it hasn’t really developed an accommodation scene of its own – except the big resort hotels on the outskirts of town. The lack of budget accommodation is annoying if you have an early or late flight or ferry.

Top end choices in Corfu Town include classy boutique townhouses  Siora Vittoria and Bella Venezia . Otherwise, it’s best to try  Airbnb .

The best beach hotels on Corfu are MarBella , Ikos Dassia,  Corfu Imperial Grecotel at Kontokali, and Mayor La Grotta Verde Grande at Agios Gordios. The blissful little beachfront Bella Mare Hotel  is now an exclusive Simpson Travel property.

( read more – Corfu’s 10 Best Luxury Beach Hotel s)

The lush and rugged north of the island is where you’ll find upmarket little villages popular with the speedboat set, who stay in expensive villas up in the hills. This is also Durrells-country – Kalami and Koulouri.

And over on the west, Paleokastritsa is worthy of its popularity. The west is home to some dramatic coastal scenery, small resorts that are popular with independent travellers – Agios Gordios is the hostel epicentre with Pink Palace (for spring break vibes) and further up the coast is Sun Rock in Pelekas (for a more traditional family-run feel). Lovely Liapades around the corner is another good spot.

For good-value aparthotels and rooms check out the resort towns Kassiopi, Agios Gordios and Paleokastritsa, which haven’t lost their soul to development. Cheaper still are family favourites Acharavi, Sidari, Barbati, and Ipsos – the latter two are conveniently close to Corfu Town.

Check out Where to Stay on Corfu – The Ultimate Beach Resort Guide for a complete rundown on the coastal towns plus some accommodation picks in Corfu Town.

FOOD AND DRINK

There’s a strong Venetian element to the food on Corfu. You’ll find more Italian influences (and unique slow-cooked meat dishes) here than in other parts of Greece; pasta dishes, polenta, and tomato-based sauces are not uncommon.

A trio of traditional Corfiot dishes worth trying are pastitsada , bourdeto and sofrito .  Pastitsada is a pasta dish made with rooster and a bright red sauce. Bourdeto is fish cooked in a tomato. And sofrito a dish made with veal or beef braised with wine and herbs. I’m also a fan of tsigarelli , which is a side dish of wild greens in a spicy tomato sauce.

Of course, you’ll also find all of the usual Greek taverna classics.

Corfu has its own microbrewery producing naturally brewed real ales. The brewery in Arilla is open to the public on Saturdays. I particularly enjoyed the Red Special Ale. Along with specialist Chimarios, they also make traditional Corfiot ginger beer, another legacy of British rule (the recipe was brought over by the army in the 19th century) and very refreshing in hot weather.

Kumquat trees (a type of tiny citrus) are common on Corfu and you’ll see kumquat liqueur in all the souvenir shops. I also once tried a delicious olive oil liqueur from Corfu but haven’t managed to find anything out about it (send me an email if you find it!).

And fig puddings ( sykomaida ) are a treat unique to Corfu – look out for small round bundles wrapped in leaves.

Don’t miss the seafood tavernas at Agni Bay.

BEST BEACHES ON CORFU

Corfu has some of the best beaches in the Greek islands ; there’s a staggering variety – from white sandy beach to strange rock formations and idyllic coves. Here are the most beautiful worth checking out:

• Paleokastritsa . This popular resort town is built across a couple of bays and has a number of beaches; the sandiest is Agios Spyridon and the most Instagrammable is rocky La Grotta with its unique beach bar (be prepared for steps). Kastelli is cliff.
• Liapades and Rovinia . Two gorgeous pebbly beaches just around the coast from Paleokastritsa. This area of coast is full of hidden beaches and secret bays which are difficult to access.
• Agios Gordios . Perhaps the most versatile beach on the island, Agios Gordios has 2km of calm Blue Flag waters and soft sands surrounded by dramatic cliffs, excellent sunsets, and just enough watersports and entertainment without being overdeveloped. If it gets too crowded just head to Pelekas , Glyfada or the nudist beach at Mirtiotissa .
• Paradise Beach . Also known as Chomi, Paradise Beach has a small pebble beach at the bottom of steep white cliffs. It’s located south of Liapades and is only accessible by water taxi. To the south is the equally grand Stelari .
• Halikounas . If you prefer wide and wild unorganised natural beaches then head for Halikounas which edges Lake Korission in the south-west.
• Bataria and Pipitou are the key beaches at Kassiopi.
• Loggas . In the north, Loggas is another wild cliff-backed beached – this one accessible by steep steps.
• Porto Timoni . Also known as Afionas, this photogenic landmark is a narrow strip of land with a beach on either side. It’s hikeable from the wide sandy bay at Agios Georgios.
• Sidari . This beach resort is home to the famous rock formations of the Canal d’Amour (pictured above), which is now a popular selfie.
• Cape Drastis . Keep going north of Loggas to reach the white rock formations of Cape Drastis (or Drasti), the most northerly point of the island. You can visit by boat from Sidari, or hike here; there’s a small beach with a bar selling refreshments.

Looking to stay by the beach? Check out the  complete guide to Corfu’s beach resorts .

WHAT TO DO ON CORFU

It’s worth knowing that religious sites, museums and galleries often shut on a Monday in Greece.

Best things to do in Corfu Town:

• Old Fortress . The main attraction in Corfu Town is the Old Fortress (Paleokastro). St. George’s Church.
• Mon Repos is a historic villa (and birthplace of Prince Philip) on the outskirts of Corfu Town, next to the ancient ruins of Paleopolis. It houses an archaeological museum an is often included in tour itineraries along with the Achilleion – a palace in Gastouri built by the Empress of Austria.
• The Byzantine Museum  showcases religious artwork is tucked away in a tiny church in Corfu Town.
• The Serbian Museum memorialises 150, 000 Serbian troops and refugees who died here during the First World War – many from starvation or disease. Entrance is free. The tiny island of Vido opposite Corfu Town served as a hospital, quarantine and cemetery. You can catch a local ferry over to this peaceful island, known as the ‘Blue Tomb’, which now houses a mausoleum and a taverna (open summer only).
• The Corfu Museum of Asian Art is located in the Palace of St. Michael and St. George (near the Liston), one of the main British buildings in the town
• The Museum of Banknotes is a few blocks back from the Liston and provides a fascinating overview of Greek currency.
• Corfu Walking Tours offer themed walking tours around Corfu Town, including options for foodies.
• Don’t miss the little monastery of Vlacherna  and the tiny island Pontikonisi  (also known as ‘Mouse Island) nearby (pictured above). This romantic spot is a 45-minute walk from Corfu Town and is close to Corfu Airport. In fact, so close there are a couple of bars perfectly set up to watch the planes land and the sun go down.
• If you have kids in tow, there’s a waterpark called  Aqualand  in the middle of the island.

Best things to do outside Corfu Town:

• Angelokastro . is a hilltop Byzantine castle near Paleokastritsa with excellent views over the north-east coast.
• Nearby is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, which has views over the village and houses the remains of a giant whale. It does get busy with tour buses in summer.
• Kassiopi Castle .
• Hire a speedboat  for exploring the north east coast; many of the area’s best tavernas and beaches have jetties. The fish tavernas at Agni Bay are well known.
• Scuba Diving . There are numerous dive centres in the north of the island. Colovri and the Hole of Ha are the standout site.
• Hike Mount Pantokrator .
• Boat trips . Arguably the best way to see the stunning scenery is from a boat. Mainland honeypot Parga is just X away. Also close by are Corfu’s nearest Ionian neighbours Paxi and Antipaxi. And day trips to Albania can take in the gorgeous beaches at Ksamil, it’s worth paying extra to include UNESCO World Heritage site Butrint in your itinerary if you’re into historic sites.

DURRELL-MANIA

• Exteriors for The Durrells’ villa were filmed at Villa Annemoyani north of Gouvia
• Lawrence and Nancy lived in Kalami, and today you can stay in their former residence The White House
• Many street scenes were filmed in Danilia, a curious remodelled village up in the hills behind Gouvia. It was also used as a set in For Your Eyes Only . It’s owned by Grecotel Hotels who run The Corfu Imperial Hotel in Kommeno Bay (which is also where the cast stay during filming). You can book a special package which includes accommodation at the Imperial, and tours of Danilia and The White House.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Done the above and looking to discover a side of Corfu unspoilt by the masses? If you’re looking for quieter, off-beat attractions for culture vultures, authentic Corfiot villages with traditional life, or nature without the crowds, here are a few pointers to get you started

• Hike the Corfu Trail . Spanning nearly the length of the island at 220km, the Corfu Trail will take you deep into the island. It’s not the easiest – some parts are poorly waymarked and there’s a lack of accommodation. The sections near Paleokastritsa or Koulouri are ideal for a short hike. Check out the Trail website for more info.
• Korission Lagoon . You can sail, horse ride (from nearby Issos) and birdwatch at this nature lover’s paradise.
• Traditional Villages . If you’re driving around the south of the island, stop by the inland town of Lefkimmi for a slice of traditional Greek life (and lunch). Argyrades, Lakones, Chlomas, Vatos, Pelekas village (up in the hills above the beach) and Afionas village are also charming.
• Venetian Shipyard . Located near Gouvia, these 18th-century remains are worth a visit if you’re in the area, with cute little Ipapanti Church across the water.
• Corfu’s Secret Islands . Paxi and Antipaxi aren’t the only islands you can visit from Corfu. Less well known are the tiny idylls of  Diapondia  off the north coast – consisting of Erikoussa, Othoni and Mathraki islands (plus several uninhabited islets). In the summer you can find boats from Corfu Town as well as Sidari and Agios Stefanos.
• Corfu Donkey Sanctuary . You can visit the Sanctuary  which is open year-round. To donate go to Friends of Corfu Donkey Rescue .

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Corfu International Airport (or  Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport ) is served by both domestic and international airlines. The airport is 3km south of Corfu Town. The view as you come in to land is quite spectacular so book a window seat. There are a few overpriced cafes and not much else, so don’t plan on spending too much time there if you can help it.

Line 15 connects the airport to the city’s bus terminal and the main city stop at San Rocco Square. From these stops, you can catch city buses around Corfu Town. For destinations around the island,  Green Buses spread outwards from Corfu Town as a hub.

Car hire is ideal for exploring the island although roads can be steep and winding, with occasional potholes and plenty of giant tour buses coming the opposite way.

During the summer there are occasional routes linking beach resorts. CorfuPlus is well regarded for scooter and quad hire; get in touch with Sandy to discuss your needs.

FERRY CONNECTIONS 

Corfu has a large ferry/cruise ship port.

International crossings are available to: Bari, Brindisi (Italy) and Sarande in Albania. Occasionally there are also routes to Ancona and Venice in Italy, Durres in Albania.

The main domestic connections are to Igoumenitsa and Patras on the Greek mainland, and the islands Paxos and Antipaxos. From Lefkimmi there are also boats to Igoumenitsa. The most frequent ferries to the Diapondia islands are from Agios Stefanos (NW).

Infrequent/nonexistent direct ferry connections to the rest of the Ionian islands (with the exception of Paxos and Antipaxos) make it tricky to include Corfu in an island hopping itinerary. Instead, you must go via the mainland.

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Image credits: Paleokastritsa © CCat82 / Adobe Stock, Vido Island © The Mediterranean Traveller, Old Fort © The Mediterranean Traveller, Barbati © whitewizzard / Adobe Stock, Sweet Treats ©  The Mediterranean Traveller, Sidari © Netfalls / Adobe Stock, Liapades   © Lucian Bolca / Adobe Stock, Vlacherna Monastery © The Mediterranean Traveller, Pink Walls © The Mediterranean Traveller, Cape Drastis by etherial via Pixabay. 

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In the heart of Greek Nature

Water, a source of life, preserved natural monuments, bird flight and song, silent flight, get inspired.

Admiring the sunset

The time of the day when the sun waves goodbye, it’s a time that casts magic on nature. Wonderful colours make up the backdrop against which the celestial traveler leaves its daily scene.

Wine routes of Halkidiki

Explore the gorgeous region of Halkidiki, walk through its wine routes and visit the area’s renowned wineries next to endless stretches of vineyards!

Romantic Holidays

Family holidays

Tower towns in greece.

Beautifully preserved stone-built settlements and fortified towns spread all over Greece form a harmonious combination of local architecture and western influences.

Multicultural Corfu

Corfu has been inhabited from prehistoric times, due to its fertile land and natural wealth.

In the course of time, people from innumerable places have inhabited the island, either as visitors, conquerors or immigrants and many of  those different people loved the island and converted themselves to Corfiots. Villages called Lakones (Sparta is the capital of Lakonia), Skripero (the Arab word for fortress is skrep), Kastelani (castello is Italian for fortress), Kyprianades (Kypros is Cyprus in Greek) but also typical Corfiot family names like Sarakinos (Saracen), Athineos (Athenian), Kritikos (Cretan), Bogdos and Bogdanos (names of Serb origin) and many, many others are only some of the traces that betray some of the homelands people left behind to come to Corfu.

This constant influx of “foreigners” has accelerated the last 40-50 years with the rise of tourism. Hundreds of thousands of people of different backgrounds visit Corfu every year, and invariably some of them are so enchanted by the island that they decide to stay.

As a result, Corfiots are generally easy-going and open to different ideas and attitudes.

Corfu Mythology and History

The first evidence of humans on Corfu are stone tools and artifacts that were found in a cave at the Gardiki Grava near Agios Mattheos and date back to Paleolithic times (30,000 to 10,000 BC).

At that time the level of the seas was much lower and Corfu was not an island, but was connected to the Greek mainland. Separation from the mainland occurred during the Neolithic period (10,000-8,000BC) when, with the melting of the ice, the level of the sea rose. Remains of this period were found in a settlement near Sidari. Settlements from the Bronze Age (2,000 BC) have been found near Afionas and Ermones.

Corfu is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as Scheria, the island of the Faiakes (Phaeacians), were Odysseus is washed ashore, taken care of by Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alkinoos and wise queen Ariti, and taken to Ithaca on one of their ships. It is interesting to note here that Phaiakian ships were unlike all other ships and had high tech (or magical!) features.

To quote Homer:

“ For the Phaiakians have no pilots; their vessels have no rudders as those of other nations have, but the ships themselves understand what it is that we are thinking about and want; they know all the cities and countries in the whole world, and can traverse the sea just as well even when it is covered with mist and cloud, so that there is no danger of being wrecked or coming to any harm.”

Legend has it that Odysseus was told not to look back to Scheria as he was sailing away, or his ship would be petrified. Of course, he couldn’t resist the temptation and as a result there are several rocks around the island that claim to be Odysseus’ petrified ship!

In the 8th century BC, Corfu was colonized by the Corinthians who founded the city of Corcyra or Kerkyra (as is the modern Greek name for Corfu) in the peninsula of Kanoni. The whole peninsula is scattered with ruins that show that Corcyra developed to become a considerable naval force. It was the conflict of Corcyrans and Corinthians in 435 BC that led to the famous Thirty-year war between Athens and Sparta when the Athenians allied with the Corcyrans and the Spartans came to help the Corinthians.

In 229 BC, Kerkyra was conquered by the Romans and for a long time passed out of notice. The Romans neglected the town of Corfu and prefferred to build their villas in Kassiopi, at the northeastern tip of the island, from where they could control the Corfu straits.

From the 4th until the 11th century AD, Corfu came under Byzantine rule. Some churches from that period still survive, the oldest remaining church on Corfu is the church of Iason and Sosipatros in the suburb of Anemomilos.

Between the 11th and 14th century, Corfu was conquered and ruled by several European knights heading for Jerusalem in the course of the crusades (Genoese, Anjou, the despots of Epirus and others).

1386 AD marks the beginning of the Venetian rule which lasted until 1797 AD. This was probably the most important period for the island, not only because of the economic progress and the building that went on but also because it was during this period that the rest of Greece fell under the domination of the Ottoman Turks. During the period of Venetian rule the island became a haven and place of refuge for many scholars and artists escaping the Turkish occupied mainland and thus helped make the island one of the most culturally developed regions in the east. The island became a fortress and the base of the admiral of the Venetian fleet. In this period Corfu flourished and acquired a large part of its current town layout, fortifications, customs and culture.

Probably the greatest contribution the Venetians made to Corfu was the cultivation of the olive tree.

Around the middle of the 16th century, the Venetians offered a “subsidy” to anyone replacing their vineyards with olive trees. This was a great incentive for Corfiots and resulted in the island being covered in olive trees. Nowadays, estimates on the number of olive trees on Corfu range anywhere from 3 to 6 million!

When Napoleon overthrew the Venetians and the French occupied the island in 1797 the Corfiots welcomed them with enthusiasm believing that because of the French revolution the lower classes would be treated better. But this was not the case. The French imposed heavy taxes on the people though they did introduce a system of primary education and a printing house.

But two years later a combined Russian and Turkish fleet captured the island after four months of fighting and Corfu became the capital of the Septinsular Republic which included all the Ionian islands. Then in 1807, when Russia and France signed the treaty of Tilsit, Corfu and the other islands became provinces of Napoleon. This time around the French took more of an interest in the intellectual and economic development of the island, constructing new buildings including the famous arcades of the Liston and introducing new crops like potatoes and tomatoes.

When Napoleon fell in 1814 Corfu was placed under the protection of the British. In 1824 the first Greek university, the Ionian Academy, was set up. Despite the tension between the British and the Corfiots, the years of British rule was responsible for the building of the roads and the creation of the island’s water supply. Part of the British heritage is also cricket, which is still played on the Esplanade, and ginger beer (tsitsibira in Corfiot)!

The Ionian islands did not become a part of Greece until 1864 even though the Corfiot Ioannis Capodistrias was elected the first President of Greece in 1827 and assassinated in 1831. Corfu was declared neutral territory but was invaded by the French in World War I. Serbian forces found sanctuary in Corfu, a reason why Serbs and Greeks calls each other a “Orthodox Brothers”. Corfu was bombed by the Italians in 1923 and again during World War II and was bombed and occupied by the Germans until the war’s end.

Present and Future

The sixties marked the rise of tourism in Corfu. It became one of the most cosmopolitan resorts of the Mediterranean and touristic development continued uncontrolled until the present day. The result was that money flowed to the island’s inhabitants but, on the downside, many of the once picturesque villages and beaches bear the marks of unplanned and ugly building and nonexistent planning. You can watch three Corfu videos from 1962 that illustrate just how beautiful this island used to be.

Fortunately, the last decade there seems to be a new trend on Corfu.

Many Corfiots return from abroad bearing fresh ideas, many people from Europe and all over the world have bought land and houses on Corfu and some of the Corfiots seem to understand that the “old way” of doing things is leading to a dead-end. There are more and more people who try to make a living out of eco-tourism, biological agriculture, art, meditation , alternative therapies and many other nice activities.

There seems to be a new current in Corfu, away from overconsumption and towards another, fairer and healthier lifestyle. And this is exactly what Green Corfu hopes to support!

phone +30 69728 40774 email [email protected]

Rooms and Apartments at Mirtiotissa Beach, Corfu

Elia has been welcoming guests since 1976. These family-run rooms still retain their original simple style - and this year we are proud to offer two brand new apartments, designed and fitted to the highest of modern standards.

This is a tranquil spot where you will quickly sink into a totally relaxed and relaxing holiday lifestyle. Elia sits in a forest of green between the beaches of Glyfada and Mirtiotissa on Corfu's west coast. (It is only a five minute walk to either beach.) Mirtiotissa Beach is known as Corfu's unofficial nudist beach while Glydada is famous for its long stretch of golden sand, lively bars, water sports and beach activities. Close by is the traditional village of Vatos where you will find a couple of mini-markets.

Elia is proud of its Green credentials and strives to be eco-friendly. Solar panels heat its water which comes from a nearby spring. (Unusually for Corfu, you can drink our water straight from the tap.) The fields and gardens that surround Elia provide fresh food not only for the family but also for their taverna . Fruit and vegetables; olives and olive oil; grapes and wine; herbs, eggs and nuts are all produced and harvested here.

Elia is gay friendly and is open from the beginning of May until the end of October. We speak English, German, Italian and Greek. Check-out is 10.00 am. Although there is a bus service several times a day (Green Bus service to Glyfada from the bus station at the New Port) the easiest way to get here from the airport is to take a taxi or rent a car - contact us for details.

2024 prices

• Single room - 35 euos per night
• Double room - 60 euos per night
• Seaside room - 80 euros per night
• Small apartment - 100 euos per night
• Luxury apartment - 150 euos per night

High season (15 June to 15 September)

• Single room - 40 euos per night
• Double room - 70 euos per night
• Small apartment - 120 euos per night
• Luxury apartment - 180 euos per night

Minimum booking is three nights Breakfast supplement - 12.50 euros per person per day Lunch or Dinner Supplement - 30 euros per person per day

Rooms - sleep one or two persons in double or single beds

Five rooms are on the first floor and have a balcony, four rooms are on the ground floor and have a small terrace with a table and chairs. All the ground floor rooms open onto the garden

• Mini fridge
• Ceiling fan
• Daily cleaning service
• Terrace or balcony
• Communal kitchen area
• Access to garden dining area
• Half-board option - lunch or dinner
• Check out - 10.00 am

Apartment - sleeps two or three persons

• Living and dining area
• Single sofa-bed
• Table and chairs
• Flat screen TV (satellite and terrestrial channels)
• Full kitchen including
• Fridge with freezer
• Pots, pans, crockery and cutlery
• Washing machine
• Iron and ironing board
• Bedroom - sleeping two persons
• En-suite bathroom with walk in shower and WC

Luxury Apartment

• Air conditioning
• Electric oven
• Wardrobe, bedside tables, dressing-table, chair and mirror

Apartments - sleep two or four persons

• Two sofa-beds
• Large fridge with freezer

Other facilities

• Baby cots and high chairs on request
• Private off-road parking
• Daily cleaning, regular towel and bed linen change
• Transfer from airport or ferry port (local charge applies)

Please note: We are obliged to charge an overnight accommodation tax of 50 cents per person per night

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Ambelonas Corfu (Restaurant and Vineyard)

Date: January 7, 2019 By Iyad Kayali Categories: No comments

Just a leisurely drive over the hills of the historic town of Corfu lies one of the island’s most captivating wineries, complete with a divine local restaurant, gastronomy shop, verdant landscapes and a healthy dose of Ionian culture.

A must for every visitor to Corfu, Ambelonas (which means vineyard in Greek) will enchant you with its homemade wine and Corfiot cuisine. To begin with, the wine has been produced for 4 centuries by the family in a traditional manner and aged in oak barrels. It remains free of any additives or preservatives and exploits local grown grapes (Skopelitiko and Kakotrigis), which add a robust body enriched by Corfu’s rainy winters and sunny summers.

Every good wine needs an excellent meal, and Ambelonas will certainly not disappoint in this respect. Local fruits and vegetables in season mix with free-range poultry and meat, delicious cheeses from the island, herbs from nearby hills and extra virgin olive oil. By popular demand, Ambelonas’ owner and manager, Mrs. Vasiliki Karounou, published an impressive cookbook based on traditional local recipes that bring back the cooking secrets and flavors of previous generations on the island.

Surrounding all this love for gastronomic excellence is Ambelonas’ pledge to respect the environment by cultivating local produce, using local products and recycling waste. Preservation of tradition and environment can also be seen through the museum-like exhibition on the premises which showcases traditional equipment and machinery once used to produce olive oil and wine. An engaging video presentation unravels these old traditions and takes you back to a time when everything was – and will always remain – natural in this little corner of Corfu.

Drop by the little shop on the premises to take a piece of Corfu back home with you or to enjoy local products while you’re still there. You’ll love the Acordo range of products, whose name still boasts Corfu’s flirtatious past with nearby Italy.

What completes the experience at Ambelonas are the variety of activities, workshops and events, from folklore dances and cooking workshops to creative activities for children. If you like cooking you’ll love the traditional hands-on cooking class and authentic dishes.

Lastly, highly recommended is a private educational tour outlining our estate’s history, traditional practices that highlights wild local flora, the island’s products and rich culinary culture. This is one place you should definitely put on your map when you go to Corfu.

Green Policy

We’re very happy to see that more businesses related to local gastronomy are becoming green, and Ambelonas Corfu is leading the pack in many ways. As mentioned before, owner Vasiliki Karounou has done a great service to keeping culinary traditions alive by publishing an exceptional 170-page cookbook titled “Corfiot Cuisine – in search of the origins” (available in English, German and Greek).

This makes Vasiliki and Ambelonas true pioneers in Corfiot cuisine. On the oenological front, the property serves wine that is locally produced by the family, so there’s no carbon footprint in transportation! The grapes are grown onsite using traditional grape varieties from Corfu, namely Kakotrigis and Skopelitiko.

In its culinary offerings, Ambelonas uses local Corfiot products as much as possible, and then regional or Greek as second priority, whether it’s fruits and vegetables or cheese and poultry. As much as 95% of products used are local, Greek, organic, or of protected origin (PDO), with strong focus on local suppliers. Needless to say: canned goods, preservatives and hydrogenated products are off the menu!

There is a preference for dishes that have a lower environmental footprint, which means favoring more vegetarian and vegan options, while replacing red meat with more fish and poultry or a bit of pork. Animal products are always free range or come from farms that treat animals humanely. Slow cooking (sometimes even overnight) on a natural gas flame or using energy-efficient means, a myriad of local herbs, the freshest of ingredients and extra virgin olive oil all weave their way through the menu, which by the way offers gluten-free options as well. Also noteworthy is the use of filtered tap water everywhere and not bottled water.

The property’s food boutique sells the best local brands and products, so a visit there will definitely support local producers and communities. Ambelonas Corfu has pledged to use recycled and biodegradable products wherever possible, in addition to separating waste for recycling and minimizing food waste (including composting or for animal feed). Old equipment and appliances are also recycled!

Importantly, the property’s staff hails from Corfu or the greater region, in what is yet another effort to support the local economy. Lastly, we loved that visitors benefit from information about the region’s biodiversity and on how to protect rare species. Ambelonas Corfu is truly a pioneer on the island in all pillars of sustainability and deserves to be recognized as such.

Check Ambelona’s Gastronomy Tours here:

[showtours tours=”19542,19549,19556″]

Association of Corfu Travel Agents

The Association of Corfu Travel Agents is a non-profit organization which was established in 1992, as the succeeding body of the Association of Corfu Tourist and Shipping Agents established in 1975. The main objective of AOCTA is to work together with the local councils and the Ministry of Tourism in order to address all possible issues that arise in the tourism sector and to efficiently promote Corfu’s and Paxos’ tourism products all over the world.

Types of Tourism

Eco-tourism, voluntourism, agrotourism, coastal & maritime tourism, archaeological tourism, cultural tourism, religious tourism, sports tourism, conference tourism, corfu island, general info, corfu weather, places of interest, activities in corfu, celebrations & festivities, the main objective of aocta is to efficiently promote corfu's tourism products all over the world, become a member, news & events.

Ethniki Palaiokastritsas 64 Solari, 49100, Corfu Ionian Islands, Greece

+30 26610 21521