Corfu, in the Ionian Sea was the inspiration for my Quirky Travels many years ago. In this article another traveller shares some thoughts on this popular Greek island, during a very challenging year for the economy in Greece.
A recent half-term break was spent in the beautiful island of Corfu with the family and I must honestly say that we had a lovely time. We visited impressive archaeological ruins, ate very well in friendly tavernas, swam in sparkling seas, and the adults drank one too many glasses of ouzo. On a normal half-term break with the family, none of this would usually be headline news. But given Greece’s economic and political uncertainty, it may come as a surprise to learn that this summer you can still have a typical, enjoyable Greek holiday.
Of course the big difference this year compared to previous years is that due to the country’s economical problems, the number of people using Greece as their holiday destination is down. Yet still, from our perspective as visitors to the island, everything in Corfu feels normal. Based on our break in early June, I have to agree. Although there were signs things weren’t as busy as the locals would like, the island was far from dead.
At the famous Bay of St. George in northwestern Corfu, the tour guides touting for business were moaning that trade was down, but we still had to queue to buy our tickets from them. At Corfu in the evening, the insistent exhortations for our custom from some restaurant-owners suggested they were a bit desperate. Yet the most popular bars lining the quayside of the beautiful harbour were filled with young residents of Corfu drinking iced coffee. On the high street, the focus was more on the Euro 2012 football tournament taking place in Poland and Ukraine, than the state of the euro and the economical problems the country found itself in. All the cafes were showing the games – we were lucky enough to watch England play France, along with a sizeable multinational crowd.
Agios Georgios, a village on the far south-west corner of Corfu, has a lagoon of turquoise water and an offshore island that young children can wade out to – it’s one of the most memorable beaches we were fortunate enough to visit whilst enjoying our half-term break on the wonderful island. On the afternoons we were there, hundreds of bathers were wallowing in the sea. Goodness knows how heaving it must be when tourism is at usual levels. There are many other lovely beaches around the island.
At five of the six dinners we had in Corfu, we were given not only raki to round off our meal, but also free puddings such as baklava. In general terms, everywhere in Greece is crying out for visitors this summer, and that means it’s a safe bet you will receive a particularly fulsome welcome if you decide to visit this lovely island.
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From Andrea:
I’ve only been to Greece once but I’d love to go back. Corfu is particularly appealing as it’s perfect for doing a day trip over to Saranda in Albania, another place I’d love to visit. It’s a shame Greece is struggling for tourists at a time when they most need them but I do think visitor numbers will pick up in the not too distant future.
From Helen Penny:
The north east side of Corfu is absolutely stunning. We have visited for many years staying in a little village called Kalami. The nearby bay of Agni has our all time favourite taverna on it – Taverna Nikolas. Each evening you get the boat round from Kalami to Agni for one of the best meals ever. Taverna Nikolas was featured in the “Wish you were here” series with Toyah Wilcox serving as a waitress in the Taverna! This was how we first found out about the place and we can’t wait to return. Another great place to each out is in Old Perithea – high up in the mountains behind the coastal path. This particular village was abandoned but is now starting to revive. There is a lovely square with a couple of tavernas and it was feature on Rick Stein’s programme about the Med.
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks so much for that up-to-date info Helen. All really good reasons for people to keep visiting Corfu and be assured of a typically exuberant Greek welcome. Must check out that Rick Stein episode. I remember Kalami and nearby White House that used to be the Durrells’ family home. Would love to go back someday …
From Zoë Dawes:
I agree Andrea – I don’t think you can keep Greece from attracting visitors with its historic past, varied topography, welcoming people, lovely isles, and great beaches … Interested to read your reference to Saranda in Albania – must look into that country. It was closed when we lived in Greece and always looked rather forbidding from Corfu as it was much more barren that fertile Corfu.