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 can comply with 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 charming 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 akin to Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond discovered himself entangled in an exciting 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 akin to Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond discovered himself entangled in an exciting 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 a neighborhood 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 in the course of the peak vacationer season. This small, non-touristy village, the place Fly Me To The Moon had organized a standard home for my keep, is conveniently positioned within the coronary heart of the island. From Agios Prokopios, I had easy accessibility 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 really admire Corfu’s wealthy historical past and creative 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 evening, to take in its distinctive environment.

Within the evenings, Corfu City comes alive with its slim streets, Spianada Sq., and vibrant nightlife. Take pleasure in scrumptious Corfiot delicacies at famend eating places like Pomo d’oro, Venetsianiko Pigadi (Venetian Effectively), 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 Crimson 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 just some: Periklis Alexis’s dairy store for galaktoboureko, Papagiorgis confectionery for mandoles and ice cream, and Stazi Meli for conventional loukoumades, all in Corfu outdated city.

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

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

A style of journey

As an energetic traveller, I couldn’t resist spending two days exploring Corfu’s mountaineering trails. My first hike was from Paliokastritsa to Angelokastro Fortress, a reasonably difficult trek rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views. Alongside the best way, 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 stunning Palaokastritsa seaside, 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 environment saved me there with no regrets. The risotto was significantly scrumptious!

My second mountaineering 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 best way. After my descent, I explored the historic village of Outdated Peritheia and visited Canal D’ Amour, a well-known seaside recognized for its distinctive rock formation.

Persevering with my journey, I found Porto Timoni, one among Corfu’s most stunning 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. Be sure you arrive early or make a reservation to safe a superb desk.

Royal aptitude and Corfu class

On my ultimate 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 historical 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 ultimate 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 slim streets and having fun with a nightcap at Cale Larga, a preferred spot for high quality drinks and late-night chats. I significantly loved the gin and tonic with an olive twist!

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

Fly Me to the Moon and again to Corfu!

I at all times discover myself drawn again to Corfu! For some motive, I can by no means get sufficient of this island, making it one among my favourite Greek escapes. And it’s not only for summer time. Corfu is an incredible place to go to year-round. Apart from summer time, it’s significantly well-known and well-liked throughout Easter, attracting 1000’s of vacationers. Whether or not you’re looking for journey, rest, or cultural immersion, Corfu gives one thing for everybody. With its breathtaking landscapes, wealthy historical past, and heat hospitality, this enchanting island is certain to go away a long-lasting impression.

If you happen to’re trying to expertise Corfu like a real insider, Fly Me to the Moon is your superb information. As Elena Papanicolaou, founding father of Fly Me to the Moon says: “There is something pure and primitive about Greece. The soul of the country – the vibe – is what makes it unique. You can absorb that essence, especially in more unexplored places. If you just breathe and close your eyes or look up at the sky, you feel like you’re a part of the millennia, that are speaking to you.”

Dimitrios Athanasopoulos

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