Fly to the Moon and fall in love with Corfu, too!

Fly Me to the Moon is a travel agency designed to create unique and unforgettable experiences in Greece. With an interest in the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty, they design itineraries that easily introduce travelers to the authentic Greek way of life.

Last summer, as I was planning my return to Corfu, I sought out Fly Me to the Moon technology. I wanted to explore a side of the island that I had not seen during my previous visit. Their valuable insight helped me to rediscover Corfu, especially at a time when the island was full of tourists from all over the world after another record year of tourists arriving in Greece after Covid. I wanted to experience Corfu without the crowds while still enjoying its magic. As they say in Fly Me To The Moon, you can either follow the crowd or let Fly Me to the Moon show you Greece that you can’t find on your own.

An endless island paradise

Corfu, or Kerkyra, is a charming Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Famous for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Corfu has been delighting tourists for years. Influenced by the Venetian, French, and British empires, the island has a unique blend of cultures reflected in its architecture, customs, and cuisine.

From the legendary voyages of Odysseus to the poetic descriptions of Shakespeare, Corfu has inspired countless legends and literature. The allure of the island has also attracted the likes of Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond found himself caught up in the merry-go-round on the shores of Corfu.

From the legendary voyages of Odysseus to the poetic descriptions of Shakespeare, Corfu has inspired countless legends and literature. The allure of the island has also attracted the likes of Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond found himself caught up in the merry-go-round on the shores of Corfu.

Arriving late at night from London, I found Corfu to be a convenient destination with many international flights. Mainly from London, you will find many direct flights to the island every year (April to October). Following Fly Me To The Moon’s suggestion, I rented a car from a local company (to avoid post-COVID price hikes, long lines, and excessive administrative procedures) and drove to the village of Agios Prokopios.

With only one coffee shop (and a bar, bakery, and convenience store!) in the center of town and a permanent population of locals, Agios Prokopios served as a peaceful retreat during peak tourist season. This small, non-touristy place, where Fly Me To The Moon arranged a traditional house for me, is conveniently located in the center of the island. From Agios Prokopios, I had easy access to Corfu town, both north and south Corfu, famous beaches and villages. Exploring Corfu from this base allowed me to avoid the crowded streets and traffic, especially considering the thousands of tourists visiting the island.

Corfu’s rich history and unique lifestyle

A visit to Corfu is not complete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a labyrinth of Venetian buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks such as the Old and New Fortresses. To truly appreciate Corfu’s rich history and artistic heritage, be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the Municipal Art Gallery. I found myself returning to the Old Town several times, both day and night, to experience its unique atmosphere.

In the evening, Corfu Town comes alive with its narrow streets, Spianada Square, and lively nightlife. Treat yourself to delicious Corfiot cuisine at famous restaurants such as Pomo d’oro, Venetsianiko Pigadi (Venetian Well), and Tο tavernaki tis Marinas. Don’t miss out on trying local specialties such as Pastitsada, Sofrito, Noumboulo, and Bourdetto, accompanied by Tsitsibira (ginger beer) or Corfiot Red Beer. For a sweet taste, savor Mandoles (caramelized almonds), Sykomaida (fig paste), or traditional desserts such as galaktoboureko, mandoles, and loukoumades at local bakeries and confectioneries – just to name a few: Periklis Alexis milk shop for galaktoboureko, Papagiorgis confection for mandoles and ice cream, and Stazi Meli for traditional loukoumades, all in the old town of Corfu.

While exploring the island and after a long day at sea, be sure to try some of the local restaurants outside of Corfu Town. The Stavrodromi restaurant, between Agios Ounoufrios and Pelekas villages, offers traditional Greek food, while the Grill restaurant near the village of Kastellani is a popular place for locals. And don’t forget to enjoy a meal at one of the many beach bars and restaurants around the island.

Although I visited many beaches during my trip, Agios Gordios beach became my favorite. I loved spending my afternoon there in one of the bars and staying until the sun went down, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the amazing views.

A taste of adventure

As an avid hiker, I couldn’t resist spending two days exploring Corfu’s hiking trails. My first trip is from Paliokastritsa to Angelokastro Castle, a moderately challenging hike rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view. On the way, I stopped at the lovely village of Lakones for a refreshing break and a delicious yogurt with honey and nuts, admiring the amazing views of Palaokastritsa.

After hiking, I cool off on the beautiful beach of Palaokastritsa, the refreshing cold water is a way to relax from the summer sun. I ended up spending the night there, enjoying a drink at Aragosta Beach Club and a delicious dinner. The combination of excellent service, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere kept me there with no regrets. The risotto was delicious!

My second hike took me to the summit of Mount Pantokrator. From the beautiful village of Old Peritheia, I climbed to the highest peak on the island, enjoying amazing views along the way. After my descent, I explored the historic village of Old Peritheia and visited the Canal D’ Amour, a famous beach known for its unique rock formations.

Continuing my journey, I found Porto Timoni, one of the most beautiful and hidden beaches in Corfu. Following Fly Me To The Moon’s recommendation, I headed to the village of Afionas to witness the spectacular sunset. Anemos Bar and Restaurant, a popular place to enjoy the sunset, is a must visit. Be sure to arrive early or make a reservation to secure a good table.

Royal flair and Corfu class

On my last day in Corfu, I indulged in some royal art. I visited the magnificent Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical mansion built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) in the late 19th century. The palace is decorated with amazing sculptures and paintings inspired by Greek mythology, reflecting Sisi’s fascination with ancient Greece. Afterwards, I explored Mon Repos Palace, the former summer residence of the Greek royal family and the birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

For a delicious last meal, I dined at Flisvos The Seaside Experience, a beachside restaurant near the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna. Enjoying the delicious food and the amazing views of the planes landing on the island was a memorable experience. After dinner, I wandered back to Corfu Town for a night walk, exploring the narrow streets and enjoying a nightcap at Cale Larga, a popular spot for quality drinks and late-night chats. I really enjoyed the gin and tonic with an olive twist!

If you have more time, consider escaping the crowds at Agios Georgios beach (near Afionas village and Porto Timoni beach) or take a boat trip to explore hidden coves and nearby islands such as Paxos and Antipaxos. Although I always plan to visit these islands during my trip to Corfu, I often find myself so drawn to the island itself that I end up saving it for another time. This way, I always have an excuse to come back!

Fly to the Moon and back to Corfu!

I always find myself drawn back to Corfu! For some reason, I can’t get enough of this island, making it one of my favorite Greek getaways. And it’s not just for summer. Corfu is an amazing place to visit all year round. Outside of summer, it is very popular and popular during Easter, attracting thousands of pilgrims. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Corfu offers something for everyone. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality, this delightful island is sure to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re looking to experience Corfu like a true insider, Fly Me to the Moon is your perfect guide. As Elena Papanicolaou, founder of Fly Me to the Moon says: “There is something pure and ancient about Greece. The soul of the country – the vibe – is what makes it different. You can absorb that sense, especially in unexplored areas. As soon as you breathe and close your eyes or look up at the sky, you feel like you are part of a millennium talking to you.”

Dimitrios Athanasopoulos

Dimitrios Athanasopoulos is Director of Good Advocacy. Fine Representation is a London-based boutique and independent representation and consultancy agency for travel and tourism related brands. If you are interested in becoming a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to raise your profile, please contact us.