Notes from the field – Corfu and Paxos

The second of our series of ‘Notes from the field‘ blogs follows the experiences of Stella in Corfu and Paxos. A seasoned traveller to Greece and a passionate grecophile, this was Stella’s first visit to the islands in 10 years. She has returned enthused by her trip and full of new holiday ideas and inspiration.

Details of your favourite property and why?

Paxos: I loved Aleca’s Cottage on Paxos. Its waterfront location is unique and with its new makeover it is really modern and comfortable.

Corfu: Villa Stavroula in Aghios Gordis. It is in a peaceful location yet close to the beach and all amenities.

Favourite viewpoint and why?

Paxos: The view as you approach the island of Antipaxos by boat. The water surrounding the island is a beautiful shade of aqua blue and the lush backdrop is stunning.

Corfu: The sunset from Aghios Gordis on the West Coast cannot be beaten. Take a seat on the beach or at one of the beachfront bars and tavernas and watch the warm glow in the sky fade before your eyes.

Favourite activity and why?

Paxos: Even though Paxos is the smallest of the Ionian islands there are plenty of walking trails to follow, many of which follow ancient walled pathways and provide access to woodland and white-pebble coves. I travelled to Paxos in May and found my path lined with colourful wild flowers.

Corfu: Corfu Town, the capital of the island, is the perfect destination for people watching and for evening promenades. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful towns in Greece with Venetian and French elegance and a fantastic atmosphere.

Favourite beach and why?

Paxos: Mongonissi beach on the south coast of Paxos is one of only two sandy beaches on the island. There is a taverna on the beach which is locally known for its good food.

Corfu: Whilst the beach at Aghios Gordis may offer the perfect setting for a sundowner, the beach of Arilas on the north west coast of Corfu was my favourite cove on the island. Arilas has golden sand and a selection of nice café bars.

Where you ate your best meal. What did you have and why was it your favourite?

Paxos: Stasinos Garden Restaurant in Lakka. As its name suggests, the restaurant is set in a pretty courtyard garden and offers well-priced meals enhanced by the quality of local produce and fresh herbs used. I had barbecued tuna (one of the most popular dishes on the menu), a delicious Greek Salad and local wine.

Corfu: Café Liston in the heart of Corfu Town is perfect for pre-dinner drinks and for soaking in the atmosphere. For dinner, I loved the Porta Remounta restaurant which is situated in the pedestrianised area of the Old Town. The calamari I had was so fresh and tender.

Highlight of the trip?
Spending a Saturday night in Corfu Town strolling through pedestrianised streets, seeing all of the lovely shops, lighting a candle in Aghios Spirydon Church, having a drink on the famous Liston (which runs between the fortress and town) and generally soaking up the buzz of the town.

General feel of the area:

Paxos:  I found Paxos to be an extremely pretty, upmarket, friendly and elegant – but in a Greek way – low key and a very green island. The backdrop of olive trees and pretty flowers was lovely and meant that there would be plenty of cool places in which to escape the heat of the midday sun. In general prices are a little more expensive then other islands I’ve been to but I think that it is worth the premium.

Corfu:  In our brochure we say that Corfu “is the most northerly of the Ionian islands, the greenest and, perhaps surprisingly, one of the most traditional of them all”. I would have to agree. The north of the island is heavily wooded with pine and cypress trees whereas the south has a relatively flat terrain with long stretches of sandy beach. I loved Liapades for its scenery and Greek feel.