Corfu in the spring
Situated in the Ionian Islands off Greece’s northwest coast, Corfu is a perfect get-away destination in April or May. Enjoy the feeling of walking back in time as you stroll through the Venetian streets of the Old Town—the island was, after all, ruled by the Venetians until the 19th century—and marvel at the architecture.
To really appreciate Corfu’s nature, however, you’ll want to head to the wetland of Korission. Approx. 19 miles from Corfu Town on the south coast, it’s a ‘Natura 2000’ protected area—an EU initiative that protects certain areas across the continent for threatened species—and as Korission is spread out over 1480 acres you’ll see the area in full bloom over the spring as well as birds such as European flamingos, kingfishers, red-footed falcons and herons, to name but a few.
Easter is one of, if not the, main celebratory event in the Greek Orthodox calendar and is marked nationwide by the somber torchlight procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday night (this takes place on Easter Saturday in Corfu due to a historic rule imposed by the Venetians in 1574). Easter Sunday is a day of celebration throughout the country where people make as much noise as possible in joy of the resurrection of Christ. Unique to the island, to achieve this feat of noise, Corfu performs the ‘Botides’ ritual whereby locals throw various sized amphora pots from the balconies of their houses across Corfu Town, smashing onto the road below. Be warned; some of these pots are huge!
Bands play and the traditional Greek Easter dish of roast lamb on the spit is served across tavernas, even set up in town squares to share with one and all. There’s a real community feel to the celebration.