Biggest Takeaways from Corfu

Welcome to the lands of the Odyssey: of crystal clear waters, Greek Goddesses and… George Michalas?

Everywhere we went, we noticed the name Michalas. And so many men are named George!

The woman at the car rental place (also called Michalas) told us that the Michalas family owns many of the businesses in Corfu.

Anyway. Here are the biggest takeaways from our lovely little beach vacation in Corfu!

1. Where to stay and Where Not to Stay?

2. Plan ahead for your return to the airport

3. Rent a car for 3 days to get the most out of your time

4. The best food is on the side roads, outside of coastal towns

5. Rent a boat if you can!

6. Try the Corfiot specialty called Bourdeto (scorpion fish)

7. Cats are eveywhere and very friendly

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1. Where to stay…and Where Not to Stay

I would recommend staying in Paleokastritsia, Doukades or near Kouloura. Visit, but don’t stay in Sidari. It’s super touristy and all the restaurants seem to cater to a heavy drinking crowd. (Canal d’Amour is absolutely beautiful though)

We stayed at Ipsia Apartments in Paleokastritsia, a gorgeous town below the monastery, on the opposite side of the island from the airport. We chose Paleokastritsia for its amazing little swimming holes and coves.

Ipsia was a nice and affordable apartment above the center of Paleokastritsia, and the host family was really nice and welcoming. We especially liked the outdoor grill and patio.

Just up the mountain from Ipsia is Lakones, with the best view I saw in all of Corfu.

One of the biggest tips I can share is to plan your travel knowing that in order to travel between Corfu Town (where the airport is) and Paleokastritsia, you will either need a car or to take a bus between. And the buses don’t travel at all hours.

Which brings me to my next point.

2. Plan ahead for your return to the airport.

We almost got stranded in Corfu because we tried to use a service called Hoppa to get us to our early morning flight out of Corfu Town. Hoppa never showed up at 2:30 AM! So… don’t make that mistake.

Hire a cab in advance, book your flight in the middle of the day so you can take a bus, or stay in Corfu center.

Just don’t trust Hoppa to have your back!

Golden Hour in Canal d’Amour in Sidari - the light there, especially at sunset, is outstanding!

3. To make the most of your time rent a car

At first, we weren’t planning to rent a car because we thought, for once we will have a beach vacation.

But we quickly got antsy to see what was outside of Paleokastritsia, since mostly it is just one street that caters to tourists, and the local grocer told us that he and the other locals go to eat in Doukades, which is only reachable by car.

We ended up renting from George Michalas rentals in the middle of Corfu. It was around $100 to rent a car for three days which was a great decision and the perfect amount of time to see everything we wanted to see outside of Paleokastritsia.

Keep in mind, grocery stores are not everywhere. There wasn’t a full grocery in Paleokastritsia. So if you plan on cooking anything substantial, you will probably need a car to gather your ingredients.

(And to access the best Greek food on the island!)

4. The best food is on the side roads, outside of coastal towns.

There’s a big tourism industry in Corfu, and the best restaurants are usually tucked away from the tourist towns. Surprise, they’re where the locals eat. My favorite restaurant, without a doubt, was Taverna Kouloura, not only for its food but also for its atmosphere. I’m getting the Bourdeto next time.

Click here for our favorite restaurants in Corfu.

5. Rent a boat if you can!

Because the water is exquisite, you can paddle out to caves and private beaches, and the epic rock formations will make you feel like a character in the Odyssey… Need I write more?

You can take your boat into caves like this!

6. Try the Corfiot specialty called Bourdeto (scorpion fish)

Delicious, but not a scorpion fish.

The most delicious local specialty we tried in Corfu was Bourdeto, where fish is poached in a spicy tomato broth. The best versions use scorpion fish, which is caught locally.

Damn—it. is. so. good!

I had never tried scorpion fish before that meal, and after considered that it might be my new favorite fish. It’s so meaty and flavorful!

To read more about Corfiot food and our favorite restaurants, click here!

7. Cats are everywhere and very friendly

Is it the Mediterannean diet? That island life? Whatever it is, Greek cats are the friendliest I’ve ever met.

Living la vida Greca