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 needed to discover a facet 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 yr for vacationer arrivals in Greece post-Covid. I needed 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 would observe 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 fascinating Greek island nestled within the Ionian Sea. Famend for its beautiful 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 reminiscent of 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 automobile 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 throughout 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 site visitors, particularly contemplating the hundreds of vacationers visiting the island.
Corfu’s wealthy historical past and distinctive way of life
A go to to Corfu isn’t full with out exploring its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Previous City, a labyrinth of Venetian structure, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks just like the Previous and New Fortresses. To actually recognize Corfu’s wealthy historical past and inventive heritage, make sure to go to the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the Municipal Artwork Gallery. I discovered myself returning to the Previous City a number of instances, each day and evening, to absorb its distinctive environment.
Within the evenings, Corfu City comes alive with its slim streets, Spianada Sq., and vibrant nightlife. Bask in scrumptious Corfiot delicacies at famend eating places like Pomo d’oro, Venetsianiko Pigadi (Venetian Properly), and Tο tavernaki tis Marinas. Don’t miss out on making an attempt 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 previous city.
Whereas exploring the island and after an extended day at a seaside, make sure to attempt a few of the native eating places outdoors of Corfu City. To Stavrodromi restaurant, positioned between Agios Ounoufrios and Pelekas villages, affords conventional Greek delicacies, whereas Grill restaurant close to Kastellani village is a well-liked spot with locals. And don’t neglect 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 beautiful views.
A style of journey
As an lively traveller, I couldn’t resist spending two days exploring Corfu’s mountaineering trails. My first hike was from Paliokastritsa to Angelokastro Fort, a reasonably difficult trek rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views. Alongside the way in which, I paused within the charming village of Lakones for a refreshing break and a scrumptious yogurt with honey and nuts, admiring the beautiful views of Palaokastritsa.
After the hike, I cooled off on the lovely 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 Previous Peritheia, I ascended the island’s highest peak, having fun with beautiful views alongside the way in which. After my descent, I explored the historic village of Previous 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 in every of Corfu’s most lovely and secluded seashores. Following Fly Me To The Moon’s advice, 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. You’ll want to arrive early or make a reservation to safe a superb desk.
Every thing you have to plan your journey in 2024
Royal aptitude and Corfu class
On my closing 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 beautiful statues and frescoes impressed by Greek mythology, reflecting Sisi’s fascination with historic 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 closing 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’ve got extra time, think about 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 typically 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 purpose, I can by no means get sufficient of this island, making it one in every of 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 standard throughout Easter, attracting hundreds of vacationers. Whether or not you’re in search of journey, rest, or cultural immersion, Corfu affords one thing for everybody. With its breathtaking landscapes, wealthy historical past, and heat hospitality, this enchanting island is bound to go away an enduring impression.
In the event you’re seeking to expertise Corfu like a real insider, Fly Me to the Moon is your supreme information. As Elena Papanicolaou, founding father of Fly Me to the Moon says: “There’s something pure and primitive about Greece. The soul of the nation – the vibe – is what makes it distinctive. You possibly can take in that essence, particularly in additional unexplored locations. In the event you simply breathe and shut your eyes or search for on the sky, you are feeling such as you’re part of the millennia, which are talking to you.”
Dimitrios Athanasopoulos
Dimitrios Athanasopoulos is Director of High quality Illustration. High quality Illustration is a London-based boutique and impartial illustration and consulting company for beautiful journey and travel-related manufacturers. If you want to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Weblog in an effort to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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