Great Things to Do Near Filio
Read 'My family and other animals'
Gerald Durrell's semi-autobiographical book was based on his family's experiences of living in Corfu in the late 1930s, and his fascination with the natural world and wildlife around him. It is set in the area of Vigla, Kalami, Kouloura and he writes about the carpets of cyclamen found in the spring in the area walking up from Kalami to Vigla.
Sunset at Peroulades
Take a late afternoon drive towards Sidari and you will come to Peroulades, a small village set way up high on the cliff tops overlooking Loggas Beach. Here you will find the well-known Cafe Bar called 7th Heaven, perched right on the cliff edge. The bar's terrace extends onto a glass platform where you can gaze straight down to the sea and the cliff face beneath your feet - if you dare! Then finish off the evening with a cooling drink watching the sunset over the Ionian Sea.
Explore the north-east coast by boat
Hire a boat for the day to explore the beautiful north-east coast, probably the prettiest coastline here on the island. You can stop off in any number of little coves that can only be discovered by sea, go for a swim or try some snorkelling, before heading to one of the bays (Agni, Kalami or San Stefanos) for a spot of lunch.
Try a typical Corfiot dish
One of the many local dishes created here on Corfu, Bourdetto is a spicy fish stew made from freshly caught scorpion fish. Be warned, you have to eat this dish with your fingers and a lot of bread for the salsa (sauce), as it is a very bony fish, and is far too fiddly to try to eat with a knife and fork, so eat it the local way!
Visit Paleokastritsa (probably easier to get to than to say it!!)
Pa-le-o-ka-str-it-sa (pronunciation: just let it roll off the tongue!) is set around three main bays. It is famous for being Corfu's most treasured beauty spot; beware it can become busy in high season. Luxury yachts sail in to admire the back drop of the beautiful green hills around Paleokastritsa.The best way - for the views, is to go via the Troumpetas pass. Look on your map for Skipero (which is on the main Sidari road). The pass is just above.
Visit Lake Korission at the southern tip of the island
Go for a walk around the lake, watch the windsurfers just off the huge expanse of golden sandy beach, and explore the nearby Gardiki castle – a busy day out for all the family. And right on your doorstep too!
Birdwatching
Keen ornithologists will be pleased to discover the bird watching area at Lake Korission, where there is the opportunity to see several different species of wading birds, amongst others.
Explore Corfu Town
See the palaces and Venetian fortresses and explore the old town that is home to the Greek Royal family during their annual vacation. Prince Philip was born here, in Mon Repos palace.
Visit the Durrells' home
Visit the White House in Kalami, home to the Durrell family back in the 1930's, whilst Lawrence wrote his novel 'Prospero's Cell' and where Gerald wrote 'My Family and Other Animals', both a must read when holidaying in Corfu.
Sail on a glass bottom boat
Leaving Paleokastritsa daily over the main season, you'll see amazing undersea wonders, visit incredible caves close to Ermones that can only be accessed from the water, and enjoy an afternoon on Paradise Beach - a huge expanse of white sand/shingle beach and aquamarine sea also only accessible by boat.
Play a round of golf
You'll find the island's 18-hole golf course close to Ermones on the Ropa Valley (west of Corfu Town). This excellent course (one of only half a dozen in all of Greece!) was created by the British during their time of occupation.
Visit the Achilleion Palace
One of the most famous royal mansions in Europe, some consider the Achilleion Palace to be the most important architectural landmark in Corfu. Built in 1890, entirely at the expense of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (also known as Sisi), the palace acted as a quiet retreat for this controversial historical figure. You can stroll through the lovely gardens dedicated to her hero Achilles or simply enjoy the stunning architecture.
Try canoeing or kayaking
For beginners, Corfu is the ideal place if interested in sea-canoeing and kayaking as rental shops dot most of the popular beaches, while more confident and experienced sports buffs can explore the island's stunning shoreline independently.
Visit Pontikinissi (Mouse Island)
What a lovely way to spend a half day, take a trip out to the Kanoni peninsula and enjoy a coffee on the waterfront café there, next to the Vlahernon monastery, which is also an island, but has been connected to the Kanoni peninsula by a small causeway. It's from this small causeway that you take the regular boat crossing over to Pontikinissi about a 5 minute boat trip away. Don’t forget your swimming gear, as you can easily have a lovely swim here.
The Big Red Bus
Drive down to Corfu Town and pick up the Big Red Bus from the port. This relatively new service is an open-topped, 'Hop On / Hop Off' bus that takes you on a guided tour all around Corfu Town and the outlying areas. It's a great way to see and hear about the town's history and highlights.
Enjoy a little orchestra music in the square
Splianada Square is the main square of the island and the central meeting spot for locals and visitors, situated in Corfu (Kerkyra) Town. It was constructed to resemble the European Royal Gardens. It is the largest square in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe. During the summer months, symphonic orchestras perform at the kiosk that is situated in the square. Order a Greek coffee and soak in the atmosphere....
