Great Things to Do Near Rita
Visit Paleokastritsa (easier to get there 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 backdrop 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.
Theotoki winery estate
Not far from the house. Why not take a trip to this famous wine making estate on Corfu, for some wine tasting and a tour to see the process from the vine to the bottle.
Take a trip to the monastery of Mirtiotissa
Not easy to find, but well worth the effort. Head out of the village of Vatos, towards Glyfada, and look out for the signposts nailed onto the olive trees along the right hand side of the road. Remember your map and your swimwear - although the latter is not essential as the beach at Mirtiotissa is a naturist beach (the only one on the island)!
Play a round of golf
You’ll find the island's 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.
Enjoy a little retail therapy!
In the narrow streets radiating off from the Liston in Corfu town, you will find small shops of all sorts, but dominated by the 'gold shops'. Corfiot craftsmen excel at designing and making Greek jewellery in gold - this coupled with competitive prices may tempt you. Among the bustle, look out for those shops and stalls selling local items like wild honey, fig cakes and handmade lace.
Photos ops from the Old Fort
One of the island's principal attractions, Corfu's Old Fort, otherwise known as Paleo Frourio, has served to protect Corfu Town throughout various historical conflicts. Construction began in the 8th century but later modifications included the Venetians adding a moat in the 16th century and the British adding various buildings inside the fort such as the church during the 19th century. Magnificent views over the city are available from the top of the fort.
Sail over to Paxos
Paxos is a tiny unspoilt idyllic island, full of olive trees and oozing with charm. There are just three coastal villages with Gaios being the most well-known. Well worth a day's visit.
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.
Sip wine in Agias Mattheos
Home of some of the best locally produced wines in Corfu! Just drive into the old village, park (abandon like the locals do) your car and knock on one of the doors that are signposted 'local wines' - Yammas!
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!
Snorkelling
Take a trip down south to Alonaki beach where the water is sublimely clear and protective rocks create a perfect bay ideal for snorkelling.
Benitses Shell Museum
Not to be missed by all shell lovers, this extremely impressive collection is lovingly curated and features shells from not only the Ionian Sea, but from all over the world. The children will love it too.
Go ride a bike!
There are a number of dedicated cycle trails all over Corfu. Enquire at the ‘Giant’ mountain bike shop in Dassia for a map and information on bike hire locally. What better way to enjoy the scenery?
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 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.
Local summer festivals
In July & August, many of the villages round about hold evening festivals, with local produce and then a communal meal is prepared with everyone joining in.
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.
