Great Things to Do Near Valtes Green
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.
Mouse Island (Pontikinissi)
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.
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.
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.
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!
For those who would like to know more about the cuisine
Try Bourdetto, one of the many local dishes created here on Corfu. It is a spicy fish stew made from freshly caught scorpion fish. Be warned though, 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!
Mount Pantokrator summit
Choose a clear day and drive to the top (you can cycle but it is so much easier driving!). It may be hot down in the valley but you will definitely feel the difference in temperature at the top. As you drive up, note the amazing changes in landscape.
Visit Lefkimmi
A traditional village which still has the charm of an old fashioned Greek town. Drive down to the river (Potami) and sit back at one of the cafes or local tavernas and watch all the locals go about their business. Then finish the day at the local beach, Boukari, at the mouth of the river.
Go hill walking along the many trails
The Spartillas to Ano Perithia via Mount Pantokrator is one of our favourites. Hike through the hills to the highest peak on the island and visit the deserted hillside village of Ano Perithea for a delightful lunch in one of the tavernas there along the way.
Olive Oil Museum
Why not take a drive to the village of Aghios Matheas and visit the olive oil museum. Corfu is famous for its oil and trees, and the locals are very proud of their oil which is all hand produced. The museum lets you see the whole process of the making of the oil, from the tree right through to the finished product.
Lunch on Vidos Island
Vidos Island used to house an ancient Venetian fortress, later turned into the Corfu ‘Alcatraz’! Now, it is simply a wonderfully tranquil spot to go for a walk, a quiet swim and a perfect setting for lunch – with the beautiful view of Corfu town and its fortresses in front of you. You catch the boats for Vidos in the car park at the old port, which you will find situated in front of the new fortress.
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.
Experience the 'volta'
In any town or large village, especially on a weekend or holiday, the inhabitants of the town will congregate in the main square in the early evening, to have a stroll around, talk to their friends, have an aperitif or ice cream, before dispersing for dinner. It is the perfect time to people watch!
Visit Mon Repos
A visit to Mon Repos is well worthwhile. A Royal mansion, with huge gardens, fountains, ancient trees and plants. Also famed for being the birthplace of Prince Philip. Mon Repos is only a 20 minute walk from the centre of the old town of Corfu, at the start of the Kanoni peninsula.
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.
Promenade along the Liston
This is the place to people watch! Take a stroll along this elegant arcaded avenue, where families gather and locals parade their newly purchased clothes. Choose a café, enjoy the atmosphere and take your time; the coffees may be a little bit more expensive than in other parts, but the entertainment comes free of charge.
Visit Albania!
There are organised day trips to this fascinating country. It is well worth the trip to experience the culture of a country that is still completely un-commercialised. You can purchase tickets directly from the Ionian Cruises office in the old harbour in Corfu Town.
