Corfu is one of Greece’s Ionian islands and has families who return year on year to snorkel in its turquoise waters, wander its cosmopolitan old town, and explore its ever-evolving foodie scene.
One of the larger islands, it has wilder, mountainous parts where hilltop villages serve up local delicacies, and comes with more than its fair share of film-worthy locations, most recently having featured in The Durrells TV series adapted from Gerald Durrell’s book My Family and Other Animals.
Where to Go
Paleokastritsa – one of the best places in Corfu for snorkelling and diving thanks to its beautifully clear waters. Our little ones loved its sandy beaches too with gently shelving sand and plenty of shells and rocks to find on the beach. You can hire a boat for the day from here to explore the coastline’s quieter coves, or hop on the air conditioned glass bottomed Yellow Submarine which departs daily from the port.
Kassiopi – head here for caves, coves and pretty kid-friendly beaches with a mix of shallow waters and water sports facilities that will keep all ages happy. Our little ones loved Avlaki Bay with its calm sea and beach taverna – just remember to pack some water shoes as the beaches are pebbly.
Butterfly beaches – the photogenic beaches of Afionas and Porto Timoni sit back-to-back in a pretty butterfly shape flanked by hilly pine clad hills. It’s around a 15-minute hike to get down to the beaches so best suited to those with slightly older kids but its wild beauty is worth the effort. Alternatively, try Limni beach, nicknamed the ‘magical lake’ by my children – also double sided, it is much quieter with an easier, shaded walk through an olive grove to reach it.
Corfu Town – during the cooler parts of the day we loved exploring Corfu town, with its impressive old fortress, its colourful Venetian buildings, and its plentiful ice cream parlours.
What To Do
The Black Rose – Corfu’s very own pirate ship, offering fun daily mini cruises departing from Corfu town. Our kids loved dressing up and playing pirates with lots of on-board characters to keep them entertained, as well as the chance to spot dolphins.
For ice cream accompanied by a panoramic coastal view head to Dolce in the hills above Paleokastritsa. With over 25 flavours, and a bonus play area for the kids, we visited more than once…
Corfu Aquarium – ideal for giving those too young to snorkel a glimpse of the local sea life with sea bass, grouper, star fish, sea horses and an octopus to encounter amongst others.
Hire a boat – with local boat hire readily available across the island, it’s a great way to reach the coves harder for younger kids to get to on foot. Head to your nearest bakery early and pack a picnic for the beach – the spanakopita taste particularly delicious after a morning swim or snorkel.
Where To Eat
You would be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to the south of France when you arrive at Ambelonas – a gorgeous country estate with its own vineyard, restaurant and cookery school. The Corfiot dishes here were some of the best we tried and the children loved exploring the vineyard and gardens.
Akron is a chic beach club with one of the best kid’s menus (according to my children anyway). Set right on the beach it has showers and changing cabins so you can swap wet swimsuits for lunch or dinner wear without fuss.
For traditional homemade dishes ‘made by nonna’ we loved Stou Maka in Temploni. Set on an idyllic village square (where the kids can play), this was one of our holiday highlights. There is no menu (you just let them know if there’s anything you don’t eat) and every dish is homemade by chef Anna using local ingredients. Her family bring out a steady stream of homemade breads, dips, fritters, and salads followed by ashared main course. The beetroot tzatziki was a particular hit with the kids!
Where to Stay
The Villa Eva Residence (pictured below). Browse all our family-friendly vacation rentals in Corfu and the Greek Islands, or discover more about where to stay in the Greek Islands with kids.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/corfu/the-villa-eva-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/kefalonia/the-lime-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/corfu/the-villa-georgia-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/kefalonia/the-io-cottage-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/corfu/the-agios-spyridon-residence
