🇬🇷 Hidden Gem of Greece | Corfu Island — A Forgotten Paradise in the Aegean

#greekislandhopping When people think of Greece, it’s always Santorini or Zakynthos that steal the spotlight. But tucked away in the northern Aegean Sea lies Corfu Island — a hidden, crowd-free retreat that’s quietly captivating more travelers, especially after gaining fame through The Durrells series. Here, you’ll find charming old towns, colorful seaside villas, and dreamy beaches — all without the overwhelming tourist crowds. ✨ Quick Info 📍 Location: Northern Aegean, Greece 🛂 Visa: Schengen Visa required ✈️ Flights: 1h from Athens | 2h from Munich | 3h from London 🗺️ 3-Day Corfu Itinerary Day 1: Corfu Old Town → Villa Posillipo → Latin Chapel Madonna of The Karmelitae Day 2: Paleokastritsa “Jelly Sea” Beach Day 3: Achilleion Palace → Vlacherna Monastery (Floating Church) → Corfu Palace 🌿 Must-See Attractions 🏛️ Corfu Old Town A UNESCO World Heritage Site — where Baroque meets Venetian architecture. Explore Europe’s second-largest square, Spianada, and lose yourself in charming narrow streets. 🏡 Villa Posillipo Corfu A must for The Durrells fans! This seaside villa overlooking Kontokali Bay offers dreamy terraces and gardens that look straight out of the show. Only 7 km from the Old Town. ⛪ Vlacherna Monastery (Floating Church) Corfu’s iconic sea chapel. Located beside the airport runway — you’ll witness planes landing just above your head. A one-of-a-kind experience! 🏛️ Achilleion Palace Once Empress Sisi’s summer escape, this elegant palace boasts classical sculptures, lush gardens (and plenty of friendly cats), plus terraces with stunning sea views. Open 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 🏰 Corfu Palace Former royal residence blending Venetian and British styles. The gardens are picture-perfect, especially during sunset. 🏖️ Paleokastritsa Beach (“Jelly Sea” Beach) Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or boat trips to explore nearby blue caves. Hike up to the hilltop monastery for unforgettable sunset views. 🍽️ Corfu Food to Try 🥂 Kumquat Liqueur — A sweet citrusy liquor unique to Corfu. 🍖 Sofrito — Slow-cooked beef with white wine, garlic, and herbs. 🌶️ Bourdetto — A spicy seafood stew packed with fish, chili peppers, and onions. ⚠️ Essential Tips ✅ Best time to visit: June–August for perfect beach weather and warm seas. ✅ Where to stay: Old Town for easy access to sights, restaurants, and public transport. ✅ Getting around: Renting a car is the most convenient. Public buses run but may be infrequent — bring cash for tickets. Taxis can be hard to find, so allow extra time if relying on them. #staycation #seascapes #travel