Stay and Play: Corfu Luxury Holidays
No doubt one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, Corfu was once the playground of the European elite, who were drawn by the island's natural beauty, warm waters and rich historical past. Kerkyra to the Greeks and the northernmost island in the Ionian Sea, it remains a haven for visitors searching for something a bit special, and Corfu luxury holidays are just that.
Unlike the shingle-filled beaches on the eastern side of the island, the west coast boasts golden sandy shores bathed by the warm Ionian Sea. Sitting atop the cliffs and affording stunning panoramic views is the Aquis Agios Gordios, an all-inclusive hotel that features 246 rooms in a picture-perfect location. An adult-only resort, its quiet surroundings ensure it's the ideal place to unwind, a feeling that's enhanced by its own wellness club and spa. There are also a number of activities available, but those in search of something different are well placed to discover the rest of this beautiful island.
Steeped in history, Corfu has enough ancient buildings and monuments to delight any visitor, but for a day out that offers something for everyone, a visit to Mount Pantokrator is a must. Meaning 'The Almighty' or 'Mount of God', Pantokrator is the island's highest mountain, standing at 2,972ft. Often topped with snow during the winter months, it's not just the stunning views that make the mountain so special, with a vista spanning the whole of Corfu, as well as Albania and on a clear day even Italy, which lies around 80km away, the summit is also home to a monastery.
First built in the 14th century but taking its current form in 1689, it features 14th-and 15th-century frescoes, with the fa§ade built during the 19th century. Whilst the monastery is open to visitors, it is somewhat overshadowed by a telecommunications station whose largest tower stands right over a well. A small coffee shop, the aptly named 'Pantokrator', is also open to those visiting the island's highest peak.
But it's not just the top of the mountain that's worth seeing; the journey up is equally remarkable. A paradise for walkers, with its beautiful views and abundance of wild flowers, the walk is featured in the Corfu Trail, an established walking guide around the island. A popular starting point is Old Perithia, Corfu's oldest village, whose inhabitants helped build the 14th-century monastery. A popular, and also the easiest, route for walkers is Ipsos beach, Ayios Markos, Korakiana, Dassia and back to Ipsos following a different road.
The journey up has also become incredibly sought after amongst the more adventurous cyclists, with a number of companies offering special bicycle tours for the more hardened riders. Most people though choose to drive up the series of winding roads that lead to the top.
Ideal for jeep safaris €" excursions are extremely popular here €" visitors can also take their own car and enjoy the scenery of endless olive groves, cypress trees, pine trees, oaks, orchards, vineyards and quaint villages. On route, the sea provides the perfect backdrop to the traditional villages: set in the mountainside, most of the buildings are made of grey stone, evoking times gone by. The large village of Korakiana is immersed in birdsong, whilst the village of Strinillas in particular provides the perfect opportunity to sample a traditional Corfiot meal, washed down with a glass of local wine. With nature at its best and the Ionian at your feet, cheap holidays don't get better than this.
Unlike the shingle-filled beaches on the eastern side of the island, the west coast boasts golden sandy shores bathed by the warm Ionian Sea. Sitting atop the cliffs and affording stunning panoramic views is the Aquis Agios Gordios, an all-inclusive hotel that features 246 rooms in a picture-perfect location. An adult-only resort, its quiet surroundings ensure it's the ideal place to unwind, a feeling that's enhanced by its own wellness club and spa. There are also a number of activities available, but those in search of something different are well placed to discover the rest of this beautiful island.
Steeped in history, Corfu has enough ancient buildings and monuments to delight any visitor, but for a day out that offers something for everyone, a visit to Mount Pantokrator is a must. Meaning 'The Almighty' or 'Mount of God', Pantokrator is the island's highest mountain, standing at 2,972ft. Often topped with snow during the winter months, it's not just the stunning views that make the mountain so special, with a vista spanning the whole of Corfu, as well as Albania and on a clear day even Italy, which lies around 80km away, the summit is also home to a monastery.
First built in the 14th century but taking its current form in 1689, it features 14th-and 15th-century frescoes, with the fa§ade built during the 19th century. Whilst the monastery is open to visitors, it is somewhat overshadowed by a telecommunications station whose largest tower stands right over a well. A small coffee shop, the aptly named 'Pantokrator', is also open to those visiting the island's highest peak.
But it's not just the top of the mountain that's worth seeing; the journey up is equally remarkable. A paradise for walkers, with its beautiful views and abundance of wild flowers, the walk is featured in the Corfu Trail, an established walking guide around the island. A popular starting point is Old Perithia, Corfu's oldest village, whose inhabitants helped build the 14th-century monastery. A popular, and also the easiest, route for walkers is Ipsos beach, Ayios Markos, Korakiana, Dassia and back to Ipsos following a different road.
The journey up has also become incredibly sought after amongst the more adventurous cyclists, with a number of companies offering special bicycle tours for the more hardened riders. Most people though choose to drive up the series of winding roads that lead to the top.
Ideal for jeep safaris €" excursions are extremely popular here €" visitors can also take their own car and enjoy the scenery of endless olive groves, cypress trees, pine trees, oaks, orchards, vineyards and quaint villages. On route, the sea provides the perfect backdrop to the traditional villages: set in the mountainside, most of the buildings are made of grey stone, evoking times gone by. The large village of Korakiana is immersed in birdsong, whilst the village of Strinillas in particular provides the perfect opportunity to sample a traditional Corfiot meal, washed down with a glass of local wine. With nature at its best and the Ionian at your feet, cheap holidays don't get better than this.
