Live in Corfu like a local!
Corfu is a unique Greek island in so many ways, one of them is because part of the island’s history wasn’t only Greek… Italy, French and England had a huge impact on day-to-day life during the course of history.
It is demonstrated even today, and especially in the old city, where you can feel like “Emily in Paris” while having coffee in Liston (a boulevard that was constructed during the French rule imitating the Rue De Rivoli of Paris) enjoying the views of the English Palace of St. Michael and St. George after having an Aperol Spritz in the Venetians alleys. The huge Spianada Square (the biggest square in Greece) and the old Fortress just in front are an additional example of how great a combination of cultures can be.
The exploration becomes even more breath taking when leaving the city to enjoy the villages around the island. Each with it’s own personality.
Due to the fact thatsome roads are very narrow, and that navigating isn’t always that easy in the island, we always recommend a group or a private tour in order to make the best out of your vacation.
Coffee Time
Ouzo and more
This ritual of coffee and ouzo is especially ‘obligatory’ on Sundays after church. St Spiridon’s church in the old town has the privilege to host the relics of saint Spiridon , the miraculous protector of Corfu. You can admire the awe-inspiring ceiling, beautiful religious icons and, if allowed, pay your respects to the remains of Saint Spiridon, for centuries kept in a silver sarcophagus behind the altar. Filled with devout worshippers, the Sunday service, charged with reverence and the beguiling chorus of the clergy, can become the true display of a Corfiot experience.
Another activity that can surely upgrade visit to Corfu is the local market in the heart of the commercial part of the town. Get ready to laze about in front of every stall and be absolutely amazed by the variety of fruit and vegetables that you can try, such as figs and special fig pies, black berries, tiny but delicious Corfu strawberries and prickly pears that can be peeled for you to go. As you walk along the market, the smell becomes stronger by the local ‘nouboulo’ and ‘salado’, a delicate but strong version of ‘salami’. The regional olive products, fresh fish and oysters will clearly not go unnoticed either.
It is without question quite complex to understand the Greek language but if you don’t try it now, you never will. Have fun with it and don’t miss any opportunity to practice chunks of language. If indeed you are Italian or Spanish you will soon realize how a lot of corfiot expressions are closely linked to our Venetian heritage.
So, remember: ‘When in Corfu do as the Corfiots do’
Mingle with the locals, taste the signature cocktails of ambitious bartenders, explore the little villages and the stories that they are about to tell, be part of the excitement of the youth and the wisdom of the mature. It is the minor details that make up the character of a place, pieces and fragments of history and daily life that have beautifully fused together.
Corfu Island beats in its own drum and it’s your chance to have a close hearing of its rhythm.
