I’m often asked about twin centre holidays, and this one is an excellent temptation for anyone!
Once you’ve been to a few Greek Islands, you’re addicted. Whilst there are 6,000 of them, at least you can start to work your way through the 227 that are inhabited!
Everyone’s tastes are different, and I like to think of myself as someone who appreciates a broad mix of everything, from culture to understanding the history of a destination, yet also remembering it is a holiday after all!
Firstly, let’s talk Corfu
A lovely, charming Island, super picturesque wherever you go, but quieter in the North and East I found. I stayed in Dassia on the East, just 30 minutes North of Corfu town, so that was perfect for a central location to explore the Island. Some lovely hotels nearby, especially IKOS and Grecotel for a more deluxe experience.
My nearest beach was Dassia, perfect for a day and plenty of food options, with the standout being the Greek ‘Alex Garden Restaurant’ and a BBQ concept at Baracoa, which whilst American, they did lots of Greek food. Both will not disappoint. Everywhere had ‘Feta me Meli’, which was feta cheese baked in filo pastry, covered in honey and sesame seeds. I defy you not to eat this every day!
You need a car, ideally. I was amazed, but my hire car was only 90EU for the week and suited us perfectly, spending only 30EU and we travelled a reasonable amount. We headed North for a day and I’d recommend Kassiopi, then head far north, trying the glass walkway at 7th Heaven. Amazing views.
Off to the west on a day trip we did the ever famous ‘Porto Timoni’ beach. Be warned, it’s very popular, cramped and best accessed via boat, but at 15EU each, I’d try elsewhere. Yes it was a novelty, but in my opinion not relaxing.
Similarly, Palaiokastritsa beach was a magnet for tourists, so I’d go super early or late. I did the blue cave trip and (top tip) if you pick a small boat, you get better access into the caves. Sunsets off the west coast were also pretty amazing.
We didn’t travel South on this occasion, but did head inland to some little forgotten towns and to capture the best views.
Corfu old town is spectacular. So many little cobbled streets, little openings with bustling restaurants and I’d recommend going to the Old Fort & Church of St George on the coast, then chill at a lovely cocktail bar (NOAK Azur), a real hidden gem!
Moving onto my second week in Paxos..
Well, I’m sold. It was the most gorgeous of islands. We stayed right near the main port of Gaios, so every night we would walk along the promenade and along the harbour to the town.
Gaios is the largest town on Paxos and the best place to locate yourself for the week, with the widest options for food, some nightlife and access to mopeds, boats and more, crucial for navigating the Island.
We hired mopeds for 2 days, as there are only 5 taxis on the Island (which are a lucky dip in terms of booking!). Mopeds were safe, about 25EU each day and the best way to get around, travelling the entire island each day is easy.
Loggos & Lakka are on the North West and North of the Island, both small harbour towns and worth a visit, although they are quite sleepy. Promise me you’ll stop off at Ben’s Bar (the restaurant above) just outside Loggos and a must-do is a cocktail at Le Rocher too, with a few little tables on the beach, surrounded by turquoise, crystal clear waters!!
(Top tip) You simply have to hire a boat. It’s simple, they offer you a lesson which is free and great fun, and there is nothing to it! That way you can explore the whole Island at your pace, drop anchor in your own private spot, especially the many caves only accessible from the sea.
We had the boat from 10am until 5.30pm and that was plenty to travel the entire island, including the small neighbouring Island of Antipaxos too. It was a real highlight of the trip. The boat was 90EU and you pay for fuel depending on use, ours was 45EU, and well worth it!
Corfu Old Town Harbour and food, the Filo Feta dish, the Greek hospitality and most of all the chilled, romantic feel of Gaios in Paxos. The freedom of a moped, makes you feel 18 again!
Spotting turtles and dolphins from our own boat!
Paxos is becoming more popular, but (top tip) if you visit May/June or September/Oct, it will be cooler temperatures and very peaceful.
If it’s good enough for Angelina Jolie to buy a place there, it must be ok for us mere mortals...
There are plenty of routes to Corfu, Ryanair was fine and the flight time is just over 3 hours.
For the trip over to Paxos, a simple ferry from the port of Corfu town, it costs 30EU each, but (top tip) book Kerkyra rather than Joy, based upon reviews and what I experienced. You need to book well in advance, both ways, as they fill up quick and only run a few services daily.
