Corfu

With thanks to guest contributors Anna and Patrick Lau

A LONG WEEKEND IN CORFU

Just miles from northwestern Greece and southwestern Albania, Corfu is the second largest of the Greek Ionian Islands and the best known. There is something for everyone here, and adventure seekers will enjoy hiking the dry, mountainous interior and history buffs will appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage old town within Corfu Town. Families and sun-seekers in search of a Mediterranean beach holiday will not be disappointed by the eastern shore’s calm waters and bleached, pebble beaches.

Most major cities in Europe have direct flight’s into Corfu’s Ioannis Kapodistrias Corfu international airport. Those traveling from further afield can transfer through Athens. Unless staying at a resort, we recommend hiring a car to explore on your own.

The high season (and busiest time) on the island is June through August, but the Corfu sun can be oppressive in summer. While we visited at the end of August, we would also recommend the shoulder season. The beaches will be no less beautiful in May or September!

Check out our top tips for how to spend a long weekend in Corfu.

EAT

Al’s Taverna Quiet, beachside taverna at Ipso’s Beach.

Aphrodite’s Grocery and Bakery Hands down, this family-owned grocery and bakery in Nissaki was the best. Order groceries in advance and throughout your stay directly from Aphrodite who can arrange delivery. Definitely go into the bakery and patisserie. They make incredible baklava!

Papagiorgis Patiserie-Gelateria The spot for gelato in Corfu Town. They also have vegan options.

Porta Remoundaj Classic Greek taverna in Corfu Town.

Salto Wine Bar and Bistro A friend coined it the best meal she had in Corfu Town! Also a wine bar.

Yiannis Taverna Krouzeri Friendly taverna with tasty eats on Nissaki Beach. Also a good spot for sundown drinks.

DRINK

Mikro Cafe Super cute cocktail bar in Corfu Town.

Nicoluzo Winery This boutique cellar door once held the title for Greece’s smallest winery. While the humble abode is not much to look at, winemaker Anastasio Nicoluzo is an excellent storyteller and makes damn good wine. You won’t find his bottles really anywhere else - he only sells direct to drive-by visitors, a handful of restaurants and private yachts. Call in advance before stopping by. Tastings are not available here.

Theotoky Estate This organic, family-owned winery is the most prestigious and well-known on the island. They produce a white, rose and red variety (highly recommend the white). Tours and tastings are available.

PLAY

Nissaki Beach A lovely beach on the northeast shore facing Albania. Parking is available as are umbrella and beach chair hires.

Old Venetian Fortress Worth a poke around while spending the day in Corfu Town. Lots of history here and great views of the city.

Palaiokastritsa This village on Corfu’s northwest coast makes for an excellent day trip. Visit the Monastery Paleokastritsa and stop by Akron Beach Bar and Restaurant for a beach swim and lunch.

Yacht Hop Explore Corfu by water for the day. We hired a large vessel with Yacht Hop and spent the day cruising and swimming around the island. Also check out Corfu Yachting.

STAY

The northeast beaches are some of the nicest on the island with smooth, bleached pebbles and calm waters. Our group stayed in a large villa in the hillside above Nissaki beach. MyVilla Corfu had gorgeous views of the water and was well equipped for a group of 15.

Friends spent a few nights in Corfu Town and loved the Siorra Vittoria Boutique Hotel, an 1832 converted mansion next to the town square.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Corfu

Western Cornwall

A WEEK IN WESTERN CORNWALL

Cornwall is the land of legends — literally — as English lore tells it was home to warrior King Arthur and his Camelot. After spending a week in western Cornwall, we were charmed by not only its history (it’s also known for piratical activities and the smuggling trade), but rugged coastline, splendid hikes, stunning beaches and incredible seafood. The Cornish peninsula is home to both the most westerly and southerly points on the British mainland, and the Atlantic Gulf Stream warms its waters and climate, making it the sunniest spot in the UK. We felt the peninsula’s beautiful beaches were akin to those we’ve seen in Bermuda and elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Western Cornwall is an easy drive from London (roughly five hours, passing by Stonehenge), but it is also possible to train from major cities in the mainland UK or to fly into Newquay, the commercial airport that serves Cornwall. We recommend driving as there is much to see and many remote areas where a car is necessary. Take care while driving as roads are small and hemmed in by high hedges which affects visibility.

Prior to your visit, consider purchasing a National Trust membership. The National Trust looks after many of the nation’s coastlines, historic sites and countryside and green spaces, and is the biggest conservation charity in Europe. National Trust members receive free entrance and parking at many beaches and sites across Cornwall.

EAT

The Allotment Deli This sweet shop on Fore Street in St. Ives features local produce, cheese, beer and wine and more. It’s the perfect stop to satisfy your beach picnic needs.

Porthminster Beach Cafe Upscale dining on the beach and an excellent wine list. Perfect for date night or dinner with friends. Bookings essential.

Porthmeor Beach Cafe This trendy eatery overlooks Porthmeor Beach and the St. Ives’ coastline. Go for lunch or brunch then spend a few hours at the beach. Make a booking in advance.

Moomaid of Zennor Ice Cream Parlour Their shipwreck flavor is the best in town!

Rock Pool This hidden gem in Mousehole has a lovely, tiny patio that overlooks rock pools and Saint Michael’s Mount island. We recommend it for lunch or a sunset cocktail and snack. Try the crab sandwich.

Roly’s Fudge Pantry Try their famous vanilla clotted cream fudge.

St. Ives Bakery Several merchants mentioned that this bakery had the best bread in town and they weren’t wrong. Don’t miss the Turkish loaf or the jam-filled “cruffin” (a cross between a croissant and muffin).

Yellow Canary Next door to The Allotment Deli, they have delicious desserts.

DRINK

The Balcony Bar & Kitchen This casual eatery and bar overlooks the St. Ives harbor and is great for an afternoon beer or cocktail. If you’re feeling peckish they also have tasty tacos.

Beer Huis Grand Cafe A Belgian beer hall in St. Ives with an extensive draft and bottle list.

Wine While English wines is generally not incredibly well known on the international market, its well past the point of up and coming and actually quite good! Many English winemakers are experimenting with cooler weather grape varieties and Cornish wineries are no exception. Here were a few of our favorites:

Knightor Vineyard A bit off the beaten path, this vineyard near the Eden Project is a favorite spot for weddings. Their wine shop has an incredibly friendly bartender and we loved their very special, limited edition Portscatho Bacchus 2018.

Polgoon Vineyard Visit for a tour and tasting, though book in advance! We enjoyed their Seyval Blanc & Ortega blend. They also produce ciders.

We heard great things about Camel Valley and Trevibban Mill wineries but were unable to visit this trip.

PLAY

Beaches Cornwall’s beaches are gorgeous - soft, white sand that spreads for meters out to sea during low tide, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and grassy highlands. There are so many spectacular spots, but our favorites in St. Ives included Porthmeor and Porthminster. We also loved the family friendly Carbis Bay Beach, a five minute train ride from St. Ives. If you are up for a drive, it’s worth checking out Chapel Porth Beach in St. Agnes and Godrevy to the north, as well as Sennen Cove near Lands End.

Hiking The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. It stretches for 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset, and lines the entire coastline of Cornwall. Download the iWalk Cornwall app for a comprehensive guide to over 200 hikes in the region. Some of our favorites included:

Lands End The most westerly point in England features incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and coastline to the north. Head south on the trail to check out the Enys Dodnan Arch and beach. This is an easy, two hour hike.

Lizard The Lizard Peninsula is the most southerly point in on the British mainland. We didn’t make it there but our friends raved about the hiking.

Godrevy Point An easy, family friend hike around the Point with views of the lighthouse, Godrevy beach, and if you are lucky a family of beached seals!

Mousehole Harbor This tiny fishing village is a relic of the past - visit to admire its working harbor and fisherman cottages. There are a handful of great places to eat here as well.

Saint Michael’s Mount An island is famed for its medieval church and castle that rise above Mount’s Bay. At low tide the island can be accessed by walking across the Marazion beach and tidal causeway.

St. Ives St. Ives is a beautiful, hip village with a Mediterranean vibe and a large harbor that is excellent for swimming or walking during low tibe. Spend a few hours perusing its cobblestoned streets and admiring the views from its beaches and harbor. The town also has a lovely, independent boutique scene. We especially loved Sweetlime (international-inspired jewellery and home goods) and The Painted Bird (ethically sourced home goods and gifts).

Tate St. Ives An art gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach that features modern and contemporary British works. Artists have flocked to St. Ives since the 19th century for its beautiful natural light and landscapes, and the Tate is just one of the village’s many art galleries.

Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden Linked to the Tate, this museum and sculpture garden feature the works of Barbara Hepworth, a modernist English sculptor and artist.

STAY

St. Ives is a great base from which to tour the rest of western Cornwall, as it has three beaches right in town, a great restaurant and pub scene, boutiques, galleries and more. You pay for the convenience, however, and finding parking can be difficult unless it is included with accommodation. We enjoyed staying at this two bedroom HomeAway property with sea views on a quiet street. St. Ives is small and most properties within the village provide easy access to all it has to offer. However, it is quite hilly with narrow streets and those who are less mobile may find it difficult to walk around.

Those looking for something a bit quieter or more affordable than St. Ives should look just a few miles southeast in Carbis Bay, a family-friendly seaside resort village with its own beach. The train from Carbis Bay to St. Ives takes approximately three to five minutes and costs just £1 each way.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Western Cornwall

Mallorca

The largest of the four major Spanish Balearic Islands, Mallorca is less well known than its glitzy cousin, Ibiza, yet just as beautiful. Celebrated for its mountainous interior and grottos, sparkling coastline and medieval port towns, it is great for a long weekend or extended holiday.

Palma de Mallorca is the island’s international airport and it is generally easy to catch flights from most major European destinations in summer. The island is large and spread out, and unless you are planning to stay in the capital city of Palma, we highly recommend renting a car from the airport. Prices are incredibly cheap and there are a number of rental agencies. If you are heading directly to Palma from the airport, take the Number 1 bus and purchase a €4 ticket from the machine next to the bus stop.

Like most of the Mediterranean’s islands, busy season in Mallorca coincides with the European summer. If traveling between June and August, expect to pay in-season prices for accommodation, tours and more. Looking to visit during a quieter time? Mallorca would be lovely in shoulder season - April, May, September and October.

EAT

Hire a private chef Staying in an AirBnb or villa with friends or family? Consider hiring a private chef for a special dinner at home. We loved the traditional Spanish dinner prepared by Javi of Unami Mallorca, complete with local cheeses and charcuterie, tapas, paella and a local desert.

Quita Penas Valldemossa Traditional food made with local ingredients in the heart of Valldemossa. Go for lunch! Recommended by a friend.

Restaurant Nautilus Great sunset views over dinner in Palma. Recommended by a friend.

DRINK

Bodegas José L. Ferrer Visit this local winery for a tasting and then pick up a few bottles for dinner or to take home.

La Base Fun yacht bar in Port de Sóller made out of shipping containers. Recommended by a friend.

PLAY

Beach hopping Mallorca’s beaches are lovely and one of the main reasons for visiting the island. Our favorites include Formentor (stop for a beautiful view at the Mirador es Colomer along the way), Port de Pollença and Cala Barques.

Charter a boat Explore Mallorca’s coastline, hidden underwater caves, and secluded swimming spots upon a private boat with friends and family. We highly recommend Bonnie Lass Charters, located in Port de Soller, with whom we spent a full day aboard the 70 year old Bonnie Lass, a Scottish shipping boat converted into a pleasure vessel.

Palma Old Town Explore the Cathedral de Palma, Royal Palace L’Almudaina decorated in the Moorish style and the Arab Baths.

Purobeach Club Not far from Palma airport, this trendy beach club is a perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon with friends. Right on the water, the ambience is relaxed though picks up through the afternoon with local DJs.

Port de Sóller Visit this seaside port town for drinks at sunset for magical views of the beautiful stone buildings, surrounding hills and protected natural bay. This is also a great location from where to pick up a day trip on the water.

Sóller Just a few miles from its seaside neighbor, Port de Sóller, this inland village is worth checking out for a drink, nibbles and shopping.

Valldemossa Need a break from the beach? Spend an hour or two visiting this medieval mountain hamlet town.

STAY

You have options! If you are planning a short, romantic getaway, stay in Palma, Sóller or Port de Sóller for proximity to nightlife, culture and easy access by car to the beaches. We recommend Hotel Nakar, situated right in the heart of Palma.

If going with a group of friends, it is incredibly affordable to rent a large villa through AirBnb with grounds and a pool in a more central, remote location, and to make day trips to the towns and beaches.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Mallorca

Positano

An escape that needs no introduction, Positano consistently tops our list of the most stunning coastal villages in Europe. It is no surprise that this trendy village is a highlight stop on any trip to the Italian Amalfi Coast. Come here to enjoy amazing food, wine, views, beaches, and beautiful weather. We visited over a long weekend but generally recommend at least three days. If you have time, combine this stop with a trip to Naples and Capri.

The best way to arrive in Positano is through Naples. Most cities within Europe will have have direct flights in and out of the southern Italian city. To get to the Amalfi coast, we highly recommend renting a car or hiring a private transfer. Most car rentals and shuttles depart from Napoli Centrale, the central train station in Naples, and it is very easy to take the Alibus directly from the airport to Centrale (have euro cash on hand). The drive from Naples Centrale to Positano takes roughly 90 minutes. We have had mixed experiences with transfer companies.

Note that the Amalfi Coast is packed with tourists from all over the world during the summer months. If you want to visit between June and August, book accommodation several months in advance. The shoulder seasons, including the months of April - May, and September, are lovely and quieter times to visit this region.

EAT

Buca di Bacco 1916 A cafe in the harbor with amazing ocean views. Excellent choice for dinner or for an afternoon cocktail.

Collina Bakery Take away coffee, traditional baked goods, and gelato. Yes, please!

Next2 Simple yet elegant delicious cocktails and amazing food. This was one of our favorite meals in Positano. Opt for a seat on the terrace for a romantic setting.

Ristorante Bruno High street views overlooking the beautiful village of Positano. A more casual option with moderately priced dishes.

Ristorante La Sponda Recommended by a friend.

DRINK

Amalfi Coast is also well-known for the famous Amalfi lemons which are literally the size of grapefruits, maybe bigger. Be sure to try the local Limoncello as an after-dinner digestif.

Champagne Bar at Le Sirenuse Classy stop for pre-dinner drinks, great views over the village and sea.

Music on the Rocks Looking for an authentic disco and night club experience? The club offers excellent views and vibes with a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. Music can be hit or miss depending on the night but overall offers some nightlife in the village.

PLAY

The Amalfi Coast is best explored by boat. We highly recommend taking at least a day trip, if not longer, to explore the surrounding coastal villages and islands. Do not miss Capri and Amalfi during your stay! Capri is a small, chic island off the coast of southern Italy, and offers some of the best beaches and shopping. Capri can be reached by ferry from Positano (about 40 minutes). You can check out the ferry schedule is here.

Marina Grande Beach Relax and enjoy the sun at the main beach in Positano. Go early to get a lounger. They typically run about 10€.

Positano Boats We chose the Emerald Grotto & Amalfi Coast tour. We skipped the grotto and instead lounged on the boat. We definitely recommend exploring the village of Amalfi. Although touristy, we enjoyed checking out the local shops, wine bars, and gelato stands for a break from the sun.

Positano Village It is definitely worth an afternoon or a morning to enjoy the colorful village itself. Wander around the winding streets, enjoying the small boutiques and local Italian shops. Bring your camera as the views at every turn are picture-worthy. This village is a photographers dream!

Ralla Antonio Custom sandals in Positano! Although small, the shop offers a wide variety of styles and colors. The owners are friendly and the process of custom fitting is fairly quick.

STAY

We traveled with a group of friends so we stayed in an AirBnb on the hill close to Next2. Definitely book in advance to secure a spot within the village itself. While small and walkable, walking around Positano is not for those who have difficulties managing steps. There are incredibly steep stairs the higher up you stay in the village. If you are renting a car, also be sure to inquire about parking at your accommodation.

LOCATIONS NEARBY

Positano