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.

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Corfu

Zermatt

One of the most well-known resorts in the Swiss Alps, Zermatt’s car free mountain village sits at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. With stunning views and slopes that pass into Italy, this spot should be high on your list!

Taking the train is the easiest option as it is just three hours from Zürich. It is also possible to drive to Täsch, park and take the regional shuttle train to the village.

EAT

Chez Heini Traditional Swiss restaurant in the village.

Chez Vrony No better place on mountain. This chic alpine hut can be reached by skiing or via the winter hiking trails near Findeln. The views are incredible and the food is to die for! Try the tart flambée. Booking needed.

Findlerhof This rustic mountain restaurant near Chez Vrony is right off the Sunegga/Findeln lift. It has unmatched views of the Matterhorn, excellent service and a variety of go-to mountain dishes. Try the rösti. Booking needed. 

Giuseppe A change of pace from the traditional Swiss menus, this Italian eatery will not disappoint!

Schäferstube Alpine chalet restaurant with huge cowbells and a traditional menu. Go for the fondue or the raclette.

Snowboat  go for a lively evening with friends. The menu changes periodically but most recently we went for the burgers and cocktails. All around great choice for a fun night out!

DRINK

Drink like a local and order a Schümli Plümli, the perfect way to warm up while skiing in the Swiss Alps!

22 Summits Just a few steps away from the Matterhorn-Express and the center of Zermatt, this new 4 star hotel is an upscale spot for a coffee or drink.

Cervo Alpine-chic chalet at the bottom of Sunnega with live music and local beers

Champagne bar As the name states, this little champagne hut is the perfect apreski stop for views of the matterhorn and flutes of champagne. Located on the ski slope down from Sunnega.

Gee's Bar Nice cocktails and live music nightly. One of the few spots in the village open late

Hennu Stall Cosy drinks at the bottom of Furi-Zermatt slope.

Papperla Pub Mix with the locals with listening to live music and DJs.

Unique Hotel Post Be sure not to miss this spot- located in the heart of Zermatt, this Hotel offers three restaurants and five different bars and clubs.

PLAY

Zermat offers year-round mountain activities, and the mountain is accessible from the village by multiple lifts: Rothhorn, Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. If you are not keen on mountain sports, the village also offers other activities like wellness spas and shopping.  

Hiking (summer season) With a 400 kilometer network of hiking trails, Zermatt is famous for views at every stop. Our local favorite is the Five Lakes Trail (4-6 hours).

Matterhorn Trail (Nr. 29)-Beautiful hike from Schwarzsee - Stafelalp - Zmutt - Zermatt (station). You can also do the hike in reverse but be sure to check that the gondola at Schwarzsee is running!

Furi Suspension Bridge Trail (Nr. 17a) The suspension bridge reaches 90 vertical metres above the Gornerschlucht gorge.  The roundtrip hike from the village is about 1.5 hours. Follow trail signs for “Hängebrückenweg Furi”

Mountain biking, climbing, etc.

Ski or snowboard Zermatt has over 360 kilometers of the most amazing ski slopes at affordable prices. The average price per lift pass is CHF 75. Here for a few days? Opt for the International pass which includes access to Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche in Italy.

Snowshoe or winter hiking 70 kilometers of prepared winter hiking trails for non-skiers. Hike up to Findeln (1.5 hours) and enjoy a lunch or coffee break in the small mountain village.

STAY

Ari Resort Located next to the Matterhorn express gondola station, this beautiful property offers apartment stays- all rooms include a Matterhorn view! About a 10 minute walk from the center of the village.

Chalet Castor This chalet sleeps a large group of up to eight friends. Book through Mountain Exposure Zermatt.

Hotel Bellerive One of our first experiences in Zermatt and still one of our favorites. Book early!  

Panorama Ski Lodge Chic and modern alpine flats with Matterhorn views. Dog friendly =)

Zermatt

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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

Amsterdam

EAT, DRINK AND PLAY IN AMSTERDAM IN 48 HOURS

With its bikes, lovely canals and narrow brick buildings, Amsterdam is one of the sweetest cities in Europe and one that begs for return visits.

Amsterdam is small and best viewed by foot or bicycle. For destinations beyond Centraal and the canal district, the trams are easy and one-hour tickets can be purchased on board.

The city is best reached from the airport via a taxi (15-20 minutes, assumes no traffic) or by train (20 minutes).

We’ve enclosed below our top tips to eat, drink and plan in Amsterdam in 48 hours, or more!

EAT

The Avocado Show An instagram-able brunch spot that serves avocado in every dish. Service can be slow so go early or plan to wait.

Café Binnenvisser- Cozy and trendy wine bar in Amsterdam west. A Limited dinner menu but the food is delicious!

Coba Finding authentic Mexican is a tough task in Europe. This place comes pretty close and has a great ambience and creative cocktails. A must visit!

Foodhallen A sprawling indoor food market with good options for brunch, lunch, or afternoon drinks.

Gs -A really nice place. The name says it all, this is an awesome brunch spot with a massive Bloody Mary selection and innovative takes on the classic eggs benedict.

Henri Willig Cheese Try (and bring home!) Dutch cheese and mustard.

Lantjil & De Tijger The best Indonesian food in a hip, busy setting. Indonesia was a former Dutch colony and today Amsterdam has some of the best food outside of Indonesia. Try one of the nasi plates or a rice table.

The Pancake Bakery All the sweet and savoury Dutch pancakes (a larger cousin of the French crepe) you could want at a historic location in Joordan.

Restaurant C A high-end, trendy restaurant with a tasting menu prepared at varying degrees of Celcius. Service a little slow but food is delicious.

Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx The very best french fries.

Winkel 43 Incredible Dutch apple pie. The hype is real!

DRINK

Brouwerij 't IJ A brewery and beer garden serving organic beers next to a windmill.

Coffeeshop Paradox Chill spot in Joordan.

Easy Times Coffeeshop Clean coffeeshop serving dry herb and overlooking a canal. Try the carmelo.

Oedipus Brewing Craft beers and a great (eclectic) vibe, what more do you need?

Pilsvogel Lively pub and beer garden in Gerard Douplein Square in De Pijp.

Proeflokaal Arendsnest Dutch craft beer pub in Joordan with over 50 local brews on tap.

PLAY

Albert Cuypmarkt A street market in De Pijp. It’s on every day except Sundays.

Anne Frank House

Canal Cruise We highly recommend this. Choose the self-operated boats or hire a skipper. We enjoyed our 90 minute cruise and tour with Those Dam Boat Guys.

Jordaan The poshy part of town. Spend time strolling through it’s charming streets.

Katten Kabinet Feline friends, check out this quirky museum in an old town house devoted to cat artwork. Say hello to the kitties in reception.

Rijksmuseum The Netherlands Museum with art dating back to the Middle Ages. Works by Vermeer and Rembrandt can be found here.

Sarphatipark A small but sweet park in De Pijp.

Shopping It’s fantastic. A few of our favorites include:

De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets) for vintage and designer boutiques.

Juulry Cute jewelry shop in De Pijp.

O My Bag A sustainable and fair-labor leather company that produces beautiful bags in De Pijp.

Restored on Haarlemmerdijk.

Sneaker District One of a kind sneakers

Tikal Alternative jewelry boutique in Joordan.

Zenza Global home goods in Centraal.

Stedelijk Museum Contemporary art housed within a grand old building.

Van Gogh Museum Best museum in Amsterdam.

Vondelpark Rent a bike and cruise around.

STAY

We recommend De Pijp. Amsterdam’s coolest neighborhood, this former working class hood retains its bohemian vibe. It’s a 20 minute walk into Centraal and far enough from the tourist crowds that it feels authentic.

We also love the Joordan neighborhood, which is a bit pricier but worth the cost for being close to everything.

Hotel Arena Gorgeous hotel property next to Oosterpark. Great bar on-site.

Amsterdam

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