Stuck for summer holiday ideas for a party of mixed ages?
Corfu has both waterparks and wilderness, sophisticated dining and simple snacking, busy beaches and concealed coves.
North of Corfu Old Town the eastern coastline is similar to that of Amalfi: hillsides of olive groves and cypress forest descend to sheltered bays and pretty ports. Many of the beaches have a few tavernas and bars; local boat hire allows you to reach the smaller, hidden beaches.
The beautiful north east coast attracts those who want laid-back refinement rather than a crowded resort. If you are used to hotel holidays and do not want to self-cater, we can provide services for each villa such as a chef, a daily maid, a masseuse and food shopping. Plus, a concierge team to assist with anything you may need. A villa holiday gives you more freedom, flexibility and privacy.
Barbati
Corfu’s north east coast starts at Barbati, where tamarisk trees shade a selection of beach bars and a water sports centre. Close to the beach is Barbati Bay House and Barbati Beach House – one 4-bedroom and one 5-bedroom retreat above the sea.
Agni
The coastline’s popularity has not spoiled the intimacy of little Agni Bay – there are only a few houses above the bay’s beach and just three beachfront tavernas, all serving excellent Greek food on the water’s edge. Taverna Agni is one of our favourite spots to enjoy lunch when visiting the northeast coastline.
There is also a speedboat taxi service that operates along the north east coast, connecting the ports and giving access to some of the beaches. Taverna Agni’s speedboat service will even arrange day and evening pickups at private villa jetties or nearby beaches to ferry guests to their seafront taverna and back – a stress-free option to enjoy a family outing without the car.
In the hillside above Agni Bay lies Agni Bay Retreat, an ideal property for a large family or group of 12, a short stroll of 5 minutes from the villa gardens takes you down to the beach below.
Kalami
Kalami is famous for its connection to the Durrell family. It is the place where Lawrence and Gerald Durrell lived before World War II. Gerald’s memoir, ‘My Family and Other Animals,’ recounts their adventures, while Lawrence’s ‘Prospero’s Cell’ beautifully captures the charm of the island.
Villa Bliss is a four-bedroom home that offers stunning sea views overlooking Kouloura Bay, Agni Bay, and Kalami Bay. It also overlooks the iconic White House, where Lawrence and Nancy lived in the 1930s. This is the only Durrell house open to the public, inviting visitors to connect with the family’s legacy.
Kassiopi
There’s more nightlife in Kassiopi and by day a choice of boat hire, water sports and a dive centre – with nearby beaches.
Between Kassiopi and St Stephano lie the beaches of Avlaki and Coyevinas. Set in beautiful gardens and opening out onto Coyevinas beach is villa White Pebbles with its own private jetty.
Avlaki
Peaceful Avlaki Beach has boat hire and a dinghy sailing and windsurfing centre. To the side of the beach, set on two hillside terraces, are the magnificent villas Pelagia, Capella, Tugela and Erato. Each villa has access, via a stepped pathway, to the beach below (a 5-minute slow walk) and shared use of the estate’s tennis court.
North east Corfu offers a host of nearby beaches for sea lovers; waterfront café bars for the people-watchers; hillside walking trails and boat hire for the explorers; excellent dining options for all tastes and with a choice of superb villas, the opportunity to escape the more crowded resorts and relax in comfort with your family.
We have a wonderful collection of properties along this coastline, sleeping between 4 – 12 guests. To find out more or to book a villa in the North of Corfu call us or email Alex and Sophie at enquiries@ionian-villas.co.uk.
