Top 5 things to do in Corfu

Eva Makris is a Swedish citizen living permanently on Corfu for over 20 years. Being an amateur painter and photographer, what strokes her the most about Corfu when she arrived for the first time in 1985 was, part from the lush nature and the crystal blue sea, the incredible light.

Here are Eva's top 5 things to do in Corfu:

1.   The Morning Awakening of Corfu Town. You'll love to watch the town waking up. After the first hoar-frost or the first morning rain, you can see the shop-keepers put their merchandise in order. One of the most tasteful “Good mornings” you can hear before going to work, is at Gilford Street at the bakery “Starenio”. And of course, the coffee, you have to drink it traditionally in the brig at the picturesque coffee-house at the alley of “Bizi”.

2.  Lazy Days on the Beach.  For a lazy day on the waterfront, the tiny beach at Gardeno on the South-West coast is perfect. Even though the beach is small it has everything to make your day relaxing and revitalizing. During the summer when it's necessary to stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, few things are better than a long lunch at Kostas taverna. Here you know that you are served absolutely fresh salads and vegetables as he serves what he grows in his own garden. Even the eggs in the omelet are from Kosta's “happy hens”. In the afternoon and early evening you can go back to relax in the sun. Make sure you don't leave to early as the sunset at Gardeno is unforgettable.

3.    The Corfu Trail.  (http://www.thecorfutrail.com/).  The foot path starts in the south of the island and takes you all the way up to the north. One of my favorite parts is the one that starts in the village of Vatos, takes you up the hill and ends at the stunning Mirtiotissa Beach (where nudists are welcome). The route may be a bit steep up to the little chapel of Agios Georgios but it's totally worth is as the view from the top will blow your mind.

4.     The Emboriko.   Even though this is not very traditionally Greek and a bit commercial , I still like it. The so called Emboriko (the word for “commercial” in Greek) near the port is where you'll find coffee shops, restaurants, pizzerias and snack bars for all taste (almost) all by the waterfront and very popular among the locals. The area is always busy so you'll have plenty people to watch. My favorite place here is the creperie “Tram Cafe” with the best crepes (thin pancakes), thin and crispy, savory or sweet, all are as equally delicious.

5.     Life with Music Accompaniment.Corfu is full of music and especially in the unique town of Corfu. During every fest and every celebration the bands flood the alleys with music. Even on the quiet nights you can hear the rehearsals of the bands through the open windows. Sweet voices and melodies overflow from everywhere, until the warm summer nights to come, when you can meet all of a sudden small companies of troubadours who entertain the people wherever they stand; in an alley or next to a small church. These little surprises are those who make the difference and make Corfu so special and a place to return to over and over again.

Chrysa Tsakalakou was born in Athens. Her granddad is from Corfu and many of her relatives live on the island. One day she decided to leave Athens and settle down on Corfu. She lives in Garitsa and works in tourism. She hasn’t regret her moving in Corfu not even once!

Here are Chrysa's top 5 things to do in Corfu:

1.    Beach from Dust to Dawn. There isn’t anything better than combining everything on a beach.  At Agios Gordis Beach on the 
west coast you start early in the morning with the few surfers of the island to tame the waves. Later at midday the beach is  slowly-slowly getting busy. Now you let the sun caress your skin. Soon you can listen to the first notes from the locals' favorite beach bar “AloBar” where you can jump in for a cold drink and snacks. Here you can stay until it gets dark with music, people, freshness and dreamy sunsets, which are melting in the sea, right in front of your feet.

2.     Party Under The Olive Trees. When you are open to new challenges you might come across the nicest surprises. The first  time
I visited Corfu, some friends took me to one of the darkest areas of west Corfu. A party at “Elia” in the area of Mirtiotissa was the occasion. As they were at the downward path of the hill with the stars their only leader, melodies were overflowing from nowhere. After wondering for some meters they reached a crowded wooden bar. The band and the people were swinging at the same rhythm and along with them the olive trees, which overhang all around the place and they gave their name to the bar. When the music is over at the dawn, there are only two choices. Either following your way back or descend a few more meters just for a dive in Mirtiotissa, a beach which is torn in two in order to embrace also the nudists who visit the island.

3.    Greek Fast Food.  If you think that fast food has to be totally unhealthy, think again. Even if I prefer to sit at a table and eat, sometimes a bite on the run is not that bad. The Greek version of a hot dog is Souvlaki (pork or chicken grilled on charcoal) in pita bread accompanied with tzatziki, french fries, tomato and onions and the spicy red sauce, yum! My favorite in Corfu town is “Pitonostimies” at the center of the old town. Another fast yummy option is cheese or spinach pies, the best ones in Corfu town you'll find at Thessalonikios bakery at Sarrocco Square. (This bakery also has amazing “bougatsa”, if you never tried a pastry pie filled with vanilla custard sprinkled with icing sugar; you're in for a treat.)

Lamb-chops feasting on lamb is not only a part of the Greek celebrations, when you on Easter Sunday always see a lamb on the spit barbequing on charcoal in all neighborhoods. You can find lamb on the dinner table all year round. The best lamb chops on Corfu are served at Bekio's opposite the port in Mandouki just outside Corfu town. This is the place locals choose and when you want the best local food, follow the locals. The tables at Bekio's Grill House is always filled with people enjoying lamb chops on charcoal with lots of squeezed lemon juice and oregano.

4.     We are Made for Fests. Greece means village. Village means fest (panigiri). If you are on the island there is no chance to miss at least one fest in some little village for the celebration of a Saint. If you go to Pelekas square on 23/08 the smells of the food and the traditional music welcome you from the road’s bend. You can taste souvlaki and dumplings, drink local wine and dance with the locals. Don’t forget to light a candle at the low-ceilinged church of Panagitsa which is in the middle of the square.

Sandra Broedner left Germany with the intention to stay for one year in Corfu. She fell in love with this amazing island, its rich traditions, lush nature and stunning beaches. After more than 5 years she is still here and now calls Corfu her place on earth.

Here are Sandra's top 5 things to do in Corfu:

1.    The Island of Vidos. If you feel like a little bit of island-hopping, a trip to the nearby tiny island of Vidos is highly recommend. This
beautiful little island is very popular among the Corfiots and especially those living in Corfu town. You take the little kaiki (fishing-boat) that leaves from the Old Port every hour and the trip across takes only about 20 minutes. Vidos is perfect whether you want an early swim, a full day at the beach or want to have a refreshing evening dip in the sea. Another reason for visiting Vidos is the amazing experience of following Corfu town on the other side of the inlet to Corfu port preparing for the night. Enjoy at meal at the taverna just above where the little kaiki lands and watch the streetlights slowly illuminate the old town as the sun sets behind the mountains in the west. Really romantic!

2.    Noon At the Neighborhoods of Garitsa.Summer noon brings a weird feeling of peace. For the residents of Garitsa summer
noon has the smell of lightly fried onions, cinnamon and iodine. Either on foot or by a bicycle most of the people who live at Garitsa go swimming at “Anemomylos”. It is a matter of just a cement pier with cement bends. The waters that wash it though are crystal clear, despite the fact that you are literally in Corfu town. As soon as you get there you can see everybody in small parties. Near them there are also some students enjoying their break. If you sit, the strong wind will carry all the news from the island, opinions on the politic actions and of course the juiciest secrets of the neighborhood.

3.    Walking at Old Peritheia. What used to be a ghost village only 8 km from Kassiopi. Only the word ghost is enough to urge you
pay the area a visit, to see with your own eyes what is really going on. The Old Peritheia is a small village with unique architecture, which was abandoned by its residents who wanted better living conditions. It got its name from the 7 temples by which it is surrounded. It is located in a green slope the nature of which is incomparable. Nowadays Peritheia is not that abandoned anymore. There are 3-4 traditional tavernas which offer the wayfarers local and pure products.

4.    The Vakarola. In devotion for Saint Spiridonas for his miracle on the 11th of August a “Varkarola” used to be held in Corfu town. Nowadays you can enjoy the show at the bay of Paleokastritsa. The agricultural jobs such as the harvest, the vine harvest, or even daily jobs like fishing give rise to the fest. Make sure to arrive at the bay early as it can get crowded. Try to reach at the front and you'll get a good view of the parade. This parade is made by boats in which bards sing with their guitars traditional songs while local dancers dance on floating piers in choreographies inspired by the imagination and the traditions of the island. The fire inside the water will captivate you. For the end the locals have saved an extravaganza of fireworks that floodlight the corfiot sky.

5.    Going on Jeep Safari.  «Safari» doesn't only mean you have to be in Africa or in the jungle chasing innocent animals. You can have an ever so exciting time on a jeep safari throughout Corfu. Join an organized jeep safari as a passenger or driver of one of the up to sometimes 15 jeeps. Imagine starting from Corfu town heading North. Your first visit can be at Sokraki, a beautiful traditional village up the most amazing bendy road, high above Ano Korakiana. The road goes through some of the most tranquil beautiful old fields, with breathtaking 360 degree views of the island. After a short break for coffee you can continue passing by other small villages you've probably never heard of before, such as Zigos, Omali and Strinilas. Those old Corfiot villages will give you the feeling that time has stood still during the past 100 years. You'll see the old houses with the small balconies or the little colorful yards and the small things that remind of the past; such as a rotten bicycle at the corner of the house or a granny peeling back corn husks. Driving up on serpentine roads, which are very typical for this area, you'll soon find yourself at the highest point of the island, Mount Pantocrator. 906m above the surface of the sea where you can gaze the whole Corfu as well as a big part of Albania. The monk at the small church on top of the mount will tell you that on clear days one can even see the Italians having their espresso. A perfect next stop can be the scenic shore of Kalamaki, which has one of the nicest golden sandy beaches in northern Corfu. Spend an hour or two here swimming and relaxing. On your way back to Corfu Town drive through the highest village on the island, Spartillas. It is a large ancient village, which is nestled under the peak of Mount Pantocrator and because of its view it is also known as “The window of Corfu”.