Fly Me to the Moon is a bespoke journey company that specialises in crafting distinctive and unforgettable experiences in Greece. With a ardour for the nation’s wealthy historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence, they design itineraries that effortlessly introduce travellers to the genuine Greek lifestyle.
Last summer season, as I deliberate my return to Corfu, I sought the experience of Fly Me to the Moon. I needed to discover a facet of the island I hadn’t skilled throughout my earlier go to. Their invaluable insights helped me rediscover Corfu, particularly at a time when the island was crowded with vacationers from all around the world after one other record-breaking yr for vacationer arrivals in Greece post-Covid. I needed to expertise Corfu with out the crowds whereas nonetheless having fun with its magic. As they are saying at Fly Me To The Moon, you could possibly comply with the crowds or let Fly Me to the Moon present you the Greece you wouldn’t discover by yourself.
A timeless island paradise
Corfu, or Kerkyra, is a charming Greek island nestled within the Ionian Sea. Renowned for its beautiful pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage, Corfu has enchanted guests for hundreds of years. Influenced by Venetian, French, and British rule, the island boasts a novel mix of cultures evident in its structure, traditions, and delicacies.
From Odysseus’s legendary journey to Shakespeare’s poetic descriptions, Corfu has impressed numerous legends and literary works. The island’s attract has additionally attracted historic figures comparable to Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond discovered himself entangled in an exhilarating journey on Corfu’s shores.
From Odysseus’s legendary journey to Shakespeare’s poetic descriptions, Corfu has impressed numerous legends and literary works. The island’s attract has additionally attracted historic figures comparable to Napoleon, Empress Sissi, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Even James Bond discovered himself entangled in an exhilarating journey on Corfu’s shores.
With just one espresso store (additionally a bar, bakery, and comfort retailer!) within the centre of the village and a everlasting native inhabitants, Agios Prokopios served as a peaceable oasis through the peak vacationer season. This small, non-touristy village, the place Fly Me To The Moon had organized a standard home for my keep, is conveniently situated within the coronary heart of the island. From Agios Prokopios, I had easy accessibility to Corfu city, each north and south Corfu, well-known seashores, and villages. Exploring Corfu from this base allowed me to keep away from crowded roads and site visitors, particularly contemplating the 1000’s of vacationers visiting the island.
Corfu’s wealthy historical past and distinctive way of life
A go to to Corfu isn’t full with out exploring its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, a labyrinth of Venetian structure, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks just like the Old and New Fortresses. To actually recognize Corfu’s wealthy historical past and creative heritage, make sure you go to the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the Municipal Art Gallery. I discovered myself returning to the Old Town a number of instances, each day and night time, to absorb its distinctive ambiance.
In the evenings, Corfu Town comes alive with its slender streets, Spianada Square, and vibrant nightlife. Indulge in scrumptious Corfiot delicacies at famend eating places like Pomo d’oro, Venetsianiko Pigadi (Venetian Well), and Tο tavernaki tis Marinas. Don’t miss out on attempting native specialties like Pastitsada, Sofrito, Noumboulo, and Bourdetto, paired with Tsitsibira (ginger beer) or Corfiot Red Beer. For a candy deal with, savor Mandoles (caramelized almonds), Sykomaida (fig paste), or conventional desserts like galaktoboureko, mandoles, and loukoumades at native bakeries and confectioneries – to call only a few: Periklis Alexis’s dairy store for galaktoboureko, Papagiorgis confectionery for mandoles and ice cream, and Stazi Meli for conventional loukoumades, all in Corfu outdated city.
While exploring the island and after an extended day at a seashore, make sure you attempt a number of the native eating places outdoors of Corfu Town. To Stavrodromi restaurant, situated between Agios Ounoufrios and Pelekas villages, provides conventional Greek delicacies, whereas Grill restaurant close to Kastellani village is a well-liked spot with locals. And don’t overlook to get pleasure from a meal at one of many many seashore bars and eating places across the island.
Although I visited many seashores throughout my journey, Agios Gordios seashore grew to become my favorite. I beloved spending my afternoons there at one of many seashore bars and staying till after sundown, having fun with the peaceable ambiance and beautiful views.
A style of journey
As an energetic traveller, I couldn’t resist spending two days exploring Corfu’s mountain climbing trails. My first hike was from Paliokastritsa to Angelokastro Castle, a reasonably difficult trek rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views. Along the way in which, I paused within the charming village of Lakones for a refreshing break and a scrumptious yogurt with honey and nuts, admiring the beautiful views of Palaokastritsa.
After the hike, I cooled off on the stunning Palaokastritsa seashore, the refreshing chilly water a welcome respite from the summer season solar. I ended up spending the entire night there, having fun with a drink at Aragosta Beach Club and a scrumptious dinner. The mixture of wonderful service, scrumptious meals, and a relaxed ambiance stored me there with no regrets. The risotto was significantly scrumptious!
My second mountain climbing journey took me to the summit of Mount Pantokrator. Starting from the picturesque village of Old Peritheia, I ascended the island’s highest peak, having fun with beautiful views alongside the way in which. After my descent, I explored the historic village of Old Peritheia and visited Canal D’ Amour, a well-known seashore recognized for its distinctive rock formation.
Everything it’s good to plan your journey in 2024
Royal aptitude and Corfu class
On my last day in Corfu, I indulged in a little bit of royal aptitude. I visited the magnificent Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical mansion constructed for Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) within the late nineteenth century. The palace is adorned with beautiful statues and frescoes impressed by Greek mythology, reflecting Sisi’s fascination with historic Greece. Right after, I explored the Mon Repos Palace, the previous summer season residence of the Greek royal household and birthplace of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
For a pleasant last meal, I dined at Flisvos The Seaside Experience, a beachfront restaurant subsequent to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna. Enjoying the scrumptious delicacies and breathtaking views of airplanes touchdown on the island was a memorable expertise. After dinner, I strolled again to Corfu Town for an evening stroll, exploring the slender streets and having fun with a nightcap at Cale Larga, a preferred spot for high quality drinks and late-night chats. I significantly loved the gin and tonic with an olive twist!
If you’ve gotten extra time, take into account escaping the crowds at Agios Georgios seashore (close to Afionas village and Porto Timoni seashore) or taking a ship tour to discover hidden coves and close by islands like Paxos and Antipaxos. While I all the time plan to go to these islands throughout my journeys to Corfu, I typically discover myself so captivated by the island itself that I find yourself saving them for an additional time. This approach, I all the time have an excuse to return!
Fly Me to the Moon and again to Corfu!
I all the time discover myself drawn again to Corfu! For some cause, I can by no means get sufficient of this island, making it one in every of my favourite Greek escapes. And it’s not only for summer season. Corfu is an incredible place to go to year-round. Besides summer season, it’s significantly well-known and common throughout Easter, attracting 1000’s of vacationers. Whether you’re in search of journey, rest, or cultural immersion, Corfu provides one thing for everybody. With its breathtaking landscapes, wealthy historical past, and heat hospitality, this enchanting island is certain to depart a long-lasting impression.
If you’re trying to expertise Corfu like a real insider, Fly Me to the Moon is your excellent information. As Elena Papanicolaou, founding father of Fly Me to the Moon says: “There is something pure and primitive about Greece. The soul of the country – the vibe – is what makes it unique. You can absorb that essence, especially in more unexplored places. If you just breathe and close your eyes or look up at the sky, you feel like you’re a part of the millennia, that are speaking to you.”
Dimitrios Athanasopoulos
Dimitrios Athanasopoulos is Director of Fine Representation. Fine Representation is a London-based boutique and impartial illustration and consulting company for beautiful journey and travel-related manufacturers. If you wish to be a visitor blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog so as to elevate your profile, please contact us.
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