So we’ve been to Europe a lot but surprisingly not to Greece. We are doing a 7 day sailing trip to the Cyclades in September, and spending nights in Santorini as well as Hydra and Athens prior to the sailing. My friends and family all want to go to Corfu for 3-4 days. I will go along with it but I’m wondering why they want to go? I have the new Rick Steve’s Greece book and not a peep is mentioned also searched the forum and very little information . ’m wondering why it’s not a destination??? When I ask them they say it looks cool and one of them says a tv show they watch is filmed there. I guess I need help understanding the interest but I will willingly accept it if it’s cool.
Posted by
Washington DC
27092 posts
Rick doesn't attempt to cover all the worthwhile destinations in a country. He chooses the ones he thinks will appeal to the most readers and provides a great deal of detailed information about them.
I haven't been to Corfu recently, but I remember it as being quite different from the Aegean Islands. It is much greener, and there is an obvious Venetian influence.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
The tv show if you are interested is "The Durrells in Corfu", it's a well done PBS Masterpiece program. It is very loosely based on stories/reflections by the youngest son. It does make the island look inviting. I think it would be impossible for RS to cover every wonderful place in Europe. There have been quite a few places I've been to Europe that I thought were pretty amazing that RS makes no mention of in his books. On the other hand, most of the time I find his tips helpful and his opinions in line with my own. Sorry, I've never been to Corfu, but I love the show!
Posted by
172 posts
We stayed two weeks on Corfu last August. Three days in historical Corfu Town, six days on Acharavi, one of the northern beaches and six days on Moraitika, one of the southern beaches. I did enjoy it, but here are some impressions for you.
I loved the original British movie but there is no relationship to it and modern Corfu. No sets or recognizable areas where scenes were filmed are to be found.
I have been to Greece many times and to be honest Corfu was a disappointment. Buildings in Corfu Town are badly in need of repair. There is a growing garbage problem throughout the island so people have created huge garbage dumps along the highways.
For a first time visit to Greece with a limited amount of time there are many islands with equally beautiful beaches and more historical and archeological sites. But before I get too many angry responses I have to say that 3 days in Corfu is still better than 3 days in most other countries.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3319 posts
Have not been to Corfu for reports like those listed, and assessments in reliable guidebooks like ROUGH GUIDE, more candid than promotional sites on internet. Some of the more favorable evaluations come from UK residents who have the opportunity to revisit GReece frequently, short trip much lower cost airfare, so a misstep isn't serious. For an American on a first trip to Greece, I'd think a sampling of the Cyclades islands might be more rewarding. Do question your friends/family about the source of their enthusiasm -- I'll bet it's the Durrell series! I read a behind-the-scenes article about the effort required to find a suitable old house & vista for the filming, and a less-touristic village. Not easy. This kind of "fandom" choice usually results from TV or internet impressions, often misleading, c.v. the teen-girl insistence on Santorini due to film "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" -- based on this, they expect to find beautiful scenes with no other tourists, handsome Greek boys who fish for a living, and hanging in rustic surroundings with jolly local families. A generation ago, it was the expectation of tables for 2 at sunset on a deserted Mykonos beach, thanks to Shirley Valentine.
Posted by
143 posts
Santorini for me surpassed my expectations. So much that I came back 4 times. And I have been to quite a few Greek spots, such as Hydra, Naxos, Paros, Koufonissia, Iraklia, Mykonos, Naplio, Delphi, Schinousa etc... So I am always a bit leery of those who claim "oh don't go to this place, I have never been, but I hear it is super crowded." But I do value someone's opinion if they have actually been there themselves.
I have asked myself the same questions about Corfu, and since I was going to visit Meteora this summer and Corfu has an airport. I though maybe it would be easier to fly into Corfu, visit the island and then move on. But although the images are gorgeous and I have not come across any personal trip reports that tell me Corfu is amazing, glorious, incredible etc.. So I wait, and I chose other spots that are high up on my never ending list of travel wishes. If you go, OP, please tell us what you though, especially compared to your other islands.
BTW Hydra and Santorini are great choices. Have fun!