Virgin Voyages' guide to Corfu, Greece

Corfu is simply dripping in history. Wander through the narrow cobblestone alleys and discover a world of adventure worthy of a fantasy film. Stumble upon historical landmines — like The Old Town’s stunning municipal building, which served as its first (and former) grand theater and opera house built during the Venetian empire. Admire The Palace of St. Michael & St. George, which provides a home to the Museum of Asian Art that displays Chinese, Japanese, and Greco-Buddhist masterpieces. Take in The Saint Spyridon Church’s bell tower – whose patron saint was said to have expelled the plague from the island. All the while appreciating the wafting aromas of local flora and fauna that are so expertly used for numerous liqueur and culinary infusions. It’s not that Corfu is pretentious, it’s just the classic Hollywood starlet of Greek Islands — emitting that aura of worldly sophistication that naturally makes you want more.   

Corfu gives you the freedom to relax with your toes in the sand sipping kumquat liqueur one minute and diving (literally and figuratively) into adventures unknown the next. You can choose from a number of sumptuous beaches to bask in the sun, peruse a new book under the shade of an umbrella or go for a swim in the iridescent waters. You can venture to hilltop ruins on horseback and sail the coast before plunging into the sea from the comfort of your own private vessel. You can picnic on a seaside cliff, explore groves of kumquats, pomegranates, pears and olives, hike the otherworldly scenic trails by foot (or by ATV) or — you can do it all.  In Corfu the sea is merely a starting point — and you’re in control of the dynamic story about to unfold.

When trying to change your habits and redefine what your life looks like, taking yourself out of familiar territory is a terrific way to start. Corfu is just one of those places that has an immediate vibe of excitement, the kind that makes you feel like you can be anybody you want to be. It helps you to realize sometimes segwaying off the beaten path is just what you need to reinvigorate yourself. 

If you’re looking to expand your palette, Corfu’s endless supply of fresh exotic fruits, unlimited varieties of veggies, locally sourced meats and freshly caught seafood are the ideal way to experience new flavors. Whether it’s the locally grown citrus or the passion of the island, the food here just doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.

If you’re determined to go on an adventure of a lifetime through the unbelievable cathedrals and palaces, romantic villages or ancient ruins but also crave the tranquility of Greece’s famed beaches, Corfu is tailored for you. The extended stay allows Sailors to get the most out of a visit to a place with so much beauty and exciting happenings, while still finding time to relax with your freshly pedicured toes in the sand. 

There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline that comes with Corfu — it just has an inimitable charisma. It could be its natural charm, or perhaps its mystery that entices you to branch out and toy with the unexpected — or to simply relax guilt free of life’s usual constant expectations. 

When you’re engrossed in Corfu’s effortlessly chic surroundings you can’t help but feel that an alluring twist is always just around the corner.