Corfu

Influences of the ages. Corfu’s history is a tale of diverse influences and conquests spanning centuries. Once under ancient Greek and Roman rule, the island later saw the imprint of the Byzantine Empire, the Normans, and the Angevins. The Venetians left a lasting architectural legacy, followed by French and British occupations during the Napoleonic era. This rich historical backdrop has shaped Corfu’s cultural identity, leaving an indelible mark on its architecture, cuisine, and customs.

Corfu’s enduring appeal lies in the harmonious blend of stunning natural landscapes, including olive groves and picturesque beaches, with a rich cultural tapestry steeped in the island’s history of diverse influences. Whether cycling through winding mountain lanes, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the island’s cultural and historical riches, Corfu offers something special for everyone.

Cycling Corfu. Make no mistake, Corfu is very popular for a very good reason. It’s beauty and spectacularly clear Ionian Sea attracts visitors in numbers that can be mind-boggling. But that is not to suggest that the entire island is congested—or even visited by tourists. The mountains have only small villages, accessed by narrow, winding lanes with little traffic. In some areas, coastlines are protected by cliffs that make sea access difficult, thereby limiting tourism development. But it is exactly these lesser-visited areas that provide us the perfect cycling playground. Hundreds of miles of small roads, both paved and gravel, spread like a spider web across the mountain interior, connecting tiny villages that tell the story of Corfu’s full-time residents. Vistas from cliff faces and mountain tops will stop us in our tracks, then point us to our next destination. Cycling on Corfu is a magical experience, often unknown to the typical visitor. But we’ll share the secret, and you’ll learn that Corfu is much more than its reputation as a great beach destination. So much more.

A villa of our own. We’ll stay in the mountains, close enough to beaches for easy access, but separated enough to allow our own private paradise. Luxuriously furnished bedrooms with private baths provide personal space, while expansive indoor and outdoor common areas invite the group to assemble and share experiences. At once, we’ll be a part of mountain and sea, connected to or separated from fellow visitors as we choose. We’ll explore attractions and sample local cuisine at favorite restaurants but will also enjoy meals prepared in our gourmet kitchen and lounge by our private pool. Our home for this week will ground us and nourish us and bring us closer to the Corfu that those lucky enough to live here treasure. For one lucky week in Corfu, we’ll call this villa home.