An Expert’s Opinion of Corfu
On our Travel – with Rob Clark our Luxury Travel Specialist
Our team of travel experts travel the world and have spent years honing their knowledge of luxury holidays to enable us to put together exactly the right holiday for you.
Just a week ago, Rob, one of our sales specialists, had the opportunity to take a trip to Corfu to spend 3 nights at the breathtaking Grecotel Imperial Corfu, we sent him off, note pad in hand, to report back.
Rob’s expert insights into the island and some tips on making the most of your next holiday there….
Arrival Day at Corfu Grecotel Imperial Corfu
Corfu International Airport (CFU) is the main gateway to Corfu island. There are many direct flights from the UK, especially during the peak summer season. Ferries are another option, connecting Corfu to mainland Greece and other Ionian islands.
The Corfu Imperial is situated on a secluded peninsula surrounded by the Ionian Sea from nearly all sides, approximately a 20-30 minute drive from the airport, this hotel is easy to access. The luxurious Corfu Imperial offers guests a tranquil escape surrounded by the stunning blue waters of the Ionian Sea.
The hotel is nestled on a secluded peninsula, providing a peaceful retreat which is the perfect place unwind and relax in a serene setting.
With its beautiful location and convenient access, the Corfu Imperial takes around 20 minutes to reach the Old Town by car, or you can try out the hotel’s water taxi for an enjoyable day excursion.
Accommodation
Throughout my three-night stay at Corfu Grecotel Imperial, I stayed in the Deluxe Guest room, which was a great room, even considering it was the standard room.
A private balcony offers stunning sea views, comfortable double bed and complete with all necessary amenities. The marble bathroom featuring a single washbasin and a walk-in shower and the open-plan layout and natural make the large room feel even bigger.
The room is equipped with all the little extras such as a mini-bar stocked with international brands, complimentary tea and coffee facilities, 24-hour Nespresso room service, and laundry services.
The resort provides a variety of accommodation choices, ranging from suites to bungalows with swim-up pools, offering plenty of options for any kind of guest. The maisonettes and villas situated on the rocks include a private sea deck and terrace with direct sea access. These luxurious villas are some of the most luxurious accommodation choices i have seen.
What to do at Grecotel Imperial Corfu
During my stay, I spent most of my time outside exploring the hotel grounds, indulging in delicious local cuisine at the amazing restaurants and relaxing on the private beaches, this resort really does have everything you need.
Activities
Guests can enjoy a variety of unique activities at this one-of-a-kind destination. Relax under the stars at the open-air cinemas on a private decking or practice your golf swing, hitting biodegradable golf balls, filled with fish food, that dissolve in the sea. There is one main large outside pool, a smaller adults-only pools, an adults only beach, and then the larger main beach.
A smaller private beach provides an even more tranquil setting. This beach is directly accessible from the beach villa’s that surround it and a decked pathway from the main beach. There are plenty of sun loungers and plenty of space and places for you to enjoy your day.
Food
All of the amazing restaurants at Grecotel Imperial offer guests a variety of cuisines and styles of dining which aim cater to every preference. Beachside dining at Mon Repos, this is the restaurant with the best views. Try out their Mediterranean menu whilst sitting on the beachfront decking.
Trattoria & Wine Bar is rustic Italian dining with the wine bar on the side, try out a mix of wines, cheese, charcuterie. You can choose to sit either indoors or out. All the dining options at the hotel serve refreshing beverages and gourmet dishes, you’ll find something you love in each of the restaurants.
The service during my stay was amazing. The staff truly want to make sure you have the best holiday possible. From the little things like remembering your name and preferences to going above and beyond to accommodate any special requests. It’s the kind of personalized service that turns a good holiday into great one.
The best time to visit Corfu
I travelled to Corfu in May of this year it was a little cloudy but was around 25/26 degrees whilst there. The temperature was just perfect for exploring the island. In May it’s a lot quieter on the island as its just before peak season. This is great is you want to make the most of the resort and all the facilities.
Corfu enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The peak tourist season is from June to August, when the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Robs Top Things to do on the Island
During my visit, the hotel offered us a chance to experience one of their most popular experiences, Danilia Village! A charming replica of a traditional Corfiot village. This picturesque location shows us the life of locals in a small, traditional Corfiot community nestled in the lush greenery of Corfu. We enjoyed a delightful traditional Greek dinner and music in this serene and beautiful setting.
Guests staying at Grecotel Corfu with the half-board package will have the opportunity to enjoy the Danilia Village experiences as part of their stay.
Other things to try out in Corfu
Explore Corfu Town: Wander the narrow-cobbled streets, admire the Venetian architecture, visit the Old and New Fortresses, and explore the Byzantine Palace. Don’t miss the Church of Saint Spyridon, a significant pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.
Relax on the Beach: Corfu boasts some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches. Choose from long stretches of golden sand, secluded coves, or beaches with water sports facilities. My favourite beach was the main beach at the resort. Hidden away enough but also offer the perfect beach and waters.
Discover the Island’s History:Corfu has a rich and complex history. Explore the ruins of ancient temples, visit the Achilleion Palace, a former summer residence of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, or learn about the island’s Venetian heritage at the Palαιo Frουριο (Old Fortress).
Go Hiking and Cycling: The island’s interior is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike through olive groves and cypress forests, or explore the scenic coastline on a bike.
Go Sailing: The Ionian Sea is a sailor’s paradise. Charter a boat for a day trip or explore the nearby islands like Paxos and Antipaxos.
Indulge in Local Cuisine: Corfu’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Greek and Italian influences. Sample fresh seafood dishes, savoury pies (pastitsio), dishes featuring local greens (sofrito), and the island’s specialty, “bianco,” a ginger beer traditionally enjoyed with cheese.
For more information on Grecotel Imperial Corfu contact our Luxury Travel Specialist Rob.