Corfu

An epitaph is similar to an elegy. And in Corfu epitaphs take place all throughout the day on Good Friday. This is a special day in the Christian Church and holds a significant place in the Corfiot tradition. The Christian Churches that participate in the many epitaphs on this day, start the festivities around noon. And the litany of epitaphs run late into the night. Philharmonics are played to accompany many of the epitaphs and the music is generally somber. Processions take place in the street with devoted people who fill the streets and follow the funeral marches.

The Monastery of Panagia Paleokastritsa is perched on a hill just above Paleokastritsa beach.

The name Panagia, means Virgin Mary of Paleokastritsa. With its idyllic location, this monastery offers stunning views of Corfu island and the sea. Although the monastery dates back to 1228, the yard and monks cells originate from the 18th century.

Inside, there is a quaint little museum with Byzantine icons, holy texts, and religious relics. Other historical pieces include a “sea monster” skeleton, killed by a local fisherman, according to local legends. Even though the monastery is a historical site, it continues to operate as a working monastery.

Paleokastritsa 490 83, Greece, Phone: +30-26-62-04-12-10

Doukas is a villa located only 100 meters from the beach. It’s nestled amongst lush green trees in a quiet and serene environment.

The villa has three bedrooms. One bedroom includes a double-sized bed and the other two bedrooms feature two twin-sized beds. Each bedroom offers views of the countryside. The layout of the living space is open and inviting, and includes a fireplace.

Plus, the kitchen is fully equipped and there is a separate dining room and outdoor veranda. There is private secure parking for guests and other amenities include air conditioning, a TV and a DVD player, a washing machine and more.

490 83 Merlin’s Mansion Dassia, Corfu, Greece, Phone: +30-69-77-65-41-96

Where to Eat

Maistro Restaurant and Bar is open for lunch and dinner service where they prepare Greek, International, and fresh seafood dishes for their guests.

The dining atmosphere is welcoming and the waitstaff provide exceptional attention to guests. Located near the Acharavi beach, Maistro is a place to relish in good food while watching the sunset along the sea.

From the early summer months to the beginning of fall, there is live music and dancing. Maistro believes that once a guest comes to eat at the restaurant, he or she will become a regular customer. Reservations are always recommended here.

Beach road 8, Acharavi, Corfu, Phone: +30-26-63-06-30-20

Cavalieri Hotel Roof Garden is a historic and elegant building with 21st century amenities and accommodations.

Located in the center of Corfu town, this hotel overlooks the Ionian sea, the Old Fortress and the Esplanade. The architecture of the Cavalieri Hotel is a blend of several cultural styles, including those from Venice, France, England, along with Greece.

Hotel guests can plan on eating breakfast or another meal at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, that affords sweeping views of old town, the sea, mainland Greece, and Albania mountains. And lastly, some hotel services include complimentary WiFi, a lounge and bar, elevator, 24/7 reception service, and more.

4 Capodistriou Street, Corfu, Greece, Phone: +30-26-61-03-90-41

Etrusco Restaurant in Corfu was rated the best restaurant in Greece for six years in a row from 2014 to 2019. Those who dine here experience a culinary adventure of the five senses. Chefs are experts in gastronomy and culinary art, and they blend that with a friendly and warm dining atmosphere.

Etrusco strives to create the most unique dishes and execute them to perfection.

Etrusco also accommodates private parties and events, such as wedding receptions. And they work with guests to create a menu for these special celebratory events. This restaurant can also cater dinner parties on yachts, in villas or other venues of choice.

Kato Korakiana, Dassia, Corfu, Greece, Phone: +30-26-61-09-33-42

Taverna Tripa opened in 1936, by Spyros Anyfantis, who was later given the nickname - Mr Tripa. His taverna is only a few kilometers outside of Corfu Town, in a scenic village of Kinopiastes.

Mr Tripa was best known for his generous hospitality, tasty menu and live musical performances. All of these specialties make Taverna Tripa a place worth visiting, time and time again. Offered on the menu are a variety of delictible hors d’ oeuvres, greek inspired entrees, along with seasonal fruits and remarkable desserts. And finally, customers rarely leave the restaurant without trying the famous house wine.

Kinopiastes village, 49084 Corfu, Greece, Phone: +30-26-61-05-63-33

Akrotiri Cafe is situated above the Arillas and Agios Stefanos beaches, which provides customers sitting inside the cafe an incredible vista.

Besides looking down at these two pristine beaches, guests can also see the Diapontia Islands from the cafe. Mediterranean and European cuisines are served at Akrotiri, along with alcoholic drink options, made at the full service bar.

Some special diets accommodated at the cafe include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. And some of the main menu items include hand made baguettes, sandwiches, ice-cream and cakes. Akrotiri Cafe is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late night.

San Stefanos, 49081 Corfu, Kerkira, Greece, Phone: 69-37-52-27-10

Klimataria is a fish restaurant and a small family-owned business. Husband and wife, Nikos and Lilly Bellos opened Klimataria in 1997.

Together, they prepare all the dishes in house, daily. Nikos specializes in the fish and hot dishes, and Lilly prepares all the salads and terrific desserts. All ingredients used in the restaurant come from the Corfiot earth and sea.

The menu at Klimataria features some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options along with wine and beer options. Because the restaurant is small and only has 11 tables in total, inside and outside, a reservation is recommended.

Benitses, 49084, Corfu, Greece, Phone: +30-26-61-07-12-01