Some ways to pass the time during your villa holiday in Corfu

Whenever we go away on holiday, we all like to explore a little and take in the atmosphere and the culture. Of course, this isn’t compulsory. Your idea of a holiday may be simply sitting by the side of the pool in your holiday Villa; sipping a cool drink and watching the world go by. There’s nothing wrong with that: in fact, most of us would be quite taken by that thought too. The beauty of villa holidays though, is that they allow you to take life at whatever pace suits you and your circumstances. Villa holidays offer freedom and flexibility. You decide what you want to do and when you want to do it. But, if you are going to rent a holiday villa in Corfu, or are at least thinking about it, you might be wondering what there is to do apart from lying in the sun and soaking up the year-long rays. Well, it might surprise you to learn that Corfu has something to offer everyone, young or old, active or definitely passive. Here are a few suggestions for starters: you can add your own to the list when you get there.

• Wandering around the pretty streets of Corfu Town’s old quarter is a holiday highlight, with its Venetian buildings and famous old forts.
• Finding peace and quiet in the deserted ‘ghost village’ of Perithia, between Kassiopi and Acharavi: a perfect place to get out your camera for some rustic snapshots.
• Seeing Medusa, the famous Greek mythology villain with snakes for hair, on the Gorgon Pediment, a huge carving at Corfu Town’s Archaeological Museum.
• Savouring a cool drink at the top of Mount Pantokrator, whether you’ve driven through mountain villages or survived the hike, the views are worth the climb alone.
• Enjoying the beautiful interiors, gardens and amazing sea views at the Achilleon Palace, near Gastouri: a great outing even if you’re not particularly a history buff.
• Pretending you’re in ancient Japan with a visit to the Asiatic Arts museum, in Corfu Town, where history fans can see a unique collection of items from the Far East.
• Seeing where Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was born at Mon Repos villa, just outside Corfu Town.
• Strolling along the Spianada in Corfu Town; a public square and park where you can occasionally catch a game of cricket.
• Stumbling across a Greek village festival, with dancing, food and live music and all the villagers having a bit of a knees-up.
• Spending the day at Paleokastritsa, Corfu’s most important beauty spot, with three turquoise bays backed by green hills and inviting seafood tavernas in the town centre
• Getting a taste of the real Greece, with the island’s specialities of cheesy Pastitsada, a beef version of our macaroni cheese, the hot and spicy fish dish, Burdeto and the flavoursome Sofrito, which is lamb or veal seasoned with garlic, vinegar and parsley.
• Snacking on little appetisers like Keftedes, spicy meatballs, Potopoulo, chicken portions and wild vegetables tossed in oil and lemon juice, Try dipping them into fishy Taramasalata and cooling Tzatziki.