Corfu

Paleokastritsa Monastery overlooks the Ionian Sea. Two of its floors can be visited by the public, and the last is only for the monks. This 18th-century Orthodox monastery has a lovely garden, chapel and a museum displaying cultural artefacts. A ravishing change of scenery from the beaches and hikes.

From the upper part of the town of Corfu, the fortress watches out for potential attackers. The ramparts are home to hidden landmarks: bastions, the Saint Georges’ church with its Greek temple feel and vestiges from various island occupants. Walking around the ramparts is the perfect way to gaze out over the capital and sea.

Get a plane ticket to Corfu, not Austria! Following in the footsteps of the Empress Elizabeth, Achilleion is a must-see site. The palace was built as per Sissi’s desires and dedicated to the hero Achilles. It draws its inspiration from antique villas, with its peristyle, columns and frescos. Objects formerly owned by the Empress are displayed.

If you want to enjoy the beautiful landscape, swim, party and have a drink, head to the Grotta Beach Bar in Paleokastritsa. You will have to climb down a few steps to get there. An unexpected sight awaits you: the bar hollowed out into the rock offers a magnificent view over the turquoise sea. A pontoon and diving board make swimming much more fun.

A wonderful restaurant is hidden away in Temploni - the Ladokolla. It is located right in the heart of the island, far from typical tourist areas. Meat skewers, grilled vegetables, Greek salad and pastries are offered, made with fresh produce. Truly delicious, and the staff are very friendly.

One of Corfu’s specialities is sofrito. Slices of veal are coated in flour and fried in hot olive oil. Garlic, onions, white wine, vinegar, parsley and sometimes cloves are added to the pan. A few potatoes sometimes accompany the sofrito. 

Pastitsada will seduce you with its deliciously spicy flavours. This stew is cooked with beef, veal or poultry. The meat is left to simmer with onions, garlic, vinegar, wine and paprika, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, etc. The hot and spicy dish is served with macaroni.