Affordable Summer Getaway to Greece: Explore Corfu for Just £403

As July approaches, many individuals seek a warm escape to indulge in sunshine, leaving behind the unpredictable weather of the UK. Corfu, the closest Greek island, is just a three-hour flight away and offers ideal weather conditions for relaxation, with long sunny days and temperatures frequently reaching the high 20s. For those wishing to explore, the island has a wealth of attractions including museums, quaint mountain villages, and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town featuring stunning terracotta roofs, charming pavement cafés, and picturesque cobbled streets.

Your accommodation will be in Kavos, a vibrant resort known for its beach bars, water sports centers, and diverse dining options, located an hour’s drive from the island’s capital at the southern tip. A week’s self-catering stay at Agnes Beach, which includes flights from Luton with easyJet, is available for only £403 per person, with departures on July 9. Transport arrangements on the island and a 23kg baggage allowance are both included.

The rooms are designed simply with white and lemon decor, tiled floors, pine furnishings, and large windows leading out onto private balconies or terraces. Each room comes equipped with a kitchenette for meal preparation or storing beverages, and several supermarkets are within walking distance. While there is no on-site restaurant, a pool bar offers breakfast and light snacks. Nearby dining options feature Roussos on the beach, well-known for its Greek and seafood dishes, and Tomata, which specializes in local Corfiot cuisine.

Agnes Beach is adjacent to Kavos Beach, boasting miles of golden sand, gentle shallow waters, and snack bars. The water sports kiosk provides access to activities like kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and pedalos. The bustling Kavos Strip, filled with bars, nightclubs, and shops, is just a few minutes’ walk away, and there is convenient bus and taxi access right outside the hotel for those wishing to explore further.

Agnes Beach Hotel pool and surrounding area with lounge chairs and guests.

For a taste of local culture, the Olive Oil Museum is about half an hour away, where visitors can learn about the island’s 500-year tradition of olive oil production and enjoy tasting sessions. On your way back, consider a visit to Pontiglio Winery, which features a small museum and provides tastings of wines crafted from Corfu’s native grape varieties.

Another option is to take bus B1 for a day trip to Corfu Town, known for its Venetian history and breathtaking architecture, including two fortresses. The town offers a charming blend of Italian influence in its arched colonnades, shaded squares, and cobblestone streets filled with ice-cream shops. Don’t miss St. Spyridon’s Church, which showcases beautiful frescoes and a stunning bell tower. Additionally, climbing to the top of the town’s 14th-century fortress, Palaio Frourio, provides stunning views of the bay towards Albania.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the northern coast of the island is ideal for hiking with its marked trails winding through pine forests and past charming hilltop villages like Lakones and Makrades, leading down to tranquil coves perfect for swimming. A stop at the 13th-century monastery at Palaiokastritsa is recommended, as well as a visit to the Dolce Café for the island’s best homemade yogurt and honey ice cream paired with breathtaking sunset views.

Package Inclusions for £403 Per Person

• Return flights from Luton to Corfu, with departures on July 9
• Coach transfers upon arrival
• 23kg checked luggage
• Seven nights of self-catering accommodation at Agnes Beach

For those seeking more luxurious options, here are additional holiday ideas:

The £800 Holiday Option

Long swimming pool at Palapart Gouvia.

Located just six miles north of Corfu Town is the Palapart Gikas hotel in the smaller resort of Gouvia, known for its marina, attractive pebble beaches, and upscale waterfront dining spots. The suites are bright and airy, featuring white decor with vibrant turquoise highlights, along with kitchenettes and balconies in all units. The hotel boasts three outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a gym, and a snack bar. The beach and center of Gouvia are easily accessible within a ten-minute stroll, while Palaiokastritsa is a quick 20-minute drive. The cost for seven nights’ self-catering starts from £837 per person, including flights, transfers, and luggage.

The £1,400 Luxury Holiday

Domes Miramare resort pool and building.

The Domes Miramare resort, which was once owned by the Onassis family, is a luxury adults-only destination located on a private shingle beach along Corfu’s eastern coast, just half an hour from Corfu Town. Nestled within a historic olive grove, this resort features three distinctive restaurants, multiple swimming pools, a tennis court, and a lavish spa inspired by ancient Greek traditions. Accommodations include chic minimalist rooms available right by the beach or set on a hillside with stunning Ionian Sea views. Many rooms feature outdoor hot tubs or private pools. Prices for seven nights’ bed and breakfast start at £1,420 per person, including flights and checked luggage.

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