Move over Mykonos and Santorini. It’s time for the other Greek islands to enjoy more moments in the spotlight. Sure, Greece has always been a hugely popular holiday destination, but over the past few summers my social media feeds have been flooded with content showcasing a blend of breathtaking azure bays, pretty pebbled shores and stacks of stylish new resorts. Laying claim to swathes of those idyllic sandy beaches, quaint picture-postcard villages, and captivating Ionian Sea coastlines is Southern Corfu.
More laidback than its northern counterpart (party town Kavos, aside), the south side of the island is one of those effortless holiday destinations that ticks so many boxes. Ready to escape the crowds, beach hop, and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine? Read on for insider tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat.
Where to stay
MarBella, Mar-Bella Collection, Corfu
A true home away from home, you’ll instantly feel a sense of calm wash over you as you walk through the doors of MarBella, a blissful, family-friendly all-inclusive Mar-Bella Collection hotel. Located a 30 minute drive south of the airport, the hotel is nestled on the side of a hill in Agios Ioannis Peristeron, which means waking up to stunning panoramic views of the Ionian Sea every day.
At MarBella, the first thing you’ll be blown away by is the friendly, relaxed atmosphere and hospitality, with warm greetings from the hotel’s attentive staff at check in, by the pool, at the beach, and at every mealtime. The second is the sheer size of the sprawling resort. With five restaurants, six bars, a spa, an unlimited DIY ice cream station, and a whole water park, MarBella has everything you could possibly need for a fun, stress-free stay, especially for families with young children. Yes, you’ll be given a map when you check in, and yes, you will use it... more than once.
The hotel’s five restaurants offer a diverse mix of cuisine, with Mediterranean restaurant Kuzina (a buffet slash a la carte dining experience) being one of my personal favourites. Similarly, the Deck Bar and Grill restaurant, located along the hotel’s stretch of pebble beach with beautiful views of the azure waters, is a seafood lover’s delight. The breakfast buffet has everything you could want and more to fuel you for the day ahead, with us opting to dine at Kuzina rather than the main buffet restaurant La Terrazza to avoid the morning bustle.
There are a range of rooms on offer at MarBella, from modern, minimalist doubles to the more indulgent two bed bungalow suites. We stayed in a cosy junior garden view room with a private pool, which was a huge hit with my toddler and a serene sanctuary to slink back to so we could tire her out just before nap time, while we cracked open a cold beer from the complimentary mini bar.
Everyone's clicking on...
The pebble beach is picture-perfect with plenty of sun loungers, and you can book a selection of complimentary water sports if you fancy a change of pace. We’d also highly recommend booking the Southern Corfu cruise, a four hour excursion with snorkelling included, to experience the beauty of the south coast via the sea.
As mentioned, the resort is vast and located on a hill, so prepare to get your steps in. But with grounds so beautifully manicured, and with plenty of intoxicating jasmine climbing the hotel walls, it will never feel like a chore.
The starting room rate at MarBella is from €344 euros (approx £290) per Double Room Garden View/Night/Premium All Inclusive. For more information and to book, head here
What to do
Arkoudilas Path
When you’re finally ready to put your book down, the winding Arkoudilas trail situated at the very southernmost tip of the island is a must-visit. Wear trainers to navigate the mixed terrain, but once you reach the top you’ll experience the most breathtaking scenery, showcasing the beauty of the south and the cerulean sea below. A true hidden gem.
Issos Beach
A top-rated beach in the south which some visitors have dubbed ‘the most beautiful beach on the island’, Issos is a peaceful, sandy paradise with the kind of crystal clear water you’d happily bathe in. It boasts a long stretch of sand for post-swim strolls and is surrounded by picturesque sand dunes, making for a gorgeous Instagram-worthy photo backdrop. Due to its size, it never feels crowded and it’s an idyllic spot to catch the sunset with a sundowner.
Enjoy a boat trip
With so many secret caves and scenic shores, a coastal cruise easily ranks as one of the most fun ways to see the island and Corfu’s neighbouring islands from afar. There’s no shortage of trips exploring various routes, but we recommend a visit to the Blue Caves, named after the bright blue sea water surrounding them, located on the west coast of Paxos Island.
Marathias Beach
You’ll be greeted by a swathe of dreamy golden sand as you descend down to Marathias Beach on the southeast coast. It’s not as quiet as some of the other beaches in the surrounding area (although still less busy than the beaches situated in the north), but there are plenty of delicious eateries located nearby, including the buzzy Sirens Beach Bar & Bistro which serves up everything from healthy breakfast bowls to beers and cocktails. They also have plenty of comfy, shaded seating on offer.
Where to eat
Archontiko Restaurant
Perched on a hilltop inland in Chlomotiana, the elegant restaurant enjoys sweeping views of the Corfu coastline and rolling olive groves in the countryside below, and is another ideal spot to catch the stunning Greek sunsets sparkling over the sea. Stand out dishes from the menu include the grilled prawns, spicy baked feta, and the octopus. It’s slightly more expensive than other tavernas in the south, but the food is sublime and totally worth it IMO.
Vavara’s Restaurant
Situated in the quaint fishing village of Benitses on the southeast coast, Vavara’s is a relaxed and friendly family-run taverna where you’ll be greeted with the warmest of welcomes - and once seated you’ll feel like you’re dining at home. Delicious and affordable, the menu features generous portions of homemade dishes including moussaka, saganaki, zucchini balls, gyros and grilled fresh fish. What’s not to love?
Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
