MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas

Worth getting out of bed for

There are few better ways to start the day than a dip in the glittering Ionian Sea. If you’re not into a salty start, head down to the pool terrace after breakfast, where the barmen will bring you drinks to your lounger – the gin smash makes a particularly good sunbathing companion. If you’re in the mood for an active afternoon, book a waterskiing or paddleboarding session down at the beach; if not, escape to the spa for one of the Moroccan steam or Ayurvedic treatments. If you’re into your eco tourism, head to Bioporos Organic Farm on the shores of Korission Lake, home to a particularly diverse ecosystem. You can take traditional cooking classes (where you’ll get to use the farm’s produce), make your own organic soaps or hike through the Mediterranean cedar forest that surrounds the lake. Named in honour of the first governor of free Greece, the Governor is an award-winning olive oil made by the Dafnis family, who’ve been tending their Corfu olive groves for three generations – not a single tree on the estate is under 100 years old. They offer tours and tastings at their factory, where you’ll get to see how they turn the native lianolia olives into an extra fine, unfiltered oil that’s packed with antioxidants. Equestrian types shouldn't miss Silvaland, a working stables and sanctuary for the rare Skyrian horse, a relic of antiquity said to be a descendant of the breed that Achilles took to Troy. The historic sights in Corfu Town are just 20 minutes away, where you can also board ferries to Paxos and Antipaxos, Corfu’s pint-sized neighbours known for their vivid blue lagoons.

Local restaurants

For brunch or a light lunch, stop in at Sway, an all-day eatery with a high, beamed ceiling, handsome wooden bar and patterned tile floor. The service is warm and the menu concise, ensuring everything from the succulent steaks to the ice cream hits the mark. For a more leisurely lunch, book a table at waterside restaurant Imabari, where the views of the Old Fortress more than justify lingering for another bottle or two after a meal. Not that you’ll be rushing to the end, with moresome dishes like steamed mussels, smoked mackerel salad and grilled octopus making up the main event. Come evening, secure a table at Limnopoula, a waterside taverna and seafood specialist that’s as popular with locals as it is with in-the-know tourists. The lamb and grilled sea bass are always safe bets. 

Local bars

Café Bristol is a traditional Corfiot bar with a difference – it’s got the classic tiled floor and wooden bar, but there’s a thick canopy of filament bulbs dangling over the bar, adding a shot of artistic appeal. During the day, they do a steady trade in coffees, made in a gleaming vintage machine that’s crowned with a winged angel. Things get more lively after dark, when the music kicks up a notch and the attention turns to cocktails.