Rent a luxury villa in Corfu, where tradition meets unmistakable beauty

Corfu has much to offer in the way of sights and experiences, making it a fascinating destination for a luxury villa holiday. Among the island's most celebrated landmarks is the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site enclosed by massive fortification walls and defined by a picturesque blend of Byzantine, Venetian, and French architectural influences.

The most iconic structure within the Old Town is the Old Fortress, built by the Venetians in the 15th century. Perched on a promontory, it commands spectacular views over the Old Town and the harbour below. Equally significant is Corfu's cathedral — the Church of Saint Spyridon — which houses the relics of the island's beloved patron saint.

Beyond the Old Town, the island holds further treasures. The Achilleion is a former summer palace built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, set on a hillside overlooking the sea and surrounded by lavish gardens. Designed in the spirit of Greek mythology, the palace is home to an impressive collection of statues and works of art.

Also well worth a visit is the Monastery of Paleokastritsa, perched on a cliff above the sea. Founded in the 13th century and framed by a remarkably scenic landscape, its interior shelters a remarkable collection of religious artworks and relics.

Alongside these cultural landmarks, Corfu offers beautiful beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty. The Paleokastritsa nature area, with its sequence of coves and small islets, is a superb spot for swimming and snorkelling. With sights and experiences of this breadth and quality, Corfu is a destination that rewards every kind of luxury traveller.

When it comes to nightlife, Corfu has a well-deserved reputation for a lively bar and club scene. Most venues are concentrated around the central square of Corfu Town and along the coast in popular resort areas such as Kavos and Sidari, where bars and clubs keep the music going well into the early hours.

For those who prefer a quieter evening, the island has plenty of restaurants and tavernas specialising in local wines and drinks. Among the most celebrated are Robola, a crisp dry white wine, and Moscato Bianco, a sweet dessert wine.

Corfu offers a rich variety of traditional dishes and culinary delights. The island is renowned for its fresh seafood and fish, served in the many tavernas and restaurants that line the coast. The signature dish of Corfu is sofrito — a slow-cooked preparation of tender beef slices braised in white wine, garlic, and herbs. Other local favourites include pastitsada, a hearty stew of chicken or rabbit in a tomato and cinnamon sauce, and bourdeto, a boldly spiced fish dish.

Beyond its savoury cuisine, Corfu also has a strong tradition of sweets. Mandolato is an almond confection made with honey and nuts, while pasteli is a brittle of honey, sesame, and nuts. To sample these specialities at their finest, a visit to one of the island's local markets or a dedicated culinary tour is highly recommended.