Posted on Friday, 5 October 2018

Make like the Durrells and take your family to the magical Greek island of Corfu - where world class beaches, a verdant interior and a wealth of family-centric activities await.

Glorious Corfu, located in the extreme north-west of Greece, welcomes thousands of British families each year, arriving in search of the island's legendary beaches and magically lush interior. Famed as the setting for the Durrell clan in My Family and Other Animals, Corfu remains a Mecca for middle class British families keen to enjoy a similarly enthralling Greek adventure. The island also has many well-developed package-type resorts - where families can expect superb childcare facilities, large pools and lots of family-centric activities for a good price. And if you want to experience the high-life, you'll find many world-class restaurants and wine bar bistros here - after all, the super-rich are also fond of Corfu (Russian oligarchs and the Rothschilds have properties here).

When to come

As with many Mediterranean islands, the best time to visit Corfu is April to May and September to November. Peak summer months can be crowded and therefore more costly, while being too hot for some. Winter can get rather chilly, when swimming is almost certainly out of the question.

Getting around

Buses are a great option if you're on a budget. Look out for the blue and white city buses - including the number 15 from the airport. You can also hire a car or a moped, giving you the freedom to visit some of the more remote beaches and interior beauty spots. Taxis are also available if you don't plan to leave your resort too often. And if you really love your resort and it has a good nearby beach, you may well find that walking is the most convenient way to get around, augmented with the occasional excursion.

Things to do for families

Aqualand

Few children don't enjoy a day at a waterpark. But Corfu's Aqualand is no regular waterpark - it boasts numerous rides created by designers who worked on Disney attractions. Set in 75 square kilometres of shady forest, there is plenty of opportunity to cool off between goes on the 36 waterslides and 15 adventure pools. There's also a lazy river, black holes and a wave pool.

Corfu aquarium

This well-designed aquarium showcases the many fascinating marine species that call Corfu (and this aquarium) home. Take in the colourful fish, lobsters and eels - and don't miss the reptile enclosure occupied by iguanas, snakes and lizards. This attraction is ideal for avoiding the hottest part of the day. Tickets can be paired with a glass-bottom boat trip on the sea.

Horse ride in the Corfu countryside

Seeing Corfu's glorious interior on horseback is hard to beat. Take in aromatic olive groves, neat vineyards and shady woodlands, along with historic villages like Ano Korakiana and the foothills of Mount Pantokrator. Guided horse rides are available with Trailfinders, among other providers, and can be enjoyed by anyone aged six to 70-plus.

Walking Tour

The beaches are undeniably Corfu's biggest draw, but the island is steeped in historic sites, too. A walking tour is a great way to see the history and tradition up close, guided by a knowledgeable local. Along with Greek history, the French, British and Venetians also left their mark in the form of little-known fountains, grand monuments and old cobbled squares.

Corfu Donkey Rescue

Whether you're seven or seventy, it's hard not to be touched by Corfu Donkey Rescue, which has taken in more than 500 donkeys-in-need since 2006. It provides a shelter and medical attention to old, abandoned or abused donkeys. If the hustle and bustle of resort life gets too much, the tranquillity of CDR is the perfect antidote. The kids are sure to love meeting the donkeys and the feeling may be mutual.

Best beaches for families

For most families in Corfu, beach-life is the main attraction and the island does not disappoint. Ágios Geórgios Págon and Afiónas is a pretty two-kilometre stretch of sand with some of the cleanest waters around Corfu. You can try windsurfing here, but swimming is the main draw, particularly at the Afionas end where the waters are calmest - and ideal for younger swimmers. Plenty of space, even in peak season.

For a wilder beach experience, head to Halikoúnas, a large brackish dune-scape separating Korissíon lagoon and the sea. Coming in at 3km, this is one of Corfu's most unspoilt beaches, featuring a Venetian-era canal connecting the glittering Ionian Sea with the lagoon.

Dassia Beach, meanwhile, offers a more classic beach holiday setting, with a pleasant - but popular - stretch of sand, backed by a wide choice of hotels and Greek restaurants.

Family-friendly hotels and resorts

Oceanis Rooms Apartments - Barbati

Up to six people can stay in one of these bright, well-appointed apartments. Inside you'll find cooking facilities, a dining area and balcony, while outside there is a pool, restaurant and bar - and even a petite private beach.

Sidari Waterpark – Sidari

Boasting large, clean rooms and suites with space for up to five people, Sidari Waterpark is a huge hit with kids who love waterslides and pools. Some accommodations include Jacuzzis, mini fridges and sofa beds. A short walk from the beach and Greek eateries.

Filorian Hotel Apartments – Acharavi

Filorian is located right on the beach, offering two bed apartments with space for six. It has a small garden, decent pool and a beach-side restaurant. The rooms themselves are a little basic, but with so many things to do in Corfu, this is of little importance to most families. 

Things to avoid or watch out for

As with most parts of Greece, Corfu is generally very safe for tourists - so long as the usual precautions are taken. However, a stagnating economy has increased the incidences of pickpocketing and other petty crime.

Spiked and adulterated drinks

Drink spiking does occur - especially in party resorts. Always keep a close watch on your drink. Perpetrators are often fellow tourists rather than locals.

Be aware that some bars dilute their drinks with cheaper, poor quality alcohol, meaning a headache is far more likely.

Tourist police

Hotels, bars, restaurants and tour operators all fall under the jurisdiction of the tourist police, so if you have a problem with any of these establishments, contact the tourist police first. They should also be your first port of call if you lose your passport, since they can act as interpreter between you and the normal police.

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