poysine

My friend and I,2 middle aged women,are planning a trip to Corfu for 2 weeks next summer.Neither one of us has ever been to Greece.We will leave from Miami.It appears we have to fly to somewhere,then Athens,then Corfu.We think we should see Athens for a day or so before going on to Corfu.We do not like touristy places.We want somewhere quaint,clean,we won't do much cooking,but ability to prepare a snack,etc,would be nice.We want to be near the beach and be able to walk around to shop,eat,drink,see things..we want to feel not like a tourist,so a hotel is not a good choice.Anyone have ideas?We are not rich,location and quaintness and adventure are important.we want to meet people and get to know the area.we will probably rent a car so we can do day trips.We would welcome all help.

treplow

Look into the possibility of flying on an "open jaw" to Italy and return from Greece. In Ialy to Rome or Naples.Then take the train to Brindisi, and from there the (seagoing) ferry to Korfu. After that, ferry to Patras and bus to Athens. Return home by air from Athens.

Can't help you with the type of lodgings you are looking for on Kurfu. We stayed at a hotel at the northend of the island.

poysine

thanks,i checked into ferries,since I know Italy very well,but I get sea sick and don't want to take the chance on a long boat ride

Lifeman

Consider Paleokastritsa on Corfu as your base. It will be busy in July as will the whole of the island--it's economy is based on tourism--but Paleo will be less so.

Bear in mind that it will be very hot there, probably in the mid to high 30's and maybe more. My daughter and her husband are there at the moment and she reports temperatures in the low 40's!

Visit http://www.corfu-donkeys.com/index.html for a taste of the local area and to meet nice people. This is a sanctuary where old and injured donkeys are cared for--give generously if you can.

Terry_Warner

You won't find a better place to stay in Corfu than Arillas. Its quiet, had wonderful food, a fantastic beach, and even a micro brewery. Have a look at www.arillas.com. You will not be disappointed

poysine

The heat won't bother us,we live in Florida.Its cold we can't stand!!

poysine

In doing further research,it seems flying to London and then taking a flight out of a smaller airport outised of London to Corfu seems to be the best bet.Anyone have any experience with this?

Carolina

You can fly with easyjet from London Gatwick to Corfu most days of the week and with Ryanair from London Stansted (further outside London) a couple of days a week. I have flown with both airlines many times and have had no problems with either. There are also easyjet flights to Corfu from Manchester and Bristol. I have a slight preference for easyjet personally.
Other airlines / charter companies to Corfu from UK include Thomson, Thomas Cook and Monarch.
Coming from the US, flights from Gatwick or Manchester are likely to be more convenient than from Stansted.

Weadles

Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time between connecting flights, particularly if you are switching airports in the UK. Depending on time of day, traffic between them can be difficult.

I would leave Athens for the end of the trip. And I might consider connecting through Italy rather than the UK, just so that you can get more of the long flight from Miami to Europe over with. I think Rome is about a two hour flight into Corfu.

Have a great time!

stevelyon

Stratigo apartments, Kalami Bay in Corfu - beautiful, right on the beach, one of the only places I will return to.