CORFU

Three Greek islands to get to know

 

Sun-drenched Kefalonia? Beach-speckled Corfu? Emerald-tinged Kos? Get ready for triple the sun and triple the fun with this trio of Greek treats!

Gorgeous Greece has more than 6000 islands to its name, so choosing which one to visit can be a struggle… Jet2holidays to the rescue! We’ve solved the paradise puzzle with these three sun-drenched pieces of Greek island bliss.

Myrtos beach Kefalonia Photo by the Region of Ionian Islands

Kefalonia

Rugged mountains speckled with pine trees, lush vineyards bursting with grapes and aquamarine waters brimming with marine life, Kefalonia’s clearly got the good-looking Greek genes. It’s also a beach mecca, with golden swathes and secluded coves to spare.

Where to stay?

There’s no shortage of spots to stay in Kefalonia. Sun-seekers flock to Skala on the south-east coast, where beach-baking days segue into cocktail-filled evenings. Hilltop haven Lourdas and tranquil Trapezaki are primed for go-slow getaways, while the cool capital Argostoli’s got stacks in store for the culture-vulture club.

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What to do?

An endless list of Mother-Nature-moulded highlights can be uncovered here, such as 150-million-year-old stalagmites at the Drogarati Cave or the hidden lake inside the Melissani Cave. When it comes to sunbathing spots, crystal-clear waters and chalk-white sands await at Myrtos Beach. In fact, the scenery here is so beautiful it was used as the backdrop for Hollywood hit film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin!

What to eat?

Mornings in Kefalonia start with a freshly brewed coffee and a side of mandoles, roasted almonds enrobed in a crunchy caramel shell. On the savoury side of things, kreatopita, filo pastry stuffed with meat and wild herbs, is perfect for an on-the-go snack! Are you a wine connoisseur? Well, this isle knows a thing or two about tasty tipples. The most well-known is Robola, a crisp white that pairs perfectly with fish.

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Corfu

The beauty of this Ionian Isle is that you can do it all in one visit: lounge on Blue Flag beaches, explore olive-grove-studded hills and tick off cultural landmarks. Corfu’s a natural with kids too! Spend your days whizzing down slides at Aqualand Waterpark, coming face to face with marine life at Corfu Aquarium, or building sandcastles on soft sands.

Where to stay?

No matter where you base yourself, sun, sand and scenery are always close by in Corfu. The island’s cosmopolitan capital, Corfu Town, has Venetian flair to spare, earning its UNESCO stripes with a plethora of historical hotspots. Searching for fast-paced fun? There’s no such thing as a dull evening in bar-packed Kavos and bustling Sidari.

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What to do?

Nicknamed the ‘Emerald Isle’ thanks to its cypress-peppered hills, Corfu’s a magnet for outdoors-obsessed travellers. Keen hikers and bikers can tackle the impressive Mount Pantokrator, where on a clear day, you’ll enjoy pinch-me views of the whole island. On many of the island’s beaches, you can combine sunbathing with sightseeing. In Paleokastritsa for example, you can switch up serene mornings reclining on silky sands with cultural-stuffed afternoons exploring a 13th century monastery.

What to eat?

Corfu’s signature dishes expertly mix the island’s Italian and Greek influences. Try pastitsada, pasta topped with a rich tomato-based stew or bourdeto, fresh fish drenched in a spicy sauce. And to drink? On a hot summer’s day, you can’t beat a glass of chilled ginger beer, tsitsibirra.

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Kos

The dazzler of the Dodecanese Islands takes the crown when it comes to big-screen scenery. Bit of a sun-worshipper? You’re in luck, as snow-white sands and turquoise waters come as standard here. Away from the coast, there’s a land of whitewashed villages and wildflower-speckled countryside to discover.

Where to stay?

There’s a resort to suit every traveller in fun-for-all Kos. Kardamena is best for nightlife, with a selection of bustling bars. Kefalos expertly balances old and new, with ancient ruins nestled alongside charming cafés. Looking to escape from it all? Choose postcard-perfect Psalidi, where a sprinkling of tavernas and a cluster of beaches paint the peaceful picture

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What to do?

Kos’ seemingly endless coastline means there’s a beach for every mood. Paradise Beach is primed for water sports and Tingaki Beach is the place to go for all-day chills. Nature-filled days can be spent at the Alikes Salt Lakes, where you can spot all manner of bird life, from herons to flamingos. For those who love to explore on two wheels, Kos Town’s 13km cycle lane is just the ticket! Whizz from Faros Beach to Psalidi Beach, soaking up the coastal views as you go.

What to eat?

Foodies will find plenty to tickle their taste buds here, from traditional tomato spoon sweets to goat’s cheese aged in red wine (krasotiri). To sample the island’s best produce, head to the Agora Indoor Market in central Kos. Sip on sweet kanelada (a cinnamon flavoured drink) as you peruse stalls piled high with locally produced olive oil, honey and so much more.

Posted: 23rd Aug 2022.

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