Our Local Specialist recommends: Georgina from Corfu

Georgina Michalaki, Local Specialist on beautiful Corfu, is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to planning your ultimate Grecian holiday. She was born and raised on the island, is half Greek and half English and loves speaking both languages with travellers from all over the world.

Here Georgina reveals her absolute best insider tips and secrets for planning a bespoke Corfu holiday. Best of all, you won't find these suggestions in a guidebook, as they require the knowledge and expertise you only get after living and breathing a destination for years. Get ready to take a peek into how the locals experience Corfu – it'll amaze you.

Meet Georgina

Yassou (hello), my name is Georgina Michalaki. Like you, I have a deep love and passion for travel. When the tourist season comes to a close each year, I often set off to explore Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France and Germany on my way to my final destination – my mother's homeland of England. But I can also be a homebody. For a relaxing day in, nothing sounds better to me than cosying up for a Netflix binge; currently, my favourite shows are The Last Kingdom - and, of course, you have to love a good David Attenborough nature documentary.

I joined The Thinking Traveller team just over three years ago, and all I can say is that it's been an amazing experience from the very start. There's nothing like the indescribable feeling I get when I see our clients enjoying the warm Corfu breeze for the first time. Watching them light up with joy and instantly relax is such a pleasure and reminds me why I love this job and this island so very much.

Another experience I revel in is meeting our clients at their chosen villa after they’ve had a chance to take in the bewitching views of beautiful Corfu it has to offer. The sparkle in their eyes and the smiles on their faces are priceless.

I thank my lucky stars to be working for such a fantastic company that serves exceptional guests and look forward to helping you plan an extraordinary holiday on Corfu.

Georgina's picks for Corfu

The best beaches on Corfu

Kerasia and Avlaki Beach are by far my two favourite beaches on Corfu. Both feature captivating crystal blue waters and a calming atmosphere, making them popular among the locals.

Kerasia

On the Ionian Sea's northeast coast is this lovely and quiet pebbly beach, flanked by shady trees. A pleasant and welcoming taverna beckons those who desire a fresh and nourishing meal or a tempting glass of wine to cap off a day of sunbathing.

Avlaki

Corfu's northern coast boasts a dazzling pebbly bay with crystal clear waters set against sumptuous golden sand. Avlaki is not well known by tourists – so that means you will often find Corfu natives (including me!) enjoying this haven on the weekends.

If you're travelling with young ones, I recommend Avlaki Beach as an excellent child-friendly option. For the adventurous, an array of watersports, scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities await.

The best restaurants on Corfu

When I think of excellent local restaurants, so many options come to mind. Corfu is a playground for gourmands, and you will be spoilt for choice when selecting a fabulous eatery. However, my favourite has to be Trilogia, a fine dining restaurant located in Kassiopi on the northeast side of the island. Trilogia features a large outdoor dining area that allows guests to experience the most spectacular sunsets while enjoying modern Greek cuisine with a flair that is sure to entertain and delight you and your dinner guests.

© Trilogia

My favourite cultural spot

Mon Repos Palace in Corfu Town is the majestic manor where Prince Phillip was born. It is, for me, somewhere to get blissfully lost in the beautiful gardens and grounds. The manor has been transformed into a museum and is steeped in history, which you can see for yourself if you pay it a visit.

My favourite Corfu activities

On Corfu, our culture is defined by the sea. Many of us who grew up on the Ionian Islands were raised on boats. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day out than chartering a skippered yacht on the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea. Pack a lovely picnic prepared by your private in-villa chef with a selection of local wine, and prepare to live ii kalí zoí (the good life).

Corfu’s best-kept local secret

Where do I start with the hidden gems of Corfu... There are so many unique places and experiences to be uncovered. One experience that isn't exactly hidden – instead, it’s often overlooked – is visiting the old town of Corfu. It’s full of narrow, winding streets, and through each one, you will find a beauty I cannot describe. You must experience it for yourself in person.

I also have a little bonus secret for fans of the recent hit TV series, The Durrells: the show was actually filmed on our little island! If you'd like to visit or learn more about some of the most notable filming locations from the show, please read our guide here.

The best Corfu villas

Now that I've revealed my top picks for the best beaches, restaurants, cultural attractions and more on Corfu, you may be asking yourself, Where should I stay to experience all of these fabulous recommendations? Allow me to recommend three of my favourite luxury villas on Corfu, all situated near at least one of my recommendations.

1. Kassiopi View

I adore Kassiopi View because as soon as you arrive, you will be greeted with majestic vistas from its terraces, beautiful coastline, and plenty of options nearby for dining and activities. The luxurious infinity pool offers excellent views over the Ionian sea below, and the interior design is imbued with an atmosphere of sheer tranquillity. If you're interested in hiring a boat charter or visiting my favourite restaurant, Trilogia, Kassiopi View is an excellent home base for your Corfu holiday.

2. Barbanichos

Does the prospect of a villa with a large dining terrace, fragrant gardens of olive trees, charmingly restored interiors and gorgeous views from an infinity edge pool excite you? If so, Barbanichos welcomes you with open arms. Located in northern Corfu, Barbanichos is your gateway to everything that makes our island amazing, including Kalami town, home to the famous Durrell White House, and and Agni Bay.

3. Iola

Iola stands as the epitome of luxury as it is one of the premier villas on the island of Corfu. Suppose you are looking for jaw-dropping amenities, pristine interior design and unmatched comfort. In that case, you cannot go wrong with Iola, which is ideally located for those wishing to visit Corfu Town and Mon Repos Palace. A short 20-minute drive will bring you to everything this area of Corfu has to offer, including boat charters, exciting restaurants and tavernas, enriching museums and so much more.

Experience island life like a local

With Georgina's fabulous insider tips and suggestions, your Corfu holiday is sure to be one for the ages. If you're ready to experience island life like the locals do, we invite you to reach out to our team of holiday specialists, who all have first-hand knowledge of Corfu and the Greek Islands.