Our Corfu Adventure

Tom and I have been looking forward to this little mini break in Corfu for a couple of months now since we booked it in May. We had decided this year that we would like to go away somewhere for a few days over Tom's birthday this summer, as the weather in July in the U.K. can be rather touch and go! So we thought it would be pleasant to go away somewhere in Europe for a bit more of a guarantee of sun.

I have wanted to go to Greece for some time, and one chilly May morning, Tom surprised me by opening up the laptop and started searching for European holidays on Tui's website, as he sat next to me on the sofa. Oh, how I love spontaneous moments like this! We quickly surmised that Greece was the less expensive option, and after about an hour or so of happy browsing, we had booked a 4-night trip to Corfu in Greece, at the Sendido Apollo Palace.

We flew from Stansted Airport, and there were several TUI representatives on arrival that directed us to the coach that picked us up and took us to our hotel in Messonghi. I had downloaded the TUI app on my phone prior to our holiday, which was incredibly informative and helpful, providing all the information we needed about our flights, our transport pick-ups, a 24-hr service so you can ask a TUI rep anything if you have any questions, recommendations of what sights and tours to do in the area, as well as links to the relevant government sites on what you need for travelling to Greece. Thankfully, no Covid-testing or even proof of vaccination was needed for visiting Corfu, and so all we needed was our passports.

We enjoyed three full days of glorious sunshine and fun in Corfu, and I would like to share with you some of my highlights from this trip and would recommend if you are considering a visit here.

1. Close to the Beach

Our hotel was less than a ten-minute walk away from the beach, which also boasted a string of cafes and bars along the front, and from here you could enjoy an iced coffee during the day or a cocktail in the evening as you soaked in the dazzling view of the Mediterranean Sea and mainland Greece coastline. Although the beach was not large or as sandy as some beaches, it felt very private and almost secluded, which afforded a truly peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, and Tom and I enjoyed several refreshing swims in the sea here. It was a place you felt you could really relax in and drink in the gorgeous coastline of rugged hills and mountains. It was also a prime spot for watching the planes fly into Corfu! If you like the beach and also lounging in cafes and bars that grace you with a stunning view, then look no further than Messonghi.

2. Corfu Town

On Tom's birthday, we took the bus that stopped outside our hotel into Corfu Town, which took about an hour. What a beautiful town this was, and all we hoped it would be! It had everything you could possibly want in a Mediterranean town - dining al fresco, coffee shops that had outdoor seating under large parasols, quaint little shops, charming and attractive side-streets, vibrant and elegant buildings and of course stunning views of the sea and harbours. For those who enjoy history, there are several museums to visit in the town as well, as well as two majestic forts. As Tom and I were only in Corfu for 3 full days, we didn't visit the forts on this occasion, but thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the town's atmosphere and drinking in the sights and local Greek cuisine.

3. Blue Lagoon

On our final day in Corfu, we enjoyed a very pleasant boat trip to Blue Lagoon and Sivota, on mainland Greece. The cost of the trip was only 35 Euros each, which was excellent value for money. We booked it through the Messonghi Travel Centre, which was by the local beach to our hotel on the corner. We sailed an hour out from the bay past the caves, which we got to see up-close as the boat steered into one for a photo opportunity, and then on to Blue Lagoon where we anchored for an hour's stop for swimming and snorkelling. The crew on the boat threw some bread into the water to encourage the fish, which provided a real treat for viewing as we snorkelled in the bright blue waters. After stopping off here, we sailed on to the harbour in Sivota, where we stopped for a couple of hours for lunch and a spot of sightseeing. Here, Tom and I enjoyed a view of the harbour as we sat outside one of the cafes and enjoyed a toasted sandwich and fries, followed by a gorgeous dessert of crepes and waffles! After dining, we enjoyed a leisurely walk locally, enjoying the sights of the quaint streets and pretty houses, as well as admiring the beautiful plants and views of the sea and coastline. After our little stop in Sivota, we sailed to one last stop for a spot of swimming, and where Tom and I placed a rock each inside a small cave cut into the rock, to add to the collection of other rocks that others had also placed there to mark that they had been there. After a refreshing swim and a little time to relax side-by-side on the pebbly shore, we made our way back to Corfu, and were delightfully surprised with some dolphin sightings on the way back over, which was an unexpected blessing!

These were my top three highlights of our trip, and as we had managed to pack so much into our three-day stay, it felt like we had been there for longer. It was a truly special mini-break, and we made some more beautiful memories together visiting this beautiful place. It certainly inspired us to want to explore more of Greece, and I would recommend Corfu to anyone looking for a relaxing holiday. It's perfect for both couples or families, or even for travelling on your own. There is plenty to see and do, and there are a host of different trips you can enjoy. So whether you are planning on going for a few days or a week, or even a little longer, you won't be disappointed.