From incredible seafood to stylish villas, the island of Corfu is a winner

DON'T pooh-pooh Corfu!” a wise woman recently said.

That woman? Fabulous’ Editor in Chief Sinead.

Because I’ll admit, I’ve never been that interested in visiting.

Mostly because I didn’t really know much about the island, apart from the fact that it’s been a hot spot for us Brits for decades.

I soon discover that Corfu lies north-west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian Sea, and is all rugged mountains and spectacular coves.

Its lush vegetation, thanks to its more northerly location, makes it stand out from those islands scattered in the Aegean on the other side of Greece – the likes of Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos.

On Google searches, I’d never stumbled across Vintage Travel before, but luckily I find the company specialise in handpicked
villas with pools across Europe and have stunning properties for decent prices, plus local reps on hand offering a host of tips. 

Villa goals

Built just two years ago, our find is Villa Aronia, near the village of Pirgi on Corfu’s north-east coast.

It’s a real beauty that could easily double up as the film set for a slick holiday drama.

Set amid mountains and ancient olive groves, its centrepiece is the infinity pool, surrounded by fragrant pine trees, rosemary and lavender. 

Inside is just as pretty. Three chic ensuite bedrooms lie downstairs, so each morning you climb the stone stairs to panoramic views of the bay below, before kicking back in the spacious living area with its sleek, sage-green kitchen.

There’s a rooftop terrace, plus a secluded annexe should you need to sleep nine.

The pool is unheated, so a dip is invigorating, but this pad makes for a stylish getaway – just as long as you have a confident driver for the steep, hairpin turns leading up to it.