Benitses Holidays

Benitses sits along the island’s east coast, around 12 kilometres from Corfu Town. This bite-sized village is wrapped up in show-stopping scenes, from a sweeping backdrop of seaweed-green valleys to the Ionian coast which borders things up front. Things are really laidback around here, with a small handful of sand-and-pebble beach spots taking centre stage – many of which have bagged a Blue Flag thanks to their top-tier quality.

Back in the 60s, Benitses paved the way for holidays on Corfu and was the island’s original holiday resort. It was super popular with young crowds for more than 20 years, but these days the fishing village’s original charm and tradition are well and truly back in action. Party scenes have been swapped for family-run tavernas and freshly caught seafood tops the specials board in nearly all of its chilled-out restaurants.

Corfu’s capital is within easy reach of this place, and a drive from door to door will take you around 25 minutes. If you don’t fancy taking the driver’s seat, there’s a bus service that runs through the village to Corfu Town in less than three quarters of an hour. The town’s split into two halves – new and old – the latter’s UNESCO-protected centre is fitted with Venetian-style buildings and time-worn fortresses. Meanwhile, over on the new side of town there are trendy avenues lined with boutiques and street-side cafés perfect for world-watching afternoons.