Pelekas Beach Holidays

Pelekas Beach is in a part of Corfu that’s rarely frequented by tourists. It’s tucked away behind tree-draped hilltops, with a couple of strips of sand waiting at the bottom. Grill restaurants and sea-facing hotels pop up along the shoreline at both, and one noses ahead of the other with Blue Flag accreditation. They’re more about relaxing than watersports, so chill-seekers rank them highly.

This place is something of a double act. Take a five-minute drive up the hillside, and you’ll come to the village of Pelekas. It’s a traditional set-up, so you’re more likely to see locals plodding the streets than tourists. Winding streets are dotted with authentic Greek restaurants and vine-draped guesthouses. And where there’s a break in the street scene, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Despite being on the opposite coast, the island’s capital – Corfu Town – is within easy daytripping range. A 25-minute jaunt in the car gets you to the city limits, but the best sightseeing spots are on the far side, near the waterfront. It’s where you’ll find the Old Fortress, which is neighboured by a temple in pristine condition. If you want to see one of the island’s prettiest pieces of architecture, the whitewashed Achilleion Palace is 20 minutes’ drive away, too.

If you’re after city sights, you can easily head into Corfu Town for the afternoon. A half-an-hour’s drive will land you in the island’s cultured capital. The pretty-as-a-picture old town is all terracotta rooftops and wrought-iron balconies. There are two forts, museums and fancy boutiques to check out, too.