Looking to experience a Greek holiday that isn’t teeming with tourists or polluted with party-goers? You’re in luck – Agios Ioannis Peristeron is located on the island of Corfu and is the Balkan nation’s best kept secret. Until now, that is.
This lovely, lazy little seaside town has everything you could wish for on a Greek getaway – Blue Flag beaches, delicious cuisine, history beyond compare and sensational shopping opportunities. Read on to discover all of this hidden gem’s exciting attractions – I guarantee your holiday will be one to remember.
Greek Eats and Seafront Seats
Agios Ioannis Peristeron’s tavernas are dotted along the waterfront, providing diners with wonderful views of the Ionian Sea. These small, laidback eateries serve cocktails and various specialties ranging from (often home-cooked) Greek delicacies to international foods. If you stay late enough into the evening, some play live music – if you’re lucky, you might even catch some of the locals performing traditional dances.
Tantalising Tastes
Don’t miss out on the following delish dishes:
- Veal in white wine sauce (essentially the Greek version of a kebab)
- Squid fried in garlic
- Kleftiko (lamb slathered with herbs and lemon juice, and slow cooked in a sealed container)
- Salted codfish pancakes
Recommended Restaurant: Try Akrogiali Taverna, a beachside taverna with a terrace perfect for drinking in the sea views (and a cocktail or two) as you enjoy meals such as grilled swordfish, beef moussaka and lobster spaghetti. Akrogiali is owned by a friendly local named Prokopis Pachis. The best part? He loves serving large portions – so make sure you come hungry!
Historic Highlights
Hungry for history, even after a gigantic meal from Mr Pachis? Check out these nearby attractions:
- Delos Island’s Ancient Temples – The lonely, desolate island of Delos is said to be where Artemis and Apollo were born. Here you will see stone huts from 3,000 BC, temple and theatre ruins, ancient sculptures and the Terrace of the Lions, a mass of snarling marble beasts that guard Delos. All this and more can be reached by boat from Benitses Harbour, which is five kilometres north of Agios Ioannis Peristeron.
- The Achillion Palace – This stylish villa was built for Princess Sissy, the Empress of Austria. She loved Greek mythology; the gardens are filled with sculptures and the inside ceiling is decorated with paintings of Achilles. The palace is located in Gastouri, which you can reach in about 20 minutes by car.
Paint the Town Red
Looking for a bit of nightlife? The town of Moratika is just 15 minutes away by foot and boasts a hub of buzzing discos and bars – all open late and perfect for a raucous night out.
Best Bar: Charlie’s Bar, located on the main road and owned by – you guessed it – Charlie, is a favourite among rock-and-roll lovers. This head-banging haven plays metal and rock music, and has a wild but welcoming atmosphere.
Shop till You Drop
What’s a holiday without stocking up on souvenirs? Again, I’ve got to recommend Moratika’s main street for boutiques and sweet olive wood sculptures (all handmade!) aplenty. If you’re up for a 35-minute drive, zip into Corfu Town and peruse shops selling everything from jewellery, olive oil soaps and lace to pottery, ceramics and olive-wood bowls. Benitses (which is ten minutes away by car) also has plenty of shops, specialising in souvenir goodies perfect to bring back to your friends and family at home.
Where to Stay
Corfu Senses Resort – Are you visiting Agios Ioannis Peristerion for the history? Then Corfu Senses Resort is perfect for you; the Achillion Palace is only seven kilometres away from this hotel. The beach is right on its doorstep and, if you don’t like the idea of swimming in the sea, it also has a lovely outdoor pool (complete with poolside bar!). All rooms have gorgeous views of the Ionian and a lush garden, as well as an onsite restaurant.
Villa Fourtuna Apartment – Find fortune at the Villa Fourtuna. As the name suggests, this is an apartment… the perfect choice for travellers who wish to be independent. It comes with a fully-equipped kitchen so you can make your own meals, a balcony with beautiful views and a charming garden (the ideal spot to spend a lazy afternoon).
Aurora Hotel – The Aurora Hotel is as beautiful as its name. Rooms are furnished in either wrought iron or dark wood and feature earthy tones. The hotel offers guests access to a swimming pool, a terrace with views of the Ionian, a garden and a private stretch of beach (not to mention free sun loungers). You won’t go hungry here either, not with the poolside bar, onsite restaurant serving lunch and dinner and a daily Greek breakfast buffet.
How to Get There
The flight from the UK to Corfu Airport (CFU) is three hours. That may seem a bit on the longer side but, luckily, the succeeding journey from Corfu Airport to Agios Ioannis Peristeron is only 38 minutes – that means you’ll be exploring all the cuisine, history and shopping this lovely Grecian town and its surrounding areas have to offer in no time.
Whenever I travel, I always use Shuttle Direct’s services to help me get from the airport to my accommodation. Navigating your way around a foreign country after a long flight can be exhausting, stressful and, if you’re anything like me, fraught with the chance of getting lost and ending up on a different continent by mistake.
Shuttle Direct takes care of all of that and puts your mind at rest. As soon as you get off your plane, a driver will be waiting for you. Hop into your private or shared transfer and before you know it you’ll have arrived at your hotel or apartment – easy as milopita (that’s Greek apple pie).
Overview
- UK to CFU Flight Time: 3 hours
- CFU to Agios Ioannis Peristeron Distance: 20 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 38 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct we pride ourselves on being one of the best airport transfer companies around. Our services stretch all over Europe and North Africa, and we offer both private and shared shuttles. It’s our passion to get you where you need to go with absolutely no stress – book with us today and start your holiday off the simple way.
