Peaceful hilltop living

Vigla is a quiet hilltop village in northeastern Corfu. It’s a secluded spot that’s surrounded by dense pine forests and the towering Mount Pantokrator in the background. It’s a rural escape that’s connected at the hip to the village of Kalami on the coast, where there are rustic little tavernas and friendly beach bars. And cosmopolitan capital, Corfu Town, is just a 45-minute drive away.

Pebble beaches

Vigla has 2 pebble beaches within 10 minutes’ drive. The closest is Kalami Beach, a lively Blue Flag number in a sheltered bay that comes with calm, shallow waters plus sunloungers, umbrellas and a couple of beach bars. There’s also Koulouri Beach, Kalami’s quiet next-door neighbour – it’s set to one side of a colourful harbour where fishing boats come in and out with the day’s catch. Scuba diving, parasailing and water-skiing are on offer at the sand-and-shingle Ipsos Beach, 30 minutes’ drive away.

Daytrips to Corfu Town

A 45-minute drive takes you to Corfu Town, where the architecture is a mix of European influences. There’s a Venetian fortress to the west of the town with panoramic sea views from the very top. Over on the east side is the older part – there’s the towering bell tower of the 16th-century Church of St Spyridon, and just next door a French-style colonnade called the Liston. There’s a bit of Britain here, too – cricket is still played at the wide open space of the Esplanade.