St Spyridon Holidays

This village is as far north as you can go in Corfu before you reach the Ionian Sea. And compared to some of the island’s more up-tempo characters, it’s a bit of a shrinking violet. The small selection of hotels has an exclusive feel, as they’re all set in acres of open countryside. A couple of tavernas and beach bars do business, but it’s pretty undisturbed otherwise.

If you want a slither of sand all to yourself, this is the part of Corfu to come to. Pockets of sand like Gialiskari Beach and Antinioti Beach are set on a peninsula where the only sign of civilisation is an abandoned monastery. Even St Spyridon’s main stretch is on the small side, but its background scenery sets it apart. The sea and sand are on one side, and if you do a 180 you’ll clap eyes on picturesque Antinioti Lagoon.

Although the volume in this village is usually set to mute, you can dial things up a few decibels by heading along the coast. A 25-minute drive along the northern edge of the island gets you to bar-and-restaurant-packed Sidari – one of the region’s most tourist-ready resorts. Keep an eye out for the village of Kassiopi on the way – the pebble beach here’s lapped by some of the clearest waters in Corfu. If you’re looking to tick off some sightseeing spots, it takes about an hour in the car to get to the Old Fortress in the capital, Corfu Town.