An idyllic Corfu villa holiday

A villa holiday can be a fantastic option to spend quality time with family or friends, away from everyday surroundings, in your own space to really relax and unwind. No getting down for breakfast before the buffet’s closed, no territorial battles for sun loungers – it’s your home, enjoyed in your way for the duration. Bettina, Branch Manager at our Tonbridge shop, enjoyed a fantastic multi-generational trip to Corfu with CV Villas, known for their hand-picked properties, offering great locations and superb facilities across Europe and beyond.

“I have been to Corfu before, but never to this lovely laid-back resort - San Stefano (Agios Stefano) on the Northeast of the island. Located between Kerasia and Avlaki, this quiet spot is a traditional fishing harbour, known for its waterfront tavernas, secluded villas dotted across the hills, and jetties for passing yachts to moor.

Our villa, Bolivinos House, was situated in a perfect position, 5 minutes’ walk downhill to the village with its choice of restaurants, 2 supermarkets and boat hire. You do need to hire a car to explore the island and visit some of the lovely villages in Northern Corfu, as bus services are limited. This area of Corfu is very green and hilly, so the roads are quite windy.

The villa was just wow! There was everything I could have wished for, spotlessly clean, very spacious and with a luxury hamper on arrival! All three of the bedrooms had a view over the sea and village, and Ariane, our local CV Villas representative, was easily contactable and very friendly. The pool was a good size, and the patio was spacious and well equipped with a brick-built barbeque, large dining table and chairs, sun loungers and a lovely, covered area with a smaller table, sofa and chairs to relax in the shade. Lying on the verandah, reading a book with a gin and tonic overlooking the village, watching the sun go down was just magical.

We hired a car and explored the North of the island and also rented a boat from Sotiris Boat hire, which was a brilliant day and really good value for money.  We explored all the coves and docked at Kalami Bay for lunch. Kassiopi is a lovely buzzing village just 20 minutes’ drive from San Stefano, and Corfu Old Town can be reached in an hour by car, or you can take a water taxi from the village, which is great fun for around 20 euros per person return.

The tavernas were excellent, I loved the kolokithokeftedes (courgetti and feta fritters) which came with a tzatziki dip, and I would highly recommend Galini Taverna, which served amazing food, located right on the jetty for watching the sunset.

I have always loved Corfu, but staying in this villa made the experience so much more relaxing. Bolvinos House exceeded all expectations and was the perfect place for a multi-generational family.  I travelled with my parents, my son and his girlfriend and there was something for everyone. The location is amazing – great for families, couples, and groups of friends. The village is very small, so it’s perfect for those looking for a quiet relaxing holiday, away from the crowds of large resorts. For us, it was heavenly.