Perfectly placed in sublime, mountainous Gastouri, also known as Acheillio, after the famous summer palace of Empress Sisi of Austria. Located just 500m from the village entrance, the palace draws intrigue due to its historical and cultural significance. Built in 1898 by an Italian architect with inspiration from Greek mythology, iconic sculptures of Zeus, Hera and Achilles himself were created by a German sculptor for the beloved Empress of Austria. The palace is surrounded by dazzling gardens and has incredible views of the Ionian Sea.
Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian islands and has plenty of Venetian influence in the architecture, as well as Byzantine influences. The name means 'a pair of peaks' as the island has two hills topped with fortresses that defended the island from the Ottoman Empire. The largest of the hills has a lighthouse with spectacular views over the sea.
The Old Town is made up of narrow, winding lanes, filled with Venetian and Neoclassical architecture, painted in sunny ochre and sienna. Just off Spianada Square, where locals congregate, is the Old Fortress on the site of an acropolis atop a rocky peninsula. Visitors can walk up to the highest point for breathtaking views, passing a small chapel and museum along the way.
Liston Arcade, full of famous cafes and a promenade inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris is also nearby - it is so atmospheric with its graceful archways. It's a perfect spot for people-watching with a coffee in hand.
A popular trip from Corfu is to nearby Pontikosini (Mouse Island) where there is a minute Byzantine-era monastery surrounded by pine and cypress trees. According to local folklore, this is the spot of Ulysses' ship after it was turned to stone by the wrath of Poseidon. The island gets its name as it's said to be the outline of a mouse when you look at it from above.
A beach day is always a good idea in Corfu - and with so many to choose from, you could try a different beach every day! An amazing beach close to the villa is Agios Gordious beach with its green water and powdery sand. The beach gets its name from the church that is literally on the beachfront. The road that leads up to Agios Gordious is particularly scenic, lined with vineyards and olive trees.
Canal d'Amour is a romantic and wildly popular beach that lies on the northwest side of the island. This beach has soft sand and turquoise water, but the unique element is the rectangular rock with a gap that you can swim through on a calm day. It's said that couples who swim through together will get married within the year.