Dassia is a quieter area popular with luxury hotels along the coastline and with stunning views of the Albanian mountains. The most famous attraction in the area is Dassia Beach, a shingle beach where guests can get stuck into a variety of thrilling watersports. Whether you want to try waterskiing, paragliding or taking a pedalo out on the calm waters, there's no end of aqua-based fun here. Another beach within 300m of the villa is Agios Nikolas, with its rocky coves and an ancient church that stands proudly above it.
Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands and has plenty of Venetian influence in the architecture, as well as Byzantine. The name means 'a pair of peaks' as the island has two hills topped with fortresses that once defended the island from the Ottoman Empire. Add delightfully friendly locals and great Corfiot cuisine, and you've got everything you need for a fantastic holiday.
Corfu Town has a myriad of narrow, winding lanes, filled with Venetian and Neoclassical architecture, painted in cheerful 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.
A great day trip is to 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.
Why not visit nearby Pontikosini (Mouse Island) where there is a tiny Byzantine monastery surrounded by pine and cypress trees. According to local legend, 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 a bird's eye view.
There are so many lovely beaches in Corfu, 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 popular beach in Sidari, on the northwest side of the island. This beach has gorgeous 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.