Corfu during Covid-19

One of my TC buddies had planned a trip with her daughters and niece and had upgraded to a swim up suite at a brand new hotel. When Michelle shared the countdown I was happily envious but a few days before the trip and the niece could no longer travel. Given the opportunity to experience one of the first flights post pandemic and a change of scenery to an island I had not been to before, I jumped at the opportunity. A quick name change, train to Birmingham and my 2 day countdown began.

The airport experience at both Birmingham and Corfu was a breeze. There are few flights this summer, so things are quiet which helps with social distancing. Duty free was open with lots of bargains especially for food and alcohol. Around 50% of the shops were open – everyone wears a mask and it is all extremely clean. Apart from the mask (which you soon get used to), this feels like an upgraded airport experience.

Our flight was around ¾ full, I was sat next to a family of 5 in the window seat – no social distancing here. Once the flight takes off you can move to empty seats, you just need to return to your original seat for landing. Masks to be worn throughout the flight, there is a full in-flight service, you can remove your masks for eating and drinking. Duty free bargains on board too – I guess the airports and airlines have some excess stock, a great time to treat yourself! There is no waiting in the aisles and no queuing for the bathroom – minimal differences, main one again is the mask.

For Greece, it is mandatory to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 48 hours before arriving. You will be emailed a QR code just after midnight on the morning of your flight which needs to be shown on departure and arrival. Ad hoc Covid-19 screening is also being carried out, although we did not see this. From landing to sitting on our transfer was super-fast and efficient – once again an upgraded experience. Mask wearing is mandatory on buses and within shops. Staff in hotels wear masks, you do not need to.

We stayed at the brand new Destino Blue hotel in Sidari, in a swim up suite - a small and friendly, exceptionally well designed hotel around 5 minutes’ walk away from the famous Canal d'Amour and beach.

During our week we visited a hotel with a water park, 15 minutes’ walk away and hired a car (arranged by hotel at a great rate) and explored the south of the island. It's so pretty here, you can see mainland Greece, Albania and feel the Italian influence. Whilst in the south we had a day exploring the 5-star family orientated Marbella Corfu, then the adult only 5-star Domes Miramare. Both awesome hotels offering something unique in an outstanding setting. We also took a private boat across to Erikousa, the most stunning island around 40 minutes from Sidari, which could make a great base to explore from or twin centre with Corfu. We participated in some water Msports from Sidari beach, took a 10 minute taxi ride to the outstanding Sunset Beach and 7th Heaven – a must do on the island, I would recommend booking a table for dinner so you get the best sunset spot.

If you have not been to Corfu yet, place it on your must travel list. Perhaps you are ready for a return visit – from a package holiday to bespoke island-hopping trip and everything in between – I have lot's I can recommend and would love to help plan your perfect trip.