Wandering Through Corfu: A Family Travel Guide from Dubai to the Ionian.

charphilpotts1
Aug 31
4 min read

After our first full year living in the sandpit (yes, Dubai summers are no joke!), we were more than ready for a change of scenery, cooler breezes, and some quality time with family. So, for our summer break, we packed up and headed to Corfu, Greece—a lush island full of olive groves, turquoise coves, and charming old towns that felt like something out of a storybook.

Even better? We met up with family there to celebrate a big birthday—a special trip that made the whole experience even more memorable. Between the beach days, lazy lunches, and evening strolls, it was the perfect way to recharge and reconnect after a busy year abroad.

Relaxing by the pool at the 'Green House' villa in Sidari

🏡 Where We Stayed

We split our time between two very different parts of the island, each offering something unique.

First, we stayed at a beautiful villa in Sidari, called The Green House. While Sidari itself isn’t much to write home about (touristy and a bit overdeveloped), the villa was perfect for what we needed. With a napping toddler in tow, having our own space made all the difference. During the day, we were able to relax by the pool while our toddler slept, soaking up the sun and the peaceful surroundings without needing to go anywhere.

The private pool, outdoor fire BBQ, and long dining table meant we could enjoy home-cooked meals and chill evenings as a family. The villa’s location also made a great base for exploring the stunning coastline of northern Corfu—think dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and quiet stretches of beach away from the crowds.

View from our balcony in Old Town, Corfu

Later in the trip, we moved to Corfu Town, where we stayed in a lovely three-bedroom apartment with a gorgeous view of the sea and all the boats drifting by. We may or may not have started dreaming about buying a boat and sailing around the islands one day...

The location was spot on—close to everything we wanted to explore in Old Town: charming shops, amazing food, and even some easy-access swimming spots just a short walk away. It was the perfect place to wrap up our trip with a slower pace, good coffee, and a lot of gelato.

🚤 A Day on the Water: Boat Adventures from Sidari

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was renting a boat in Sidari from Wave Boat Company and spending the day exploring the coastline from the water. It was surprisingly toddler-friendly (life jackets provided and calm waters most of the way), and hands down one of those unforgettable days that all of us—young and old—will remember.

We cruised past dramatic cliffs, found hidden coves, and swam in the clearest, warmest water. At one point, we even stopped for a little cliff jumping—well, some of us! It felt like the kind of carefree adventure you dream about when you picture Greek island life.

Diving off the boat into crystal clear waters off the coast of Canal D'amour

For lunch, we pulled up to Agios Stefanos and ate at one of the many tavernas overlooking the beach—simple, delicious food with a view of the boats bobbing in the bay. Our toddler found the ice cream (naturally!) and was totally enchanted by a local cat that wandered between the tables. It was one of those low-key, happy moments that sums up what family travel is all about.

Along the way, we also visited Canal d’Amour, the dramatic cliffs of Cape Drastis, and a handful of boat-only beaches that felt completely untouched. The whole day was magic.

If you're heading to Corfu, especially with kids, we can’t recommend this enough. It’s safe, relaxing, and gives you a whole new perspective on the island’s beauty. You don't need a boaters license for rental. We are comfortable with boats and have a license back in Canada, but low speeds and calm waters (on the right days) make it easily accessible to anyone.

What’s Next on Our Corfu Adventure?

We’ve only just scratched the surface of this beautiful island, and there’s so much more to share. From exploring the winding streets and hidden gems of Corfu Town to discovering secret beaches and unforgettable day trips along the coast, we’ll be diving deeper into all the places and experiences that made our trip truly special.

We can’t wait to share some of our favorite dining spots from across Greece — from charming traditional tavernas to local gems that everyone in the family, including our little one, absolutely loved.