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Few, if any, will dispute the beauty of the island from the water. At sea, one can absorb the essence of the island, with its abundance of olive and cypress trees covering the hills in a blanket of greenery, villas dotted here and there, welcoming tavernas, and secret beaches scattered along the coast.
There are several boat rental companies based in Nisaki and a license is not needed to rent a boat with an outboard engine of up to 30 horsepower. Most tavernas have their own jetty and a helpful boat boy will appear to offer a helping hand with your mooring.
Hire a Boat in Corfu
Visit San Stefanos
Lounging comfortably at Damianos, a bar located in the lucrative bay of San Stefanos, referred to as “Kensington-on-Sea”, one can soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the little village whilst sipping on an aperitif. Twilight here is magical as the sea is dappled with the last remnants of the summer sun, the colours impressing the mind with the ease of a closing day and the onset of a mediterranean night. The slow movement of boats, the odd swimmer, and the faint sound of laughter cannot help but reveal the inner mediterranean at heart of us all. After refreshment, and one’s appetite piqued, one may take delight in choosing from the several quality tavernas lining the shore front.
Explore Erimitis
Erimitis is located just to the North of the village of San Stefanos. It is a vast area that runs from the hills to the North of San Stefanos, all the way to Avlaki Beach. It is home to all sorts of flora, wild orchids, and wildlife living in the forested area. It is also laden with hidden beaches, popular with those in the know for their intimate secrecy, easing tranquility, and cleansing waters. A beach we are particularly fond of, known as Akoli, is both accessible from land and sea, as opposed to some that are only viable by sea. The waters here are incredibly refreshing and the calm that accompanies the remote beach makes for an immensely pleasant and relaxing afternoon.
Take a Trip to Kerasia
Heading south out of San Stefano bay, Kerasia is the first large bay you will find. Kerasia beach is a long stretch of shingle and pebble, with sun loungers and parasols available for hire, this is a favourite spot with the locals. The taverna has a boat jetty and specialises in fresh fish. The mixed seafood platter is an absolute must try.
Lounge on Avlaki Beach
A large horseshoe bay situated between the Erimitis Headland and Kassiopi with a long pebble and shingle beach, two tavernas and a sailing school. There is always a light breeze on this beach in the afternoon, perfect for when the temperature really soars.
Seek Spiritual Solace in Kouloura
A beautiful circular harbour, with a picturesque Orthodox church and taverna up on the hill and a small beach, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. Kouloura is probably the prettiest and most photographed bay on the island.
Continue Your Cultural Journey at Prospero’s Cell Chapel
Just around the corner from Agni Bay heading south down the coastline you will come across a small chapel perched on the rocks at the entrance to a secluded deep-water bay. This chapel featured in the ITV series “The Durrells” and also Lawrence Durrell’s book Prospero’s Cell. This is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling.
Discover Kassiopi
Kassiopi, after the greek goddess Cassiopeia, is the epicentre of the North East, it is the closest thing to a town in the immediate area. A charming place, full of friendly faces, cafes, tavernas and bars. The harbour is overlooked by the Byzantine castle, and if one follows the road up and around, a sharp sun kissed rock will eventually appear cutting into the deep blue sea. It is here that Kassiopi’s most popular beach is found, and as wonderful for a dip as it is simply to eat, drink and watch the sun set.
Boat trips to Albania are available from Kassiopi – ask for details at the harbour.
Trace Literary Footsteps in Kalami
There are many great tavernas to be visited along the North East shores, but there is one cultural landmark that may be of particular interest to those familiar with the literary output of Lawrence and Gerald Durrell. As one makes one’s way from San Stefanos, cutting through the calm seas, passing by the Rothschild’s castle-villa, and past the beautiful little church at Kouloura, one may find oneself pulling into the bay of Kalami, where the “White House” in which the Durrell’s lived, and is now a taverna, sits at the far corner of the bay.Kalami beach is a popular spot with several tavernas and shops.
Visit Agni Bay
Boasting three tavernas and a small pebble beach, Agni Bay is a popular place for the large superyachts to anchor during the summer months. Agni Taverna was made famous for the notorious meeting between George Osbourne and Peter Mandelson in the Summer of 2008, whilst Mr Osbourne was a guest at the Rothschild Estate and Mr Mandelson a guest onboard the 73m yacht, Queen “K”. The tavernas at Agni are the perfect place to people watch, over a long lunch, of course. The sun loungers on the beach are free to use by customers of the tavernas.