Things To Do in Aghios Ioannis (Corfu)

For a change of beach scenery, jump on a bus for 15 minutes to nearby Glyfada Beach. With its tree-covered cliffs plunging towards the sea and a raft of watersports, it’s a popular spot. But Glyfada is spacious enough to absorb the crowds who make a beeline for its fine sands and crystal-clear waters.

This quirky café is hidden behind the palace that is now the Museum of Asian Art. Inside, you can settle into one of the antique chairs with an aperitif while you check out the old maps covering the walls. Or you might want an ouzo on the terrace – from here you can gaze on the old sea gate of St Nicholas and beyond to the mountains in the north.

Agiotfest is a compact rock, soul and folk festival held annually in Aghios Ioannis. Its open-air setting has been nicknamed the New Cactus Hilton – a nod to the hippies who colonised the cactus groves when they arrived here 30 years ago. That same spirit comes through today as hundreds of music fans sip on Corfu Beer and listen to the likes of Steve Gibbons, formerly of The Uglys, and Jimmy James and the Vagabonds.

You can walk in the footsteps of the Empress of Austria, for whom this beautiful palace was built in 1890. It gets its name from the mythical hero Achilles, who – as you’ll see – the Empress was obsessed with. James Bond has been here, too – the casino scene in For Your Eyes Only was filmed here a century later. You’ll find the palace about 10 minutes away in Gastouri.

A visit to the fishing village of Pelekas, just 5 kilometres away, offers a fine introduction for anyone keen to try traditional Corfiot dishes. On the menu you’ll find rustic favourites such as stifado – the Greek version of a hearty beef stew, and bourdetto – a peppery fish stew that dates back to the Venetian invasion of the island.

For a pacier nightlife, leave sleepy Aghios Ioannis and head to Corfu Town, which turns up the volume after dark. You’ve got the Esplanade with its pumping rooftop bars and upbeat cafés. And if you fancy clubbing, the buzzing places to be are Apokalypsis, DNA and Hippodrome, all throbbing away into the night in the area just past the New Port.

Tucked underneath the old fort in the centre of Corfu Town, this laid-back place is known for its fantastic sunset view over the harbour. It makes the most of it, too, with comfy outdoor seating under palm trees, and pinky-coloured cocktails to match the view. It’s open all day, every day, but the atmosphere hots up on Friday and Saturday nights when DJs and dancing kick in.

The shops and markets in the village square are not only ideal for topping up on holiday must-haves such as suntan lotion, but also for seeking out locally-produced olive oil, wine, pottery and lace. The shops tends to be small and family-run, so you’re unlikely to encounter the hard sell – you could even try a bit of gentle haggling.

Over at the fishing village of Pelekas, traditional restaurants do a good line in Corfiot dishes. They like their beef here, so expect to see it cooked up in dishes like sofrito – which comes in a garlic and parsley sauce – and stifado, which is a very tasty stew. Menus also serve up favourites like moussaka and fresh, grilled fish.

When you want a change from Kontogialos Beach, you can stay on the bus to Glyfada. You’ve got a raft of watersports here including canoeing, waterskiing, windsurfing and jet-skiing. If you’re swimming, keep an eye out for the safety flag as there can be a strong undercurrent at the northern end of the stretch.