Things To Do in Perama

Famous marine biologist and author Gerald Durrell lived in the pink villa at the top of the village – and back in the Thirties he discovered all manner of new species in the waters around here. If you snap on your snorkel, you can still see lots of them today – octopuses, starfish, sea urchins, crabs and sponges are all regulars in the rocky coves on either side of the beaches.

Thanks to their crystal waters and abundant marine life, Perama’s beaches are up there with the world’s best snorkelling spots. But don’t take our word for it – writer and marine biologist Gerald Durrell even discovered some new aquatic species here. On a swim to the rocky coves that flank the beaches, you’re likely to spot starfish, crabs and sea urchins.

Over in Benitses, this place does traditionally-prepared Corfiot specialities. The menu is packed with local dishes like lamb fricassee with lemon sauce, and bourdetto, a spicy fish stew. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially if you want to sit on the outdoor terrace – the food here’s so good that visitors find themselves competing with the locals for table space.

Perama’s beaches are just a hop and a skip apart, leaving you free to flit between the two. They’re a popular pair, though, so you might want to arrive early to guarantee a lounger. Once here, you’ll find the full menu of watersports, including pedalos, banana boats and jet-skis. You can also rent a boat and explore the coastline.

In recognition of its one-time status as Corfu’s biggest fishing village, Benitses puts on a party every summer to celebrate the humble sardine. The fun takes place in the harbour square, where you’ll find yourself treated to live music and lashings of local wine. No prizes for guessing what you’ll eat – deliciously barbecued, straight from the sea. They’re also free.

With their hillside location, Perama’s clutch of restaurants all have one thing in common – first-rate sea views. Menus here often work round the catch of the day, so your seafood is guaranteed to hit the plate fresh – all the deep-fried squid and whitebait need is a squeeze of lemon. If you want something meatier, try the pastitsada, a Corfiot take on lasagne.

Handily, the resort’s 2 beaches are about a minute’s walk apart, right next to the main Perama road. You might want to get down here early to nab a sunlounger, though, as both patches get busy. And when you’re not working on your tan, you’ve got banana boats, pedalos and jet-skis all up for hire.

Perama’s supermarket will cover you for suncream and picnic supplies, but if you want serious shopping head over to Corfu Town. The old quarter deals in gold jewellery and traditional souvenirs like handmade lace and olive-wood carvings. And for more of a fashion fix, you can browse the boutiques along the main shopping street, Odos N. Theotoki.

Perama’s supermarket will kit you out with essentials like sunscreen and British papers, but shopping-wise, Corfu Town is really where it’s at. The old town’s narrow streets provide handcrafted souvenirs, like Corfiot lace, ceramics and leather goods. Meanwhile, if you’d prefer something more fashion-forward, the cosmopolitan new town lays on big-name brands – you’ll even see an M&S.

Spiros and Dimitri run this treat of a taverna in neighbouring Benitses, 20 minutes away. They offer a cheery welcome, and a mean homemade Greek meze that’s made for sharing. Dishes like aubergine fritters and meatballs go down a storm with the many repeat visitors. The steaks are much recommended, too.

Perama’s already laid-back pace starts to take it even easier after dark. Evenings here are all about sipping an after-dinner glass of wine on an al fresco terrace. The island-pressed vinos are worth sampling and won’t break the bank either – try the fruity, red Fraoula or the sweet, white Moschato. You might want to give the local retsina a go, too.

This waterside bar has a laid-back beachy vibe and an outdoor terrace with one of the best sea views in Benitses. The friendly staff are just as at home serving tequila shots and beers as they are rustling up flamboyant DIY cocktails. Local DJs keep the decks loaded with pop, R’n’B and dance music while sporadic fancy dress and karaoke nights keep people coming back for more.

Perama’s hillside location is a blessing for its restaurants, which enjoy some knockout views across the water. Here the menus play to international favourites alongside local Corfiot cooking. Seafood is the star turn – keep an eye out for Corfu’s most famous dish, bourdetto. That’s scorpion fish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Perama’s main road hosts a handy selection of bars and tavernas. Most have outdoor terraces, so are an ideal spot to kick back with a glass of the local wine. Two to look out for are the fruity, red Fraoula and the sweet, white Moschato. And when you fancy a different scene, you’ve got lively Benitses just a few kilometres down the road.