Is corfu nice? Roda?

[Yumyi]

i grew up in a family that looked down on package holidays like they were the last word in tacky. We always did France camping holidays as a child. I am now discovering package holidays for the ease that they give families for a relaxing break. but I feel like I am starting from scratch as never been to anywhere before.

is corfu a nice place to go? We want a pool for playing in but not an over the top splash park/water park. Just something simple. And a nice beach to walk to. And good fresh local food for breakfast and dinner.

We went to Corfu a couple of years ago, I'm usually pretty good at choosing a nice resort, plenty to do but not too busy. I messed up and booked Sidari which was basically a strip of tacky restaurants and shops selling tourist tat.
We went on a trip but the roads were very twisty with big drops so I spent most of the time with my eyes shut, rather than admiring the views!

Seriously it was ok but I wouldn't go back and I got terrible bites. We went in late July and even in the hotel garden under an umbrella, it was unbearably hot.

thanks @RaraRachael can I ask which resorts elsewhere have been a hit for you?

Corfu is horrible. Avoid it. Plenty of other beautiful places in Greece. For an easy holiday ,(ie airport on the island) try Skiathos - we stayed in the very South which was uncrowded in summer. If you don’t mind a bit of an adventure then you can catch ferry from Skiathos and go to either Alonnissos or Skopelos.

Well I went to Roda about 35 years ago and it was very quiet and laid back which suited my friend and me. I suspect it's changed a lot and grown bigger and much much busier. I've also been to Lefkada and Kefalonia which are also in the Ionian group, much more recently ie last year and liked them both very much indeed.

Thank you I really appreciate these responses. Corfu was coming out much cheaper than other places but I guess there is a reason for that

i really like Corfu but tend to do a different type of holiday than you have a mind. We have a few times rented a villa with pool in the NE coast and hired a little boat to potter around in and visit local harbours. Beaches there are little coves and mainly shingle/stone. Very pretty but not the long sandy beaches you probably have in mind. Hotels on that part of the island tend to be on the smaller side (not that i have stayed in one). Lots of lovely tavernas and a little bit of gentle nightlife for the teens in Kassiopi. Corfu town is worth a day trip. Twice we combined with Paxos which is about an hour away by ferry. Absolutely beautiful but again tends to be little coves rather than long beaches.

I suspect there are better islands for the type of holiday you want. I have been to several, but only since kids are teens so wish list has been different to what it would have been when kids were younger.

Corfu is my favourite place on earth! I've been twice this year!

I usually stay in a self booked villa or apartment in Kalami or Nissaki on the North East coast which are both great. Kassiopi is nice too. This year I did a last min package through Jet 2 to San Stephanos on the North West coast and stayed at Tereza'a sunset hotel. It has a lovely pool with fab sea views that never got too busy , very family friendly and a two min walk to the sandy beach where you can hire a couple of Sunbeds and an umbrella for €8 a day from any of the beach tavernas. It's a small family run hotel and in my opinion a much better option than a large all inclusive resort.

We stayed half board which was excellent value with great food and the drinks were inexpensive too. There is a fridge in the room so you can stock up on drinks from the supermarket a few mins walk away. If you wanted to buy lunch at the hotel it was very good value but the beach tavernas were good too.

We have visited lots of Greek islands and going to corfu for the first time next year. We have booked the Athina. I think it's north west so not near safari (which I heard was very touristy). We will visit corfu town and pax os whilst there. We went to skiathos last year and visited allinonis and skopolos which was fab.

We've been to Rhodes a few times and really liked it, especially the old town

Thanks

I didn't think much of Corfu, there are much better islands.

I think it's really funny that staying in a tent is superior to an hotel or a villa !

Corfu is horrible. Avoid it.

Cannot believe i just read that! We are well travelled and loved Corfu. You probably just went to the wrong place. Corfu town is fabulous, I know a few families who love Kassiopi, which is lovely. but a bit too small for us as a base. Some lovely little restaurants in coves to visit by boat.

Been to Roda with kids , it’s an expanded fishing village and very nice. Sidari is as described by a PP.

Loved Kefalonia but is more for couples I think, it’s more of a working Island, best Greek food I’ve ever had, not loads to do for families.

Went to Skiathos last September, was very busy, again not sure it’s for families, more touristy than I expected.

Zante, while not my favourite Greek Island, was good for families (not Laganas obviously). We hired a car and drove around to the more unspoiled areas.

Mallorca or menorca are better

Went to Corfu last year after going 30 years ago . It is lovely - get a car and go exploring !

Corfu was amazing in the 90’s.
I last visited in 2017 and stayed in Perama. It was quiet and fine for us.
Dont go to Kavos, that’s for the noisy youngsters.

I love Corfu. Great people, fantastic food and amazing weather. I enjoy small self catering places, as long as the pool is nice we are happy.

Best flight times of all the Greek islands from my local airport. We switched up and went to Kos last year and didn’t enjoy as much.

The transfer isn’t great to Roda- up to 2 hours on coach depending on drop offs so definitely book a private one if you can.

I can't believe anyone would say Corfu is horrible, it's beautiful and so interesting. We hired a car and explored; loved the old town, the food, and the people. I've been to lots of parts of Greece; Corfu is not horrible.

I'm really pleased to read these positive reviews I was beginning to regret booking. I think all the Greek islands are great OP

Corfu is lovely (in my opinion! We’ve been the last 4 years) and Roda has a long sandy beach. There’s lots of beach bars with umbrellas, you buy a drink and get a free one with sun beds. The transfer is 2 hours, but it’s never really bothered us.

There’s plenty of simple apartments with a pool. People are super friendly and prices are very reasonable. It’s true that it’s super hot in summer, but so is the rest of Greece.

Corfu is my fave place in the world!! Even booked our honeymoon there. I can’t describe the feeling you get being there but it’s just such a beautiful country. Sidari is your typical tourist spot- it has a Benidorm vibe going on haha, Roda and Acharvi, very close to each other and both beautiful locations. Beaches and the little bars and restaurants are stunning, usually family run. Hiring a car, even for a few days is advisable just to explore. San stefanos is about 30 mins in car from Roda and has gorgeous beaches. Another vote for Tereza’s. There are 3 main families that practically own and run all the businesses in San stefanos, so it has a lovely relaxed family vibe. We went there may and visited roda for the first time in September. Have booked to go to Kassiopi for end of may next year. We regularly cruise and holiday about 5-6 times a year abroad, yet we keep returning to Corfu, it’s just such a special place- book it! You won’t regret it :)

Agree with the previous poster- we got married there 9 years ago and have been back every year since sometimes twice a year even during lockdown when we were two of only 8 people on the plane from Glasgow!

The top end of the island is particularly beautiful in May/early June with the late spring flowers so make sure to hire some transport or use local buses to get out and about.

You certainly won’t regret it!