Corfu Beyond the Crowds: Discovering Serenity in Southern Villages and Hidden Taverns

Published: 18th August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

While Corfu is often synonymous with bustling party strips and package holidays, a quieter, more authentic side of the island awaits in its southern reaches. Cookbook author Anastasia Miari, originally from south Corfu, returned to her homeland this summer, finding solace and inspiration in the rustic villages, family-run vineyards, and secluded tavernas that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. For Miari, the south of Corfu is more than a destination—it is a living memory shaped by her Greek yiayia, whose enduring presence and culinary wisdom influenced both her upbringing and her latest cookbook, Mediterranea: Life-perfected Recipes from Grandmothers of the Mediterranean.

Unlike the north, which attracts visitors with glimpses of idyllic coastal mansions and ritzy port towns, the south of Corfu offers an intimate portrait of island life. Here, life unfolds at its own pace, with centuries-old olive groves, quiet fishing villages, and scenic hilltop hamlets where locals maintain traditions passed down through generations. Driving the coastal road south from the island’s central airport, Miari notes the shift from tourist-heavy areas to landscapes defined by natural beauty—turquoise-lapped coasts lined with oleanders, and winding roads shaded by sprawling, centuries-old olive trees.

The Corfu Trail, a renowned hiking route beginning at Arkoudilas Beach, showcases the south’s raw, unspoiled environment. Jurassic cliffs, dense forests, and wild strawberries and figs evoke a sense of timelessness, providing an escape from the crowded beaches and bustling tourist hubs. Local olive growers, such as Spiros and George Dafnis of Agios Matthaios, cultivate high-quality, phenolic olive oils while offering tours that reveal ancient trees, palaeolithic caves, and Byzantine relics like the Gardiki castle. Their dedication highlights a growing awareness of preserving both the land and traditional practices.

Similarly, vineyards such as Pontiglio near Lefkimmi reflect a revival of traditional winemaking. During economic hardships, families like that of Konstantina Ntini invested in restoring abandoned vineyards, safeguarding unique grape varieties, and fostering a culture of sustainable local production. Guests at Pontiglio can explore wildflower-filled meadows while sampling Corfiot wines and enjoying meals prepared by family matriarch Athina Kirtzoglou, blending local ingredients with generations of culinary knowledge.

Southern Corfu’s culinary landscape extends beyond vineyards and olive groves. Coastal tavernas, including Taverna Aristos in Perivoli and Mikro Nisi on Agios Gordios beach, offer dishes that celebrate local produce, freshly caught fish, and seasonal herbs. These establishments embody a Mediterranean lifestyle rooted in simplicity, tradition, and community. Hilltop villages like Argyrades and Chlomos remain cultural touchstones, where elders sip Greek coffee or ouzo, playing backgammon, while women maintain the warm, welcoming spirit of Corfiot hospitality through handcrafted beadwork and homemade treats.

For Miari, these villages are the essence of Corfu’s true character. They offer a slower pace of life, a connection to nature, and the kind of genuine interactions that are increasingly rare in heavily touristed areas. Her experiences in the south, and the women who shaped her childhood, form the heart of her cookbook and serve as a reminder of the richness of local tradition beyond the sun-soaked beaches and busy resorts.

Travelers seeking to explore this serene side of Corfu can access the island through flights from the UK with British Airways, Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2, with journey times of approximately three hours and fifteen minutes. Accommodation options range from the simple, self-catering apartments of Panorama Notos on a private beach to the luxurious Oliver Suites, a converted olive mill offering an immersive stay amidst scenic landscapes, and the historic Venetian Roumanades Estate surrounded by olive groves.

Southern Corfu remains a haven for those looking to escape the crowds, offering a deep dive into local culture, gastronomy, and the quiet rhythms of island life. Here, travelers can rediscover the Mediterranean at its most authentic—where tradition thrives, nature is untouched, and the pace of life allows both reflection and immersion in the genuine spirit of Corfiot communities.