Location
The Villa
Villa Aurora is situated on Corfu’s exclusive north-east coast, affectionately referred to as “Kensington-on-Sea” in ITV’s documentary “Corfu: A Tale of Two Islands”. Avlaki beach may be found on the road between Kassiopi and Agios Stephanos.
The villa is 38km from Corfu town/airport. Car hire is the easiest way to travel from the airport to the Villa (the journey takes about an hour) and a car is required to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer. The international car hire firms are represented at the airport and ferry terminal.
The road that leads to Villa Aurora, continues as an unmade track through the olive groves to Avlaki bay. The crystal-clear waters and white pebble beach are intoxicating. Sun beds and umbrellas are available and the two excellent tavernas, serving freshly prepared local dishes, will keep you replete throughout the day.
Villa Aurora is one of a number of privately owned villas that have been developed on the hillside above Avlaki over the last 15 years. Set in an acre of grounds, with mature gardens, Aurora offers exclusivity and seclusion, yet all essential holiday amenities are close by. Avlaki Bay: beach and tavernas (700m, 10 min walk) or 2.5km via road; Sinies (2km): supermarket, bakery and village taverna; Agios Stefanos (2.5km): tavernas, bars, gift shops and boat hire; Kassiopi (3km): tavernas, bars, supermarkets, tourist shops and doctors.
Activities
Many guests spend the morning relaxing by the pool before heading out to one of the local beaches in the afternoon. Avlaki beach is a ten-minute walk down the track from the villa and is a refreshing swim in the afternoon.
Kerasia is our favourite beach, a short drive through Agios Stephanos, past the Rothchild’s estate to Kerasia, perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island. The taverna of the same name is busy at lunchtime so it would be advisable to book. Let them know you are from the original Villa Aurora. Remember to take the beach chairs from the utility room and your gel shoes.
Agios Spyridon (8km) along the north coast is a slowly shelving sandy beach, ideal for children. The beach has minimal shade but there is a good supply of sunbeds and beach umbrellas for hire. Food is limited so perhaps a picnic would be an idea.
Hiring a motorboat is a fun way to explore the idyllic coves that are the splendour of North East Corfu’s beauty epitomised in the TV series based on Gerald Durrell’s books. Boat hire is available in Agios Stephanos and, after a morning trip north to Avlaki and Kassiopi, its time to head south to Agni with a choice of three tavernas for lunch.
The Aqualand water theme park, at Agios Ioannis in the centre of Corfu, is approximately one-hour’s drive is great fun for all the family.
Tavernas
The highlight of any Greek holiday has to be sitting in a water’s edge taverna, on a warm summer evening, savouring freshly prepared local produce. Conveniently, Villa Auroa is located close to some of the best restaurants and tavernas in northeast Corfu. Just below the villa on Avlaki bay are Cavo Barbarro, (Fotis and Kalina) and Avlaki Taverna, (Adonis) both serving freshly cooked local produce.
The picturesque bay of Agios Stephanos is a short drive (taxi ride), where there is an excellent choice of water-front restaurants, tavernas and bars, including Eucalyptus Taverna, Kaparelli Taverna run by Costas and Galini Taverna run by Nikos. There are one or two bars where teenagers can retreat whilst their parents enjoy a local coffee.
The small fishing port of Kassiopi offers an even greater variety of tavernas and bars and one or two nightclubs including The Wave Bar. Tavernaki to the right of the harbour Petrino in the centre of the harbour and Little Italy are amongst our favourites. For a special treat Trilogia Restaurant provides excellent food and magnificent sunsets.
A fun alternative is to travel to Agni by water taxi from Agios Stephanos where there are three famous waterside restaurants: Taverna Agni, Toula’s and Nikolas, each outstanding in different ways.
For those very special celebrations catering arrangements can include delivery of a freshly prepared supper or the assistance of a local cook to prepare a meal for you. Our house manager would be pleased to discuss your individual requirements.
Travel to Corfu
British Airways has a daily service from London Heathrow to Corfu in peak season. Easy Jet provides scheduled services from London Gatwick, Luton, Manchester and Birmingham. Ryan Air flies to Corfu from Stanstead. Our preferred changeover day is Friday which accommodates many UK flights.
Corfu Old Town is beautiful and worth extending your holiday by a day or two in order to enjoy its charm or match the sometimes demanding flight schedules. Try Hotel Bella Venezia, Siorra Vittoria or Cavalieri Hotel.