Despite living side-by-side with a throbbing tourist town, Kerkyra’s back alleys are in fact anything but touristic. Keven and Krystyna take their lens into the labyrinth, and share some tips on visiting this part of Corfu.

Gorgeous sunny weather, picturesque beaches and excellent food are just a few draws amongst the many offered by the magical Greek isles. Corfu, located in the Ionian sea, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and therefore exploring the island slightly off season, such as early spring or early autumn is a really good idea. During these times, the temperature still soars up to 35 degrees and there is hardly any rain, whilst you can find small deserted beaches, hidden in-between rocks, perfect for a whole day of sunbathing and snorkelling.

Visiting Corfu Town, in Greek named Kerkyra, our goal was to explore the genuine life of the back streets and the locals that lived there. What struck us the most, was the great division between the crowded main streets, where the whole touristic traffic is concentrated, and the smaller streets which are directly connected to the main ones… but which were stone dead quiet! You can literally sit down anywhere in one of the narrow alleys where they meet, such as N.Theotoki Street, and, whilst munching away on a delicious local pastry, watch the vivid crowd of tourists moving in front of your eyes. In the back streets time seems to have a different rhythm. Colourful laundry flutters in the wind, forgotten motorbikes sink into the ground and lazy cats occupy the best spots for their ever-lasting naps. Through opened windows you can get a glimpse of daily life of the locals and you wonder how it is to live in such a picturesque place. Only sometimes you meet a few tourist who, exactly as you, are trying to find their way in the Kerkyra labyrinth, and, as you, they also stray.

We stayed at the Hotel Atlantis on Stratigou Xenofontos 48 in Corfu Town. The hotel is well located, close to the major city attractions and has a great view to the harbour, however no breakfast included in the rates.