Kerkyra Travel Forum

hi

Still a bit undecisive about whether to go to Corfu or Santorini. we will be going around 20th August. I will be going with my parents ( I am over 18) and both my parents are fun people and young hearted.

I was told both islands are nice, corfu being very green and having really nice beaches but no idea about nightlife? and santorini having the most amazing views and compact centre

Where would u suggest for a nice island experience?
we like swimming, nice cafes, restaurants, lively atmosphere popular with young greeks and international people etc..

has anyone been to these two islands and can recommend which one is better?

thanks

Nitina

hello
i don't know corfu but i know very well santorini. You really have to go there. it's a wonderful and mysterious island. there are a lot of bars, restaurants, internationanl people, a night life very developped. i've gone there for the 4th time last week and it's very difficult to tell me i've one year to wait before to go again there. if you finally choose this destination, it's with pleasure i can help you for the visit of the day life and what to do in the night life... you will be very lucky if you choose this destination (but corfu is probably very god too)

Hi

Both Santorini and Corfu are great islands.

They are very different to each other, but I'd highly recommend each one for differing reasons.

As you rightly say, Corfu is very green (one of the greenest islands in the whole of Greece) and has excellent sandy beaches. I've spent a few holidays in the peaceful beach resort of Agios Gordios which offers a long sandy beach, good swimming and traditional beachside tavernas. Nightlife is pretty low-key (or at least it was the last time I visited - some 7 years ago), but there is a large hostel there (the Pink Palace) which ensures a crowd of backpackers from all over the world. Corfu Town, with a large selection of bars and restaurants, is a short bus or taxi ride away.

From Corfu, you can visit the neighbouring islands of Paxos and Antipaxos on a daytrip, or visit the mainland towns of Parga and Sivota. On the island itself, spending a day wandering the narrow lanes of Corfu Town is a must, as is a visit to the spectacular bay of Paleokastritsa. If you want lively nightlife, and lots of drunk young tourists, head to Kavos. If not, give it a wide berth!

You're also right with your impressions of Santorini. The picturesque scenery of the caldera villages of Fira and Oia is truly breathtaking! The island doesn't have sandy beaches, but does have a few red pebble beaches where you can enjoy swimming in the clear blue seas. (I've never visited any of Santorini's beach resorts, so can't comment further). There are plenty of nice cafes and your desire for lots of international people will be adequately satisfied as the cruise ships disgorge a new group of international tourists each day. Watching the sunset from Fira is a wonderful sight - the view from Oia is said to be even better.

I like Santorini a lot, but I would probably combine it with another Cyclades island rather than spend a week or more there. There is plenty to see and do on the island, more than enough to keep you occupied for a couple of weeks, but I was ready to return to ground level and a nice sandy beach after a few days.

Another island that you might not have considered, but which meets your stated criteria (great beaches, lots of cafes and restaurants and popular with tourists from all over the world) is Kos.

You'll have a great time whichever of these islands you choose!

Enjoy your trip!

Jonathan

hello.i been last year in corfu,gouvia ..the place is great ,nightlife also ..im 26 and i now u are going to enjoy also ..nenad belgrade