Flights between Liverpool Airport and Corfu will start on June 4, 2023, operating on Sundays. Tickets for the flights to the Greek island went on sale today (December 7), with a single ticket available to pre-book from just £26.99.

Where is Corfu?

Corfu is located in the northern Ionian Sea at the northwestern edge of Greece, opposite the coast of the Greek mainland and southern Albania, it is the westmost part of Greece. It sits at a distance of 600 km northwest of Athens, and maybe nearer to Italy, but what it offers is well worth the visit.

In the northwest of Corfu there are three small islands, named Othoni, Mathraki, and Erikoussa respectively, known as the Diapontian islands, and to the south are the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. 

Where does the name Corfu come from?

During the Middle Ages, the Latins gave the island and the town the name Corypho, derived from the Greek word Koryphai or Korphes.

Koryphai(ancient Greek) is the word for Tops or Peaks, paraphrased by the Latins to Corypho and later to Corfu, today’s international name of the island. So Corfu means the Island of Tops.

It is obvious that from the name Corypho the current international name of Corfu was derived.

Diapontia Islands: A Hidden Paradise on Earth

In the northwest of Corfu there are three small islands, named Othoni, Mathraki, and Erikoussa respectively, known as the Diapontian islands, and to the south are the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. 

Erikousa Island

One of the reasons it is a best-kept secret is that they are quite small when compared to any other famous Greek Islands. A bit less than 3 square miles in length, Ereikousa is the second-largest island in the Diapontia Island chain. This island is the northernmost inhabited island in the azure Ionian Sea. But I can honestly recommend these islands for when you really want to just get away from it all! As they are virtually uninhabited. In my opinion, this is the true existence of the Greek islands – where lazy summer days and windblown nights are just a part of who they are. Where there are no money machines, no banks, and the locals are friendly. From the Port of Sidari in north Corfu, Erikousa is just eight nautical miles away, but in reality, it is a world away – so be sure and bring your Euros, because you won’t find any money machines around here! And if you let go of everything and free your mind, you can soon be part of this small community. You could soon be greeted by fishermen drinking a sweetened alcoholic aperitif (raki) in the small tavernas.

Othoni Island

Othoni is the largest of the Diapontia chain at only four square miles. Mostly the people that live here are fishermen and olive cultivation producers. The island itself is rocky and has lots of olive trees and gorgeous beaches.

Most of the tourists base themselves in Erikousa and take a day trip to Othonoi, although there is a hotel, a police station, and a medical center in the port of Ammos. As well as, the Church of the Holy Trinity, a few shops, and a couple of tavernas. Othonoi is only 40 nautical miles from Cape of Otranto, Italy, so many boaters come from there as well.

On this island, there are footpaths and unpaved roads that link the thirteen villages and beaches together. There are also four Byzantine churches on the island, the remains of a Venetian fortress known as Kastri to explore, and a 300-feet-above-sea-level lighthouse called Faros that was built in 1872. And if you want the best view in Othonoi, they have the prettiest village in Vitsentziatika for that! From here you can see Albania and Italy all at the same time!

How to get to Calypso Cave

To reach this cave, you have to follow Racecourse Street out of Xaghra. Right before the road stops en route to Ramla Bay, there is a gift shop with a stone archway. It is on the left side. Now go through the archway and across from it you will see a sign that says “karst garden”. It is here that you will find a flight of stairs made out of the local rock. If you go downstairs you will find a platform and the entrance to the cave and its archway. Be sure and take your flashlight or phone for light and of course, the entrance fee is free!

If you just want to find the best beach for relaxing, then Aspri Amos Beach is your best choice. This is where Calyspos’s cave is located near and the rock in the area reflects the emerald-colored waters.

Mathraki

Since Mathraki is the smallest, it is really considered an archipelago, so things to do on this island are limited. However, the port does offer a few tavernas that are great to eat at and then time for you to relax on the nearby Portello beach. Here you will find plenty of scuba divers and speargun fishermen out for the day. Should you wish to stay, there are a few hotels and a church dedicated to the Saint of Seafarers.

Always pre-book airport parking in advance – Do not leave it for last minute

Liverpool Airport Parking can be pre-booked here