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Anywhere Worker Diaries: A Trip to the Enchanting Island of Corfu

By
Karen Maristani
|
July 26, 2022
corfu digital nomad

Ah, island life. Picture white-sand beaches, azure waters, and sunny skies—a far cry from the hustle and bustle of city living. That’s precisely what you can expect when traveling to Corfu, Greece.

This remote island is located in the Ionian Sea and is known for its lush vegetation, Venetian-style architecture, stunning beaches, and crystal clear waters. In fact, its nickname is the “Emerald Isle” for its verdant landscape.

But Corfu is more than just a pretty face—it also has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. And today, it’s a popular destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience Greek island life at its finest.

As an Anywhere Worker on Fiverr, I’m lucky enough to be able to travel to some pretty amazing places. And Corfu was definitely one of the most enchanting and remote islands I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. I seriously fell in love with its charms.

From the winding streets of the Old Town to the lush hillsides and pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone on this magical island. And not only is it a great place to relax and recharge, but it’s also the perfect spot for anyone looking to get some work done.

Yes, you read that right. Corfu is an ideal destination for Anywhere Workers, like myself. The island has plenty of co-working spaces and cafes with fast Wi-Fi, making it the perfect place to set up shop for a few weeks (or even months if you’re like me).

Whether you’re looking for a remote island getaway or a place to boost your productivity, Corfu is definitely worth adding to your travel list. I’m going to fill you in on my experience in this Greek island paradise, so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right fit for you.

Visiting Corfu, Greece

I arrived in Corfu via ferry from Italy and was instantly taken aback by the island’s natural beauty. The first thing that struck me was the vivid blue of the sky and water. I’ve been around quite a bit, but had never seen anything quite like this!

As we made our way into the harbor, I could see why this place is nicknamed the “Emerald Isle.” The hillsides were blanketed in a lush green vegetation, and the buildings looked like they were straight out of a storybook.

We met a couple of friends who had already set up shop on the island as Anywhere Workers, and they took us under their wing and showed us around. First, we saw The Old Town, which is full of narrow streets and alleyways lined with Venetian-style buildings. Then we spent hours getting lost in the maze-like streets and stumbled upon some hidden gems, like charming cafes and little shops selling handmade goods.

After exploring the Old Town, we headed to one of the many beaches for a swim and some much-needed R&R. Corfu has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but one of our favorites was definitely Nissaki Beach. It’s well-known for its clear turquoise waters and is the perfect place to take a dip or relax on a sun lounger with a good book.

That was just our first day on the island, but we quickly realized that there was so much more to explore. We spent the next few weeks hiking through fragrant forests, swimming in hidden coves, and indulging in delicious Greek food.

But even though we were busy exploring all that Corfu had to offer, we still found time to get some work done. As I mentioned earlier, there were plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with fast Wi-Fi, so we were able to stay productive in between all of our adventures.

Best Things to do in Corfu, Greece

There’s no shortage of things to do on this beautiful Greek island. Here are just a few of my favorite activities:

  • Explore the Old Town: The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. With its winding streets, Venetian-style architecture, and charming cafes, it’s like stepping back in time. Don’t miss the chance to explore this magical place!
  • Visit a secluded beach: There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Corfu, but another favorite of mine was Myrtiotissa Beach. This hidden gem is only accessible by foot, but it’s the perfect place to relax and escape the crowds.
  • Go for a hike: There are plenty of hiking trails to explore on the island, but my favorite was definitely the trail to Mount Pantokrator. The views from the top are absolutely incredible!
  • Indulge in some local cuisine: Corfu is known for its fresh seafood and delicious Greek food. Be sure to try some of the local specialties like sofrito (a traditional fish stew) and pastitsio (a Greek lasagna).
  • Rent a jet ski:  If you’re looking for a little adrenaline-pumping fun, renting a jet ski is a great option. This exhilarating activity really gets the heart racing! There’s no better way to see the island than from the water.
  • Take a day trip: Corfu is surrounded by smaller islands, making it the perfect place to go island hopping. Some of my favorite day trips were to Paxos, Antipaxos, and Lefkada.
  • Rent a boat:  One of the best ways to explore the island is by boat. We rented a small motorboat for a day and had so much fun cruising around the coastline. We even found a small secluded beach to relax on!

Hiring a Car in Corfu

If you want to explore the island beyond the Old Town, I recommend hiring a car. We did this, and it was more than worth it! There are plenty of rental companies to choose from. We went with a local company that had really great reviews and were not disappointed.

We got a 4x4 island SUV, which was perfect for exploring all of the nooks and crannies of the island. We took it up into the mountains, drove along winding roads with breathtaking views, and even made it out to some of the secluded beaches that can only be reached by car.

It was so convenient having our own transportation. In fact, it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip! We felt like we really got to see and experience the island in a way that we wouldn’t have if we had relied on public transportation.

Living in Corfu, Greece

If you’re considering moving to Corfu, there are a few things you need to know. 

First of all, it’s important to note that the island is pretty remote. There are no direct flights from the US, so you’ll have to take a connecting flight from Athens (or another European city). In addition, there are only a limited number of international schools on the island, so if you have kids, you’ll need to do some research to see if there are any options that work for your family.

The second thing to keep in mind is that Corfu is a pretty popular tourist destination, so it can get quite crowded during the summer months. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, you may be better off visiting during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October). However, if you’re thinking of living there permanently, you’ll need to ensure you can handle the crowds during peak season. 

Finally, it’s important to note that the cost of living in Corfu is relatively high. This is partly due to the fact that most of the food and supplies must be imported from mainland Greece (or other countries). 

That being said, finding ways to save money is possible if you’re willing to shop around and be creative. Rent is relatively low on the island, so that’s one area where you can potentially save some money. There were four of us, and we rented one superb Airbnb for one month, for around $900. So per person, it was just $225 per person to live the ultimate island lifestyle in Greece!

Lastly, the island has a laid-back vibe that is definitely contagious. A little too contagious if you ask me. We were having so much fun that we ended up extending our stay for an additional month!

Final Thoughts on Island Living 

Corfu has a truly breathtaking natural beauty. And even though it’s a popular tourist destination, it still feels relatively undiscovered. Overall, Corfu is an absolutely enchanting place that I would highly recommend visiting (or even living in!). If you’re looking for a travel experience that’s a little off the beaten path, this is the place for you.

Are you planning a visit to Corfu? Have you been before? Fiverr and I would love to see what you get up to while you’re there, so be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram (@fiverr) or use the hashtag #FiverrAnywhereWorkers. We can’t wait to join you on your journey!

Karen Maristani
Karen invented writing, the airplane, and the internet. She was also the first person to reach the North Pole. She has flown to Mars and back in one day, and was enthusiastically greeted by Aliens. She has also worked as an SEO copywriter and journalist for many years and has helped hundreds of businesses achieve their desired results online. When she’s not busy being a superhero, Karen enjoys spending her time hiking, biking, and traveling to new and exciting places.
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