Sojourn Snapshot
so·journ [sōˌjərn] NOUN: a temporary stay
CORFU GREECE
Corfu Imperial
Corfu Imperial Resort is set on the Kommeno Peninsula, one of the most exclusive locations in Greece. Corfu is among the locations consistently identified as the Island of Scheria, in Homer's poem The Odyssey. Land of the Phaeacians, semi-divine seafaring people beloved by the gods at the edge of the known world. This is where Odysseus washes ashore stripped of everything (his crew, ships, dignity) and is discovered by Princess Nausicaa, daughter of King Alcinous and Queen Arete. Surrounded by the Ionian Sea and lush landscapes, this Garden Isle matches Homer's utopic descriptions as a peninsula known for its panoramic sea views, green olive groves, cypress trees and natural beauty. Corfu Imperial offers privacy and elegance in this truly exceptional island setting with one of the most extensive selections of accommodations - elegant rooms with panoramic views, bungalows snugly embraced by pine groves, Il Boschetto family oasis amongst silver-green olive groves and Corfu Imperial’s majestic colourful gardens. Premiering a sensational Villa Collection - all strikingly elegant and enhanced with heated pools and private entrances, among them the new “Medusa Estate” and the Villa Peninsula – Palazzo Imperiale.
T A S T E S
καλή όρεξη
ALKINOOS: to meet and enjoy cocktails, refreshing long drinks and hot beverages served in the lively Corfu bar area or at the peaceful lounges. In the afternoon, guests can also enjoy a refined Afternoon Tea served by the Grand Salon art collection.
ARISTOS: a la carte restaurant named after Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis whose private island ‘Scorpios’ is nearby. Aristos' signature dishes are of the most lavish menus in Greece.
GELATERIA: signature fresh ice creams, desserts of the day, crepes, waffles and a tempting candy bar at the most vibrant location of the resort on the Promenade.
MERLIN'S BAR RESTAURANT: overlooks the Ionian Sea and Corfu’s Old Fortress, offering a unique setting dining experience that celebrates Asian and Latin American fusion cuisine.
MON REPOS: references the verdant colonial estate of the same name outside Corfu with its neoclassical details. Individual buffet stations display a bountiful Mediterranean spread and expansive views of the sea out on the lush patio.
ODYSSEUS COCKTAIL TERRACE: lounge areas situated by the swimming pool where you can enjoy live music and beautiful moments while drinking a cocktail and watching the sunset.
TRATTORIA & WINE BAR: elevates casual Italian dining with a variety of culinary experiences. The wine bar invites guests to explore wine, cheese, charcuterie and more both indoors and out.
YALI BEACH BAR: from morning to evening enjoy drinks and snacks at the Beach Bar or under the shade of your umbrella.
YALI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: just a deck above the clear azure water with vast panoramic views of the island - gourmet al fresco dining where you can delight in the fresh catch of the day while snuggling your feet into the refreshing sand. “Les fruits de mer” are here on your private beach under the sunshine or the twinkling moonlight at night.
S C E N T S
in the old town
Corfu Town sits on the island’s east coast, facing the Greek and Albanian mainland across a narrow channel. Kitchens of Corfu Town stand apart from the rest of Greece with Venetian-Italian influences shown in sofrito - veal in garlic and wine sauce, pastitsada -beef thick pasta and spice and bourdeto - fish stewed in red pepper and tomato. Family tavernas tucked into the cantounia and the leafy Dimarchio square serve these dishes with local wine. The island’s kumquat - a small citrus grown near Corfu, becomes a bright liqueur and preserve sold across the town. While shops along the main lanes stack olive-wood bowls, ginger beer and herbs from the Corfiot hills. The covered central market near the New Fortress supplies fish, cheese and vegetables to residents savouring fresh scents each morning.
S O U N D S
beyond the sea
Corfu Imperial embraces life’s rhythm and weaves it into everything they do. The resort goes beyond being a luxury hideaway offering a rare blend of nature, wellness, creativity and discovery - whether diving into the depths of the island’s marine world or immersing yourself in Corfiot traditions.
CORFIOT VARKAROLA: a beloved summer tradition where the sea, music and unique atmosphere of Paleokastritsa come together in celebration of one of the region’s most distinctive customs.
SAINT SPYRIDON LITANY: one of Corfu’s most important traditions as locals honor Saint Spyridon, the island’s protector. A sacred procession moves through the Old Town accompanied by the philharmonic bands celebrating Corfu’s cultural heritage.
DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY: blends devotion and festivity across Corfu when serene morning services give way to joyful gatherings, music, dancing and traditional feasts.
JAZZ DAY: in Spring the resort transforms into an elegant jazz lounge. An evening of smooth swing, soulful blues and vibrant improvisation: a journey in music that celebrates creativity, cultural dialogue and the beauty of spontaneity.
UNION OF THE IONIAN ISLANDS: Corfu commemorates the historic union of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864. Experience the grand parade in Corfu Town, accompanied by the triumphant sounds of renowned philharmonic bands.
S I G H T S
Arts + Culture
Kassiopi Castle is one of Corfu’s most impressive historical sites, perched on a hill overlooking the lively harbour village of Kassiopi. The remains of the fortification create a striking contrast with the surrounding olive groves and deep blue sea. Visiting the site offers not only a journey through Corfu’s history, but also some of the most rewarding views in this part of the island.
Campiello Quarter is where Corfu Town feels most timeless. Its cantounia, the local word for the slim alleys, twist and climb without logic, opening abruptly onto tiny plateias where a carved wellhead or a shrine marks the centre. Balconies almost touch overhead, and stone staircases lead to doorways set at odd angles into the hillside.
Villa of Mon Repos in the wooded grounds on the Kanoni peninsula, the birthplace of Prince Philip that houses the Museum of Paleopolis blending history, nature and archaeology into one highlight.
Church of Saint Spyridon holds the mummified relics of the island’s patron saint, credited with saving Corfu from siege, famine and plague. Its red-domed bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian and the town’s chief landmark.
The Liston and the Esplanade form the town’s grand social space, an elegant nineteenth-century arcade of cafés modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, fronting the Esplanade, one of Europe’s largest squares. Built by the French, its tables and the green Spianada draw crowds for coffee and people-watching.
Kanoni and Mouse Island Kanoni is a viewpoint peninsula just south of Corfu Town, famous for the postcard scene of Mouse Island and the tiny monastery islet of Vlacherna. From the terrace at its tip the eye takes in two islets set in a turquoise lagoon crowned by a whitewashed convent and reached on foot along a narrow jetty. Mouse Island or Pontikonisi, is a green rock topped by a Byzantine chapel that boats shuttle across to - the scene ranking among the most photographed in Greece.
T O U C H
inspiration Corfu Imperial
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photos courtesy Grecotel Corfu Imperial
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