Three Stays, One Island: My Honest Take on Solo Travel in Corfu

I needed a trip where I could reset, enjoy the sea, eat well, and not overthink anything. Corfu delivered. I spent six nights on the island, split between a luxury hotel, a beachfront villa, and a clifftop resort each place with its own vibe, all of them great in their own way.

This was one of those trips where I didn’t plan every hour. I just moved around, soaked it all in, and let the days unfold on their own. Here’s how it went.

Rodostamo Hotel & Spa - Kommeno Peninsula

I kicked off my Corfu trip in Kommeno, staying at Rodostamo Hotel & Spa. First impression? Quiet. Not the kind of quiet that feels empty, but the kind that immediately takes the edge off your shoulders. You’re surrounded by olive trees, and everything just moves at a calmer pace. No one rushing, no staff pretending to care - they actually do.

I went for one of their Superior Doubles with an inland view. Nothing flashy, just clean, comfortable, and put together in a way that feels intentional but not overdesigned. Neutral tones, little splashes of color, space to breathe. Sometimes hotel rooms try too hard to impress. This one didn’t. And that’s what I liked most. Kommeno itself is more local than loud. There are fancy villas tucked into the hills, and the bay here isn’t great for swimming, but it’s a solid base. You’re about 20 minutes from the airport, and not much further from Corfu Town or some of the best beaches up north. Think hamlets, rocky coastlines, hidden spots, it’s all pretty easy to get to from here. The hotel runs a shuttle to the town and beaches like Ipsos and Dassia, which is convenient. But I decided to rent a little boat one morning. No guide, no plan. Just me floating around Kalami Bay, where the Durrell family once lived. The water out there is insanely clear. I dropped anchor near a small cove, dove in, and stayed in for way too long. No crowds, no noise — just sun, sea, and that kind of stillness you don’t get back home.

There’s a cable car that runs up the hill behind the main hotel to a bunch of bungalows and villas. Next time I’ll book one of those - some have private pools with sunset views over the marina. I got a peek at one when they were being cleaned, and let’s just say… goals. One afternoon I tried the spa. I was on the fence about it, but their signature massage won me over. Rosewater, essential oils, that kind of thing, I didn’t expect much, but walked out in a daze, fully reset. It’s easy to get used to that level of pampering, especially in a place that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to “sell” you luxury. The interiors are surprisingly stylish. Think white marble floors with gold detailing in the lobby, velvet chairs in bold colors, some mid-century pieces mixed in without it feeling like a showroom. Whoever designed the place knew how to balance sleek and welcoming. The staff, again, deserve credit, not overly formal, just friendly, helpful, and chill. They’ll happily sort you out with ideas if you want to explore more of Corfu, and they genuinely seem to want you to have a good time.

Rooms in the main building range from garden views to full-on sea-facing suites. If you’re lucky, you’ll get one with a little terrace or balcony. I found myself just sitting there in the evening with a cold beer, not even looking at my phone. Just... watching the sky turn orange and fade into night.

Nikolakis Villa – Kerasia Beach (Airbnb)

For the next part of the trip, I booked two nights at an Airbnb called Nikolakis Villa, basically sitting right on Kerasia Beach. And I don’t mean “close to” or “walking distance.” I mean open the door, walk a few steps, and you’re ankle-deep in the sea. I dropped my bag, kicked off my shoes, and I was in the water within minutes. No need to overthink it.

The villa itself is proper. Three bedrooms, all with en-suites, a big living room, a kitchen that’s actually usable, and plenty of space to spread out. It could easily fit a group, but even on my own, it felt just right. I wasn’t craving company - just space, calm, and a view. And it delivered. Mornings were slow in the best way. I’d make coffee, sit on the terrace barefoot, and just watch the water. No background noise, no notifications, just the sound of the sea doing its thing. By evening, the light softens, the breeze picks up, and you’ve got that golden hour glow reflecting off the water. It doesn’t get much better. Kerasia itself is low-key. No crowds, no loud beach bars. Just a quiet strip of coast, a few sunbeds, and a beach café a few seconds from the villa that does decent coffee and snacks and chilled rosé that hits just right after a salty swim.

Kassiopi is just up the road too. It’s a small harbor town, and worth a wander in the evening, especially if you’re craving a proper dinner or want to catch the sunset from the old fortress wall. Feels like one of those places that isn’t trying too hard, and that’s part of its charm. One thing that stood out? George, the host. Total legend. Helped me sort out a problem I had with a boat rental — nothing to do with the villa, just because he wanted to help. That kind of gesture sticks with you. You remember it. Only thing that wasn’t perfect? The Wi-Fi. Bit patchy now and then, but I honestly think that was a blessing. I didn’t come here to scroll. I came to float, read, think, and sleep better than I had in weeks. And that’s exactly what happened. Would I go back? 100%. But next time I might bring a couple of mates, fire up the barbecue, and claim the spot for a week instead of a weekend.

Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo – Ermones

I wrapped things up at Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo, perched on a mountainside overlooking Ermones Bay. The view here is everything. You wake up to this endless sweep of sea and sky, and at night you’ve got swallows flying over the cliffs while you sit by the pool.

The room was big, clean, and even though it was listed as a garden view, I could still see the water. The resort is spread out, with a lot of stairs, but they’ve got a funicular lift to get you around. There’s also a private beach with a bar and a lift to bring you back up after your swim, which came in handy.

Food-wise, it’s all buffet-style, not usually my thing but they pulled it off. Themed nights, fresh fish, a dessert table that’s way too tempting. You get your own table for the whole stay, which keeps things simple. Staff were friendly without being overbearing, and the overall vibe was quiet and relaxed.

There’s a spa, tennis courts, and even a gym, but honestly, I spent most of my time by the pool or just watching the sea. If you want activities, they can hook you up with jeep safaris, diving, or hikes. But I was happy just slowing down.

Lunch with a View – Anemos, Afionas

Hands down, one of the best meals I had was at Anemos in Afionas. The town sits high up with wide open views over the sea, and the restaurant is built to make the most of it. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to sit for hours. I ordered the grilled octopus and wasn’t expecting much but it was perfect. Smoky, tender, served with fava and lemon oil. I wasn’t even hungry, but I cleared the plate. I stuck around for coffee just to keep soaking up the view. No rush, no noise. Just one of those meals that sticks with you. If you go, time it for late afternoon so you catch the sunset. The whole sky lights up over the water.

Another Food Stop – Taverna Agni

One afternoon in Corfu, I found myself at Taverna Agni, a quiet little spot tucked right up against the sea on the northeast coast. It’s one of those places that’s talked about a lot, and for good reason. The setting is almost too perfect: sun glinting off the water, boats bobbing just offshore, and a breeze that makes you forget what time it is.

I showed up early, before the lunch crowd rolled in. Tables were still being set, and the beach was almost silent except for the sound of water lapping against the shore. I sat right by the edge, no music, no chatter yet- just the kind of peace you hope for when you travel solo. The staff were lovely from the start. Genuinely warm, not the performative kind of “friendly” you sometimes get at busy restaurants. You could tell it’s a family-run place, everyone chipping in, making sure things flow, but without rushing anyone. I ordered the fried courgette to start. Simple dish, but unreal. Crispy, light, dipped into something garlicky and lemony. Then I had the sofrito. a local Corfiot dish with beef in a wine and garlic sauce and it absolutely hit the spot. Tender, comforting, like it had been simmering for hours. The only odd part was the timing, the main showed up before I was done with the starter, but honestly, I didn’t really care. I was too busy enjoying the view.

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the dessert options were a bit limited. Nothing really jumped out at me, so I skipped it and just stayed with my wine instead. Not a loss. There’s something really effortless about Taverna Agni. They’re not trying to impress you with over-the-top plating or trendy ingredients. Just good food, made with care, in a setting that’s hard to beat. If you’re driving around the coast and need a proper meal with a proper view, this is where you stop.

Things To See (and Actually Enjoy)

I kept the sightseeing low-key, but these two stood out:

1. Corfu Old Town

You don’t need a guidebook. Just walk. The Old Town is full of narrow streets, pastel buildings, peeling shutters, and hidden little corners. I spent a few hours just wandering, grabbing gelato, and taking it all in. It’s busy in places but never overwhelming, and every turn has something worth seeing.

2. Paleokastritsa Monastery

This one’s up in the hills with views that feel like they go on forever. It’s peaceful and quiet, and the drive there is part of the experience. The monastery is small, but beautiful in a very simple, grounded way. There’s a café nearby where you can sit with a cold drink and just look out over the coastline.