Karousades Holidays

The village of Karousades settles on the greenery-packed outskirts of Sidari. This northern patch of Corfu is all rolling tree-laced hills and tiny towns. Karousades is one of the bigger villages. Its streets are piled high with pretty vine-strung houses and finished off with a sprinkling of tavernas. Cypress and pine forests cloak the town, sweeping out to a coastline strung with beaches. Despite all the peace and quiet, Karousades is only a 10-minute drive from lively Sidari.

In the village centre, the restored Theotokis mansion – home to several generations of political activists, artists and writers – sits pride of place. The rest of Karousades has a shabby chic look, thanks to the pastel-painted houses with age-worn shutters. Terracotta roofs and flowering plants complete the picture. You’ll find all the essentials here too, including a grocer, post office, bakery and minimarket.

All types of beaches speckle the coast. Pocket-sized beaches like nearby Yialos are the most common – they’re little stretches of sand and shingle backed by cliffs. Astrakeri Beach, meanwhile, offers a good deal more sand and is a honeypot for families with young children. If you prefer beaches with all the trimmings, head for lively Sidari and its lounger-lined coastline. They’re all within a 10-minute drive of Karousades.

Hills swathed in forest stretch between Karousades and Sidari. Fetching up at a 10-minute drive away, it’s the closest big town. Party reputation aside, Sidari also has a whole pack of beaches and an international collection of restaurants. If you fancy a more culture-heavy trip, head for the fortresses and churches of Corfu Town.