Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Strait of Corfu, near Kalami – of Gerald Durrell and family fame – is the Kouloura House. This delightful Greek getaway is a home from home for lovers of all things Hellenic. With the glistening Ionian Sea to the north and the shimmering mountains of Albania in the distance, this 3-bedroom villa has been situated to take full advantage of the views. Whether from the upper bedrooms, the sun terrace by the pool, or the barbecue and eating area, it’s impossible to escape the stunning vistas.
But the interior, too, is the last word in upmarket chic. No expense has been spared when it comes to fittings and fixtures, and thought has been given to every touch – down to the trinkets from travels to South Africa, Sri Lanka and beyond. The focus of the house is the open-plan kitchen and living area – airy and bright due to the French windows, the cream-washed walls and comfy chairs and sofas. It’s a perfect hideaway for those looking to escape the daily grind, with verandahs, niches and porticos allowing the chance to sneak off with a book, shelter from the sun or relax with a drink and a sunset spectacular. But while it feels miles away from the crowds, the hotel is less than 10 minutes from spectacular beaches, bars and restaurants – making it an ideal base from which to explore this historic, endlessly appealing island.
Highs
- Very well-equipped, with all mod cons in the kitchen, a generous welcome hamper, a sauna and gym in the basement, plus a laundry room
- Set back from the road in its own enclave, it’s peaceful and quiet but close enough to nearby Kalami and other bays for when you want to sample the local culture and restaurants
- It’s spacious and intimately designed that even with full occupancy there’s plenty of quiet areas to be on your own
- The pool with its plentiful sun loungers, cushioned loggia, umbrellas and panoramic views, is perfect for sunbathing
- We loved that the house is designed for hosting, with plentiful areas to cook, an outside bar, soda-stream, a multimedia room for rainy days, the amenities go on and on
Lows
- You’ll certainly need a car. Kalami is a decent stroll away and transport is limited, especially if you want to see anything else of Corfu
- While babies and kids over 12 are welcome, the pristine white interiors and unprotected pool means it's not ideal for younger children
- The bedrooms can't be configured as twins, though there is a separate twin room available on request
- The pool isn't heated, which may disappoint some
Best time to go
As with most of the Med, June to August is both the hottest and busiest time – and it does get hot. Average temperatures are at least 33ºC and rarely dip below 22ºC. May, September and October are lovely months. Winter months are generally a pleasant 14ºC, but the waters are too chilly for swimming or other water sports.
Our top tips
Corfu Town is around 30km away and great for shopping and nightlife. It's easy to drive, but better to ditch the car and take the Captain George motorboat (it operates from 9am-2pm weekdays, and also in the evenings on a restaurant route) across the bay. You can make a whole day of it, exploring the shops and medieval splendour, or just nip across for a special evening, many restaurants also have their own taxi boat (enquire when booking). The starlit taxi boat ride back is truly magical.
- Beach Villa
- 3 bedrooms
- Self-catering, restaurants nearby
- Under 2s and 13+yo welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Sauna
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
There are three bedrooms with kingsize beds, ensuite bathrooms and private terraces. The main bedroom upstairs has an interior bathtub and outside shower; and the second upstairs bedroom has a walk-in shower and a balcony with a table and chairs. The downstairs bedroom has an exterior bathtub and seating area as well as a walk-in shower in the ensuite. As this is on the same level as the kitchen, living areas and outdoor space, it’s the perfect room for older family members on a multi-generational holiday. There is also a fourth, smaller room with twin beds that can be used as an extra bedroom for guests not wanting to share.
As with the rest of the house, the décor here emphasises clean, comfortable elegance. Whitewashed walls, white rattan chairs, white cotton bedding and natural stone-tiled flooring are offset with gentle pops of colour (ash pink, spearmint, dusty greys) to create a homely, welcoming stay.
Bathrobes, toiletries and beach towels are provided, and there is WiFi throughout as well as air-conditioning and ceiling fans. There's also a TV room, sauna, gym and laundry in the basement.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Coffee / tea making
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Toiletries
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The fully-equipped, open-plan kitchen-living room comes with a fridge, gas stove, electric oven, microwave, blender, soda stream, nespresso machine and everything else you could need for a fully self-catered stay. Our very useful welcome package had olive oil, bread, coffee pods, wine, water, fresh feta and fruit. There are several supermarkets within a few kilometres which have fresh produce, or you can arrange for the concierge to do your shopping ahead of your stay; gathering all the freshest ingredients and stocking you up on the best local goods. There is also the opportunity to have a home-cooked meal by the local shop-owner's sister-in-law in a local bakery. It’s a great way to support local businesses and a lovely way to arrive your first night.
Nearby Kalami, perhaps most famous as the former home of (writer) Laurence and Gerald (zookeeper) Durrell (although For Your Eyes Only was also filmed there), is a great place to explore and sample the local cuisine. It used to be a tzatziki and souvlaki kind of place – low-key and unpretentious, with several little tavernas huddled by the waterfront – and is transforming into a cool destination with upmarket restaurants, without losing sight of its roots. You can also catch a pre-booked water taxi in Kalami to any of the neighbouring bays (including Kassiopi, Kerasia, Agni, Nissaki, Glyfa, San Stefanos and Avlaki) for supper.
The Durrells' former home is now the White House Restaurant, where you can dine al fresco on saffron-scented sea stone fish soup, strawberry gazpacho with crayfish tartar, octopus carpaccio and sea bream ceviche. It’s at the pricier end but recommended for a special occasion, as is Callao for its superb and modern cuisine.
Features include:
- Bar
- Barbecue
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Meal delivery service
- Microwave
- Oven
- Shopping service
Activities
- The nearest beach is Kalami (8 minutes), with its crystal waters, white pebbles and shingle. It's small and often busy with sunbathers but makes an excellent diving, swimming and snorkelling spot, and paddleboards are also available. Kerasia is 17 minutes away – spend the whole day and lunch at the taverna there
- Enjoy a walk along the coastal path or the Corfu trail; also recommended is a hike up Mount Pantokrator
- For a slice of history, head to Kassiopi Castle, a one-time Roman fort and one of the most imposing architectural remains in the Ionian Islands. Or visit the nearby Church of Panagia Kassopitra, supposedly built on an ancient Greek temple to the God Zeus
- Kassiopi or San Stefano on the island’s north coast (25 mins) are both perfect for great seafood, shopping, and lively nightlife – making them an ideal choice for families with teens
- Perithia, once the wealthiest village on the island, was pretty much abandoned in the '60s. A wander among its mossy ruins is both haunting and fascinating – although a couple of tavernas have reopened to refresh visitors
- Corfu is quite well-known for its wine, and there are several tours to vineyards both near to Kalami and further afield. They’re usually small and family-run – and generous with their samples!
- The helpful owners will provide a list of local activities including horse riding, bike hire, tennis clubs, and recommend traditional Greek evenings in a local village and the concierge service are on hand to plan any other activities, including boat trips and massages at the villa
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Watersports
- Wine tasting
Kids
Due to the lovely interiors, steep drops and unfenced pool, kids between 2 and 12 are not permitted. Teenagers will enjoy the pool and the watersports in the area. Note that there are no extra beds and the three double bedrooms can't be configured as twins. However, there is an extra twin room in addition to the 3 stunning double bedrooms. This basement room is more basic, and doesn't have air conditioning. But teens will like this room as its separated from the other bedrooms and is on the same level as the gym and multimedia room.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Kouloura House is situated about 4km outside Kalami on the northeastern coast of Corfu, 8 minutes from the beach.
By Air:
It's about 31km from Corfu Airport.
From the Airport
Car rental is available at the airport, and there's parking at the house, otherwise airport transfers are also available. Hoppa buses are also available for shared transfers. You can also take a bus from Corfu Town, which is about an hour’s journey. That said, you will want a car to explore the area.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Corfu Airport 31.0 km CFU
Other:
- Beach 3.6 km
- Shops 2.5 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape