A collection of deluxe apartments and suites in the Corinthian seaside town of Korfos make for an idyllic year-round stay, just an hour’s distance from Athens!
Korfos in Corinthia, is a destination that’s kept a bit of a secret by those who love it so dearly that they don’t want to see it ruined by tourism.
The tree-speckled shoreline is shielded from the wind, the central road is lined by rows of charmingly old fashioned tavernas and simple stores, above which rise a few tiers of picturesque houses on a verdant hill. All styles of boats bob in the waters, and sailboats and yachts are anchored at the marina. The amphitheatrically shaped fishing village is especially idyllic for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city or more boisterous destinations. Only over an hour and a half from Athens, this is a wonderful destination for swimming in clean, lovely waters and sunbathing on pebble and sand beaches, eat fresh fish, trek along the lush hills or just savour a serene holiday.
Location
Korfos is in southeastern Corinthia in the Peloponnese, around 35km from the Corinth Canal. On your way down along winding roads take in the splendour of the blue sea and verdant hills that surround it. Just a short drive from Athens as well as being near Spetses and Poros, it can be a destination in itself, or a great base for lovely day trips by car or boat. It’s also a wonderful place for snorkeling, hiking, sailing, cycling, SUP and as of recently since a school opened up, surfing.
Built in 2017, Lavender Cove is a collection of beautifully built – and organically, artfully-integrated in the landscape – luxurious accommodations just minutes from a small, pretty beach. From apartments that face the garden or pool to larger sea-facing suites with a private pool, the accommodations provide facilities like a kitchenette, two large shared swimming pools surrounded by poufs, sun loungers, and umbrellas, and a sprawling lavender garden.
Services
The highly professional, familial, and very helpful Lavender Cove team expertly advises guests on everything from where to dine, hike or swim in the town to other activities in the vicinity. Visit monasteries, archaeological sites, nearby villages, isolated beaches with splendid waters, and beautiful trails. Lavender Cove also rents out bicycles free of charge and can arrange for you to have a yoga or other lesson upon demand.
Style & Character
Immediately upon arriving at Lavender Cove we enjoyed being immersed in the silence, beauty and allure of the surrounding nature. The lavender-filled garden (inspired by the lavender fields of France), includes many other indigenous aromatic herbs to discover, like rose geranium, oregano, thyme, rosemary and lemon verbena. The vibe is laid back, tranquil, quiet and restorative, and it’s particularly comforting to be staying in a beautiful place by the sea with no other buildings or infrastructure nearby.
Rooms
Lavender Cove is made up of five luxury villas that are separated into 10 apartments, and three luxury suites set on the sea-facing hillside of Korfos. The modern, clean and lavish accommodations are elegantly decorated in a soothing and uplifting style, with hints of local tradition and references to the surrounding nature. The minimalist decor combines the neutral tones of the floors, walls and furniture with pops of colours like blues, whites, yellows and greens, depending on the theme of each residence. The bathrooms include complimentary toiletries by Greek organic brand Korres. Free WiFi is offered to all visitors. The accommodations are held in high esteem by their foreign and local visitors, with ratings such as 9.2 on booking.com, 9.6 on hotel.com and 4.5 out of five on Tripadvisor.
Food and drinks
Guests are offered a feast-like breakfast, delivered by staff to beach accommodation between 8:30-10:30. You’ll receive baskets full of delicious foods and drinks, from warm local pastries to eggs, cheese, condiments, bread, milk, fresh juice, fruit, and more. Throughout the day guests can order a snack or light meal or drinks in-room or
stroll/drive to any nearby taverna for super-fresh fish or a grocery store to shop for foods that can be cooked in the private, fully-equipped kitchenette. Korfos has two seaside, casual bar-clubs but is mostly on the quiet side at night. Most of the tavernas here serve good food, but we especially liked Valera, known for its excellent fresh fish as well as quality grilled meats and many homemade sides (visit here at sunset and book a table on the beach for the best experience) and fish tavernas Celana and To Delfini. For drinks head to Exo All Day, where you can spend the entire day swimming too as it provides sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. For desserts like waffles and ice cream go to Psyllos on the coast.
Shop
Korfos has one modern pharmacy selling all the essential medications, supplements, and cosmetics, two mini-markets, a few shops like Kapouzi and Eleven selling beachwear, beach accessories (from masks and flippers to towels and umbrellas), and Souvenir Korfos where you’ll find stylish clothes and accessories like swimsuits, silk scarves, jewellery, and hats as well as tasteful home décor items.
Price range
Between 150 and 350 € in the high season, depending on the accommodation.
Ideal for…
Families (the larger suites can be given joint access), couples, or a group of friends in the summer months. Retirees during spring or autumn. Writers, hikers, painters, or workshop organisers during the cooler months.