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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
The 21 best restaurants in Corfu
Corfu's Venetian rulers dealt a decisive hand in the island's collective recipe book. Be selective about where you sample local fare such as sofrito (veal with garlic and parsley), bianco (fish stew) and pastitsada (beef, veal or cockerel casserole) and seek out lesser-known dishes. Deep in the heart of Corfu Old Town there are low-key mezedopolia (where meze is served), long-established restaurants and upscale eateries where inventive chefs do Corfiot cuisine differently. In spring and early autumn, vivid edible flowers colour the culinary palette at the island's most happening spots. On the coastline, waterfront tavernas specialising in fish and seafood naturally reign supreme. Inland is where you'll find no-frills slow food joints focusing mostly on meat. For further Corfu inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, beaches, nightlife and things to do. Find a restaurant by type: Best all-rounders Best for families Best for cheap eats Best for walk ins Best for fine dining Best all-rounders Klimataria When travel agent Nikos Bellos lived in London and hosted dinner parties, he would call his mother in Corfu, asking her to divulge her island recipes. In 1997 he decided to open an unassuming taverna in a narrow high-ceilinged late 18th-century building in coastal Benitses village. His bet paid off and Klimataria is now considered one of the island's best fish tavernas. Together with Irish wife Deidre and son Kostas, Nikos lovingly prepares local soul food dishes such as bianco, a lemony fish and potato stew particularly suited to scorpion fish. Save the village bread to scoop up the garlic-tinged sauce. Area: South-west Corfu Contact: Reservations: Essential Prices: ££ Best table: Outdoors, to catch a sea breeze Spiros Karidis Apart from lazing on the beach and marvelling at a sublime sunset, there's not much else to do in the sleepy settlement of Boukari. The real reason you need to make the trek there is the Spiros Karidis fish taverna. Work up a serious appetite for Corfu's famed bourdeto, a hearty spicy fish casserole with onions, red peppers and potatoes, usually made with scorpion fish or grouper, and served steaming in its pot. Regulars, who arrive by boat, pair it with Zitsa red table wine. The succulent chargrilled whole calamari, doused in fresh olive oil and lemon, is also excellent. Taverna Elizabeth If you're hankering for Corfiot-style slow food, head northwest to the village of Doukades to dine at much-loved stone-built Taverna Elizabeth. Gather your crew at the verdant, shaded courtyard upstairs that looks out over the village or, if it's cool, head indoors where the decor features vintage ouzo and Metaxa bottles. Elizabeth's granddaughter has taken over the reins at this old-school spot, serving emblematic traditional dishes such as pastitsada, a rich, tomato-based, spice-laced casserole – once reserved for Sunday family lunch - usually made with beef, veal or, if you're lucky, cockerel and served with pasta and grated cheese. Turn up hungry. Area: North-west Corfu Contact: 0030 2663 041728; Opening times: May-Oct, daily, 12pm-11pm; Nov-Apr, daily, 2pm-10pm Reservations: Not necessary Prices: £ Best table: Outdoors, to observe village life Evdemon At Evdemon, the whiteboard menu is in a constant state of flux. Chef Elia Vita allows the seasons, small-scale producers and her organic garden to dictate the half-dozen health-conscious Mediterranean plates she dishes out daily. One day, there might be an oven-baked sea bass fillet in basil oil and aged vinegar. The next, bright local vlita greens twirled into a rose, topped with diced tomato and framed with marinated anchovies. Elia's cuisine is as deliciously unpretentious as it looks. Add her husband Giannis Goudelis' wine expertise, their gracious hospitality and a peaceful seaside location with Diapontian island views and you'll understand why the restaurant has amassed a devoted following. The Old Perithia Tavern-Alkinoos Situated on Palia Perithia's small square, it's incredible to think that this stone-built, family-run taverna has been around since 1863. Fifth-generation owner-operator siblings Alkinoos and Alexia Kassaris prepare island classics like sofrito under the eagle eye of their mother Adamantina. Pull up a wooden chair on the vine-covered terrace, but if it's chilly out, opt for the cosy interiors, whose walls are adorned with monochrome photos. The best seat in the house is an upcycled four-poster iron bed. Azzardo Inland from Corfu's western coast, Kouramades village plays host to this simple yet homely spot, proudly run by a women's cooperative. It's a kafeneion, mezedopolio and taverna all rolled into one and the catalyst for its foundation was to safeguard traditional local recipes, particularly the least known. Try savoro, a Corfiot dish entailing pan-fried small fish in a vinegar and raisin sauce, or cod with tsigarelli (wild greens sauteed with garlic and chilli). Musicians pop in to perform occasionally. Area: Kouramades Contact: 00 30 26610 54158; Prices: £ Reservations: Recommended Fisherman's Cabin Echoing the old school ease of nearby Agios Georgios Pagon beach, this well-hidden, no-frills traditional fish taverna has barely changed since opening in 1971, except for insisting on adding a carpaccio or two to the menu. Chargrilled fish and seafood are what Fisherman's Cabin does best, so go for the local skate, red snapper or grouper, which pair well with pickled sea fennel and cherry tomatoes. This fairly-priced, family-run joint caters to just 30 so be quick to snare one of its sea-facing, mulberry-shaded sky-blue tables soon after the kitchen fires up. But don't expect lightning-fast service. Savour the slow pace, lack of wifi and sunset. Back to index Best for families Marina's Tavern Marina Beska always loved to cook for family and friends, so it was a natural progression for her to open her own taverna. With a broad smile she welcomes patrons to take a seat at one of five tables on the cobblestoned pavement, or within the salmon-tinted building situated on a quiet kantouni (alleyway) in the old Jewish quarter. Not always a stickler for tradition, Marina prepares local fish dish bourdeto with shrimp and sweet potato. Aside from the local specialties, made with a lighter touch, her piquant eggplant casserole is a must-try. Better yet, let Marina do the ordering. Kafesas With Ionian views and draped in all manner of bits and bobs washed up on shore, this rustic, colourful taverna has a cult following. Quirky owner Filimonas Minas says he's cooked fish everywhere from the Caribbean to New York City but prefers to dish it out to diners in his native Corfu. If the catch of the day is bluefin tuna, you've really lucked out. Salad ingredients come from the family garden and olive oil from their grove. Back to index Best for cheap eats Old Buoy Corfu Town's freshest entry is equal parts irresistible brunch hangout, dinner date-worthy destination and hip bar. Minimalist timber tables and seating and oriental rugs grace cobblestoned floors, while staggered casual seating encourages cocktail conversation between strangers. By day, try a vanilla cream-topped fogatsa, Corfu's Venetian-influenced Easter brioche, with your espresso. By night, linger over a Chief Lapu Lapu tiki tipple for two before easing into dishes like beetroot, raspberry and cashew carpaccio and arancini made with shrimp, capocollo and xinomizithra cheese. Expect anything from morning Vinyasa yoga sessions to a live band interpreting hits from the '60s to the '90s. Area: Corfu Old Town Contact: Reservations: Recommended Prices: £-££ Best table: Corner table below hanging vines Koultoura This atmospheric retro spot pays tribute to the Greek cultural icon that is the kafenion. For centuries, these simple, cosy establishments have served as a meeting point for locals to catch up on the day's news over a viscous Greek coffee or savour a straightforward mid-morning meze like fried meatballs and handcut fries. This modern-day kafenion swaps plain white plates for bright monochromes but keeps the working-class cutlery and red and white gingham tablecloths. Koultoura Kafenion updates homespun classics like trahana (cracked wheat) soup by dropping in a poached egg and sourdough croutons. Traditional Corfiot dish veal sofrito appears on an open-face sandwich with Kefalonian gruyere and Greek-style coleslaw. Back to index Best for walk ins Silo Three young Corfiots are behind this hip all-day bistro in Corfu's old town, close to the entrance to a Venetian granary. Sourcing all-Greek culinary goodies from Corfu-based online deli Nomee, the menu stretches from brunch through dinner, while there's proper espresso, a good range of wines and cocktails. Start your day with smoked eggplant, turkey, tomato and manouri cheese atop sourdough. For summery flavour, try a salad with cherry tomatoes, strawberries, whipped feta, rose-scented harissa and basil. Saluteria Combining Italian finesse with Corfiot cool, this wine and deli restaurant draws a youthful crowd. Most gather to share tapas-style dishes and hearty charcuterie boards groaning with Greek, Italian and Spanish cold cuts and cheeses, served with freshly-baked foccacia. Also on the menu are creative takes on Italian favourites like arancini, filled with feta cream and spearmint. Take your pick from a good range of Greek wines, or rouse your palate with an aperitif at Saluteria's spritzeria across the street. Liston Gastrotheque Housed in an imposing late 19th-century building within the French-designed Liston arcade across from the Old Fortress, this all-day cafe restaurant drips with elegance. In cooler months, take a seat indoors, amid honey-beige interiors and framed pictures of ornate door knockers. Otherwise, soak up the rue de Rivoli -style vibes beneath the arcade's characteristic arches. Favoured among locals for its extensive brunch menu, Liston Gastrotheque serves a Corfiot breakfast showcasing a selection of the island's star products including salado, a peppery salami, and sykomaida (fig pie). Sweet tooths may opt for pancakes with a creamy cheesecake and sour cherry preserve topping and homemade almond biscuits. Back to index Best for fine dining Pomo d'Oro Aristotelis Megoulas isn't a formally trained chef but was drawn to the profession while studying in Bologna, where he snuck into restaurant kitchens. He now cultivates his Corfiot roots at cosy Pomo d'Oro, a testament to his dedication and imagination tucked into historic Skaramanga square. Collaborating closely with small-scale producers, Aristotelis redoes rice-stuffed tomatoes, a classic Greek dish that's even more delicious the following day, as a cold risotto with summer vegetables, marinated raisins, sunflower seeds, sheep yoghurt condiment and herbs. Toula's Seaside A series of hairpin bends leads down to picture-perfect Agni Bay, where firs and cypresses cloak the surrounding hills and still waters beckon yachts to stay awhile. Toula's has been there since 1982. Back then, it was a simple seafront taverna frequented by locals who arrived by boat and often overnighted on the beach. Today, Valentino and Armani sail in for contemporary fare by warm-hearted, wild herb-loving Toula who still holds the fort. It remains one of Corfu's most atmospheric coastal dining locations. Start your evening with a Metaxa-laced Aegean Highball. Make sure you Toula's legendary linguine with spicy prawns or crayfish moussaka and her aromatic Sweet Secret, which remains just that. The White House Even if you don't choose to stay at The White House, the former home of the Durrells available for rent, it's well worth dropping in to the stylish yet laidback seaside dining spot adjacent to the villa. The breezy stone-built al fresco restaurant boasts 180-degree views of Kalami Bay. Lefteris Lazarou, chef-owner of Greece's first restaurant to gain a Michelin star, designs inspired menus featuring refined Mediterranean cuisine. Expect dishes like grilled octopus carpaccio with smoked split pea puree, red peppers and pickled cucumber and crayfish risotto with asparagus and crayfish oil. RR – Rodostamo Restaurant RR sits poolside at the luxury adult-friendly Rodostamo Hotel & Spa, looking out onto calm Kommeno Bay and Gouvia marina's twinkling lights. Dress up for an intimate night out as this sophisticated restaurant, which delivers true five-star dining a short drive from Corfu Town. Soft lighting enhances the electric blue, white and grey furnishings and marine-themed driftwood sculptures. While the menu may sound understated, it is, actually, exquisitely good. Highlights include glazed octopus with honey, garlic, potato rösti, wild greens and octopus emulsion and slow-grilled lamb with topinambur puree, grilled carrots, lamb jus and rosemary. Leave room for yogurt mousse with white chocolate, strawberry sauce and seasonal fruit ratatouille. Etrusco Italian-Greek chef Ettore Botrini, whose Athens restaurant bears a Michelin star, doesn't stand still for long. Perfectionist by nature, he insists on constant evolution at Etrusco, which he inherited from his Tuscan father. The restaurant has laid the foundation for haute Greek cuisine. Etrusco's creative Mediterranean style is not only an epicurean tribute to the island's culinary traditions but references memories of places Ettore has lived, including Spain, where he worked alongside the renowned Martin Berasategui. Seating is on the patio of a peach-hued villa whose garden generously provides vegetables, fruit and flowers. Degustation and à la carte menus deliver a holistic experience underscoring family ties to Corfu and Italy, featuring dishes such as Elba-inspired swordfish carpaccio with Corfu bitter orange salad. The Venetian Well This romantic bistro-restaurant in the dream-like setting of Kremasti Square is named after the marble Venetian well around which its outdoor tables and wrought iron chairs are arranged. Magenta bougainvillea spills down its tangerine rendered exterior. Indoors, jewel-coloured velvet-backed chairs and chandeliers add a regal air to a pea green backdrop. Chef-owner Yiannis Vlachos creates imaginative Mediterranean fare such as slow-baked lamb with smoked eggplant cream and fig chutney and Sardinian fregola pasta with wild mushrooms and summer truffle. Pay a visit to the 700-label strong cellar, which stocks first-rate Greek selections and rare French and Italian wines. Area: Corfu Old Town Contact: Reservations: Essential Prices: £££ Best table: Anywhere outdoors Monastre A stylish, new arrival in Paleokastritsa, Monastre is situated atop a rocky bluff, its design echoing that of a neighbouring 13th-century hilltop monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Well-regarded chef Michalis Ntounetas, who has translated Alain Ducasse into Greek, helms this smart restaurant. Sourcing ingredients, including crayfish and nouboulo, Corfu's own prosciutto, from hyperlocal suppliers, he conceives Mediterranean dishes with subtle island flavours. Shrimp ceviche with mango, lime, kumquat and sea bass fillet with fennel and finocchio risotto count among his signature recipes. As the sun starts to set over the Ionian, couples quietly schmooze on the terrace to the tune of a live saxophone player. Back to index How we choose Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller's taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Greece expert Helen Iatrou is an unabashed Ionian island aficionado. By day, she goes sailing off the northeast coast and swimming at remote Porto Timoni beach. By night, she seeks out soul vibes in Corfu Town's coolest bars.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- General
- Travel + Leisure
20 Most Beautiful Places in Europe
Centuries-old villages, dramatic mountain ranges, world-class architecture, and beaches famous for their white sand and turquoise waters span Europe—from the northernmost end of Scotland down to the Mediterranean. The competition is tough, so to determine 20 of the most beautiful places in Europe, I spoke with two travel experts: Jim Strong, a member of Travel + Leisure 's Travel Advisory Board and president of Strong Travel Services, and Emma Major Schroeder, owner and luxury travel advisor at Major Traveler. Read on to see their picks, as well as a handful of my own. An outlook over Lake Como with a statue. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Lake Como's beauty is far from a secret, and it's popular for a reason. 'I always tell clients that this is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The stillness of the lake with the backdrop of the dramatic mountains creates a stunning setting,' says Schroeder. 'As you cruise through the lake on a private boat, it's hard not to soak in the scenery and beauty.' Landscape of Corfu, Greece. Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure The second you arrive on Corfu, there's a high chance the word 'paradise' comes to mind. This is a place where you can immerse yourself in natural beauty—from the turquoise waters to the rugged mountains, all of which can be experienced while hiking the Corfu Trail. You won't want to skip the Old Town of Corfu, either. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features fortresses, palaces, and narrow cobblestone streets and alleys known as kantounia . Visitors exploring Sissinghurst Castle gardens. Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images 'Kent is known as the 'Garden of England,' and Sissinghurst Castle does not disappoint,' says Strong. 'The lawns and terraced colors of wildflowers of the area are a treat to the soul. A stroll around the grounds is tranquil in any weather, but spring and summer are the highlights.' Created in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, the English garden has a series of 'rooms,' all featuring different designs and planting strategies. Depending on when you visit, you may get to see daffodils, peonies, magnolia blossoms, or blooming fruit trees. Large mountains surrounding Lauterbrunner Valley. Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure You'll need to travel to the Bern region of Switzerland to find the Lauterbrunnen Valley—which Strong recommends for its 'stunning' views of mountains and waterfalls—and its collection of quaint villages: Wengen, Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Isenfluh, Mürren, and Stechelberg. 'You can enjoy a cable car ride or an old-world-style train ride to enhance the views,' he adds, referencing the Schilthornbahn, which brings travelers up to Mürren, and the Jungfrau Railway, a historic railway that reaches Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. A winding road through the hills of Tuscany in Pienza, Italy. Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure 'Located in Tuscany, and home of Pecorino di Pienza cheese, Pienza is a tiny hilltop town with views of rolling Tuscan hills at every street turn,' says Schroeder. 'As you walk through the town, you can smell the Pecorino cheese and even stop for a bit to taste. There are quaint bars and restaurants lining the outer edges of the town, which provide the perfect opportunity for an aperitivo overlooking the beautiful Tuscan landscape.' The historic center of Pienza is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Colorful buildings on the water in Dinant, need to head to the Walloon region of Belgium to experience the allure of Dinant, a city that sits on the edge of the River Meuse, right where the waterway cuts through the Condroz plateau. Dinant is the perfect combination of natural and man-made beauty. On one end, you have impressive architecture, like the 13th-century Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Dinant; on the other, you have the Bayard Rock, an imposing rock formation that once served as natural protection against enemies of the city. Cityscape of Bacharach, Germany. 'Set on the Rhine with centuries of history, this village ticks all the boxes of a European dream,' says Strong, noting the medieval architecture and fairy-tale half-timbered buildings. Nestled in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic transport route, Bacharach also boasts gorgeous views of the Rhine River; the vineyards just outside the village, Strong says, are an 'added plus.' White buildings along the water of Lake Ohrid. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure Lake Ohrid may fall under the radar for most travelers, but once you get a glimpse of its shimmering waters on a sunny day or learn about its history—the lake is nearly two million years old—you'll likely want to plan a trip ASAP. The body of water straddles the border between Albania and North Macedonia, and it's surrounded by ancient villages, rolling hills, and beaches. In the past couple of years, archaeologists have also been working to uncover an 8,000-year-old stilt village, said to be the oldest of its kind in Europe, submerged in the lake. Kylesku Bridge along North Coast 500 in Scotland.A Scottish road trip will grant you gorgeous views no matter where you go, but Strong recommends heading up north and driving what is often called the 'Wee Mad Road.' Part of the North Coast 500, this stretch along the coast in the northwestern part of the country, he says, is 'not for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy the great open scenery and scope of the Scottish Highlands.' 'The western side of Scotland offers some of the most dramatic and strange sights while driving on small, one-lane roads,' he adds. Rocky coastline of Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa, Italy. imageBROKER/Not only is Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) one of the most beautiful places in Italy—as well as one of the country's best beaches—it's also one of the most stunning destinations in all of Europe. The beach forms an arc, and the bright blue waters are calm and shallow, making this the perfect spot to lounge, swim, or snorkel during a summer day. A pier stretching into Lake Annecy. Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure Europe has no shortage of pristine lakes; you'll find them across Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and beyond, but one of the most beautiful is France's Lake Annecy. Fed by mountain streams, the lake is clean and clear, and it's a popular swimming spot with sandy beaches. The Old Town of Annecy, known as the 'Venice of France,' is equally charming; you'll want to spend at least a few days exploring its canals, bridges, and other landmarks. White buildings in Naoussa, Paros. While Oia, the highly photographed town on the northwestern end of Santorini, may flood your Instagram feed in the summer, there's another Greek village that's just as lovely on Paros. 'What makes Naoussa one of the most beautiful places in Europe is the contrast of old and new. You have elements of the old fishing harbor and a traditional Greek village paired with trendy restaurants and high-end boutiques,' explains Schroeder. 'In my opinion, the beauty of Paros is captured in the village architecture—the large cobblestone streets, the whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, and the pops of pink bougainvillea reflecting on the calm ocean waters.' Cityscape of Salzburg, Austria. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure The beauty of Salzburg is multi-fold. Of course, there are the features and sites most travelers know from 'The Sound of Music': Schloss Leopoldskron, Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, and the famous gazebo. But there are also the breathtaking views you can get if you venture to higher elevations. Walk along Mönchsberg or Kapuzinerberg, or take the funicular up to Hohensalzburg Fortress. In the winter, the Christmas markets are pretty magical, too. The roman bridge in Ronda, Spain. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure 'Ronda is a small town in the southern Spain region of Andalusia. It is most known for the massive bridge that connects the New Town and the Old Town,' says Schroeder. 'It sits atop a mountain plateau, which gives dramatic cliffside views at every turn. In spring and summer months, the whitewashed buildings are blooming with bright pink bougainvillea to add pops of color throughout the town.' Ronda is also one of the oldest towns in Spain; there's evidence it dates all the way back to the Neolithic period. Small houses in Sweden's lake the lake district of Sweden, Värmland features over 10,000 lakes and the country's longest river, the Klarälven. Unsurprisingly, it's ideal for anyone interested in spending days on the water—fishing, rafting, swimming, or kayaking. There are also hiking and biking trails across the region if you'd rather explore on land. While the beauty is apparent all year round, the colder months are exceptionally beautiful in the hilly regions of Värmland, as snow turns the area into a winter wonderland. A small village in the Lofoten Islands. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure According to Schroeder, the most beautiful places in Europe are sometimes the toughest to get to. Case in point: the Lofoten Islands, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Depending on which island you're trying to reach, you may need to travel by boat or even helicopter. 'I personally love the views of the picturesque fishing villages that sit right on the calm ocean waters. In the winter months, there is no better backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights,' she says. A busy lawn overlooking the mountains of the Dolomites. Ambika Verma/Travel + Leisure Italy may have gorgeous lakes, beaches, and islands, but its mountains are just as awe-inspiring. The Italian Dolomites are made up of 18 peaks that rise more than 10,000 feet—creating endless opportunities to hike and ski. Part of the range, including the impressive Three Peaks of Lavaredo, can be found in the South Tyrol province in northeastern Italy. Here, the mountains tower above picturesque villages, vineyards, and valleys; for some of the best views of the craggy summits, book a suite at Forestis—a spa resort tucked away in the mountains above the town of Brixen. An alpine lake in the Azores. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure It's difficult, maybe even impossible, to pick the most beautiful island in the Azores—so we'll go with the entire archipelago. Known as the 'Hawaii of Europe,' the Azores has deep crater lakes, hot springs, lush forests, and generally dramatic landscapes. If you can't choose which island to visit first, start with São Miguel, nicknamed the 'Green Island.' Here, you'll find the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. The volcanic lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, are actually connected, but their colors differ drastically, creating a unique sight to behold. Cityscape of Barcelona with a focus on the Barcelona Cathedral. Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Nearly all of Europe's most-visited cities have some element of beauty to them, but Barcelona is unrivaled in terms of its combination of art and architecture. The Spanish city is famous for its Gothic structures and Gaudí's modernist creations—his works include Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. There's also a heavy touch of natural beauty, which you'll discover at Barceloneta Beach, Creueta del Coll Park, and Tibidabo, the highest point in the city. Multi colored tulips in Keukenhof. Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure Billed as 'the most beautiful spring garden in the world,' Keukenhof is one of the best places to glimpse the colorful tulips commonly associated with the Netherlands. The window to see them is relatively short, though, so you'll need to plan your visit between mid-April to mid-May to experience the peak blooming period. Covering 79 acres, the garden also features roses, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, lilies, carnations, and irises.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Five women in hot water after pole dancing stunt at Greek palace goes viral
Five women who staged a semi-nude photo shoot on a pole outside a 'cultural landscape' at 1.30am while on holiday in Greece have faced court. British dancers Imogen Gunter-Zak, 30, Sharon Randell, 57, Alisha Haddrell, 32, Katie Clark, 40, and a German woman were allegedly filmed swinging around the white post at Corfu's Old Palace, a 200-year-old former royal residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Footage of the troupe, who were reportedly visiting the Greek Island for a two-week study abroad program with their pole dancing school, showed two members of the group in sexy red lingerie posing for photos as the others cheered them on, The Sun reports. However, the pole dancers were later arrested after the video of the photo shoot went viral, with the women accused of violating archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area, with Corfu's Ministry of Culture referring to it as an 'illegal act'. Two of the five dancers were handed six-month suspended sentences and ordered to pay €200 in court fees, according to local outlet The remaining three dancers were acquitted. Outside court, the acquitted dancers apologised, insisting they 'meant no disrespect to the monument' and 'never intended to cause offence'. But the ordeal has been slammed by Steve Gunter-Zak, the father of the youngest woman involved, who claimed the women were treated like 'scrubbers' and locked away with hardened criminals 'They had no idea it was wrong to be performing where they were,' he told The Sun. 'I believe this has been driven by politics. Someone in authority has got it in for them. 'But these women are not scrubbers. They're not tarts and their dancing is not sexual. It's performance art.' His daughter Imogen and Sharon were named by the publication as the two that have been hit with the six-month suspended jail terms. They were convicted of 'degrading the cultural landscape' at the Old Palace of St Michael and St George. Both have appealed with their lawyer Makis Grammenos confident of success. 'They didn't need to spend three nights in cells. They were anxious, sleep-deprived and had no food,' he said. Retired lecturer Steve said Imogen and Alisha – her pal and business partner – hired a local photographer to shoot video and stills of their trip. 'He chose where they would perform. He assured them this site was okay and they trusted him,' the dad claimed. 'They did it late at night to cause as little disturbance and nuisance to locals. 'But it attracted quite a few people and some were videoing on phones. One put it online and it went viral. 'A few days later it became clear the girls were in trouble so they went to a police station to tell them what they'd been doing. 'But as soon as they got there they were charged.' Steve also claimed that despite Imogen being convicted she was never even dancing. Thanos Giannakouris said: 'They didn't leave a scratch on the monument. 'It's totally overblown. These were young girls having a bit of fun.' The three women who were acquitted have since apologised on camera. The footage, which was reportedly filmed during the early hours of May 23, 2025, shows a photo shoot taking place after a pole was erected beneath the grand arch of the historic structure. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seen in the footage first opened in 1824 and is a renowned example of Regency architecture. Despite suffering damage during the war, it has since been restored and adapted to house the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu — a unique institution in Greece, featuring rare and extensive collections from China, Japan, India, and other parts of Asia.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
'They're artists!' Furious father of British pole dancer who was arrested with four others for 'degrading' a World Heritage site insist they were creating art
A troupe of pole dancers who were arrested in Corfu after undertaking a scantily-clad photo shoot in front of a historic Greek landmark were creating 'art', according to one of their fathers. A video of the racy performance went viral as onlookers watched the half-naked women outside the Old Palace of St. Michael and St. George in the early hours of the morning. One of the clips even showed two women balancing together on a pole in bright red underwear by the 200-year-old UNESCO heritage site. They have since been charged with violating archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area, but the father insists someone within foreign authorities 'has got it in for them'. Steve Gunter-Zak's daughter, Imogen, 30, was one of the five women forced to endure three days in Greek prison after being arrested. Sharon Randell, 57, Alisha Haddrell, 32, Katie Clark, 40, and a German woman all joined Imogen behind bars. But Mr Gunter-Zak has claimed the women were led on by a photographer who encouraged them to use the site as an idyllic backdrop. He told The Sun: 'They had no idea it was wrong to be performing where they were. I believe this has been driven by politics. Someone in authority has got it in for them. 'But these women are not scrubbers. They're not tarts and their dancing is not sexual. It's performance art.' Two of the women, which the newspaper believes to be Imogen, of Worcester, and Sharon, of Faringdon, Oxon, were given six-month suspended jail terms. Both have since appealed and their lawyer Makis Grammenos is confident he can secure a positive outcome, saying they 'didn't need to spend three nights in cells'. The dancers had been visiting the island as part of a 'pole dancing vacation' that takes place every over the last two weeks of May and is set up by a British holiday organiser. And after realising their video had gone viral, Mr Gunter-Zak said the group went to a police station to confess what had happened where they were immediately charged. Steve also said that his daughter had not even danced during the ordeal, adding that they were only there to train the women. Three of the women have since apologised on camera. The Municipality of Corfu and the Museum of Asian Art are also said to have filed a lawsuit against the dancers. Local outlet ProtoThema said at the time: 'Understandably, there were several reactions regarding who gave permission for such a photo shoot in the city centre.' The former royal residence, commissioned by British Lord High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland and designed by Colonel George Whitmore, holds pride of place in the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dozens of residents expressed online fury over the 'disgraceful' photo shoot taking place outside the historic palace with some claiming the dancers were British. 'The Corfu Palaces: they once hosted royals. Now, pole dancing,' commenter Panagiotis Kalogeros wrote on Facebook. 'If Lord Byron saw pole dancing at the Palaces, he would have returned to England without a second thought.' 'Would they do the same at Buckingham [Palace]?' wrote another. One poster also raised concerns about how the pole was supported, fearing 'that they pierced the slabs in the ground' to hold it in place. There was no evidence the site had been damaged. The Palace of St. Michael and St. George was designed by British architects in the early 19th century, using neoclassical styles typical of the time. For more than two centuries it has stood in the old city of Corfu, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. The building is still in use today and remains a well preserved instance of Regency architecture towards the end of the Georgian period. Greek users on Facebook were anxious that part of the site could have been damaged during the photo shoot, several asking how they gained permission. 'Did the permanent residents of the historic centre and their association take a position for this event?' one asked. 'Who gave the permission slip???' said another. 'Someone should call the police,' added a third. The Directorate of the Museum of Asian Art, today housed inside the palace, was unaware of the event, say local media. Not all criticised the dancers for performing outside the historic building, however. User Bill Metallinos defended the performance. 'Basically, what we see is the backstage of some photography,' he said of the video. 'Otherwise dancing is part of culture. It's just that this one is misunderstood... 'Yes the concept offends the monument but as an open space unguarded and unmarked disappointing swimsuits or extra items I see no reason someone who wants to take photos to be banned, it is an open public space. 'But to see how hypocrit[ical] we are, we have passed a road of heavy vehicles through the Palace and under its Arch and we are sending all the exhaust pollution to Tufopetra that has been consumed by all this fuel gas... 'And instead of shouting about the damage we are doing to it we ourselves are shouting about the photography that was done by some professionals in the area. 'In the end, who damages the monument? Them or us?' Another user disagreed and expanded: 'What do traditional dances have to do with stripping there? Me personally if my daughter was there I would be ashamed.' The palace in Corfu was built over a five year period in the immediate aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815 saw the Ionian Islands, including Corfu, become a protectorate of the UK through the Treaty of Paris. In turn, Corfu became the seat of the British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. In turn, Corfu became the seat of the British Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. It was Sir Thomas Maitland who commissioned the Palace of St. Michael and St. George as the official residence for the Lord High Commissioner. There was a boom in Regency architecture building across Britain and its overseas holdings after the end of the Napoleonic Wars as government spending steadily recovered and timber shortages eased without the war demand. Closer to home, examples of Regency architecture can be seen in the work of John Nash across London. Britain revived some of the classical architectural styles of the Greeks and Romans during its imperial rise, after architects like Inigo Jones brought back to the British Isles techniques recovered by the Italians through the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Brit women arrested for pole-dancing in Corfu are ‘performance artists' & were treated like ‘scrubbers' in jail
FIVE Brits held over a pole-dancing stunt in Corfu were treated like 'scrubbers' and locked away with hardened criminals, one of their dads has claimed. The group sparked outrage after two of the women were recorded swinging around a flagpole in lingerie and posing for pictures at a protected world heritage site. 5 5 5 Steve Gunter-Zak's daughter Imogen, 30, is said to have organised the stunt as she was arrested and forced to endure three days in jail. Sharon Randell, 57, Alisha Haddrell, 32, Katie Clark, 40, and a German woman all joined her locked away in hellish Greek prison cells. Devastated dad Steve has now said the women had no idea what they were doing was wrong and believed it was just "performance art". He said: 'They had no idea it was wrong to be performing where they were. 'I believe this has been driven by politics. Someone in authority has got it in for them. "But these women are not scrubbers. They're not tarts and their dancing is not sexual. It's performance art.' Two of the women, said to be Imogen, of Worcester, and Sharon, of Faringdon, Oxon, were hit with six-month suspended jail terms. They were convicted of 'degrading the cultural landscape' at the Old Palace of St Michael and St George, as previously reported by The Sun. Both have appealed with their lawyer Makis Grammenos confident of success. He said: 'They didn't need to spend three nights in cells. They were anxious, sleep deprived and had no food.' Moment Brit pole dancers issue grovelling apology after avoiding jail over scantily-clad display at hallowed Greek site All five are believed to have met online or at a yoga retreat in Corfu. Two are thought to still be on the island while three flew home on Monday. Retired lecturer Steve said Imogen and Alisha - her pal and business partner - hired a local photographer to shoot video and stills of their trip. He said: 'He chose where they would perform. He assured them this site was okay and they trusted him. "They did it late at night to cause as little disturbance and nuisance to locals. 'But it attracted quite a few people and some were videoing on phones. One put it online and it went viral. "A few days later it became clear the girls were in trouble so they went to a police station to tell them what they'd been doing. "But as soon as they got there they were charged." Steve also said that despite Imogen being convicted she was never even dancing. They were only there to train the women, he added. Three women have since apologised on camera. The UNESCO World Heritage Site seen in the footage first opened in 1824 and is a renowned example of Regency architecture. And despite being accused of violating archaeological law and degrading the surrounding area, a lawyer believes the charges won't stick. Thanos Giannakouris said: 'They didn't leave a scratch on the monument. "It's totally overblown. These were young girls having a bit of fun.' 5 5
