Introduction: My Best Friend, the One “to Blame”
Let me tell you about Georgia. She’s my best friend, the person who first introduced me to New York — and to so many beautiful parts of life. A Greek language teacher with a huge heart and a poetic soul, Georgia lived in Erikousa (a tiny paradise next to Corfu) before moving to New York, and eventually found her way back to the Ionian.
She’s been living in Corfu for the last four years, and I’ve had the joy of visiting her many times. She’s always loved the island. But I’ve never seen her fall for it quite the way she did during Easter 2025. Something about the 40 days of Orthodox tradition leading up to the Resurrection truly moved her.
So when I started this blog series and asked her to be my first storyteller, she didn’t hesitate. Here’s what she wrote for you — straight from her heart.
✍️ Georgia’s Story: Corfu Before Easter
Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands, located in the northwestern corner of Greece, close to both Albania and Italy. It’s a large island that stays alive and vibrant all year long. Its natural beauty, together with the distinctive architecture of its town and villages, makes it truly unique.
The first thing a visitor notices is the Old Town — a place that instantly steals your heart. The narrow kantounia, the cobbled alleys, the grand buildings, the laundry strung across balconies, and the lyrical accent of the locals transport you to another era, when the Venetians ruled the island.
Every season has its charm, but in my opinion, the time before Orthodox Easter brings out the soul of Corfu. The island’s musical tradition is revealed through a series of deeply moving philharmonic concerts, all offered freely to locals and visitors.
Any frustration from waiting hours in line disappears the moment you hear:
- The Old Philharmonic playing Adagio by Albinoni
- The “Mantzaros” Band performing Verdi’s Marcia Funebre
- The “Spyros Samaras” Band interpreting Elegia Funebre by Chopin
The venues are always packed, and you need patience and good planning — but none of that matters once the music begins.
Attending the Holy Week services, whether in historic churches or remote monasteries, brings you into the spiritual depth of the season. What makes Corfu truly unique is the presence of both Orthodox and Catholic traditions, creating a beautiful East–West fusion.
The highlight comes on Holy Saturday morning, during the “First Resurrection”, followed by the breaking of clay pots — the famous botides. A stunning, noisy, and joyful tradition that gathers thousands and requires endless patience.
Some of my most unforgettable moments were in the island’s monasteries:
- Saint Paraskevi in Kynopiastes
- Pantokrator in Agios Athanasios
- Panagia Kassopitra in Kanoni
- Saints Theodoroi in Palaiopoli
But one moment stands above the rest — the Presanctified Liturgy in the historic church of Panagia ton Dromon, in the mountain village of Strinilas. It ended with a steaming plate of shrimp pasta in a tiny kafeneio nearby. It was perfect.
None of this would have happened without the help and guidance of a true local — my friend Haris Vasilakis, who knows the island like no one else.
Because seeing a place from the inside is always something else.
It’s authentic, deep, and unforgettable.
📍Monasteries Mentioned — A Closer Look
🕊️ Saint Paraskevi – Kynopiastes
A small but beautiful monastery known for its peace and proximity to Corfu Town. It’s a quiet local gem surrounded by greenery.
⛪ Pantokrator – Agios Athanasios
Located in a lesser-known village inland, this monastery offers a glimpse into simple Corfiot monastic life and beautiful views.
🌿 Panagia Kassopitra – Kanoni
Built near the ruins of ancient Cassiope, this monastery honors a local Marian miracle and is located in one of Corfu’s most photogenic areas.
🏛 Saints Theodoroi – Palaiopoli
One of Corfu’s oldest sites, near the ancient city ruins. A great blend of nature, history, and spiritual stillness.
🌄 Panagia ton Dromon – Strinilas
A remote historic church in a mountain village, known for its timeless energy and deeply spiritual Holy Week liturgies.
🧿 Final Thoughts
This is how we start this blog series — not with travel checklists, but with real feelings. Through Georgia’s words, I hope you felt what Corfu is like before Easter. The music, the silence, the long walks, the shrimp pasta. The magic of seeing Greece through someone who lives it.
About the photos:
The first three show Georgia with me and her closest Corfu friends1 These are moments filled with joy, laughter, and the kind of friendship that only grows stronger on the island.
The rest were taken by Georgia during the days she describes above: from the peaceful interiors of the monasteries, to the breathtaking views from the hills, and of course, the unforgettable shrimp pasta we shared at a traditional kafeneio after one of the evening services.
These images are not just beautiful — they hold meaning. And I’m so grateful she shared them with us.