Corfu: Adventure boat tour The Durrells and the sea

If you’re exploring Corfu and looking to combine a relaxed cruise with a touch of local storytelling and film history, the Corfu Adventure Boat Tour inspired by “The Durrells” might just be the highlight of your trip. This 3-hour journey offers more than just pretty views — it’s an engaging way to learn about the Durrell family’s unique connection to the island, while soaking up some of the most iconic sights along Corfu’s coast.

What makes this experience appealing is its combination of scenic sightseeing and cultural storytelling, along with the chance to visit idyllic islands like Mouse Island and Vidos. We love how it blends history, literature, and natural beauty into a manageable half-day adventure. However, it’s essential to note that it’s a shorter tour, so if you’re after a full-day cruise or want to visit multiple islands in depth, this might feel a little limited. Still, for those with limited time or a fondness for film and family stories, it’s a charming choice.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy storytelling, want to see the filming locations of “The Durrells,” or simply desire a relaxed, scenic cruise with a knowledgeable guide. It’s also ideal if you prefer a private group experience, ensuring a more personalized and intimate outing.

Key Points

• Filming location highlights: See where “The Durrells” TV series was shot and learn about the Durrell family’s ties to Corfu.
• Iconic sights: Pass by the Mon Repos Palace, birthplace of Prince Philip, and enjoy views of the Venetian architecture.
• Visit charming islands: Stop at Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) with its famous chapel, and Vidos, known for unspoiled nature.
• Informative storytelling: Short excerpts from Durrell books and family biographies add depth to the experience.
• Relaxing cruise: Enjoy a welcome drink and scenic views along Corfu’s coastline, perfect for a laid-back outing.
• Value for money: Price includes expert guidance, sightseeing, and small stories about the Durrell family, making it worthwhile for fans and curious travelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Setting the Scene: Meet the Crew and Start Sailing

You’ll gather at the Old Port of Corfu (in front of the BP Gas Station on Eleftheriou Venizelou 40). The small group, often private or semi-private, is greeted by your friendly skipper who will be your guide for the next three hours. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy a welcome drink as the boat gently departs, setting the tone for a laid-back yet engaging experience.

The scenic journey begins with views of Corfu town’s pastel-colored Venetian houses, a charming reminder of the island’s historical influences. You’ll cruise past the old fortress, giving you a perfect vantage point to appreciate Corfu’s strategic maritime importance.

Discovering “The Durrells” Filming Locations

One of the main attractions is spotting the actual filming sites used in “The Durrells” TV series (2016-2019). Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply curious about how the family’s stories are brought to life on screen, this aspect adds a personalized touch. Your guide shares excerpts from Gerald Durrell’s “My Family and Other Animals” and related books, providing background stories that deepen your appreciation.

We loved the way the tour connects the stories with actual locations, like the villa in Kontokali that served as the Durrells’ home, or the serene Saint Arsenius chapel where Larry and Nancy enjoyed swimming. Recognizing these spots makes the series’ scenes more meaningful and visually memorable.

A Glimpse of Corfu’s Royal Past: Mon Repos Palace

As you pass by Mon Repos Palace, you’re reminded of Corfu’s royal connections — it’s where Prince Philip was born in 1921. The sight of this elegant former royal residence adds a regal touch to your cruise and offers a perfect backdrop for photos. The guide shares anecdotes about the palace’s history, enriching your understanding of the island’s aristocratic past.

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Idyllic Islands: Mouse Island and Vidos

The cruise’s highlights are the stops at Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and Vidos. The former is easily recognizable with its picture-perfect chapel, Vlacherna, often featured in postcards. You’ll get close enough to admire its white walls and tranquil waters, ideal for photos and gentle contemplation.

Vidos, on the other hand, is a peaceful, uninhabited island where flora and fauna flourish untouched by human activity. Here, the guide shares stories about the local wildlife and the island’s history as a military site. It’s a quiet, natural retreat, offering a stark contrast to the bustling town and royal palace.

The Charm of Local Rests and Secret Spots

Throughout the cruise, your guide points out various hidden gems like the Venetian villa in Kontokali, which played a role in the series, and Saint Arsenius chapel, a favorite swimming spot for Larry and Nancy Durrell. These tiny details make the journey more intimate and memorable.

The Final Stop: Kalami and the White House

The last leg takes you to Kalami, a small village renowned for the White House, where Lawrence Durrell lived with his wife Nancy in the 1930s. This spot is often regarded as a literary pilgrimage — a perfect place for a short break or to imagine the stories that flowed from this beautiful setting. While the tour doesn’t include a sit-down meal here, many travelers choose to enjoy lunch at the White House restaurant afterward.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers all the essentials: VAT, fuel, beach towels, soft drinks, and a knowledgeable guide sharing stories and filming location insights. You’ll also enjoy short literary excerpts and sightseeing at the picturesque landmarks.

What’s not included is lunch at the White House, which many find worthwhile to reserve separately if they want to extend the experience. Personal expenses, souvenirs, or additional drinks are also outside the package.

Practical Considerations: Value and Comfort

This tour is designed for those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and story-rich experience. The duration of 3 hours makes it manageable, especially for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a less intense adventure. The private group setting enhances comfort and flexibility, allowing your guide to tailor the experience.

Transportation to the meeting point is straightforward, with clear instructions and a WhatsApp contact for confirmation or last-minute questions. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera — the views are worth capturing.

Price and Worth

At a price that covers the boat, guide, fuel, and extras like towels and soft drinks, this tour offers solid value for what’s included. It’s particularly appealing for fans of “The Durrells” and those interested in local filming spots. Since it’s a shorter tour, it’s perfect as an addition to other activities rather than a standalone full-day experience, but it manages to pack in a lot of sights and stories in just a few hours.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits literature and TV series fans eager to see where their favorite scenes were shot. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a laid-back, scenic cruise with a knowledgeable guide and a touch of cultural storytelling. If you’re looking for a small-group, intimate outing that combines natural beauty with a bit of local history and film trivia, this tour is a solid pick.

Those with mobility issues should note that walking around some sites might be limited, but overall, the tour is accessible for most able-bodied travelers.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour offers a gentle yet engaging way to see Corfu’s most iconic sights while learning about the Durrell family’s life on the island. The stunning views of the coast and islands combined with fascinating stories about “The Durrells” make it a memorable experience. It’s particularly suited for fans of the TV series, literature lovers, or travelers seeking a relaxing, scenic outing.

While it’s not a full-day cruise, its value is in the small-group intimacy, storytelling, and picturesque stops. If you’re after a taste of Corfu’s natural beauty, literary history, and film locations, this trip will leave you with plenty of lovely memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy boat rides, scenic views, and stories about “The Durrells” will find this an enjoyable outing. Just keep in mind the trip’s length and that it’s primarily a sightseeing cruise.

Do I need to bring my own food?
The tour includes soft drinks and towels but does not include lunch. If you plan to visit the White House in Kalami afterward, it’s a good idea to bring some snacks or plan to dine there.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking at stops, and don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. The boat ride can be breezy, so bring layers if you’re sensitive to wind.

How long is the boat trip?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it ideal for a morning or afternoon outing.

Can I book a private group?
Yes, this experience is offered to private groups, ensuring a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

Are there any restrictions?
People with mobility impairments may find some sites less accessible, and smoking is not allowed on board.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the exact schedule varies, the best time to enjoy Corfu’s warm weather and clear seas is from spring to early autumn. Check availability beforehand.

What makes this tour worth it?
The combination of stunning coastal scenery, engaging storytelling about the Durrel family, and visits to iconic islands provides a well-rounded, value-packed experience perfect for a laid-back day on the water.

In all, if you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and culturally enriching boat trip that offers a glimpse into Corfu’s cinematic and literary history, this tour delivers just that with plenty of authentic charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: