Corfu - Gerald Durrell

“Gradually the magic of the island settled over us as gently and clingingly as pollen. Each day had a tranquillity, a timelessness, about it so that you wished it would never end. But then the dark skin of night would peel off and there would be a fresh day waiting for us, glossy and colourful as a child's transfer and with the same tinge of unreality." © Gerald Durrell
 

Between the years 1935-1939 the famous author and zoologist Gerald Durrell lived with his family and other animals in three villas on the sunny Greek Island of Corfu. Aged just 10 when they arrived, the young Durrell ran wild around the island with Roger the dog, sailing around the island in his boat the Bootle Bumtrinket. He made friends with a wide range of locals, revelling in the abundant wildlife of butterflies, toads, owls, fireflies, glow worms and porpoises.
 

In his world famous books based on his experiences he wrote:

Gradually the magic of the island settled over us as gently and clingingly as pollen. Each day had a tranquillity, a timelessness, about it so that you wished it would never end. But then the dark skin of night would peel off and there would be a fresh day waiting for us, glossy and colourful as a child's transfer and with the same tinge of unreality." © Gerald Durrell
 

Today, unfortunately, there are no organised excursions to the houses that Gerald Durrell lived in. Although the famous Pink Villa at Perama has been demolished, the Daffodi-Yellow Villas remains much as it was. It can be found just off the main road at Sotiriotissa near Kontokali on the NE coast a few kilometres from Corfu Town. The Snow-White Villa is still at Perama on a hill overlooking the airport and lagoon, but it is not available to visit.

Finding Durrell's Corfu

Much of the Corfu that the Durrell fell in love with is still available to enjoy today – as long as you steer away from the resort areas to the south of the island. It is still an island of villages where traditional customs continue to thrive. Above all, Corfu has an atmosphere that personifies Lawrence Durrell's evocative statement: Greece offers you the discovery of yourself.

If you are looking for a quiet, family friendly holiday to discover the Corfu of the Durrells, then why not consider a holiday at Rebecca’s Village. Based in the village of Karousades, near the town of Sidari, it is a great base to view the beautiful local landscape, visit Corfu Town and enjoy the lifestyle of the Corfoits.

<<Back to  - Corfu Tourist Information