The day begins quietly at Villa Kapella, in the village of Vatos on the western side of Corfu. It’s morning. Sunlight filters gently through the shutters, while outside, the air smells of summer and warm earth. The surroundings of Villa Kapella are peaceful, almost silent, and the only sounds are the soft rustling of leaves and the birdsong.
The first thought is simple: the sea. After a light breakfast, the day begins with a short drive to Ermones, just a few minutes away from the village. The drive is pleasant. The road winds through olive groves and small clearings, and each turn brings the sea closer into view. When you arrive, the landscape opens up: Ermones lie still and bright, nestled in a cove embraced by lush green hillsides. Swimming in Ermones is a delight. The water is cool, clear, and calm, with a sense of seclusion perfect for a morning dip. The beach is quiet, not crowded. One can swim, sit beneath an umbrella, or simply enjoy the sun and the slow rhythm of summer. Time flows effortlessly, with no plans and no thoughts.
After swimming, the road leads back to Villa Kapella. The heat begins to rise, the light intensifies, and the day reaches its midday peak. The silence is almost absolute. The village streets are empty, windows are shut, and even the breeze seems to have paused. It is a moment of rest, stillness, and slow rhythm. Noon at Villa Kapella passes gently and peacefully. A simple meal, some shade, and a book. Perhaps a short nap. The body relaxes, and the mind empties. The midday stillness of the Greek summer is one of the clearest signs that the visitor has escaped the pace of city life.
As time passes, afternoon arrives. The heat slowly fades, and the atmosphere becomes cooler. Villa Kapella offers the perfect setting for this time of day. A relaxing afternoon in the garden is one of the most beautiful moments. You can sit in a chair, enjoy a coffee or a glass of cold water, and simply take in the surroundings. The sounds of the village begin to return softly distant voices, perhaps a barking dog, maybe someone riding a scooter down the road. Time feels different here. There is no rush. No need for schedules. The afternoon drifts by quietly, with a calm and tranquil mood. It is the hour when the body regains its energy, and the soul finds peace in nature.
Then comes evening, bringing with it the promise of something special. The choice is familiar and beloved: Pelekas. The village, located slightly south, just a few minutes from Vatos, is one of the most characteristic settlements in western Corfu. The drive there is short but filled with beautiful images, hills, curves, and views of the Ionian Sea.
When you reach Pelekas, the light has begun to fade. It’s the hour of the sunset, and the village offers one of the island’s most breathtaking views. From up high, the sea stretches all the way to the horizon, the clouds take on orange and pink hues, and the sun slowly disappears into the Ionian. After sunset, Pelekas takes on a different character. Its narrow alleys come to life, tavernas glow with soft lighting, and people enjoy the summer night. Dinner in one of the village’s tavernas is the perfect end to the day, local flavors, a glass of wine, and the sounds of conversation and laughter.
The return to Villa Kapella happens under the stars. The road is quiet, and the village sleeps once again. The day ends in peace, in a place that offers simplicity, comfort, and a connection with the natural world.
An ideal day at Villa Kapella is not marked by grand experiences. It is a day made of small moments: a morning swim at Ermones, a quiet midday in the village, a peaceful afternoon in the garden, and a lovely evening in Pelekas. It’s a day that brings you closer to yourself, to the light, the silence, and simplicity. It’s the kind of day you want to live again.
