Most walking holidays begin with a transfer. At San Stefano Estate they begin at the gate. Mountain trails climb from the house through olive groves and forest to the hill villages above Benitses, and come back down to an infinity pool and a balcony over the sea.
Two walks from the house
- Gastouri and the Achilleion: about three hours’ walking there and back, to the hill village of Gastouri and the palace the Empress Elisabeth built. Allow extra time for coffee or lunch in the village.
- The waterworks, Stavros and Agii Deka: about four hours’ walking there and back, past the old waterworks above Benitses and through Stavros to the mountain village of Agii Deka, with some of the widest lookouts on the island.
Every route can be started on the trails right outside the gate, and the Corfu Trail, the island’s long-distance path, passes just above the house. Route maps are on our Walking page.
When to come
April to June and September to October: green hills, wild flowers in spring, and days cool enough to walk. These are also the quietest and best-value weeks at the house.
For walking groups
- The whole house for your group: five bedrooms, sleeping up to twelve
- More rooms at the family’s converted olive press in Benitses, or nearby
- We can put you in touch with a local walking guide
- A cook for the evenings, so dinner is ready when you come back
Other group stays
Yoga retreatsYoga retreats at a private estate in CorfuSunrise over the mountains of Epirus, practice among the citrus trees, and the whole estate to your group.Read the guide
Cooking groupsCooking holidays in a Corfu farmhouse kitchenA big kitchen table, a wood stove and Corfiot recipes, with markets and tavernas a short drive away.Read the guide
WeddingsPlanning a wedding at a Venetian manor in CorfuFrom an intimate ceremony to a celebration for 120, with the whole estate to yourselves.Read the guide
PaintingPainting holidays in a Venetian manor in CorfuMorning light on the sea, citrus groves and old stone, and a whole estate for your painting group.Read the guide
WritingWriting retreats in Corfu, in the Durrells’ islandA library, a balcony over the sea and long quiet days, on the island the Durrells wrote about.Read the guide
PhotographyPhotography holidays and workshops in CorfuSunrise over the mountains, golden evenings on the sea, and a house that film crews and fashion shoots still choose.Read the guide
NatureBirdwatching and botany holidays in CorfuSpring flowers, migrating birds and Gerald Durrell’s island, from a private estate among the groves.Read the guide
WellnessWellness and meditation retreats in CorfuQuiet groves, an infinity pool and sunrise over the mountains, with the estate to your group alone.Read the guide