Corfu is the island where Gerald Durrell grew up a naturalist, and it remains a fine place to look at wild flowers and birds, above all in spring. San Stefano Estate gives a nature group five acres of its own olive, orange and lemon groves, trails into the hills from the gate, and a house to come back to.
From the door
Mountain trails climb from the house through olive groves and forest to the hill villages above Benitses: about three hours there and back to Gastouri and the Achilleion, or four past the old waterworks and Stavros to Agii Deka, with wide lookouts over the island and the sea.
Further afield
Corfu is known for its spring wild flowers, including many orchids, and lies on a route used by migrating birds. Lake Korission, the lagoon on the south-west coast, is one of the island’s best-known places for birds and coastal plants. We can arrange a driver for the group, and put you in touch with a local guide.
When to come
April to June for flowers and spring migration; September and October for the autumn passage and mild walking weather. These are also the quietest weeks at the house.
For your group
- The whole house: five bedrooms sleeping up to twelve
- More rooms at the family’s converted olive press in Benitses, or nearby
- A farmhouse kitchen, or a local cook on request for early starts and late returns
- The saloni and dining room for evening talks and logs
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
Walking groupsWalking holidays in Corfu from the front doorTrails into the hills start at the gate: hill villages, the Empress’s palace and lookouts over the sea.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
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