Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job: Fleewinter Edition
By Charlotte Wates on 5th January, 2026
Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job: Fleewinter edition
I’m not sure what’s more alluring: Amanda and Alan’s rapidly developing Greek tans, or the stone house on evergreen Corfu that they are bringing back to life, episode by episode (BBC iPlayer – Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job)
So if you, like me, are sat staring out the window at an icy vista, contemplating whether this year is finally the year to emigrate, then why not go all in and pursue your own Greek Job – but do it the Fleewinter way!
Step 1: finding your perfect Corfu property
Are you looking for a particular shade of blue to watch with your morning frappé? Or is a view of the mountains more your style?
East coast or West? Or perhaps halfway up Pantokrator with a view of both!
The perfect way to figure out where you’d like to start renovating is to go and spend some time on the island, and get a feel for what it is you’re after.
If time is of the essence, then hire a private driver, who can whizz you around the island, Greek-style.
If you’ve got a bit more time to relax, then hire a private car and mooch along the coast or head up the mountains at your own pace.
Step 2: suitable lodgings
Renovating a house is great fun. I’ve just had my kitchen and bathroom re-done and it feels like a whole new place!
What’s not great is living in it. Speaking from dusty experience.
So, the second step for your own Greek Job: Fleewinter Edition is to choose some suitable accommodation to retreat to after a day of DIY.
If you’re a city type, then an apartment in Corfu Old Town will hit the nail on the head. Try Studio Costele – it’s a gorgeous flat in the heart of the town, perfect to retreat to after a busy day of renovating.
Or, if you enjoy a bit more outdoor space, then check out Anasma Apartments, perfect apartments with manicured gardens found in gorgeous Kontokali bay.
Or for the ultimate in renovation chic, Villa Eleftheria – a 3 bedroom villa complete with pool and a sea-view to get lost in.
These are perfect for long off-season bookings – which is likely when you’d be building, as no-one needs to be cementing in July’s heat…
Step 3: the admin and the days off
Getting to Corfu – there are dozens of weekly flights in summer, or via Athens or Thessaloniki in winter – if you book well enough ahead, you can nab a flight for less than £30! Plus, there’s a roaring trade in other expatriates selling flights that they no longer need, for just the price of the name change. Win win.
Alternately, you can drive, especially if you’re taking furniture from home to furnish your new home! It’s a gorgeous road trip – though we’d recommend taking the ferry from Bari, Italy, to cut off a couple days of driving.
Alternately, take a route via Croatia and spend a few days exploring another European gem…
On your well-deserved days off, there’s loads to do
From wandering the streets of the UNESCO Old Town and shopping in the independent boutiques, to heading south to a fish taverna in Petriti, or enjoying a long walk on sandy Halicounis beach, whatever pace you’re seeking, Corfu will offer it.
For the hikers, there’s the famous Corfu Trail – ending on Paxos (though I’d probably take a boat for the 6km gap between the islands, otherwise it’s a bit of a long swim!) where you can treat yourself to an ice cream in Gaios or a delicious cocktail in Lakka!
The Ambelonas vineyard and restaurant also offers some of the most authentic Corfiot cuisine on the island, and a brilliantly fun cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare dishes that are older than your new house!
(Optional) Step 4: Not Corfu at all
Corfu is stunning, a true gem of the Greek islands, blessed with green and blue all year round. But, if it’s not to your taste, then there are so many gorgeous other islands to choose from.
In the same Ionian island chain, there’s beautiful Paxos (also spotted on Amanda and Alan’s Greek Job!) and one of my all-time favourites, Kefalonia.
Alternately, in the Saronic there’s Hydra and Spetses – perhaps more expensive but gorgeous
Or, a bit further south, there’s Crete and the Dodecanese islands – my favourite of which are Rhodes and Kastellorizo. Here you’ll find sunshine for most of the year!
Our When to Visit Greece guide should give an idea of where is great to explore and when – or give me a call to start planning your own Greek Job!
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Charlotte Wates, Greek Specialist
0207 112 0019
