Discover Corfu

Discover
Corfu

Attractions

ATTRACTIONS


The Durrells in Corfu: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

THE DURRELLS LOCATIONS AT A GLANCE

LocationsKalami & Kontokali
Famous ForLiterary & TV Series History
VibeNostalgic, Idyllic & Picturesque
AccessPublic (Kalami) & Private (TV Villa)
Key SightsThe White House & TV Villa
Best ForFans of the Books & TV Show

An Overview of The Durrells in Corfu

The story of the Durrell family’s idyllic pre-war life on Corfu has captured the hearts of millions, first through Gerald Durrell’s beloved book “My Family and Other Animals” and later through the hugely popular UK ITV series “The Durrells.” For fans visiting the island, there are two key locations of pilgrimage: the actual, historical home of Lawrence and Nancy Durrell in beautiful Kalami, and the picturesque villa used as the main filming location for the TV series. This guide covers how to experience both.

Quick Planner

⏳ Time Needed
Half to Full Day (for both)		 ⭐ Don’t Miss
Lunch at The White House		 📍 Plan Your Day
Combine Kalami with Kassiopi or nearby beaches

How Will You Get Here?

Drive a Rental Car

A car is ideal for reaching both the White House (Kalami) and getting glimpses of the TV villa. Parking can be challenging in Kalami.

Use the Green Bus (for Kalami)

The Kassiopi bus route stops above Kalami. The TV villa is not directly accessible by public bus.

Book a Private Transfer

For a stress-free journey between the locations, or to Kalami, a private transfer offers comfort and convenience.

In-Depth Guide & Details

1. The Historical Home: The White House in Kalami

This is the authentic Durrell location. The iconic White House, set right on the water’s edge in the stunning bay of Kalami, was the home of Lawrence Durrell and his wife Nancy from 1935 to 1939. It was here that he wrote his famous Corfu memoir, “Prospero’s Cell.”

Getting There & Visiting

  • By Car & Parking: Kalami is on the north-east coast, about a 1-hour drive from Corfu Town. Parking in Kalami is limited and challenging in summer. There is a small car park at the top of the steep hill leading down to the bay.
  • By Bus: The A4 Green Bus service to Kassiopi stops on the main road above Kalami, from which it is a steep 10-minute walk down to the bay.
  • How to Visit: The White House is not a museum. The ground floor operates as a popular and excellent taverna, open to the public. The upper floors are holiday apartments available for rent. You can enjoy a wonderful meal on the jetty, soaking up the history and incredible atmosphere.

Map shows the location of the publicly accessible White House in Kalami.


2. The TV Series Filming Location (Near Gouvia)

The beautiful, rustic villa with the iconic blue shutters that served as the family’s home in the ITV series is a different property, located in the Kontokali/Gouvia area.

Getting There & Visiting

  • Important Note: The TV series house is a private residence and is not open to the public. You cannot enter the property or its grounds. The property is available for rent.
  • By Car: The villa is located in a rural area inland from Kontokali. While you can drive along the public roads in the vicinity, the best views of the house are glimpses from the road. Please be respectful of the residents’ privacy and do not attempt to enter or block the driveway.
  • Finding It: The villa is not signposted as a tourist attraction. Please see the map below in order to find the correct public road from which you can see the property.

Map shows location of the TV series villa near Gouvia/Kontokali.


Is It Worth Visiting the Durrell Locations?

You’ll Love These Locations If…

  • You are a fan of Gerald or Lawrence Durrell’s books.
  • You loved the ITV television series “The Durrells”.
  • You enjoy literary history and visiting places where famous books were written.
  • You want to have a meal in one of Corfu’s most historic and beautiful settings (Kalami).

Important Things to Know…

  • The two main locations are far apart, on different sides of the island.
  • The White House in Kalami is a public taverna, not a walk-in museum.
  • The TV series villa near Gouvia is a private residence and CANNOT be entered. Please be respectful.
  • Many other locations from the TV show can be spotted all over the island!
Visitor Reviews

Visitor Reviews of the Durrell Locations

See what fellow travelers think about visiting these iconic spots, or share your own experience.

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Leave Your Own Review

What Else Can I See Nearby?

 

Explore Kassiopi

A charming fishing village and ancient Roman settlement just a short drive north of Kalami.

 

Visit Gouvia Marina

Nearby the TV villa, Gouvia offers a bustling marina with restaurants and a glimpse into Corfu’s yachting scene.

 

Discover Mountain Villages

If exploring Kalami, consider a scenic drive through the traditional villages nestled on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator.

Want More Insider Tips?

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our blog for more stories about the real-life history and filming locations that make Corfu so special! Also, join our FACEBOOK COMMUNITY to ask all your important questions!


Plan Your Journey

Found 4 attractions

→ Want to discover Villages? Click here ›

Stay Updated on Corfu

Subscribe for insider tips, local events, and special offers

Subscribe to our mailing list

© 2025 Discover Corfu(e-service) | All Rights Reserved

Licence No (M.H.T.E.): 0829Ε70000224700 | Business Registry No (Γ.Ε.ΜΗ.): 183695633000

Licensed Tourist Office by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO)