Discover Paradise and follow the steps of the Durrells’ Family in Corfu

If you’ve ever dreamed of a sun-kissed island filled with olive groves, turquoise seas, and eccentric characters, Corfu is the paradise you’ve been looking for. Immortalized by Gerald Durrell in his classic My Family and Other Animals and the hit TV series The Durrells, this Ionian gem offers 
travelers a chance to walk through the very landscapes that shaped a literary legend.

Whether you’re searching for the Corfu Gerald Durrell House, planning a Durrell-inspired itinerary, or simply curious about what happened to the family after their Corfu years, here’s your complete guide to following their story.

The Durrell Family in Corfu

In the 1930s, Louisa Durrell moved her four children. Larry, Leslie, Margo, and Gerald from the dreary English climate to the radiant beauty of Corfu. What was meant to be a simple change of scene became a defining chapter in all their lives.

The youngest, Gerald Durrell, fell in love with the island’s wildlife and people, later capturing their adventures in My Family and Other Animals and two sequels. His books brought the Durrell family in Corfu to life. a mix of humor, chaos, and deep affection that continues to enchant readers 
today.

Visiting the Gerald Durrell House in Corfu

So, can you visit the Durrell House in Corfu?
Yes, and it’s one of the island’s highlights for fans of the series or books.

The best-known property associated with the family is the White House in Kalami Bay, on Corfu’s northeast coast. Once home to Lawrence Durrell and his wife Nancy, it’s often called the Gerald Durrell House Corfu by visitors. While the house is privately owned, it’s now home to a charming 
taverna and holiday accommodation where you can soak in the same sea views that inspired the Durrells’ writing.

For directions, search “Gerald Durrell House Corfu map” you’ll find the exact pin for Kalami Bay and the surrounding Durrell-related landmarks. Boat tours and coastal walks often stop here, making it easy to experience the setting firsthand.

What Happened to the Durrell Family After Corfu?

As World War II approached in 1939, the Durrells’ idyllic island life came to an end. They returned to England, and each family member’s story unfolded in unique ways:

• Lawrence Durrell became a celebrated novelist and travel writer, known for The Alexandria Quartet.
• Gerald Durrell pursued his love of animals, founding the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Jersey Zoo, both of which remain active today.
• Margaret (Margo) led a more private life, running a boarding house and later publishing her own memoir, Whatever Happened to Margo
• Leslie stayed largely out of the public eye.
• Louisa Durrell continued supporting her family until her passing.

If you’re wondering, “Durrells family in Corfu, where are they now?”, their spirit lives on through Gerald’s conservation work and the enduring appeal of their Corfu story.

What Happened to Louisa and Spiro in Real Life?

Fans of The Durrells often ask: What happened to Louisa and Spiro in real life? 

In Gerald’s books, Spiro (Spiros Halikiopoulos) is the loyal Corfiot who befriends and assists the Durrells, becoming a beloved part of their story. While the TV series dramatized a romantic connection, in reality, their relationship was a deep and genuine friendship.

Louisa left Corfu when the war broke out and lived in England until her death, while Spiro remained in Corfu, remembered as a kind, generous man who helped a foreign family feel at home on the island.

Following the Durrell Trail – A Corfu Itinerary

If you want to walk in the Durrells’ footsteps, here’s a short itinerary you can easily follow:

1. Corfu Town (Kerkyra): Start your journey in the island’s historic capital, where the Durrells shopped and socialized. Stroll through the Liston promenade, explore the Old Fortress, and feel the old-world charm.
2. Kalami Bay: Visit the White House, also known as the Gerald Durrell House Corfu, overlooking the sea. Enjoy a meal at the taverna and watch the waves just as the Durrells once did.
3. Kontokali and Perama: Explore the other areas the family lived in during their Corfu years.
4. Durrell Exhibits & Museums: Check for local exhibitions dedicated to Gerald and Lawrence Durrell, several small displays celebrate their impact on Corfu’s cultural heritage.

The Enduring Magic of Corfu

More than 80 years later, the Durrells’ Corfu remains a place of enchantment. The island’s natural beauty and warmth continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Whether you’re exploring the Corfu Gerald Durrell House, tracing a Gerald Durrell House Corfu map, or simply wandering through olive groves under the Ionian sun, you’ll feel the same joy and wonder that inspired the Durrells’ unforgettable story.