We always go for best value, but in places we are happy to stay in.
I have lost count of how many times we have travelled independantly to S S,
and we have stayed in countless apartments all over the village, since we have been going there!
Getting Private apartments has always been no problem, even if not your first choice.
Apartments have to fit in with travel days - so be aware of this.
Some will only rent Mon-Mon for example. Tip - - - Noula can be more flexible than most.
I check all the Airlines first, because if you can't get a cheap flight - it may still be cheaper to fly with the Tour Companies.
I check Easyjet, Monach, Thomas Cook, Thomson, - in fact every airline that goes to Corfu, google it!!
If you book a flight with Thomsons, you may also get a free transfer to Sidari at the least - cost this in!!
When I find a reasonable price, I then find the apartment and the prices - checking that travel days are OK
Add to that approx £100 for return transfers.
Compare the prices with Thomsons etc, book it if worthwhile.
Remember: You have to play the game with companies like Thomson's -
we all know what is a reasonable market price for a holiday!
Thomsons won't get lots of bookings at the high price.
They will always do a sale, so in order to do this, they first advertise very early on with OTT prices.
The sale price offered later on reflects what they really want, and we think we have done well!! - That's marketing!!
I would always prefer to travel independantly from companies like Thomson, supporting the locals, but I like the best price as well!
Some years it's much cheaper to travel independantly, others - it's Thomsons or the like.
Don't rush into booking a holiday, until around November at least and the prices will fall!