In the 1930s, the Durrells’ family moved to the Greek island of Corfu, where they would experience a life far removed from the conventions and stress of their homeland. The family became famous worldwide thanks to the stories of their adventures on the island, particularly the memoir My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. The book, along with its subsequent television adaptations, immortalized the Durrells’ quirky and unforgettable life on Corfu, providing a charming and humorous insight into a simpler, more idyllic way of life.
But the Durrells weren’t the only ones to fall in love with Corfu—Corfu also embraced them, and their story has since become a significant part of the island’s cultural fabric.
Who Were the Durrells?
The Durrell family, originally from England, consisted of Lawrence Durrell, the elder brother and an aspiring writer; Gerald Durrell, the youngest, a passionate naturalist and author; Louisa Durrell, the matriarch of the family; and the four children: Leslie (the sporty, somewhat troubled eldest son), Margery (the family’s long-suffering daughter), and Gerry (Gerald Durrell’s younger sibling, who was often more of a silent observer).
In 1935, after the breakdown of her marriage, Louisa Durrell made the bold decision to relocate her family from England to the island of Corfu, seeking a fresh start and a warmer climate. At the time, Corfu was still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, offering an unspoiled, tranquil setting. The island’s charm and natural beauty, along with its eclectic mix of Greek, Venetian, and British influences, quickly captivated the family.
The Durrells’ Life on Corfu
The Durrells rented a house in Kalami, a small village on Corfu’s northern coast. The house was far from luxurious, but it offered an idyllic view of the Ionian Sea. The family, having limited financial resources, led a simple life, living off the land and forming a close connection to the island’s community.
Gerald Durrell, who would later become one of the world’s foremost naturalists and conservationists, was particularly enamored with Corfu’s wildlife. As a young boy, he spent his days exploring the island’s rugged hills and collecting the unique species of animals, insects, and birds that inhabited the area. His love for the natural world formed the basis for his later career and a series of best-selling books about his adventures, including My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts, and Relatives, and The Garden of the Gods.
Life on Corfu was a rich tapestry of daily adventures. Gerald’s writings capture the beauty of the island, from the peaceful beach days to the lively interactions with the colorful characters they met. The family’s experiences—often humorous, occasionally chaotic, but always endearing—became the foundation for much of Gerald’s literary work. His detailed and affectionate descriptions of Corfu’s landscapes and its eccentric inhabitants painted a portrait of an idyllic paradise.
The Characters: Louisa Durrell and the Greek Locals
While Gerald’s books focus on his relationship with animals and the natural world, they also delve into the personalities of the people around him. Louisa Durrell, the matriarch of the family, was a strong and independent woman who, despite being somewhat overwhelmed by her children, navigated the challenges of raising a family in a foreign country with grace. She quickly became a beloved figure in the local community, thanks to her warmth and openness.
The Durrells developed close friendships with the island’s Greek locals, who, though initially bewildered by the British family’s unusual behavior, grew fond of them. Among the notable characters in Gerald’s accounts is the charismatic and charming Spiro, a local taxi driver and confidant who became a close friend to the family. Spiro’s role as a guide to the Durrells and his interactions with the family—full of humor, wisdom, and occasional exasperation—became a central part of their story.
Other figures such as Theodora, a somewhat eccentric and mystic woman, and Dr. Theodore Stephanides, a local doctor and naturalist, played important roles in the family’s life. Dr. Theodore, who was a personal friend and a mentor to Gerald, guided him in his interest in natural history. The island’s rich cultural diversity and the personalities of its people provided endless material for Gerald’s writing.
Gerald Durrell’s Literary Legacy
Gerald Durrell’s time on Corfu became the inspiration for his writing, which combined humor, nostalgia, and a deep love for the natural world. His most famous book, My Family and Other Animals, was first published in 1956 and remains one of the most beloved travel memoirs of the 20th century. The book details the antics of his quirky family, the wildlife he encountered, and his personal growth as a young naturalist. The vivid imagery of Corfu’s landscape and wildlife, alongside the endearing portrayal of his family, has continued to captivate readers for decades.
Following the success of My Family and Other Animals, Durrell wrote two more books that continued the family’s story on Corfu: Birds, Beasts, and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods. These works, alongside his later books on his conservation efforts, cemented his reputation as a pioneering figure in wildlife conservation and natural history.
The Durrells on TV: Bringing Corfu to the World

In recent years, the story of the Durrell family has been brought to life once again through the popular British television series “The Durrells” (2016-2019). The series, based loosely on Gerald Durrell’s memoirs, dramatizes the family’s life on Corfu, with a particular focus on Louisa Durrell’s efforts to raise her children in a foreign land and the adventures they had. The picturesque locations in the series, many of which were filmed on Corfu, have brought the island’s stunning landscapes and unique atmosphere to a global audience.
The show has also renewed interest in Gerald Durrell’s books and the family’s time on Corfu, bringing attention to the island’s role in shaping the Durrells’ legacy. Many visitors to Corfu now seek out the locations featured in the series, such as Kalami Bay, Corfu Town, and the Durrells’ former home.
The Durrells’ Enduring Influence on Corfu
Even after all these years, the Durrell family’s connection to Corfu remains strong. Gerald Durrell’s love for the island and its wildlife played a key role in his later work in conservation, and his legacy continues to impact the field today. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, founded by Gerald in 1963, works to preserve endangered species around the world, ensuring that his love for nature endures.
Corfu continues to celebrate the memory of the Durrells, with the island’s history and culture intertwined with their own. The story of their life on the island—a tale of a family finding a new beginning in an exotic, idyllic place—continues to inspire visitors from around the world who come to Corfu, seeking to experience a taste of the magic that captured the Durrells’ hearts so many years ago.
Conclusion: The Durrells’ Timeless Legacy
The Durrells’ time on Corfu is a beautiful chapter in the island’s history, one that continues to resonate with visitors today. Their adventures and love for the island, as told through Gerald’s witty and heartwarming books, have ensured that their legacy will never be forgotten. Whether you’re walking the streets of Corfu Town, enjoying the views of Kalami Bay, or simply reading My Family and Other Animals in a sun-dappled café, the spirit of the Durrell family is alive and well, forever intertwined with the island of Corfu.