Corfu Holidays

The island of Corfu, best known of the seven Ionian islands that lie off the northwest coast of Greece, differs markedly from the other popular Greek islands because not only is it green and lush, but also very developed with tourist resorts and hotels. Summertime is busy, as there are charter flights arriving daily from European cities, ferries disgorging travellers from Italy, and cruise ships docking.

There is plenty to draw visitors to this magical island, also known as Kerkyra. Modern Corfu Town is upbeat and cosmopolitan, offering an exciting conglomeration of Greek, Italian, French and British influences. The old town was laid out by the Venetians in the 14th century and features narrow alleys lined with multi-storied, pastel-coloured buildings with red-tiled roofs, creating a scene reminiscent of Italy. The hub of activity in the town centre is the Liston, an arcaded row of touristy cafes and restaurants, copied from the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.

Most tourists stay in one of the popular beach resorts such as Sidari and Roda in the north, or the party capital, Kavos, on the southern tip of the island. Quieter resorts include Gouvia and San Stefanos. Those wishing to escape from the melee can head for the interior to enjoy some spectacular scenery and greenery. Corfu has 43 different kinds of orchids growing wild in the countryside, and there are countless olive groves. There are dozens of unspoilt coves with beaches washed by the sparkling, warm Ionian Sea. It is still possible to search out a secluded bay even in the busy season when the package holiday resorts are awash with tourists.

Getting around Corfu is fairly simple. Its inexpensive and highly efficient bus service, KTEL Green Buses, services most destinations on the island and connections between Kerkyra and Ag, Benitses, Kavos, Sidari, Stefanos and Ipsos on a daily basis. Also, taxis are easy to hail or book in advance. Stands are located in Corfu Town. Visitors will find plenty of car-hire agencies dotted throughout the island. Boat trips link many of the Greek islands and there are numerous charter flights landing in Corfu during the summer months.

In addition to its wonderful beaches, magical coves and the clear, warm sea, the lush green island of Corfu offers plenty of things to see and do, many with fascinating cultural or historical significance. Outdoor activities to enjoy include water sports, hiking in the mountainous interior, and there is even an 18-hole championship golf course for those fancying a quick round.

The beautiful leafy Corfu Town boasts some wonderful churches, fortresses and even a palace. History buffs will love the Archaeological Museum, which offers insight into Corfu's past, as well as the neoclassical Museum of Asian Art, which houses some breathtaking pieces originating from China and Japan. The Municipal Gallery of Corfu showcases famous works such as the 'Sphinx' by Sp. Skarvelis, and 'The assassination of Capodistria' by Haralambos Pachis.

There are many smaller villages worth visiting in Corfu as well. The villa of Achilleion, just six miles (10km) south of Corfu town, has beautiful rolling gardens that provide the perfect location for famous statues by the German sculptor, Herter. The terraced cliff-top viewpoint known as Kanoni, near the eastern port of Corcyra, is the ideal spot to take that postcard shot for the holiday album. Nymphes is a green village with a number of wells and waterfalls heavy with myth and legend.

There are plenty of things to do with children in Corfu, most notably Aqualand Water Park, one of the largest water parks in Europe. Small children will enjoy the many sandy beaches including Sidari with its Kanal de l'Amour, the pretty bay of Kassiopi, the quiet Lefkimmi with its children's playground, and the unspoilt Chalikounas Beach. Most of the more popular beaches offer pedalos, windsurfing, boat trips and banana boat rides. Alternatively, travellers can hire a small day boat and motor along the coast to find one of the many unspoilt coves.