Corfu

Beaches

The Greek islands are well known for their beaches and Corfu is no exception. The coastline stretches for 217 kilometres, providing you with 92 beaches to choose from. Typically the beaches of the north are wider but pebblier. Those in the south are sandier but narrower. A few of the most notable include Kalami Bay, situated under the North East hills and gained notoriety for the white house from Durrel's book 'My Family and Other Animals'. Kassioppi ; once a traditional fishing village is now a more lively resort complete with some of the best fish restaurants on the island. Roda; more popular with the British package holiday tour operators offers a different holiday experience to St Stephanos which is more 'up market' and features privately owned villas to rent. Paleokastritsa is the most famous for being Corfu's treasured beauty spot. It becomes busy during high season with day trippers and luxury yachts visiting from other islands. All the resorts are suitable for families and couples.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra)

Corfu Town (Kerkyra in Greek), the islands capital, is a maze of narrow streets dominated by a 16th century fortress - Palaio Frourio. It features on the UNESCO World Heritage List and consequently much of the architecture and historical monuments have been preserved. Narrow streets house shops specialising in Greek jewellery and gold. Look out for local delicacies such as honey, figs, handmade lace and of course, olives.

Inland Corfu

Although the most popular parts of the island are the coast to the north and south of Corfu Town, there is the lush, green interior that has remained mostly untouched and has escaped the holiday hotel boom altogether. Benitses is a traditional village situated just 12km south of Corfu Town and offers tourists a quieter, more relaxed holiday option, quite the opposite of the beach resorts.