Travel Guide To Corfu, Greek Islands

Homer described Corfu as a ‘beautiful and rich land’ and few would argue. Known for centuries as the
‘Emerald Isle’, Corfu is lush and green with vegetation. Corfu Town has faded Venetian elegance, a busy port, the best shopping on the island and Greece’s only cricket pitch; a leftover from British rule.

Kommeno Bay offers peace, tranquillity with lovely beaches within easy reach of the capital, while Kontokali overlooks a lagoon once used by the Venetians as a harbour that is now a smart marina with a lively selection of bars and restaurants. Some of Corfu’s best beaches can be found west of the island. The 3km golden sand stretch of Agios Georgios is a haven for water sports enthusiasts with windsurfers benefiting from strong winds.

The northernmost island of Western Greece is an enjoyable mix of traditional Greek lifestyle and an internationally famous resort island. By day families appreciate the golden beaches, clear blue-green waters and water sports by night the younger crowd party 'til dawn.

Said to be the location for Shakespeare's Tempest, Greece's first mass-tourism resort island has managed to retain plenty of local character - if you care to take the time to seek it out.

A number of cinema productions have been filmed in Corfu, including the 1981 James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only.

Food
A variety of salads with and without feta cheese are popular.

Nightlife
Kavos (as featured in television's Greece Uncovered), Ipsos and Corfu Town offer the most lively nightlife options on the island.

Shopping
Good buys are spirits and wines, leather goods and pottery. Best shopping is in Corfu Town.

Days out
Bouzouki nights give you a chance to throw the crockery around; in Corfu Town don't miss the Old Fortress, Palace of St Michael and more; hope on the ferry to nearby islands such as Pargo and Paxos; swim in the romantic Canal d'Amour at Sidari.

Events
There's an arts festival during August in Ano Korakiana. Tourist information telephone number (UK):
+44 (0)20 7734 5997.

Additional Corfu Information

Acharavi
(90 mins from Corfu airport). On the northern coast of the island near Kassiopi, Acharavi is a fairly low-key resort, best suiting families and couples looking to relax together. Good water sports.

Aghios Stefanos
(150 minutes from the Airport). Aghios Stefanos is a new traditionally Greek designed resort with plenty of tavernas and set against striking hills. The beach is lovely with aquamarine waters and is very gentle, making it suitable for children. The atmosphere is laid-back and the entertainment is very good.

Alykes Potamos
(20 minutes from the Airport). This resort is located on the edge of Corfu Town, with a nice atmosphere suitable for families. There are a lot of things to do and see, and there are frequent buses that enable you to go sightseeing and shopping in the neighbouring villages. About 1.5km away you can find the famous "Disco Strip" where there are numerous discos, bars, and cafes if you want to spice up your evenings, so couples would have fun visiting this bright destination, too.

Arilas
(90 mins from Corfu airport). 1km long beach offers excellent watersports at this quiet resort set in stunning surroundings. Nightlife limited to a few bars and restaurants. Suits couples best.

Corfu Town
(30 mins from Corfu airport). The capital features a surprisingly unspoiled Old Town district as well as excellent shopping. Take the time if you can to explore this unrivalled mixture of Venetian, French, and British-influenced buildings.

Dassia
(40 mins from Corfu airport). Handy for Ipsos on the island's northern coast, Dassia is a busy resort built along a long, straight beach below pine-clad hills. Gently sloping pebble and shingle beach makes Dassia suitable for all.

Gouvia
(30 mins from Corfu airport). Based around a busy marina and close to bustling CorfuTtown, Gouvia has plenty of traditional tavernas, though few lively discos.

Ipsos
(80 mins from Corfu airport). It has jet skiing, parascending and sailboarding from a shingle beach. It is a charming resort with a good nightlife. It has something for all tastes and ages.

Kalami
(60 minutes from the Airport). Kalami is a peaceful fishing village which is situated on the north eastern coast of Corfu and is a great place for getting away. The surrounding hillsides with olive groves and tall cypress trees enforce the Greek mystique and the great beach hypnotises you into a state of pure bliss.

Kanoni
(20 minutes from the Airport). Kanoni is located on the tip of a wooded peninsula, south of Corfu Town. The beach is great and the atmosphere relaxing, although you can here noise from planes as it's close to the airport. The area is still very nice and Corfu Town isn't very far away if you want to do a bit of sightseeing.

Kassiopi
(90 mins from Corfu airport). Based around an old fishing village at the north-eastern tip of the island, close to Medieval and Venetian archaeological sites. The beach has plenty of small coves. Kassiopi boasts good nightlife, with something for everyone.

Kavos
(120 mins from Corfu airport). At the southern tip of the island, several clubs and discos and over 100 bars and tavernas make for exciting nightlife as featured in the television series Greece Uncovered. By day there are relaxed beaches and water sports such as diving. There is a five-mile long beach extending alongside the town.Suits singles and couples.

Komeno
(30 mins from Corfu airport). Quiet resort to the north of Corfu Town, set around picturesque Komeno Bay. Handy for the more lively nightlife of Dassia and Gouvia.

Messonghi
(45 minutes from the Airport). Messonghi is a wonderful destination for the family, with a nice pebble beach and quiet atmosphere. This is a good place if you need to get away from it all and indulge in the paradise around you, such as the great food and delicacies from the area, the bars, the shops, and the heavenly beach.

Nissaki
(75 minutes from the Airport). Nissaki is a lovely village with traditional Greek architecture, warm people, and great tavernas which exudes a pleasurable atmosphere. Come here if you want a refreshing holiday by the cool azure sea. Ideal for families.

Paleocastritsa
(60 mins from Corfu airport). Picturesque resort beneath the hills of the island's west coast, offering a choice of four beaches. Nightlife centred around bars and tavernas, so best suits families and couples.

Pyrgi
(45 mins from Corfu airport). Located on the north eastern coast of the island and handy for livelier Ipsos just down the coast. Suits families and couples.

Roda
(120 mins from Corfu airport). Fairly quiet former fishing village on the island's northern coast. Lengthy, 4km sand and shingle beach. Good for families and couples.

San Stefanos
(90 mins from Corfu airport). Picturesque, family-oriented resort on the island's north-west coast. Reasonable number of bars and tavernas, though just one disco.

Sidari
(120 mins from Corfu airport). Located on the northern tip of the island, there's a huge beach especially suitable for children, and water sports together with plenty of hidden coves. Plenty of bars and tavernas and a reasonable selection of discos. Something for everyone.

Airport Transfers from ResortHoppa.com