A rich heritage · Relaxation isn't a problem · Self-drive meander · Tavernas and tablecloths

The Emerald Island...

Known as the Emerald Island, Corfu long since captured the heart of British holidaymakers. A rich history, influences of Venetians, British and the French and the spectacular scenery add up to the perfect mixture of an ideal holiday.

If you've never been to Corfu before, let us introduce you to this most beautiful and friendly of places.

From glorious sandy beaches in the West, the dramatic craggy shoreline of the North-East, the sandstone caves and Pantokrator mountain of the North, the cosmopolitan town and unspoilt sleepy villages, Corfu is the perfect mixture for an ideal summer holiday.

Part of the Ionian group of island lying west of the Greek mainland and covered with olive trees, cypresses, figs, grapes, orange and lemon groves, the attraction is instantaneous and not surprisingly, Corfu welcomes its fair share of regular visitors each year.

There is so much to see in Corfu. The scenery is magnificent with cliffs overhanging the blue sea, tiny offshore islands, picturesque monasteries, ruined castles, forts harbours, spectacular beaches, sleepy villages set among cool olive groves, the distant mountains of Albania and mainland Greece, and, of course, Corfu town!

The unique charm of the town is due to the mixture of many architectural styles left behind by the Byzantines, Venetians, Russians, French, Italians and English, which all sit happily together to form a whole which is unmistakably Greek. Top

A rich heritage...
There are cobbled lanes, broad avenues, piazza, ornate churches, mediaeval sea walls and thousands of shops, some small (and some even smaller!) selling local art, leather, pottery, copies of icons, olive wood carvings, hand made lace, silverware and 14K gold jewellery.

Many museums are open to the public covering subjects from archaeology and the Byzantine empire to Asiatic art and sea shells. There are breathtakingly ornate churches, the spectacular Achilleon Palace at Gastouri and the glorious cathedral, decorated with silver icons and precious stones, examples of 12th century Byzantine architecture, gold votive offerings which houses the remains of Corfu's patron saint, St Spiridon.

Four times a year there is a procession around Corfu town headed by St Spiridon in his silver sarcophagus and accompanied by the towns' bands, dignitaries and the faithful who believe that St Spiridon can heal them. Top

Relaxation isn't a problem...
The Old Fort in Corfu town features Sound and Light festivals every summer evening and, by way of contrast, the Corfu International Hilton welcomes everyone wishing to try their luck in the Casino.

An afternoon pleasure is to sit at a cafe on the Liston, watch a local cricket match and sip ginger beer - a custom the English introduced!

Corfu town and many of the bigger resorts have a sophisticated night life with music bars, clubs and pubs, packed with partygoers until dawn. Top

Self-drive meander...
The Island has a good road network, signposted in English so you can easily find your way around with a hire car. The most famous beauty spot is Paleokastritsa, identified as the site of Homer's city of the Phaeacians. Here, the sparkling turquoise water and a cluster of small beaches, with the historic monastery perched on a rock above, make an irresistible photo opportunity.

Less accessible but unforgettable is the journey through the tiny villages of Lakones, Makrades and Krini to the 13th century ruins of Angelokastro. On the way by the roadside you can buy local honey and combs, fresh almonds and fruits, village wine and hand woven rugs.

Glyfada and Agios Gordis are two beautiful beaches on the west coast while the hilltop village of Pelekas is famed for its sunset views. Just the place to unwind after a days golf in the Ropa Valley, ranked amongst the world's best. Further south are the coastal resorts of Perama, Benitses, Moraitika and Messonghi. Here the road turns inland and crosses the island to Lake Korission, or you can continue south to the wide sandy beaches at Agios Georgios and Kavos. Top

Tavernas and tablecloths...
Other resorts worth seeking out are Roda, with its olive groves and tiny beachfront tavernas serving delicious fresh fish and salads. Kassiopi on the north east coast, which has a picturesque harbour with boats which will take you for just an hour or for a whole-day cruise, along the coast or across the Ionian Sea or to a deserted beach of your own! Kassiopi is renowned for its beautiful handmade lace, tablecloths and bed linen - heirlooms at affordable prices.

If you and your hire car both have a head for heights, an unforgettable drive inland takes you up to Pantokrator, through the pretty villages of Strinila and Spartila, to the mountain top nearly 1000 metres above sea level! Stop awhile and take in the stunning views of the villages below, the coastlines, the Ionian Seas with the foreboding mountains of Albania and the Greek mainland in the background. At the same time listen to the chirruping cicadas, the hum of the bees amongst wild flowers and the gentle tinkling of goat bells.

From Kassiopi and continuing south down the coast road, you'll pass the quaint resorts of Kouloura and Kalami, where the Durrell family lived and which Gerald immortalised in My Family and Other Animals. A good lunch stop is the taverna overlooking the tiny harbour where you can relax with the help of an ice-cold Retsina and freshly grilled sardines.

The resorts of Nissaki and Barbati nestle among the olive groves and the pebbly beaches are very different here on the north-east coast. Driving on, you'll find the lively resorts of Ipsos and Dassia, Gouvia and Kondokali and back to Corfu town.

Maybe one holiday in Corfu is not enough..! Top

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