GREECE: Corfu
Never mind the 'fu', they should've just called this place 'cor'. Because once you clap eyes on this looker, you can't help saying it. But Corfu it is, and Homer was bang on when he described this gorgeous emerald isle as a 'beautiful and rich land'. We're talking cushiony-green hills. Tiffany-blue seas. Angel-white sands. And with over three million of olive trees, the island is like an endless silvery grove. Then there's Mother Nature's other head turner. The clouds of flowers that carpet the island. With electric-blue irises, glowing-orange lilies and shocking-pink orchids – there's more colour here than a set of Crayolas. Shaped like a dragon's tail, Corfu drifts just off mainland Greece, in the dreamy Ionian Sea. The first Greek Island to grab the tourism limelight, it's an old pro at winning holiday hearts. But with so many resorts to 'ooh' and 'ahh' over, you're spoilt for choice. If you want to escape as far from the city lights as you can, try the pin-drop peace and quiet Ropa Valley. Cupped in the gorgeous Corfu countryside, it's all fairytale forests, warming mists and thrilling scenic acrobats. Equally as 'here I am, chill me out' is Glyfada. Attracting the laid-back crowd, it's abuzz with traditional tavernas and the sand-piled shores here seem to stretch forever. Of course, not everyone wants to holiday in the slow lane. This is when Kavos comes to the rescue. Movers and shakers raise the roof in this good-looking party town. Nonchalantly hip, this is the place to hit the neon bars and bootie-shaking clubs 'til sun up and snooze on the marshmallow-soft sands 'til sun down. If you're greedy for it all, though – bag a bit of everything in can't-believe-your-eyes pretty Corfu Town. It's culture-crammed with honey-coloured Venetian houses and museums. It's chock full of shops that'll keep your credit card occupied. And it's brimming with buzzy bars and restaurants. It's got the lot. Wherever you unpack, you'll fall head over heels for Corfu. Or 'cor', as you're bound to say.
Beaches
Corfu's beaches are without a doubt, one of its heavyweight draws. Lassoed by beautiful beaches that all vie for your attention, it's difficult to decide where to lay your sunhat. It really depends on how you like your shores. Cashmere-soft sand or pretty-coloured pebbles? Sweeping curves or secluded coves? Well, don't decide just yet. If you're seeking the Kodak-worthy kind, there are plenty in the running. Pelekas does a good job trying to steal the limelight. A half-moon crescent of sunburnt sand backed by jungle-like hills, it's the perfect picture-postcard. Glyfada is another shimmering hottie. Consistently voted Greece's top beach by the Greeks, it's also a Blue Flag winner. And with honey-coloured sands wide enough to land a 747 on, it's no wonder. If you've got little ones to think about, consider fun-filled Sidari. The shallow waters and beachside eateries with children's menus have made it a firm family favourite. Likewise, Agios Gordis is a bustling family hotspot. Sheltered by pine-covered slopes, the sands are framed by caramel-coloured rocks and the seas are electric-blue. Whichever slice of coast you decide on, cool off in the glassy waters. Snorkelling here opens a portal into a world of underwater colour with flashing shoals of fish, waving anemones and slow moving turtles. We reckon you'll be barefoot and taking the dive in nano seconds.
Eating out
Being conquered isn't normally something to be proud of, but in Corfu, it's left behind a legacy of some pretty sensational cooking. Italian and Turkish to name but a few. But of course, the main lip-smacking staple is the Greek food, and it's not to be missed. With all the charming harbours dotted around the island, it'll come as no surprise that fresh-from-the-net fish and seafood is something of a speciality. Step inside any taverna and you'll find it on ice waiting to be picked and cooked to perfection. Lookout for popular red mullet and swordfish, simply grilled with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Lobster is the real catch here though and well worth the extra Euros. If the treasures of the deep don't appeal, tuck into Corfiot treats such as 'sofrito' slow-cooked beef in wine, garlic and spices or 'kreatopita', tender lamb in filo pastry with potatoes, tomatoes and onions. Vegetarians aren't an after-thought here either with delights like 'dolmadakia', vine leaves stuffed with rice and 'saganaki', deep fried cheese. And don't worry if you'd rather stick with what you know, British-style fare isn't hard to come by. If you want them thick and fast, Kavos and Sidari really come up trumps. Whichever cuisine you go for, leave some space and indulge in the local vice - 'baklava' flaky pastries stuffed with nuts and honey. Heavenly washed down with an 'ouzo' or two.
- Rex, Corfu Town This mid 19th century town house serves up truly traditional Greek and Corfiot food a treat with al fresco dining setting the scene.
- Tria Adelfia, Kassiopi Tuck into tasty staples Greek staples such as 'mousaka' and straight-out-of-the-sea fish at this authentic restaurant.
- Pennys Kitchen, Kavos Mixed grills. Tower burgers. Steak pie. You'll find oodles of choice and satisfying portions at this popular eatery.
- Churchills, Sidari Enjoy your faves from home at a reasonable price, and tuck into fish and chips, giant filled Yorkshire puds and Sunday roasts.
- Venetian Well, Corfu Town This back street restaurant is a real charmer with a menu of European dishes that changes every evening.
Nightlife
Every beach in Corfu has its own bar or taverna to keep you refreshed from sun up 'til sun down. Beyond that, it very much depends on what your nightlife cup of tea is. The island does have a reputation for being something of a party island, but if you're looking for a serene escape, don't let this put you off. There are plenty of laid-back lovelies where you can toast the evening without thumping baselines in the background. Find yourself at home in Glyfada's time-honoured tavernas where you can enjoy a drink to the dazzling display of the coral sunset. Put your feet up in Agios Ioannis, where evenings are all about relaxed dining and enjoying a good bottle of wine. Or kick back and feast on the quietness in Kalami with its handful of chilled out beach bars. If you want to up the ante though, night owls are spoilt for choice here. Taking the number one party spot is Kavos. Crammed full of bars and clubs, it's the one that never stops. From discos blasting out pop-tastic hits to too cool clubs pumping out R&B and Garage – this place rocks right through the night. Just as hip and happening is Corfu Town with its lively Disco Strip and buzzing bars. Or check out Kassiopi's bustling harbour where you'll find trendy bars and cocktail joints. Wherever you head, make sure you've got a glass of ouzo to hand as you toast your holiday saying 'yamas', which means 'cheers'.
- Ekati, Corfu Town If you want to hang out with the hip crowd, this bouzouki bar is where they head to party like there's no tomorrow.
- Angelo's Bar, Kassiopi Join the cocktail sipping throng at this great all-rounder which hosts pop quizzes and the big sports.
- The Aloha Bar, Glyfada Hang out with the laid-back gang at this much loved beach front bar.
- The Barn, Kavos Soccer fans head here for the live football action, and then it booms through the night as DJs do their stuff and some party in the swimming pool.
- Apocalypsis, Corfu Town Named after the Acropolis and Apocalypse Now, this techno getup has its own pool to keep things cool.
Shopping
Your shopping kitty is raring to go. Your credit card's fully charged. So where do you go and what is there to buy? Well if you fancy a session of souvenir foraging, there's certainly no shortage on the island. From kitsch knick-knacks to traditional pottery, you'll find plenty of tourist shops in most resorts where you can part with your cash. Lace is a particular island must-buy, with The Lace House in Kassiopi Harbour the most popular place to get your hands on it. You can really scoop a saving here on tablecloths and the like. In fact, Princess Ann has bought souvenirs here, so you're in noble company. The markets are also a good bet for a bargain. Join the crowds at the Saturday morning one in Corfu Town, where alongside fruit and veg, you can also pick up clothes and shoes. If you want to spend an indecent amount of time trying on posh togs or just watch the chic shop, then hit the stylish streets of Corfu Town. Here you'll find elegant leather and handicraft shops as well as boutiques that could well have you blowing your budget. Oh, and if you venture into one of the jewellery shops, prepare to be treated like royalty – with wine and cake on offer if you get your wallet out. Gold isn't that much cheaper than home, but it's the eye-catching designs set with gemstones that'll soon have you parting with your currency.
