A small island, only 36 miles long and 14 miles wide, Corfu is one of the greenest of the Greek islands. Lying in the Ionian Sea off the mainland, Corfu has over three million olive trees which give the island its distinctive silvery green hue. Combining with the trees are carpets of brightly coloured flowers, the effect of which is stunning. The beaches and facilities in Corfu are so varied that the island has the perfect holiday ingredients for almost everyone.
Corfu is noted for being a very safe island with virtually no crime. The locals deem it unnecessary to lock their houses and cars.
Corfu is one of the most interesting islands with its outstanding natural beauty and archaeological sites. With guaranteed sunshine, fantastic beaches, pleasant seas, water sport facilities, golfing, sightseeing in the old towns and a huge variety of tavernas and restaurants, Corfu surely has something for everyone.
Corfu has widespread appeal. Beautiful beaches with safe bathing for families with small children, water sports with varying degrees of excitement for adults, interesting historical sites, shops and markets and with a varied nightlife, it is no surprise that so many people holiday here.
Corfu's season extends from Easter to October, the most popular time being in the summer.
The north east coast of Corfu is rocky with shingle beaches and it is here that you will find traditional fishing villages such as Kassiopi where the people offer a warm welcome to tourists. The north and south of the island have long sandy bays perfect for families and those wanting water sport facilities. In the west you will find a rugged coastline with cliffs, sandy bays and spectacular sunsets.
Corfu has had many occupations over the centuries and this is reflected in the architecture of Corfu town which exhibits French and Venetian influences.
There is a marina at Dassia which also has good facilities for water sports.
Aqualand, one of Europe's largest water parks is popular with adults and children alike.
The town of Corfu, with its wonderful architecture, its churches and its shops is a tempting diversion from the sand and sea.
Paleokastritsa is one of Corfu's most beautiful spots with beaches offering scuba diving, interesting caves and an old monastery.
This small island also processes a championship golf course.
All in all, it seems that Corfu is the perfect place to relax and forget the cares of life at home.
The cultured people of Corfu possess a great heritage of music and the arts. This small island has very many orchestras and bands who give open air concerts during the summer season.
Many of the festive celebrations are centred round the Christian church, Easter being the greatest festival.
The nightlife in Corfu varies according to the resort. There are tavernas on every beach and restaurants along the water front with menus to suit all tastes. There are calm, peaceful areas where you can enjoy a meal and a glass or two of wine and also more vibrant resorts for those looking for entertainment which lasts until the early hours. Dassia, in the east with its discos and club caters for party seekers.
Most resorts have the usual gift and souvenir shops. The famous Corfu lace can be bought from the Lace House in Kassiopi Harbour.
Markets are lively places, often with entertainment, and are well worth a visit.
Corfu town, with its labyrinth of narrow streets bursting with every kind of shop will surely tempt you from the beach.
As expected fish dishes abound in Corfu with small fried fish and shellfish being firm favourites. Food is generally simple, fresh and extremely tasty. The local wines are usually very palatable.
Family is very important to the Greek people who often have a close extended family who eat and socialise together. Children are made very welcome in restaurants.
When visiting monasteries shoulders and legs should be covered in order to avoid offence.
Spring and Autumn are the best times to find a cheap holiday to Corfu. During the months of April and May the weather will still be fairly warm, but the area isn't quite so busy. The same can be said about October where the crowds are starting to die down after the peak summer periods. The temperature in the peak summer months is understandably warmer, however there's still plenty of sunshine left if you do decide to visit outside summer.
Corfu is famous for it's 3 million olive trees scattered around which give the island a silvery green hue. It is also noted for being very safe. In fact, there is so little crime on the island that local residents often leave their houses and cars unlocked.
Like most holiday destinations, Corfu caters for plenty of different needs. Whether you're interested in sight seeing, golf, water sports, beaches or restaurants, there'll be something somewhere on the island that will entertain you.
Corfu welcomes all visitors, whether they're families with children or adults looking for activities to partake in. Traditional fishing villages are friendly and accommodating and the markets give an opportunity to pick up a bargain and improve your bartering skills.
The night life remains good all throughout the year, with quieter and more peaceful tavernas to disco's and entertainment that goes on into the early hours.
Even out of the summer season, Corfu is an excellent place to visit. If you're looking for a cheap Corfu holidays, the best time to go is in May or October. Steer clear of the busy summer period and you'll save yourself some money not only on the holidays itself, but things like drinks once you're there.
