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A Greek island with Italian flair

Forget what you think you know about Greek islands – Corfu is here to turn everything on its head. This fertile green island is more Italian than Greek, and a distinctly Venetian flair is felt in everything from the melodious accents to the breathtaking architecture. Corfu holidays offer fulfilling moments for everyone – the island’s beating heart is Corfu Town, which features tiny, cobblestoned alleyways and faded pink buildings, while culture and history are densely packed into the endless museums and monuments. Corfu Town especially comes alive during Easter, as hundreds of giant red pots are thrown off balconies and locals parade through the streets, singing and dancing.

Driving north out of town, the coast features numerous popular beach clubs, but it’s the looming Mount Pantokrator that dominates the island’s landscape. The bucolic interior is full of pretty stone villages and fragrant kumquat groves that dot the hilly landscape, while the western side features jagged cliffs cutting into pebble-stone beaches. If all that travelling leaves you hungry, don’t worry – gourmands will be pleased to know that centuries of Italian rule have left a strong impression on the island’s cuisine. Holidays to Corfu are incomplete without trying Corfiot dishes like pan-fried veal in wine sauce, white fish bathed in olive oil and garlic, and traditional Easter brioche. Dig in, then carry on with your trip, because there’s still more to see.

Your Corfu questions, answered

Corfu is a year-round destination, but spring is a particularly popular time to visit, especially if your trip manages to coincide with Orthodox Easter.
Kumquats are the unofficial national fruit of Corfu – they come pressed into liqueurs, macerated in sweets and mashed into jams. So something with kumquat is a must-try.
Corfu has plenty of beaches, from long sandy stretches to smaller coves with smooth pebbled shores. No matter where you go along the coast, you’ll find somewhere to relax and take in the view. It could be the much-loved beaches of Acharavi and Agios Georgios, or a tranquil spot in Ermones that you choose to spend your afternoons – or perhaps the shallow waters at Kontokali. Many beaches are close to towns and villages with somewhere to eat and drink. So you’ll rarely find yourself far from what you desire.
Although Corfu sees the warmest weather during July and August, many people prefer to travel either side of these months. Visiting in late spring and early autumn, the island is still reasonably warm. You may enjoy quieter beaches and roads, and better weather for hiking, too. With temperatures more suited to long walks, you'll soon see the appeal.
Corfu holidays offer something for all travelers. Art aficionados, history buffs, foodies, nature lovers, family groups and adventure seekers will all find something special on Corfu.
Direct flights from UK airports to Corfu usually take between three and four hours. Although this will depend on where you fly from and when. Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport is centrally located near Corfu Town, so getting around shouldn’t be difficult once you arrive. This makes it a popular destination for families as well as couples.
The short answer is food and beaches. However, this would be selling the island short. The cuisine is no doubt famous for its mix of Venetian and Mediterranean flavours. And the bountiful numbers of beaches are a huge plus. But Corfu is also noted for its wealth of architecture, especially in the Old Town of Corfu. Here you’ll find an old Venetian fortress, the city’s ornate Spiliotissa Church and the classical-looking Palace of St Michael and St George, among the many treasures.
Corfu’s nightlife is based around a spirited mix of discos, clubs, bars and tavernas. If you’re looking for modern thrills, the bigger resorts do offer a good mix of clubs and bars. To sample the more traditional side of island nightlife, tavernas with live music and dancing are an equally fun option. And if you’re after a relaxing evening to recharge your batteries, there’s a nice selection of restaurants where you can just sit and absorb the surroundings.
You could go for a short, relaxing break and base yourself at one of the island’s resorts for a few days. This will give you time to lounge on the beach during the day and eat some of the best dishes the island has to offer in the evenings. However, a week’s holiday would give you more time to explore Corfu’s Old Town and take a trip into the hills. And if you want to get the full experience, with boat trips and bars, then why not stay longer?