Corfu, known as Kerkyra by the Greeks, is a green and mountainous island of olive groves and sandy beaches, with a distinctive culture shaped by four centuries of Venetian rule. This was also one of the first Greek islands to embrace mass tourism back in the 1960s, though it’s easy to escape the summer crowds and discover the wild beauty that famously inspired the British naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell.
Corfu is the closest Greek island to the UK, just three hours’ flight from our main airports, and it’s also one of the more affordable destinations in the Ionian, making it a fantastic choice for a family holiday. Attractions range from ancient churches and rustic waterfront tavernas to aquariums and water parks, while the island’s capital, Corfu Town, has one of the loveliest old towns in Greece.
Most of Corfu’s best luxury hotels are clustered on the east coast, an easy drive from the airport and away from the busier mass market resorts of the south. The island is graced with some beautiful beaches, including Paleokastritsa in the west, with its nearby monastery, and Sidonia on the north coast. The 125-mile Corfu Trail spans the island, and can be hiked in full or in sections, while other popular activities include mountain biking and wine and olive oil tasting.
