Guide to Corfu

Beaches

Corfu's beaches are without a doubt one of its heavyweight draws. Lassoed by beautiful beaches, it's difficult to decide where to lay your sunhat. It really depends on how you like your shores. Cashmere-soft sand or pebbly? Sweeping curves or secluded coves? Pelekas does a good job at trying to steal the limelight. A half-moon crescent of sand backed by wooded hills, it's the stuff of postcards. Glyfada is another shimmering hottie. Consistently voted Greece's top beach, 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 restaurants with children's menus have made it a firm family favourite. Likewise, Aghios Gordios 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 nanoseconds.

Eating out

• Being conquered isn't normally something you want to shout about, but in Corfu's case it's the reason the food's so great. The culinary legacy left behind by the Italians and the Turks is pretty sensational. But of course, the main staple in these parts is 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 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 island 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 food isn't hard to come by, especially in Kavos and Sidari. 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 townhouse serves up traditional Greek food with al fresco dining setting the scene.
  
  
• Tria Adelfia, Kassiopi Tuck into tasty Greek favourites like 'moussaka' and straight-out-of-the-sea fish at this authentic restaurant.
  
  
• Penny's 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. Corfu 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 basslines in the background. Find yourself at home in Glyfada's tavernas where you can enjoy a drink at 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. 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 harbour where you'll find trendy bars and cocktail joints.
  
  
• 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, with the party spilling over into the swimming pool.
  
  
• Apocalypsis, Corfu Town 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 this 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 aptly-named 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 pieces from here, so you're in good 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 try on some posh togs or just like to watch beautiful people 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 holiday 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 euros.