Greece's emerald isle
Corfu stands guard at the entrance to the Adriatic – on one side, you've got Albania and the Greek mainland, and on the other, Italy. It's a setting that's earned it more than its fair share of interest from invading hordes in the past, and it's why you'll find a mix of influences across the island today – particularly in pretty Corfu Town, which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Corfu holds the title for the greenest of the Greek islands. Rolling hills, groves of olive trees (a whopping two million are spread across the island) and mountains blanketed in pine forests have given Corfu the nickname the Emerald Island.
Head to the coast, meanwhile, and you'll discover sweeps of sand and shingle, plus a generous helping of tucked-away coves. The beaches are also beautiful on the neighbouring isles of Paxos and Antipaxos, both easily reached by boat from Corfu Town’s harbour.
Kommeno is a snaking peninsula on the east coast. Thanks to its narrow shape, hotels here get a double – or sometimes triple – helping of beaches, plus views back to neighbouring Gouvia.
One of the liveliest islands in Greece, Corfu is full of beautiful beaches, as well as plenty of things to do inland. Kids will love a visit to the Corfu Donkey Rescue Centre while those wanting to keep active will find lots of water sports and activities as well as opportunities to hike, mountain bike and horse ride inland.