Corfu holidays, GREECE - CORFU island

Holidays in Corfu are packed with variety. Described as the Emerald Isle, the Garden of Eden, the Happy Isle and even – by Homer – as a rich and beautiful land, this island has large modern resorts, tucked away fishing villages, myriad beaches ranging from loose pebbles to gorgeous sandy sweeps and hidden inlets along its coastline. It also features wide fertile plains, towering mountains giving commanding views of the island and beyond (from Mount Prantokrator you can glimpse Italy!) and a huge diversity of wildlife.
Take your holidays in Corfu and you can expect to come face-to-face with over 600 species of wild flowers…and a surprising number of exotic birds – including pelicans and hoopoes, golden orioles and bee eaters. As well as creatures like foxes and pine martens and even the island's famous wild tortoises.

So last minute holidays in Corfu are full of surprises and even cheap holidays to Corfu are full of richness; especially if you like to throw a little sightseeing into the sea, sun, sand and nightlife mix. Corfu - having been prized by many nations, including the Corinthians, the Romans, the Venetians, the Byzantines, the French and the British - has had a rollercoaster of a history, as evidenced by its village architecture, fortresses, museums, temples and churches.

Corfu's beaches are, without a doubt, one of its heavyweight draws. Lassoed by beautiful beaches that all vie for your attention, it's difficult to decide where to lay your sunhat. It really depends on how you like your shores. Cashmere-soft sand or pretty-coloured pebbles? Sweeping curves or secluded coves? Well, don't decide just yet. If you're seeking the Kodak-worthy kind, there are plenty in the running. Pelekas does a good job trying to steal the limelight. A half-moon crescent of sunburnt sand backed by jungle-like hills, it's the perfect picture-postcard. Glyfada is another shimmering hottie.

Consistently voted Greece's top beach by the Greeks, 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 eateries with children's menus have made it a firm family favourite. Likewise, Agios Gordis 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.

Being conquered isn't normally something to be proud of, but in Corfu, it's left behind a legacy of some pretty sensational cooking. Italian and Turkish to name but a few. But of course, the main lip-smacking staple is the 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. Look out for popular red mullet and swordfish, simply grilled with a squeeze of fresh 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 Corfiot 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 fare isn't hard to come by. If you want them thick and fast, Kavos and Sidari really come up trumps. 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.