Corfu holidays

Corfu has more than 200km of coastline, with many beaches awarded Blue Flag status and dotted with snorkelling spots. Looking for golden sands? The best-known beach resorts top and tail the island. You’ll find Sidari and Roda on the north coast and Kavos on the southern tip. Gouvia, Corfu Town and San Stefanos sit comfortably in between, while the east coast offers pebbles and clear water.

The Paleokastritsa beaches are famous for their crystal-clear waters and scenic bays, with boat trips whisking you off to hidden grottos and caves. Feeling active? Don’t miss the views from the Paleokastritsa Monastery, perched on a hilltop above the bay. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the nearest beach – or you can take a taxi up to the car park at the top.

Discover ‘The Desert of Corfu’ at Lake Korission – a nature reserve and natural lagoon with soft golden sands. It’s an unspoiled and quiet location with massive sand dunes that support a variety of wildlife. When the wind picks up, the low-lying landscape makes it a favourite kite surfing spot for watersports enthusiasts.

Kumquat products – particularly liqueur – make a cheap and cheerful souvenir. Alternatively, take home some locally-made olive oil soap. Patouni is the big-name soap producer and you’ll find their official shop in Sanrocco Square in Corfu Town. Or why not recreate the flavours of Corfu with organic local honey or dried herbs and spices?

Olive wood shops are found in the Old Town and villages right across Corfu. From kitchenware to olive wood bowls, there’s no shortage of hand-carved gifts lovingly made from sustainable wood. The dual-level shopping centre on Karousadon-Sidariou in Sidari has a cluster of olive-wood shops, as do San Stefanos and Gouvia.

Corfu Town boutiques showcase the island’s artisanal heritage – offering everything from handmade leather sandals to ceramic art and Byzantine-style gold jewellery. You’ll find the best collection of jewellery stores around Liston Square, with some shops here going down the traditional route and others keeping it modern with contemporary silver pieces. You’ll also find some jewellery designers around Kapodistriou Street in the downtown area.

Ease into the evening at Loggas Beach, famous for its sunset skywalk and dramatic views. For a relaxed vibe, head to Kassiopi harbour, where waterfront tavernas serve fresh seafood and drinks by the sea. Or enjoy a coffee or cocktail at Liston Square in Corfu Town – the perfect way to watch day slide into night.

Kavos nightlife rules the roost in Corfu. Shots, shorts and cocktails flow thick and fast on ‘the strip’, with late-night partying and a young, lively crowd. For a quieter scene, head to San Stefanos and Roda, where you’ll find pub quizzes, live music and the odd club and DJ set. In Sidari, karaoke bars on Karousadon-Sidariou keep the fun going late into the evening.

Sofrito is a classic taverna dish found on almost every menu in Corfu. It’s made from veal in a white wine and garlic sauce, infused with Italian-style flavours that reflect the island’s Venetian influence. The finished product is usually served with rice or chips piled generously to the side for mopping up the sauce.

Pastitsada is a firm family favourite in Corfu, with a slight spicy kick. It’s made by slow-cooking rooster or beef casserole in a rich red wine and cinnamon sauce, baked together with thick tubular pasta. Traditionally served in an earthenware pot and topped with mozzarella, it’s soul food at its finest.

Your quintessential Greek street food. Gyros and souvlaki are both made from tender grilled meat – usually pork or chicken – served with a pita wrap and lashings of tzatziki. Ordering gyros? Expect to find chips inside the wrap for an extra crunch. Think of these as your go-to cheap eat for any seaside lunch.

Tsitsibira is Corfu’s take on locally brewed ginger beer, a tradition dating back to the island’s British legacy. This refreshing non-alcoholic drink is often served with a splash of lemon juice and spices, making it a zesty, thirst-quenching treat enjoyed from Easter through to autumn.

Bizarrely, Corfu’s signature island fruit is actually Chinese. The kumquat has been cultivated on the island since the 1800s and is used to make a bright orange liqueur that’s a popular digestif. Traditionally, it’s poured neat but it can be served over ice-cream for a real treat.