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Corfu
The big Ionian island with a big fan base, Corfu knows how to throw a holiday with its beautiful beaches, easy-going atmosphere and mind-blowing scenery.
Thomson Destinations
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Never mind the fu', they should've just called this place cor'. Because once you clap eyes on this looker, you can't help saying it. But Corfu it is, and Homer was spot on when he described this emerald isle as a beautiful and rich land'. We're talking cushiony-green hills. Tiffany-blue seas. And angel-white sands. Not only that, but with over three million olive trees, the island's like an endless silvery grove. Then there's Mother Nature's other head turner - the colourful flowers that carpet the island. With all this on offer, it's perhaps not surprising that Corfu was the first Greek island to grab the tourism limelight. Now an old pro at winning holiday hearts, it's one of those rare destinations that caters for all tastes. If you want to escape, try the pin-drop peace and quiet of Ropa Valley, all fairytale forests. Equally chilled out is Glyfada. Attracting the laid-back crowd, it's abuzz with traditional tavernas and sand-piled shores seem to stretch forever. Not everyone wants to holiday in the slow lane though. For an up tempo break, head to Kavos. Things to see and do Corfu Town Tangled streets and shuttered Venetian houses - Corfu Town seduces every which way. Knee-deep in history, this charismatic capital is crammed full of museums dedicated to everything from Asiatic art to Byzantine icons. There's even a paper money museum for the kids. Old Fortress You can't miss this imposing fort in Corfu Town. It's been around since the 6th century, though the present structure is mainly of Venetian origin and dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside you can explore the tunnels, battlements and drawbridge and also see the church and museum. There are fab views from the top too. Mount Pantokrator Its name means the Almighty' and at 906 metres, Mount Pantokrator is Corfu's highest point. The views here are to-die-for. On a cloud-free day you can gaze out as far as Italy. Don't forget your hiking boots. Or your camera for that matter. Paleokastritsa Monastery Guarding the resort of Paleokastritsa, this much-visited monastery is famous for its jaw-dropping scenic views. Inside, you can see a little museum housing church artefacts, as well as the bones of a sea monster, said to be killed off the coast nearby in 1860. It's up to you whether you swim after you've seen it. Sidari As well as its fun-filled reputation, impressive wave-worn rock formations draw visitors to this pretty resort. Loved-up couples bring your swimsuits and prepare for a dip. Legend has it that sweethearts swimming through the Canal d'Amour will stay together forever. And who said romance was dead? Achilleion Palace James Bond fans may recognise this enchanting palace as the set used for the casino in For Your Eyes Only. Built in 1890, it was a retreat for Empress Elizabeth of Austria. After her assassination in 1898, the palace lay empty for nearly ten years before being snapped up by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Set in lush gardens, the palace is now packed with fascinating artefacts. Korission Lagoon Gold-dust sands and secluded dunes separate this freshwater lagoon from the Ionian Sea. Exquisite flowers, including sea daffodils and orchids, pepper this tranquil spot which remains a haven for hundreds of different types of wildlife. It's the kind of place where you want to melt into the sands and not go anywhere for a long time. Waterpark Aqualand in Agios Ioannis offers thrills and spills galore, with plenty of nail-biting high-speed slides. And if you fancy taking it easy, there are gentler options such as the lazy river and wave pool. Younger children are also well catered for with their own pools, a bouncy castle and mini boats.
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Acharavi Kassiopi Loutses Avlaki Agios Stefanos 906 Vigla Aghios Georgios Pantokratoras Kalami Barbati Kastellani Nissaki Ipsos Paleokastritsa Dassia Gouvia Kommeno Bay Temploni Kontokali Ermones CORFU TOWN Glyfada Pelekas Perama Ae ge Benitses Aghios Gordios a St John Arilas
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Argyrades St George Lefkimmi South Perivoli
Corfu
St Peter's Aspro Kavos
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8 km
© TUI 2005
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.
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