Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Corfu

The Greek island of Corfu is located just off the West coast of Greece. It enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate and has excellent beaches, which make it a popular holiday destination. Compared with other Greek islands, Corfu is very green. Hot, dry summers with winter rain create lush vegetation. Most of this vegetation consists of over 2 million olive trees.

There are many holiday resorts on the island of Corfu; too many to mention all of them here, so let’s give you a taste with a few of them. They are very similar anyway.

Kassiopi is a great resort for people looking for something a bit livelier than most, but still a Greek village based around a fishing port. There are numerous bays and some rocky coves in Kassiopi resort, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, and all within walking distance of the accommodation. Many good tavernas and 2 nightclubs are there on the harbour front and several ‘music’ bars which are not too loud. Fishermen still bring home the morning catch down at the harbor in Kassiopi in their traditional manner.

You could rent a boat for a day to explore the sandy beaches and pretty villages in the vicinity of Kassiopi.

Kassiopi beach and the rocks are clean. The old harbor at this resort is a godsend for families with disco-loving children. The remains of Kassiopi Castle have Roman foundations which would be interesting to see. You can walk amongst the ruins and from the top ramparts there is an excellent view of the Albanian coast. There are also trips that leave the harbor each day to Corfu Town and other areas of interest on Corfu.

There is a wide choice of cuisine in Kassiopi if you don’t like Greek food, from Mexican, Chinese, and Italian in addition to the more traditional Greek. During the evenings many of the bars play music videos on widescreen, and also show films. It is interesting to sit in a harbor front bar, have a cocktail or two and watch the hustle and bustle. The village square in Kassiopi is the place for teenagers to ‘hang out’ at night. You can also walk to a beautiful long bay with clear waters – a very quiet place – in only 20 min from Kassiopi. There is a diving school too for those who enjoy lively activities. Kassiopi has many shops, some selling leather goods, some selling good lace and linen, and some selling ceramics. There are two internet cafes if you must use the internet whilst on holiday. In Kassiopi resort tourists shops are happy to exchange money for you, and there are also two cash machines in the centre of the town at Kassiopi. And…here’s a new thing for you – there are many public bar pools which are free to use in Kassiopi. The only requirement is that you buy a drink or two there. Many have children’s pools as well. In addition there is a good playground for children in the centre of town. Kassiopi is fairly flat and there are no steep hills – good for those who cannot get about very well. There is also a 24 hour surgery.

The holiday resort of Acharavi on Corfu boasts something for everyone, as do some of the other resorts. It most certainly appears inviting from photos. It is a busy and lively resort set on the North coast of Corfu. Acharavi is not only a holiday resort though, but is the main town for the North of Corfu, and has all the main facilities found in a modern town. In this resort too there are plenty of tavernas and bars and a good, long sandy beach. Behind the resort, set in the hills, are excellent walking paths. These form part of what is called the Corfu trail. Many tavernas in Acharavi serve everything to eat from a snack to a three course Greek meal, so these could stand you in good stead if you chose to stay in less than Full Board accommodation. From the tavernas on the beach you can watch the sunset. Very romantic and therapeutic for a holiday, don’t you think? Acharavi has a water sports centre offering water skiing and ringo rides, and is also for parasailing from the back of a speedboat, so there is plenty to do if it is activities you are looking for. You can also hire small motor boats. Acharavi is a family holiday resort, and there is a resident English hairdresser which might please the ladies. There are several places of interest around – Roman baths to see, and the remains of a Doric temple near a neighboring town. This temple is said to have probably been built as a dedication to Apollo. A Water Park is also in the area which is worth a visit if you have young ones. This can provide you with a fun day out as water parks are always a good choice in the warm summer weather in Corfu.

Lying tucked away several miles down a twisty road and 30 km from Corfu Town, the lovely little holiday resort of Aghios Georgios can be found. The beautiful areas around this resort in the gorgeous north west of the island of Corfu show why Corfu is reputed to be the greenest of the Greek islands. There are tall pencil-shaped Cypress trees and endless groves of unusually tall olive trees, which give much of the island of Corfu a covering of green. This beautiful pastoral area at Aghios Georgios with its lovely sandy beach attracts people for holidays wanting a break from their modern stress filled lives. Walking would be a must here, but there are cars for hire. Aghios Georgios is a quiet peaceful holiday resort. The bay appears almost circular.

64% of travelers recommend the Agios Iannis holiday resort on Corfu as a good holiday option for those in need of a sunny beach getaway. It is said that the staff at the hotels and apartments are lovely and always helpful here. The hotels are set in nice gardens, and if you like horse riding it is available. In this resort there are great pools for your enjoyment, and water parks.

The holiday resort of Arilas on Corfu is a sleepy little seaside resort on the North West coast with a large sandy cove and a few fishing boats. It is best suited to quiet families and couples. There is not much to do in Arilas except for the beach and swimming. The water is very shallow (good for the children) and the sea bottom is flat and sandy. You could buy homegrown garden vegetables, homemade wine and olive oil from the roadside shop if you were self catering. On the beach in Arilas there is a boat hire place where you get tuition in paddle boats, windsurfing, sailing and canoes. You can have a banana ride from the same place or take a water taxi to the nearby resorts. Sounds like a nice way of life, doesn’t it? There are several public swimming pools in Arilas and there are also some private playgrounds and children’s areas. Apart from these diversions, the usual bars are there. In addition, if you are a very good swimmer, there is a nearly deserted island to swim out to. The swim takes about an hour, and glorious unspoiled deserted beaches can be found on the other side. This island is stunning and very romantic. Also there are various places near Arilas that you could take a walk to.

The Main town of the island of Corfu is one of the most interesting cities in Greece due to the heavy influence of the Venetians who for centuries controlled the island. There are ancient Roman buildings still in evidence in Corfu Town. There is also an excellent archaeological museum. The population is quite cosmopolitan compared with the other Greek islands. The town is an interesting mixture of old tavernas, new cafes, discos, clubs and shops of all types plus an amazing old city that is a protected area. There are many historical buildings to see that make walking the streets of this city a pleasure. Corfu Town really resembles an Italian city, so if you like Italy you will like Corfu Town holiday resort. It has one of the most attractive town squares in all of Greece with trees planted long ago by the French.

In the resort of Kalami, Kalami bay is set nestling below the North East Corfu hills and is famous for its beaches. It is a popular destination for couples and also suits a family holiday; families with both young children and teenagers will find this resort an ideal holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the busier towns on the island of Corfu and yet typically Greek. Kalami lies in an ideal location between yet another bay on Corfu and a quiet harbor. Part of Kalami’s charm is the mix of local people together with tourists. Local fishermen are often seen early each morning on Kalami beach. Towards the centre, some evening entertainment is on offer from the bars but it is quiet on the outskirts of the village. The beach provides clear water for swimming. The bay of Kalami is a natural cove and provides shelter from any waves making it a safe choice of holiday destination for families especially with very young children. The sea is clean, and there are no steps to the main beach in Kalami holiday resort which makes it very convenient for less mobile holidaymakers. In addition – a nice touch – there is a wooden path along the beach which is great for walking along at any time and even better after dark. This could be a very romantic holiday destination for couples!! You can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine at the tavernas in Kalami, and one of the taverna proprietors will even arrange to collect you and take you home! There’s a new slant on service for you indeed.

Like many of the holiday resorts on Corfu, Kalami is within easy walking distance of other bays and there are boat taxis for hire. For your evening entertainment you could join in the Greek dancing at one of the several bars in Kalami.

Kalami looks very pretty at night viewed from the higher ground behind the beach. No matter which accommodation you are staying in in Kalami holiday resort, renting a small motor boat for a jaunt is a must. You can get a different perspective of the island of Corfu by visiting secluded bays, stopping for lunch or drinks at the many idyllic beachside tavernas, an experience that will make your holiday very memorable.

Those looking for a little action during their holiday in Kalami resort will not be disappointed. Excellent water sports including tuition for water skiing for beginners and those already advanced in the sport, specialized skiing which is trick and mono skiing, is also available together with the usual water sports. It may not surprise you to find that the very rich and famous visit Kalami – via their luxury yachts!

There are the usual Greek gift shops in Kalami too.

Paleokastritsa holiday resort is one of the most scenic on Corfu. Should you choose to holiday there you will have an incredible experience in the turquoise water. It is one of the largest holiday resorts on Corfu and offers something for everyone! While on holiday in Paleokastritsa you could swim at six different beaches for a start. Spoilt for choice! Paleokastritsa is a hilly place full of unexpected views. The waters in the area are clear, cool and refreshing. There are caves to be explored at Paleokastritsa, and rocks for diving off points into the sea. It is not for those seeking lots of lively nightlife, but there are plenty of tavernas, bars and a couple of discos. There are several attractions to visit – very old buildings – and the hills beyond.

The holiday resort of San Stefanos is also situated on the North West coast of Corfu. This resort has been a popular holiday destination for families and couples for many years. With the appeal of its golden sandy beaches, it’s no wonder more than 70% of its visitors return year after year. This is a truly unique statistic not only for Greece but for holiday destinations around d the world. In addition to all the usual things that Corfu holiday destinations have on offer, you can get married in San Stefanos. A new working harbor was built to accommodate modern times. Every visitor to San Stefanos is made to feel at home. Come visit. You’ll feel part of the family by the end of your stay.

The holiday resort of St George South on the island of Corfu has a long, beautiful golden sandy beach with plenty of eating and drinking establishments running along the edge of this curving beach. St George South is an extremely quiet resort ideal for relaxation. If, after a few days here, action is required, the buzzing resort of Kavos is 18 km away.

St George South offers a more Greek experience than most of the holiday resorts on Corfu. Lobster is the island’s speciality dish but it is more likely you will be offered astakos or salt water crayfish. There are a couple of music bars. There are water sports. There are full resort facilities in St George South. It is 30 km from Corfu town.

So…these are just examples of the many lovely resorts you can choose from on the island of Corfu. Do browse our site if they interest you. You may even find somewhere that suits you even better for your holiday than the ones mentioned in this article.

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