Corfu

The best-known of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is famous for its wide array of beaches, excellent restaurants, striking mix of French and Venetian architecture and connection to the writers Gerald and Lawrence Durrell.

Corfu is the It Girl of the Ionian Islands, with world-class resorts ready to cater for every type of visit, be it an adults-only escape, a family adventure or the peace of mind that come with an all-inclusive stay.

Whatever your reason to come, cosmopolitan Corfu Town is well worth a visit, with its pretty cobbled streets, world-class museums and fascinating mix of Venetian, British and French colonial influences. Elsewhere on the island are some of Europe’s best beaches, including Blue Flag beaches Dassia and Kommeno, family favourites Glyfalda and Agios Ioannis Peristeron, and out-of-the-way gem, Porto Timoni.

The north-east of the island is especially endearing, its idyllic bays proffering the same ‘delectable landscape’ that Lawrence Durrell fell for in the 1930s. For many, however, the most beautiful part of Corfu is inland, where rolling olive groves and grand old manor houses are reminiscent of Tuscany. Climb the island’s highest peak, Pantokrator, or visit Old Perithia, Corfu’s ‘Ghost Village’ now protected by UNESCO.