Corfu is one of those holiday destinations that has been on our radar for decades, but is none the less lovely for its familiarity.
If you haven’t been for years, you may well be surprised by what this olive-clad island in the Ionian Sea has to offer.
Just four hours from Aberdeen, Corfu is the nearest Greek island to the UK and has 217 kilometres of coastline, fringed with white beaches, sandy coves and turquoise waters. The north-east coast of the island is also one of the best scuba diving locations in Greece, and hiring a boat is the perfect way to explore the gorgeous coast. If you prefer your feet on the ground, then the 136 mile Corfu Trail runs the island’s length from south to north, passing through olive groves, sand dunes and sleepy villages, as well as skirting the impressive Mount Pantokrator. The popular resort of Paleokastritsa has six beaches, while Kassiopi in the north-east boasts beautiful views and lots of small restaurants and cafés.
Corfu town has an old world feel to it, with influences still evident from British, French and Venetian colonists, including cricket teams and brass bands who can be seen playing in the summer. The Spaniada is a large esplanade lined with 19th century French architecture and perfect for a spot of people-watching over coffee and a loukoumades (honey soaked doughnut).
Find out more about local produce with a trip round the Mavroudis museum, dedicated to the history of local olive oil production, or eat al fresco in one of the many fabulous seafood restaurants.
Kids will love Aqualand, a brilliant water park with 36 waterslides and 15 adventure pools, including family rafting and an extreme zone for the more adventurous. Why not take a day trip to neighbouring Albania, or visit the tiny islands of Paxi and Antipaxi by ferry to see a slower pace of life.
Fly direct to Corfu from Aberdeen Airport on Fridays this summer from May to 26 October with tui.co.uk and firstchoice.co.uk
