The lush, green and beautiful island of Corfu is the second largest Ionian island and one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. It is an island of variety; the capital’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site owing to its design as an old Venetian citadel. The beaches are overflowing with tourist resorts offering affordable fun in the sun, including water sports, beachside bars and open-air clubs. Whilst the more mountainous interior and hard to get to coastal spots are popular with nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The island boasts a rich history to boot, with everyone from the Romans to the British at one time calling Corfu home. 

The island isn’t huge, it’s only a little over 600 square kilometres, but there are so many resorts it’s hard to know where to set up base. So here is a run down of Corfu’s top holiday hot spots, which should help you pick a winner. Thomas Cook Corfu holidays include accommodation packages in all the locations mentioned below.

Party time
If you are looking to party pretty much 24 hours a day, Kavos and Ipsos are the only places to be. Kavos, at last count, had more than 80 bars and four large clubs. This party town is like a smaller, cheaper Ibiza. Although it doesn’t attract quite the same calibre of DJs, the scene is definitely on the up, probably aided by the stunning beaches and good value alcohol prices. Having said that, both Cream and Ministry host nights here in the now infamous superclub Futures.

At the other end of the island Ipsos is vying for your attention. Its much smaller in scale and scope compared to Kavos, but it’s less in your face and more low-key. There is a good selection of watersports to choose from during the day, but the beach isn’t as beautiful as Kavos’; it is a lot quieter mind you.  

Lively, but less intense
If you want to combine a relaxing day on the beach, with some culture in the evening followed by drinks and a boogie in the evening, the resorts of Dassia and Gouvia are good options. Alternatively rock up to Corfu Town, which is divided into old and new by its historic Venetian wall, separating the old UNESCO protected citadel from modern developments. Dassia and Gouvia are on the coast north of Corfu Town. They are picturesque, surrounded by pine forests, wildflower meadows and pristine beaches.

Family Friendly
Sidari, with is wide, shallow sand beach is a family winner, but for more secluded and beautiful resorts Roda and Ermones are the two best locations. The beaches are sheltered and calm and there is plenty to do from sailing and windsurfing to mountain biking and snorkelling.