Visit the capital of the island, Kerkyra to the Greeks, just a short drive from the villas. The island's chequered past is reflected in the varying styles of its buildings. In the centre of the town there is even a cricket pitch laid down by the British during their protectorate in the nineteenth century. Shopping is a must in Town, offering the visitor a wide range of articles including jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs, all at reasonable prices. Alternatively enjoy a drink in a bar and watch the world go by.

A few places of interest in Corfu Town

The Liston, an arcade containing an array of restaurants and bars running adjacent to the cricket ground, built by the father of M. Eiffel of tower fame.

The Palace of St. Michael and St. George, one-time home of the British High Commissioner.

The Old and New Forts, built as protection from Turkish invaders.

The Market, selling local produce every morning except Sunday.

St. Spiridon's Church, with the mummified remains of of island's patron saint.

Mon Repos, formerly home of Greek royal family and birthplace of Prince Philip.

The island of Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea just off the mainland of Albania and north-west Greece. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands and has been a popular destination for overseas visitors for many years. In fact the Romans, including emperors, had holiday villas here; excavated sites can be seen today. In even more ancient times it was a junior member of the league of Greek city states, playing a wary game of diplomacy between big brothers Athens, Corinth and Sparta, for which Herodotus gives it caustic mention.

Modern Corfiots are proud of the fact that their island alone of the whole of Greece never succumbed to the mighty Ottoman Empire, protected as it was by Venice and her mercenary forces. One of them, the redoubtable Schulenberg, stands defiantly in stone at the gates of the Old Fortress.

Later history saw a quick succession of foreign government by the French, Russians (one day!) and British, during which period the French graced the town with their architecture and the British introduced cricket, ginger beer and military bands. Oh, by the way, they also introduced the sewage system, the prison and the serpentine roads. In 1941 Greece said no to the Italians who retaliated by bombarding Corfu. Later the Germans occupied the island and deported most of the inhabitants of the Jewish quarter.

Today part of the attraction of the island lies in its diversity in being able to cater for most holiday requirements, from people wanting a busy fun-packed holiday to those looking for a peaceful relaxing interlude (and those liking a touch of both!).

It is a picturesque island, green throughout the year, encircled by clean beaches, truly blue crystal-clear sea, fringed by spectacular coastal scenery. Away from the coast ancient sleepy mountain villages await the discerning visitor. Join the locals sitting in the shade of the trees in the platea, sip your drinks, sample the local produce and feel time standing still.

The Greeks are well known for their hospitality and friendliness. Learn a few words of Greek - it will go a long way!

Visits to Paxos, Albania and the Greek Mainland are also well recommended.