Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseeus' last stop on his long journey home to Ithaki, is the best known and most visited of the Ionian islands. On this cosmopolitan island, you'll be able to combine relaxation with good times and a full nightlife, for Corfu is an international tourist centre which can satisfy the demands of the most difficult visitor.

Corfu the capital of the island lies on the east coast and has two ports, the old and the new port, north and west of the old part of the town respectively. It is built on a promontory that projects into the sea and is separated into a northern and a southern section. East of the northern part lies the Old Fortress, cut off from the town by a moat.

The town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements, left over from different civilisations. It presents an enchanting picture with its broad streets and spacious squares, the popular Spianada - the town "green" - contrasting with its narrow back alleys paved with blocks of stone (known as "Kantounia"), a cricket ground -the only one in Greece- legacy from the British, houses with a strong Italian influence, the famous Liston, a French arcade, traditional Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church, Venetian monuments, balconies with wrought-iron railings and window grilles.

If you take the road down south,you will come to Achilion Palace, the summer palace of Elizabeth, Empress of Austria in the 19th century. It now houses the Corfu Casino where you can gamble in style,otherwise you can take a romantic walk in the beautiful gardens. 26 kilometres west of Corfu town, you will find Paleokastritsa, a miniature earthly paradise with crystal clear waters, enchanting coves and lush greenery growing right up to the sea.

Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, is a Byzantine fortress dating from the 13th century. Pelekas, 13 kilometres west of the town, is a lovely village set on a rocky hill, the summit of which - according to the Corfiots- is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the Ropa Valley is situated Corfu's excellent golf course, the largest in Europe. Kanoni, 4 kilometres south of town is the most popular spot on the island. Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful Pondikonlssi (Mouse island) and its 13th century church.

In the northern part of the Island are the resorts of Sidari, once a wonderful landscape with sandy beach and the famous Canal d' Amour with the peculiar rocks, but now spoilt by excessive tourism. Furthmore, from Sidari you can sail your boat to the three picturesque offshore islands of Erikoussa, Mathraki and Othoni. Their sheltered anchorages are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.