Named after Kerkyra, the nymph daughter of river-god Asophos, the UNESCO World Heritage island of Corfu offers natural and historical attraction.
Villages and rural life
Dating back to 700BC, the abandoned village of Old Peritheia on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator was once one of the wealthiest on the island, but has been uninhabited since the 1960s.
There's a chance to explore its abandoned cobbled streets and hand-built stone houses, some of which have been lovingly restored, and get a glimpse into bygone life in Corfu's oldest mountain village.
Classic antiquities
Corfu's cultural heritage and architecture is defined by its years under Venetian, Byzantine, French and British occupation.
Inhabited since the Stone Age, there is evidence of Paleolithic and Neolithic life in the villages of Agios Mattheos and Sidari.
Byzantine churches are dotted across the island, there are Ancient Greek and Roman settlements, such as the Palaiopolis site, various Roman baths such as Benitses, and plenty more of interest to the archaeology buff.
The old quarter of Corfu Town has examples of ancient Venetian and Byzantine architecture, medieval fortresses, and historical homes and museums such as the Archaeological Museum and Achillion Palace which are open to the public.
Waterfronts
The chic north east of the island has attracted the rich and famous for decades, earning it the moniker of 'Kensington-on-Sea'.
The archetypal Greek fishing village of St Stephano is lined with waterfront tavernas and myriad sailing craft.
Kassiopi is dotted with turquoise coves and candlelit tavernas, the quaint fishing village Kerasia boasts a cypress-shaded beach attracting stylish holidaymakers, and Kalami Bay is home to the Durrells' former residence, The White House.
Activities
The lush Ropa Valley, a 20-minute drive from Corfu Town, is home to the Corfu Golf Club, an 18-hole course set amidst olive tree groves, ponds, streams and rolling hills.
The island is also good for exploring on foot with miles of rugged coastland and inland hiking trails – including the 220 km Corfu Trail stretching from south to north.
Food
The greenery of the island lends itself to fine cuisine with fresh fish, fruit and vegetables, local honey and cheeses and pastries.
Olive trees make up much of the landscape and small, rural, sleepy towns with little shops sell fresh olive oil and other local produce.
Highlights include Taverna Toulas, set on Agni Bay, with views across to Albania, serving whole, freshly-caught fish, gigantic seafood platters and zingy Greek salads.
Taverna Cochelli overlooks the pretty harbour of Agios Stephanos .
CV Villas
CV Villas' top Corfu villa options for summer 2019:
Villa Pythaia, St Stephano
The new three-bedroomed Pythaia is a short stroll from St Stephano's harbour, waterside restaurants, bars and shops, and five minutes' walk from the beach.
Villa Stephanos, St Stephano
Looking down to St Stephano harbour, the three-bedroomed Stephanos is a single storied property on a low headland and surrounded by a screen of silvery olive trees.
Villa Gallini, St Stephano
This villa is surrounded by seascapes and with a backdrop of the rolling mountains of the mainland, Gallini basks on low slopes close to the water's edge.
Villa Kokkini, near Kokkokilas
The two-bedroomed peacefully-located Kokkini is a cottage making use of rustic Corfu stone and interiors featuring natural palettes, squishy sofas, stylish wrought iron beds and thoughtfully curated homeware pieces.
Villa Moira, Kassiopi
The three-bedroomed Moira is a modern and stylish property with inside and outside areas on several different levels, making use of its hillside setting and the views stretching out over the sea and to Albania beyond.
From its origins in Corfu, CV Villas 900-strong portfolio now features villas in locations, including Greece, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Morocco, the Caribbean and the USA.