Corfu has long been one of the most popular and accessible of the Greek Islands. One of the Ionian Islands it is also one of the greenest of the Greek Islands with over 3 million olive trees. The island has had a fascinating history and Greek, Roman, Venetian, French and British occupations have all left their marks. Corfu town is on the UNESCO world heritage list to help preserve the architecture and historic monuments, including the two forts. The Old Fortress, dating from the 6th century was built by the Venetians and housed the entire population of the town until the 13th century. A stroll through the Old Fortress will take you through tunnels, past abandoned barracks to bastions and look-out points. The top of the fortress gives a panoramic view overlooking Corfu Town. The walls of the New Fortress tower above the north-western side of the Old Town. Erected on the hill of St Mark to help strengthen the defence of the town, most of the fortification works were completed by 1588. The defence barracks were built during the British Protectorate in 1842.

The villa we have to rent on Corfu is close to Agios Stefanos, a beautiful village, surrounded by olive groves and forests, on the north-east coast of the island. With two cocktail bars and several tavernas, together with a couple of supermarkets, a tourist shop, and boat hire, this little fishing village has now become a very popular resort with many stylish holiday villas. Nearby Kassiopi also offers a white-pebbled beach with clear water, ideal for swimming. A small sailing school and water sports centre is open in peak season and a selection of tavernas and cafes serve local cuisine. At places such as Kaminaki, Nissaki, Kalami and Kerasia there are also waterside tavernas where leisurely lunches and dinners can be enjoyed.