Aghios Gordios Holidays

People return again and again to this charmer of a village on Corfu’s west coast. It’s home to one of the island’s liveliest beaches, plus a decent cache of restaurants, bars and shops. And the surrounding countryside – all green hills, cypress trees and olive groves – is said to be among the prettiest on the island.

The long, golden-sand beach isn’t just this village’s main attraction – it’s also one of the best-loved in all Corfu. It stretches for about 1.5 kilometres, and even includes private areas for naturists. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. For drinks and snacks, you can head to the tavernas overlooking the sands.

From here it’s a 45-minute bus journey to Corfu Town, the island capital. This is the place for shopping, with everything from jewellers and carpet shops to familiar names like Marks and Spencer. It’s also got a UNESCO-listed old town, packed with cobbled, winding streets. There’s plenty to explore, including a 16th-century fortress and the Church of Aghios Spyridion, which has beautiful ceiling murals and houses the relics of the saint in a golden shrine. And when hunger hits, try the Liston, an Italian-style colonnade lined with cafés.