Barbati Holidays

This village in northeast Corfu wins hearts for its pretty mountain backdrop and white shingle beach, which stretches for almost 2 kilometres. The main street has all the essentials – tavernas and a supermarket, as well as the odd gift shop. And the views are something else – you can see across the bay to Corfu Town, as well as catching an eyeful of Albanian coastline.

The beach is a 10-minute stroll through olive groves from the main village. Tucked away from the road, it’s considered the best on the east coast and one of the nicest in all Corfu. It’s charmingly undeveloped – you’ve got just shallow, clear waters, pine trees and, unusually, the remains of an ancient church. There are loungers and umbrellas for hire if you want them, or it’s easy to find yourself a secluded spot.

There are regular buses to the island capital, Corfu Town, about 20 kilometres away. Getting lost in the labyrinthine Campiello, or old town, is all part of the fun here. And this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with museums, churches and a 16th-century fortress. Sooner or later you’ll end up at the Liston, an Italian-style colonnade lined with fancy cafés.