Gouvia Holidays

Gouvia sits on the east coast of Corfu. Back in the 17th century it was a Venetian naval base, but now the village comes with more sophisticated waterfront credentials thanks to its smart marina. There are shops and lively bars in the centre, plus plenty of traditional Greek restaurants for meze. As for the beach, it’s a hotspot for watersports.

Gouvia actually has several beaches, most of which come with pebbles. The main stretch is sheltered in a half-moon shingle bay, which shelves gently into the calm Ionian Sea. The middle section is best for swimmers, as the jetties either side roll out the watersports – a sterling selection that includes banana boats and jet-skis. Five minutes away, you can be dipping your toes in sandy coves.

International jet-setters moor their motorboats and million-pound yachts at Corfu’s biggest yachting marina, which is just 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. The waterside cafés and restaurants make great spots to soak up the atmosphere. And just behind the marina you’ll find the grand arches of the old Venetian port still standing.

From the beach you can see Ipapanti church, which juts out to sea on a causeway – it sits in the village of Komeno, about 12 minutes’ walk away. Or you can take a 15-minute bus ride to Corfu Town. Here, you can climb the lofty battlements of the Old Venetian Fortress and dine in one of the elegant cafés at the Liston – a French-built arcade with an arched terrace that was inspired by the Rue de Rivoli, in Paris.