The Area of Vigla

Far from the madding crowd ...off the beaten track ...totally tranquil ...A whole bunch of cliches and you've heard them all before. But with holidays in Vigla, you'll experience the real appeal of a peaceful mountain retreat ... oh, there's another one.

On summer holidays to Vigla you're high up a hillside, buffered from the real world by a cushion of cypress forestry and dapple shaded olive groves. But while these hide Vigla from prying eyes, they don't screen the views from little Vigla. Holidays here gaze down to a cluster of sleepy bays on Corfu's northeast coast – all within easy reach for a day by the sea.

The sand and shingle coves of Kalami and Kalouri are just at the foot of the hill. And if baking on a beach is not your style, nip down to watch the harbour routines as you lunch at a waterfront taverna. Take your snorkelling gear and meet nature's mariners. Or up the tempo a tad at nearby Kassiopi – with its Blue Flag beach and bags of choice for shops, bars and eateries.

Self-catering holidays to Vigla include the seductive seclusion of the Armonia or Rastoni Villas. Chill a bottle or two of local wine. Stock up on feta, fresh bread and salads, fruit and pistachio nuts, yoghurt and honey ...And set the table by the pool for a night at home that's deliciously cheap. Holidays to Vigla are all about the simple life.

You may be lucky with late deals for last minute holidays to Vigla. But it's such a tiny hamlet, you'd probably be better to plan ahead.

 

Kassiopi

Kassiopi is nestled on Corfu's north-eastern tip, this is a gem of a place for summer holidays. In Kassiopi you really can have it all ...the charm of a former fishing village, the choice of several pebble beaches, the chance to dine on the catch of the day, and places to party the night away. Holidays in Kassiopi aren't just pretty. They're pretty good at pleasing most of the people, most of the time.,,

With its toes in the clear blue Ionian Sea and the slopes of Pandokator at its back, Kassiopi holidays can be a coastal base for country walks, a blissful spell by a Blue Flag beach, or both. Whatever you're doing you'll have bags of bars and eateries to go at, gift shops galore for browsing and buying, and a string of pebble shores so you can chill in peace or get wet waterskiing.

The little harbour is the waterfront hub. The main square forms the focal point within the village. And the tempo rises after dark when the trendies troop to music bars ... and traditionalists find a taverna for food, wine and table talk.

 

Kouloura

Kouloura is a small pretty fishing village not a resort. There is a working harbour, where many of the locals moor there boats. The view of the harbour is probably one of the most painted in the area. Recently three new villas have been built on the headland above and offer perhaps the most exclusive accommodation on Corfu. The main house is owned by the Agnelli family as their holiday home. Kouloura is an excellent example of a small traditional Greek bay that has not been adversely effected by tourism.

At the other end of the bay there is a small beach - ideal for swimming and sunbathing. A walk around the harbour is interesting, but to see the best view of Kouloura is to drive or walk up to the main road turn right and there is an excellent photo point of the harbour and views across to Albania.

 

Kalami

Holidays to Kalami are about unwinding. Holidays to Kalami are about catching a glimpse of a way of life that has all but disappeared in this busy, loud and booming commercial world. Holidays in Kalami are about the very reason you decided to go on holiday in the first place! Holidays in Kalami are relaxing.

As you approach this charming, unspoiled fragment of the old Corfu you have a sense that you're about to enter somewhere special. You may even ask yourself if it's real, or is it a masterful reconstruction designed to attract tourists? Be assured that the village nestling beside warm shingle, strung in a crescent between magnificent headlands, is indeed the real deal.

Wander through the maze of tiny streets, past an irresistible jumble of multi-coloured pastel houses and you will find yourself wondering if you could up sticks and move here. Why not, the writer Lawrence Durrell did.

You'll walk out of the village, camera in hand, through fragrant ancient olive groves. You'll shop for Corfiot lacework and colourful ceramics. You'll hop on water taxis to Agni beach. You'll rent boats and find your own, private coves. Above all, on summer holidays to Kalami, you'll unwind.

 

Agios Stefanos

Agios Stefanos - such a good name Corfu's used it twice. This Agios Stefanos is on the north eastern side of the island and once you've seen it, there's no confusing it with anywhere else. A secluded bay, lined with yachts, dingys and whitewashed buildings. A small pebble beach and thriving seafront tavernas. A vibrant Greek community that makes everyone feel at home. All this, just across the water from Albania – so close in fact, you can even see the houses on the opposite shore. Travel to Agios Stefanos once and you won't forget it.

Agios Stefanos holidays are for lounging by the pool or down on the beach. Hire a boat and explore nearby coves like gorgeous Kerasia Beach. Trot off into Eremitis Nature Reserve on horseback and discover secret lagoons. Take a trip across to Albania. Or settle down for a day's fishing off the jettys. Nights bring locals and visitors into the tavernas, to taste the catch of the day, topped off with a tipple in one of the cocktail bars. For a longer, louder nightlife, Kassiopi is your best bet.