Welcome to the GreeceMonkey guide to Kavos, Corfu.

Kavos.

Originally an old fishing village this resort is now a lively sprawling town, just 30km from the Kerkyra Airport, It is a very popular resort for any one looking for a lively place to go, between June and September, the long narrow beach is full of sun beds, umbrellas and water sports. There isn’t much of traditional Greek life here, but there is a regular bus service that goes to Corfu town and other interesting villages.

Daytime:

Beaches:

The 2km long beach runs along the front of the town, its golden sandy beach runs down into the warm and shallow sea and is ideal for swimming and water sports; there are many sun beds, umbrellas and even hammocks available for you to use. Along the front there is a huge array of cafes, fast food places and restaurants where you can sit and relax out of the mid day sun and watch the world go by. There is also amazing views from the beach of the Greek mainland.

Water Sports:

Every type of water sport is available from Kavos beach, from water skiing, jet skies, banana boats, ringos, right up to parasailing; they also have water bicycles which are quite amusing to go on. It is also possible to do surfing, wind surfing, snorkelling and diving from the beach. For the more adventurous it is possible to go bungee jumping or take a trip in a catapult.

Diving:

Visit the underwater world of Kavos; its crystal clear warm waters are the ideal place to go diving. If you are a novice diver you will have the experience of a life time in these wonderful waters. All equipment and tuition is available from the dive centres situated in Kavos.

Boat trips:

There are many boat trips available should you wish to take time away from the beach. Take a small traditional boat and cruise around the island, seeing the beautiful coastline, swimming in the warm sea and even having a BBQ on board or take a trip in a glass bottom boat to view the under water world of Corfu. If you want something a bit more adventurous, take a 75 mph speed boat ride.

Alternatively you can take a day boat trip to Albania to visit the UNESCO protected archaeological site and the seaside resort of Saranda or from Corfu Harbour take a boat to Paxos to see the famous Blue Caves.

Water Park:

here are two water parks in Corfu:

Visit Aqua Land one of the most amazing water parks in Europe, situated in the centre of the island at Agios Ioannis, you will find the Giant slide, Multi slide, Black hole, Four Twister, Kamikazes, Hydri tube, Crazy river, Lazy river, 2 free fall slides, a Jacuzzi, Activity pool and a large big pool all for you to have a fun filled day out. For the children, there is a shallow pool and slides there is also an adventure playground with a bouncy castle.

Sun beds and umbrellas are free; there are shower s, changing rooms and lockers available, and a fast food restaurant which caters for everyone’s needs. Open every day of the week from May until October, from 10am until 6.30pm.

Hydropolis Water Park & Sports Centre is situated in Acharavia, open from 10.30 until 6.30 every day, not only does it have water activities for their visitors but they also have a full sports and leisure facilities available as well.

This new park has slides and pools suitable for all ages, these include; Giant slides, Toboggan, Multi run, Hydro tube, Free Fall, Space bowl, Kamikaze, Lazy river. You will also find water basket games and aqua aerobics in the pool. Children are also catered for with their own mini pool, slides and an adventure playground.

Within the Sports Centre there are many things you can take part in from Tennis and Basket Ball, to Volley Ball or Badminton and Table tennis, there is also a fully equipped gym.

There are many places throughout the park to take refreshments as well.

Horse Riding:

See Corfu from a different perspective and go horse riding, you will see a completely different side to the island while you trek through the lush country side and small villages. They cater for all ages and will provide all the equipment that is needed.

Cycling:

There are many places where you can hire bikes from to cycle around the resort. The south part of the island is flat so an ideal place to use a bike. It’s also a very good way to get out of the resort and visit the many little villages around Kavos and see the more traditional way in which the Greek people live. It is also possible to go on guided mountain bike tours.

Jeep Safari:

Another way of seeing Corfu is to take a jeep safari; it is a wonderful exciting experience, driving through the countryside on and off road through small traditional villages, climbing high up trails to see the wonderful scenery and seeing the undeveloped areas that the majority of tourists do not get to see.

Go Karts

There are many Go Kart tracks in Corfu; the nearest one to Kavos is in St Peter’s 1 mile north of Kavos.

Paintball:

The paintball centre is in Dassia between Corfu Town and Kassiopi, a great place to let of steam, get dirty and have a fun day out.

Golf:

The 18-hole par-72 golf course which is open 7 days a week through out the year, is situated in Ermones which is a 20 min drive from Corfu Town, it is a beautiful course which uses the natural resources of the Ropa Valley and the Nafsika River in its formation. The club house which is built of local stone offers a bar, lounge and restaurant. They also provide all the equipment that you will need.

Bowling:

There are many bowling centres in Corfu, the largest being in Sidari, near to Corfu Town. This is an ideal way to spend a day out of the sun or for something different in the evening.

Food:

Food is definitely not a problem in Kavos, there are hundreds of places to eat from fast food take-aways, to Italian, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, English and some traditional tavernas.

Many of the fast food places stay open 24 hours a day to serve those who get hungry at all times of the day or night; they tend to serve pizza, burgers and the local souvlaki and giros.

There are a few traditional tavernas which should be sort out, to enable you to taste the delicious local food, where you find the many famous Greek dishes including fresh fish and sea food.

Accommodation:

There are many self catering apartments within Kavos which is where the majority of people stay, for a slightly quieter place to stay try the 2/3 star hotels just outside the centre.

Shopping:

The shopping in Kavos is very limited to tourist shops and supermarkets that supply all the holiday essentials.

For a wider selection of shops, a trip to Corfu town is essential only 30 mins away from Kavos, wander through the maze of narrow streets full of little shops that sell everything you could possibly want, look out for Olive Oil, Wood Carvings, Jewellery and Leather goods, all of which are sold a reasonable prices.

Nightlife:

Kavos is the party town of Corfu, as the sun goes down Kavos nightlife kicks off until the early hours of the morning, it is crammed full of bars and clubs playing every kind of music that you can imagine. This is the place to drink and dance the night away, where you can get delicious cocktails, beers and spirits at reasonable prices.

If you would prefer something a little quieter, there are some lovely beach bars where you can relax and chill out to back ground music,

Sightseeing:

Take a walk down the wooded hills of Cape Aspro Kavos, the southern most tip of the island, and see magnificent views, on a clear day you can see the island of Paxos. There is also a ruin of an old monastery nearby.

Corfu Town (Kerkyra):

Is the islands historic capital, which is packed with interesting museums and archaeological sights, it is a maze of narrow streets around every corner you will find something of interest.

The Old Fortress which dominates this town, and is cut off from the main land by a canal; it was built in the 15th century and has some amazing architecture. In the centre of the fort you will find a World War II hospital which has now been turned into a music school.

St Spiridon’s Church built in 1596 in the centre of the town has the tallest tower in Corfu and is well worth a visit as it is very impressive. St Spiridon the Patron Saint of Corfu’s mummified body resides here.

The Palace of St Michael and St George which was built using entirely Maltese stone in 1864 is one of the finest British buildings in Corfu; it was used initially by the British Lord High Commissioner. It was also used as a summer residence by the Greek Royal Family. Today it is home to the Museum of Asian Art and the Corfu Public Library.

Achillion Palace, one of Corfu’s main attractions, is located just outside of Corfu Town in the village of Gastouri; it was built for the Empress of Austria in 1890. The palace is famous for its classical features and amazing gardens with statues of the Greek Gods, and fantastic views of the coast line and Corfu Town.

Museums, there are many museums in Corfu Town:

The Archaeological Museum

The Museum of Asian Art

The Numismatic Museum

The Historic and Folklore Museum

The Byzantine Museum of Corfu

The Museum of Solomos

The Shell Museum

The Municipal Gallery

The Byzantine Museum in the Fortress

Kapodistrias Museum

Corfu Inland

Move away from the coast and go inland and explore the unspoilt Corfu. You will find a patchwork of little roads going to local villages that have not been affected by tourism.

Old Perithia is located high up off the main road between Kassiopi and Acharavi, is now a deserted village, in years gone by up to 1500 people lived there, the buildings have now fallen into disrepair but you can walk around the cobbled streets and see how the locals used to live, there are a few tavernas that are open where you can sit and reflect on what life used to be like here.

Mount Pantokrator dominates the north part of the island and is 1000m high; during the winter it is possible to see snow on its peak. There is a new road that leads all the way to the top, and a small café where you can sit and admire the amazing views all over Corfu.

Loutses:

The Grava Caves in Loutses are accessed by 2km long dirt track, with amazing beautiful views, you will pass all kinds of flora, fauna and olive trees, on the way down to the cave, The entrance to the cave is very impressive, and inside the stalactites are breathtaking.

Paleokastritsa:

Is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Corfu, it is set in some beautiful scenery with fantastic beaches. There are three main bays enclosed by tall cliffs, wooded areas and olive groves. Yachts and boats sail into the bays to see the back drop of these cliffs and woods.

This Resort Review was written by Angela Sharman.

Any comments please contact her on angela.sharman@greecemonkey.eu