A Guide To Eco Holidays On Corfu

Well known for it's historical past and way of life, Corfu is both stylish and charming, a perfect holiday location set in a striking natural environment. The history of Corfu is connected to Greece through Greek mythology, with the island's name connected to the sea god Poseidon. War, battle and invasion have been regular events during Corfu's past until it finally found stability by becoming part of Greece in the nineteenth century. The visible legacy of those historical struggles are still visible all over the island, with some magnificent hill forts and castles along the coast.

Corfu is certainly a naturalist's paradise, whether for botanists, zoologists or amateur photographers. You will find olive trees literally everywhere, in gardens, orchards and street corners, while the impressive Judas tree springs a mass of purple flowers, with huge elms and dark green cypress trees producing a stunning landscape that is more lush than many other Greek islands.

The island can be described as lowlands and mountains surrounded by varying coastline. Wild flowers can bloom throughout the four seasons, thanks to Corfu's mild microclimate. 36 species of orchid have been found on the island, while during April and May Corfu enjoys a spectacular array of flowers, almost carpeting the entire landscape.

There is a range of excellent nature walks on Corfu, often where you can come across the sight and scent of wild-growing herbs, while fruits such as figs and cherries grow in abundance. During the right seasons a nature expedition can become a bit of a picnic or a feast, depending on your appetite. Over 150 species of birds frequent this paradise of a Mediterranean island, including kingfishers and eagles, while butterflies making the island their home range from the spectacular to the beautiful. Other parts of the island attract different wildlife communities who either enjoy the wetlands, the mountain zones or forests.

When looking for a villa on Corfu, your choice will include examples of stunning modern architecture through to ancient farmsteads. Visiting an organic farm in Corfu is a fascinating experience into discovering the rustic charms of the island. Many farms on the island combine traditional Greek farming methods with modern approaches to ecological diversity and sustainability. More and more the hotels are offering traditional food produced with locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the island's distinct range of ingredients and recipes for often-outstanding gastronomy. Villas in Corfu offer a great range of locations and settings near or within the island's many areas of natural beauty. With facilities and amenities centred on the ecological and natural qualities of Corfu, tourists can enjoy all that is green and great about the place, with the reassuring knowledge that their environmental impact on the land and sea is kept to a minimum.

With traditional villages, often dating form the 16th century or even older, peaceful, remote beaches and coastline, and the charming nature of old town Corfu, holidays in Corfu offer a blend of urban and rural delights. Along the coast, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, diving, and other water sports. Inland the walking opportunities are huge, with some stunning mountain and wetland routes available for nature lovers and serious trekkers. The culture and sophistication of the more urban areas feature galleries, museums, theatres and a diverse range of specialist boutiques. Packed with style, nature and charm, Corfu is just a short flight for British tourists, and with flexible accommodation choices and exciting things to do and learn, Corfu's fine weather and friendly atmosphere should appeal to the more discerning traveller.

With so many different attractions Corfu holidaysare enjoyed by young and old. Whether in the capital itself, close to the beach resorts or away from it all in the countryside villas in Corfu are rated by Mark as perfect for families and couples.