Choosing Corfu For A 2011 Holiday

If you are wondering where would be good for a holiday this year that won't break the bank, but at the same time is ideal for families, you might want to consider the Greek island of Corfu.

It lies off Greece's southeastern tip and has long attracted world leaders including Homer, Napoleon and Wilhelm II, and in today's modern world quite a few celebrities. It's often referred to as the queen of the Ionian islands. Many visitors proclaim Corfu to be the most beautiful of the Greek, if not the world's, islands. Besides endless pristine beaches and the varied lushness of its interior, they point to the intensity of the blue sky overhead.

A big part of Corfu's economy is vested in agriculture. Corfu produces a wide variety of the olives that are such an integral part of Greek cuisine. Because of the climate and terrain, the olive season lasts fully six months. In addition, the region produces many other fruits and vegetables, all of which find their way to the numerous restaurants that populate the entire island.

Since most visitors head for the eastern shore beaches and resorts, it is worth keeping in mind that the island has so much more to offer. Take a day or two to make your way from the beaches inland. If you head west, you will eventually reach the much more rugged cliffs that dominate the western shore. You will also have the pleasure of seeing firsthand the olive groves and the abundance of other fruits and vegetables. You will also spend time in the small villages that otherwise might be missed. You can't help but absorb some of the culture and history that defines Corfu. It is a bonus that many visitors miss.

Realistically it is the beaches and resort towns that bring people back to the island time and again. And, in this economy, a factor that weighs heavily in the decision is cost. The good news is that you can find excellent bargains. From the most inexpensive accommodation including villas to the luxury multi star resorts, you can find some excellent bargains if you act quickly. Spend a few hours online and you will come away with a list of bargain travel deals to choose from.

A number of hotels and resorts are now offering all inclusive prices. What that means for you is that the price quoted includes not only your room or rooms, but that you also get full access to the activities that are offered as well as breakfast and dinner. Some places provide all meals. Those kinds of deals can save you quite a bit even if you choose to sample some of the offsite cuisine, and you should; you usually end up ahead of the game.

Other factors that make it an attractive holiday destination are its accessibility and the fact that it is extremely family friendly. You can get to Corfu quite easily by air. It does have its own airport, so there is no island hopping to get to where you want to be. Another option is the frequent ferry from Brindisi, Italy.

Corfu does tend to be very family friendly. Many hotels and resorts accommodate children under a certain age for free, while the charge for older youngsters is somewhat less than for adults. Moreover, if playing on the beach and swimming are not enough to keep youngsters happy, you will also find a variety of other activities. Some are monitored by hotel personnel, leaving Mum and Dad some child free time of their own.

Give Corfu serious thought as do your holiday planning. It is relaxing, affordable, entertaining and culturally satisfying. You could do far worse than visit the queen of the Ionian islands again, or for the first time this summer.