Kavos, the Southernmost resort town on Corfu has long had a reputation as a party destination, and rightly so. The 2 km long strip is full to bursting with vibrant bars and clubs with internationally renowned DJ’s. During the day relax on one of the pristine sand beaches or join a pool or boat party where you can either carry on from the night before or start early.
The closest airport to Kavos is the Corfu International Airport (CFU). The average flight time usually takes three hours and 15 minutes. You may fly directly from London and other districts across the UK. Whether you're travelling to Kavos by a private taxi or a shuttle, the drive takes just over an hour and features beautiful scenery of rugged coastlines and lush landscapes.
Kavos is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, and rightly so, as nightclubs are serious business here. Although it's best known for its top clubs, the town also has plenty of bars for those looking for a more sedate start to their evening. Among the usual collection of traditional English pubs and Irish bars, some have a slightly different theme. At the Edelweiss Bar, things get hot when the bar is literally set on fire, while at the other end of the spectrum is the Ice Bar, where drinks are served in ice glasses. But it's the clubs that are the main attraction for visitors, and there are plenty of them. Among our favourites are the Future Club, which claims to host Europe's largest outdoor painting parties, and Atlantis, which uses its outdoor space, including a swimming pool, to host epic UV parties, foam and paint parties and the occasional barbecue.
Kavos is Corfu's number one party spot and, as you'd expect, there are plenty of places ready to offer breakfast to hungry clubbers or dinner to those about to head out on the town. Among the many cafés and restaurants, a few are our favourites: for hearty, traditional Greek cuisine, head to Rose Tree Taverna, excellent food at great prices, with local Corfu beers. Terry's Greek and International Cuisine offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes such as risotto, souvlaki, paella and tapas, while Pavlos Taverna Steakhouse offers the best steaks on Kavos. If you're in the mood for something different, Tex Mex is the place to go. Designed like a classic American diner from the 1950s, it has enough pop memorabilia to make you feel like you're dining with the stars.
The shops in Kavos supply all the basics you need for your stay in the resort, as well as a few places to buy clothes, jewellery and souvenirs; but for serious shopping, you need to make a day trip to Corfu Town. You can buy handmade jewellery, leather goods, ceramics and olive wood carvings. Shops usually close between 2 and 5pm, but stay open until late in the evening. Most of the shops are in the city centre, with the more unusual markets and boutiques in the labyrinthine old town. Shopkeepers are not as pushy as in other areas and will take the time to chat with you and help you make your choice. One of the great things about shopping in Corfu is that you can arrange a convenient time to have your purchases delivered to your hotel and pay at reception, a very early example of the Amazon model.
After a night out on Kavos, you'll probably settle for a relaxing day on the beach, but the more energetic will find plenty to keep them occupied on Kavos. Shake off those cobwebs in the water park, an inflatable obstacle course anchored just off the beach, or take a boat trip to explore the island. And if you want to carry on the party, you'll find booze cruises and poolside revelry.
Corfu is a fantastic place to dive, particularly cave diving. You will find plenty of businesses in Kavos offering equipment hire, lessons and certification as well as organised dive trips to the most popular sites. All instructors are qualified to international standards and equipment is of a high standard.
Some of the best dives include the island of Colovri, which is surrounded by a maze of underwater rock formations and corals, perfect for exploration. Here you will encounter shoals of multicoloured marine life around every boulder.
Another favourite site is the Caves; at a maximum depth of 23 metres, there are two caverns to explore, linked by a 20-metre submerged tunnel. The House Reef and Monastery dives are the most interesting for observing marine life, including octopus, prawns, crayfish, blue barb, barracuda and moray eels. Finally, we must mention the Hole of Ha, where a cave dive takes you inside a mountain where you can contemplate the open sky and tree-lined cliffs, impressively.
On Corfu, surfing culture is not very well developed, as there are no famous spots with big waves to enjoy this popular sporting pastime. However, among the 2,000 islands that make up Greece, there are a few places that offer favourable conditions. The main surfing spot is Costa Navarino, at the south-western tip of the Peloponnese. In autumn and winter, the Ionian Sea generates large swells that break on the region's many accessible beaches, including Lagouvardos, a firm favourite with surfers. For those wishing to try surfing for the first time, Ikaria is the place to be, with gentle waves and an excellent surf school. Other increasingly popular areas include Crete and Tinos.
Kavos is a party destination and the fun doesn't stop during the day. One way to keep the party going is to take a themed boat trip where the drinks flow, the music is loud and the action is guaranteed. However, for those who want a more leisurely trip on the water, plenty of relaxing boat trips are available.
One of our favourites is the cruise to the mythical Poseidon Bay. Considered the home of Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite, this breathtakingly beautiful stretch of coastline now attracts the boats of the rich and famous. As well as the bay, you'll visit three stunning caves and stop for a swim.
Another not-to-be-missed excursion is to the Blue Lagoon, an area of outstanding beauty enjoyed by royalty and celebrities alike. Boat trips to the lagoon usually stop at the island of Mourtos and its caves, as well as the picturesque traditional fishing village of Syvota on the Greek mainland.
Fishing boat companies operate from all of Corfu's main resorts, including Kavos, and are easy to book. These excursions, which usually leave at around 9am, last around six hours. During this time, a skilled skipper and crew will teach you how to use all the equipment and use the latest technology to locate the best fishing spots, ensuring a successful catch. In addition, there are stops to allow non-fishing passengers to swim and sunbathe on secluded beaches. The package usually includes food and a few local drinks, with the catch of the day on the menu. For a different fishing experience, night trips are available, offering the chance to watch a spectacular sunset at sea.
Although Kavos is not known for being a hot spot for canoeing and kayaking, some companies offer equipment hire and lessons as part of their water sports activities. The seas around Kavos are generally calm and canoeing allows you to explore the coast from a different angle, discovering hidden coves and otherwise inaccessible beaches.
Corfu has just one golf course, but it's a real gem. Hidden away in the lush Ropa Valley, Corfu Golf Club has been designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The 18-hole course was designed by Swiss architect Donald Harradine and features tree-lined fairways that weave around seven man-made lakes, all set against a backdrop of hills and mountains. For us, the most striking hole is the 6th, which borders a water hazard in the shape of Corfu, so a precise tee shot is necessary. After your round, take time to relax in the Club House, built from local stone and serving quality food prepared by one of Corfu's top chefs.
Corfu isn't exactly considered a top destination for cyclists, but you can find bike hire companies and interesting routes if you do a bit of research. The island is relatively small, so it is possible to cross it in one go. On your journey, you'll encounter many climbs (particularly in the mountainous north), winding roads, hairpin bends and lots of stunning scenery. We recommend that you plan ahead and bring inner tubes and safety equipment, as many of the pistes are poorly maintained and even the asphalt on the main roads is not in the best condition.
Stunning scenery, historic architecture, fabulous cuisine and a pleasant climate make Corfu an ideal place to stretch your legs. Many established trails are easily accessible from Kavos and include short walks from beaches to tree-lined hills offering spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, or why not explore hidden paths through wooded mountains, where you'll discover quaint tavernas offering a shady spot to enjoy local produce. Created in 2001, the Corfu Trail, which crosses the island, is one of the most popular hiking routes. The trail is well signposted and maintained, and would take around a week to cover in its entirety. For this reason, many hikers opt for short sections that can be completed in a day.