Possibly the most beautiful spianada (esplanade) in Greece, this open parade ground and park is the epitome of Corfu's cultural diversity. Sunday cricket matches and English Georgian houses are evidence of British influence, while the arcaded Liston building, constructed by the French under Napoleon, is meant to resemble the Rue du Rivoli in Paris.

The delectable delights of Corfu aren't limited to its first-class restaurants and traditional tavernas. Make a beeline for Corfu's public market, located in the dry-moat defences of the New Fortress, to sample speciality fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, and local favourites including olives, dry pulses, and wine.

Even though Corfu Town is bursting at the seams with historical wonder, the Church of St Spyridon tells more stories than most. Spyrion's miracles are said to have saved the island from famine, the plague, and invasion from the Turks. A bomb even landed on the church during World War II, but failed to explode, leaving the church intact.

Corfu's medieval quarter is a labyrinth of tight streets, steep stairways, and secretive squares. Neoclassical 19th-century buildings constructed by the British sit opposite balconied Venetian palazzi, offering a unique insight into the island's diverse past. You might get lost at some point, but it's small enough to find your way back to a major street with ease.

From the five-star rated sands at Gardénos with its tiny fishing port, to the impeccably clean Afiónas, which is never overly crowded, Corfu's variety of shorelines are ripe for relaxation. If you're feeling adventurous, head to Myrtiotissa for three small but perfectly-formed and secluded beaches, all of which are tucked beneath steep cliffs.