WHEN I first visited Corfu after my A-levels, I headed straight for Kavos to find like-minded 18-year-olds in barely-there bikinis downing shots of coloured vodka.
But this summer, aged 40, my experience was a little different.
Further up the east coast of the Greek island, away from the Sun, Sea and Suspicious Parents crowd, Corfu Town has a more chilled-out vibe.
The Venetian-built New Fortress and the 15th-century Old Fortress tower over cobbled streets (think historic town, rather than Corrie), while the Ionian Sea shimmers against the cliffs.
It is truly picture perfect.
I was staying at the five-star Kerkyra Blue Hotel N’ Spa just outside Corfu town, a £13 taxi ride from the airport.
The resort is geared up for Greece’s continuous summer heat (it was 29C when I visited), with two pools — one especially for adults — and a small garden overlooking the ocean.
And with so many spare sunbeds dotted around, there was certainly no risk of getting caught in a lounger-hogging row.
But the rooms are so nice I could have happily spent the majority of my day in there anyway.
My balcony looked out over the calm pool, while the super-cosy bed made me curse my rubbish mattress at home.
The staff deserve a special mention, too.
I must have sidled up for drinks upwards of 15 times an hour, yet they constantly greeted me with a smile.
They did the same with the people requesting a medley of complicated- sounding cocktails, too.
That’s the brilliant thing about staying at an all-inclusive — you don’t need to worry about buying meals, snacks (think pizza and sandwiches) and drinks.
It’s all paid for already.
During the day I often saved myself for the lunch buffet, because I adore Greek food — and here it was served in abundance, with mountains of creamy feta and huge, juicy olives all up for grabs.
The offering was similar at night in the buffet restaurant, but I normally opted for a la carte dining at one of its two specialist restaurants, one Japanese and one Greek.
When you’re not soaking up the sea views from your lounger, I’d recommend soaking them up aboard a boat in the middle of the ocean.
I booked a Blue Caves tour with Ionian Cruises (£44 per adult and £22 per child) to the nearby islands of Paxos and Antipaxos.
It’s an absolute must if you love swimming.
The staff deserve a special mention, too
But be warned, when dramatically hurling yourself off the ship, the water may be crystal clear, but it is eye-stingingly salty.
This isn’t just an excursion for beach lovers either, as Greek mythology is a highlight of each tour.
You’ll sail to the picturesque Blue Caves, a sort of archway carved into the cliff face.
According to legend, the caves, part of Paxos, were created by Poseidon, god of the sea, as a retreat for his wife, Amphitrite.
They are spectacular to look at — and if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot a dolphin in the surrounding waters.
If you’re not much of a water baby, then there is so much fascinating history to get entangled in back on dry land in Corfu.
I’m not religious but the monastery of Paleokastritsa, built atop a remote hill as a tribute to the Virgin Mary, is well worth a visit.
Dating from 1228, it offers views over the entire island.
Perfect for a selfie — but make sure you cling on tight.
After haphazardly climbing to the highest, rocky point to secure my snap, a massage back at the hotel was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Fifty minutes of deep relaxation, with soothing scents from the essential oils, lulled me into a blissfully happy slumber.
The 18-year-old me would not have believed such laid-back luxury sits so close to the notorious party destination of Kavos.
But there’s always time for one more vodka shot too — just for old time’s sake.
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all- inclusive at the 5* Kerkyra Blue Hotel and Spa is from £911.46pp, including flights from Gatwick on September 30, 2024 and based on two sharing a deluxe double room.
See tui.co.uk.
