Hanassa

Hanassa rises in a panoramic position on the verdant coastline above the inviting beach of Yaliskari, whose limpid waters and chic beach club-café is just a few minutes' walk away.

Agni beach, with its trio of tavernas, is a 10-to-15-minute walk away along a coastal path (a bit narrow, rocky and undulating and not lit at night). Kalami Bay, which is home to a couple of well-stocked minimarkets, a few tavernas and bars, a pebbly beach, and boat hire suppliers, is a 20minute walk. On the bay's southern edge is the famous White House, once the residence of the writer Lawrence Durrell, now a seafront restaurant and bar where you can sit and imagine James Bond stopping in for a Vodka Martini (parts of For Your Eyes Only were filmed there).

There are numerous other beaches with tavernas nearby, including those at Nissaki and Agios Stefanos. For a larger selection of bars, tavernas and shops (or for a spot of nightlife) bustling Kassiopi is just a 15-minute drive away.

Heading south, meanwhile, charming Corfu Town with its fortifications and the historic labyrinth of streets is about 50 minutes' drive and well worth spending a day or two exploring.

If you're travelling with kids, there are plenty of stimulating activities and attractions for children within easy reach.