Corfu holidays

Corfu has a varied cuisine, blending traditional Greek dishes with influences from its rich history. Starters range from classics like taramasalata and tzatziki to unique delights like tyropithakia (feta pie) and numbulo ham, a smoked pork dish found only in Corfu. Greek salads come in a variety of forms, including with potatoes, chicken or beans. Main courses are a mixture of meat and fish, with local favourites such as sofrito (veal in a wine sauce) and bourdeto (fish soup with peppers and onions). Save room for dessert, as sweets are a must, from kataifi to baklava and the unique sicomada, a cake infused with dried figs, almonds, orange zest, pepper, cinnamon, wine and ouzo, a delicious blend of flavours.

While tourists may be tempted by a variety of drinks, Corfu's locals tend to prefer simpler beverages such as local beers, water or coffee. However, the island does boast two notable local drinks: ginger beer and kumquat liqueur. Ginger beer, known locally as Sitsibira, is a refreshing, lemony and spicy drink for which each family has its own recipe. Made from water, lemon, sugar and ginger, it is commonly found in street vendors and cafés. Kumquat liqueur, meanwhile, has been a staple in Corfu since the 19th century. This sweet, orange-flavoured liqueur is used as an after-dinner drink and is also used in cocktails or to flavour desserts, yoghurt or ice cream.

Greek music has an instantly recognisable style that has been incorporated into the rhythms and themes of traditional Corfu songs. Made up of gentle melodies and dramatic lyrics, the music is usually played on instruments such as the bouzouki, kithhara, mandolin and tambourine. Rebetiko is a popular style of music originally performed by refugees and outcasts singing about poverty and violence, while Entexno is mainly orchestral and based on the works of Greek poets. The best way to see traditional dances in Corfu is to go to a local festival or Panygiria. You'll find flamboyant, rhythmic dances with intriguing names such as Rouga, Fourlana, Antikristos and Zeibekiko, not to mention the famous wedding dance, Kalamatianos; if you're lucky, you may be asked to join in.

The British occupied Corfu for fifty years after the Napoleonic Wars. This occupation introduced two sports that the Greeks were unfamiliar with at the time, but which they still enjoy today: cricket and tennis. The first cricket match on Corfu was recorded in 1823 and, to this day, twenty active clubs compete on the island. The first tennis club in Greece was founded in Corfu by wealthy English occupiers in 1896 and has become a favourite pastime for all classes of the population. Not surprisingly, sea sports are also popular and the Nautical Athletic Club Corfu has teams for swimming, sailing, rowing and polo. The island is also home to one of Europe's finest golf courses, opened in 1973, while the Kerkyra National Athletic Centre boasts a football stadium, swimming pool and indoor gymnasium.

Corfu's old town is the perfect spot for a little retail therapy, combining shopping with culture and history. The ancient tapestry of narrow streets, Venetian architecture and intertwined shops are all great ways to pass the time. You'll find shops selling kumquat jelly, honey, olive oil, leather goods and jewellery, including worry beads and representations of the 'evil eye'. In the centre of town, beneath the Venetian castle, is the historic market selling fresh vegetables, herbs, seafood, traditional sweets, coffee and olives. Strolling through the shady streets of the town in search of the perfect souvenir is a must for anyone visiting the island.