Why Corfu? You will discover that it is an island with a long history and a thousand different faces.

In the north-east, below Mount Pantokrator, is a string of pure white beaches lapped by translucent waters. Here in the morning, you can amble down to a harbourside cafe and while away an hour over Greek coffee, yoghurt and scented honey, soaking in the peace and heat of the Mediterranean summer.

Later, stretch out on a lilo in the warm turquoise waters, with children splashing contentedly nearby, and, behind you, the heat-blurred outline of the mountains on the mainland.

Or hire a little motor boat and potter off around a headland or two to find another uncrowded beach with its own taverna and a sprinkling of sunbeds.

Tomorrow you might take a trip to Corfu Town, mingle with the crowds, pick up fresh fruit, fish and local herbs at the market, stop at the Liston Arcade, designed by the French when Corfu was under Napoleon, or visit the museum which was once the British governor's headquarters.

And catch a local game of cricket in progress, beside the old Venetian fortress which resisted all attempts at conquest by the Turks.

On another day, strike out for the west coast, with its fabulous sandy beaches, and visit the beauty spot of Paleokastritsa with its famous monastery.

Then, for the more adventurous, there are climbs around the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, following old Venetian stone-flagged paths through the olive groves to the abandoned villages of Sinies and Perithea.

Yes, Corfu today has shaken off its few years of tourist saturation to emerge fresh and rejuvenated, its people once again displaying their legendary hospitality to visitors.