Cheese lovers of the world unite in Corfu in mid-February 2012! The Greeks don’t need much excuse to throw a party, particularly on the island of Corfu. When Corfu Town therefore throws a festival named Cheese Eating Sunday, nobody bats an eyelid.

Whilst the locals don’t bat an eyelid, the visitors probably will, with the sheer joy, gaiety and amusing events that unfold on this exceptional Sunday in mid-February, all dedicated to the celebration of cheese.

One of the island’s most colourful events, and boy are there a few, Cheese Eating Sunday Corfu 2012 will see parades and processions of floats, filled with costumes – the more flamboyant the better, music – the louder the better, and dancing – the wilder the better, as Corfu Town’s charming streets become a hive of euphoric activities.

Asides its devotion to having fun, Cheese Eating Sunday holds a serious religious undertone. As its name suggests, cheese is eaten on this Sunday, and, with meat is forbidden, the dish of the day is macaroni cheese.

This religious and traditional day marks the approaching of Lent, and is followed by ‘Clean Monday. On ‘Clean Monday’ meat is also forbidden, but the commitment to eating cheese is replaced by a devotion to bread, cuttlefish and squid, whilst the partying, naturally, continues will into the early hours.

With the almond trees beginning to bloom, the weather considerably warmer and sunnier than most other parts of Europe, and this verdurous island becoming all the more greener, Cheese Eating Sunday is just another reason to make take your early yet break on Corfu – particularly if you are a cheese lover!

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A trip to Corfu would not be complete without a visit to Corfu Town. Situated halfway down the east coast of the island, Corfu Town is a vibrant mix of numerous cultural influences and a fascinating blend of architecture, modern conveniences and traditional charm.

With its Venetian mansions, ancient fortress protruding out to sea, French arcades, spacious squares, Byzantine church and a British-built 19^th century palace, Corfu Town is more resonant of an Italian town steeped in eclectic architectural diversity, than a town on an island renowned for its clubbing and parties.

With so much to do and see and such cultural diversity on offer, this remarkable Greek town naturally swells with tourists in the high season. Take a look at three of the most magnificent attractions that highlight the different European influences of this fascinating city.

The Spianada Square

The Spianada Square, often referred to as Esplanada, is where visitors can get a sense of the French influence of the town. Opened to the public during the time the French ruled the island, Spianada Square is evidence of how much European cultures have influenced the town. The gardens are notably influenced by the French landscape style, and the square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, which, again, is a legacy of the French. Spianada Square is the largest square in the whole of Greece and remains a popular year-round tourist attraction.

The New Fortress

Built in 1588 by the Venetians to protect the island from invading armies, the New Fortress, with two of its four original gates still intact, is a hive of tourist activity. Situated in the southern part of the city, Corfu Town’s New Fortress is the perfect place to come and contemplate the immense cultural diversities of this fascinating Greek city.

The Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges

Located on the northern verge of the Spianada Square, the beautiful Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges is one building not to be ignored if you are in Corfu Town. Built in 1824 when the British had control of Corfu, the Palace brings a touch of classic Georgian architecture to this architecturally-cosmopolitan town. Whilst the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges was once the home of the Greek royal family, it is now is home of the town’s library and the Museum of Asiatic Art.

Another attraction of Corfu would have to be the fabulous luxury 3 bedroom villa in Corfu, Korision (pictured). With a lovely pool and only 900 metres to the beach, this is another example of the luxury villa’s of Vintage Travel.

From the humble pedalo, to the bouncy banana boat, to state-of-the-art wind surfing boards, you cannot go far on Corfu’s coastline without stumbling over a fantastic water sport facility centre.

We explore five of the best beaches in Corfu for water sports enthusiasts.

Glyfada Beach

Located on the western coastline of Corfu close to the town of Pelekas, Glyfada Beach is one of the most well-known and popular beaches on the whole of the island, not only for its immaculate ‘Blue Flag’ cleanliness, but also for it superb water sports facilities. The services include jet-skiing, water-skiing, banana boats and pedalos. Glyfada Beach also has a great volleyball facility, which subsequently attracts a constant steam of youngsters to its shores.

Ipsos Beach

If parasailing is your thing then you’ll want to take a trip to Ipsos Beach. This lively beach situated next to the town of Ipsos, sports a fantastically scenic view of the eastern side of Corfu and is a great for anyone seeking thrills in the water and a lively tourist scene.

Agios Georgios Armenadon Beach

Located on the north-western coast, Agios Georgios Armenadon Beach is one of Corfu’s quieter beaches, although its comparative tranquillity does not compromise its dedication to providing some excellent water sports facilities. With its gradually descending waters, the Agios Georgios Beach is particularly a hotspot for windsurfers.

Agios Gordios Beach

Being on the western side of this stunningly diverse island, the Agios Gordios Beach also boasts shallow water that gently laps upon the pebbly shore. Alongside the numerous beachside tavernas and restaurants there are some great water sports facilities along this long stretch of sand.

Messonghi Beach

Messonghi Beach on the south eastern side of Corfu is an extremely popular seaside resort that offers a wide range of dining venues and for those seeking adventure, numerous water sports including water-skiing, wind surfing and banana boats.

If you have ever wanted to try Scuba Diving then heading off to the Greek island of Corfu may be the perfect place to get started.

The beautiful crystal-clear waters boasting rocky, rugged and interesting inlets around this magical island’s shorelines makes the island a Scuba Diver’s haven and consequently the number of Scuba clubs on the island is profuse.

Here are three of the best scuba clubs to help make your deep sea diving in Corfu experience as magical as possible.

Calypso Diving Centre

Providing “total scuba diving satisfaction” Calypso Diving offers a full range of diving sessions and courses for divers of all abilities. Located on Agios Gordis Beach on the west coast of Corfu, the centre is extremely friendly and family-orientated, providing for both divers and their families. This rugged stretch of coast line generates an undersea paradise, just crying out to be explored. The Calypso Centre also puts on boat rides to their most northern sites in Paleokastritsa, where divers can enjoy exploring the terraced rock strata and stunning underwater caves and archways.

For more information on the Calypso Diving Centre visit divingcorfu.com.

Achilleon Diving Centre

Located in Paleokastritsa, undoubtedly the most beautiful and famous place for diving on the whole of Corfu, Achilleon Diving has provided first-rate diving holidays since 2001. Divers can explore interesting shipwrecks, quirky caves, reefs with barracudas, sharing the waters with eels, octopus, lobsters and many more beautiful fish, on this rocky and characterful west coast of the island.

The centre caters for both beginners and certified divers who can choose from among 18 excellent diving sites, all offering unique and fascinating explorations.

The Archilleon Centre is open from 1 May until 31 October. For more information visit the website.

Corfu Diving Fun Club

As its name suggest, Corfu Diving Fun Club’s emphasis is on having fun whilst diving. Located in Ag. Georgios – Pagi, the club has been providing divers with some seriously sensational diving experiences since it was opened in 1999. As well as offering reef, caves, shipwrecks and deep-sea dives, the Corfu Diving Fun Club also offers nigh diving sessions, for that even more memorable experience.

For more information visit corfudivingclub.gr.

Maxim, Vintage Travel’s 3 bedroom villa in Halikouna could be the perfect base…the beach is only 800 metres away!

If you are a golf enthusiast, and are yearning to play some serious golf this Spring, then heading to Corfu, where events dedicated exclusively to the sport are being held in abundance, could be just the destination you are after.

From May 2 – May 9 2011, the Hotel Grand Mediterraneo Resort and Spa is holding the ‘Corfu AM-am Tournament’, giving golfers of all abilities the opportunity to play competitive golf in a team format. Teams are of four and can consist of a combination of men and women.

The event will start with a gentle practise round, followed by a cocktail reception. The ‘Yellowball competition’ on the Saturday concludes the tournament. Prizes are presented to the competition winners at a farewell dinner party on the Sunday.

Prices for this popular and relaxed golfing tournament start from 399 euros per person, which includes 7 nights bed & breakfast, 3 evening meals, airport transport and a drinks reception.

From May 9 – May 16 2011, the ‘Corfu Golf Week’ will be held at the Grand Mediterraneo Resort & Spa.

The Golf Week enables participants to improve their game competitively in a series of individual and team competitions. The week also includes four tutorials, which cover all aspects of the game, paying particular attention to improving techniques. The event concludes with a Gala dinner and awards presentation at the golf club on the Sunday.

The Corfu Golf Week began in 1974 and never fails to attract players from all around the world. Prices start from 425 euros per person.

The Corfu Spring Festival will take place from 23 – 30 May 2011 at the Grand Mediterraneo and the Louis Grand Glyfada and provides a fantastic combination of individual and team competitions.

The event starts with a practice day followed by a cocktail reception. The next day is dedicated to a ‘three ball Texas scramble’. The Corfu Spring Festival concludes with the ‘3 ball best ball’ competition, followed by a prize presentation at the golf club on the Sunday evening. Prices start from 425 euros per person.

For more information on the golfing competitions mentioned or to make a reservation visit corfugolfholidays.co.uk

Held annually in Corfu Town, Cheese eating Sunday is one of Corfu’s more unusual events. A huge procession of floats, troops and brass bands pass through the town and a day of music, eating, drinking, dancing and laughter fills Corfu’s capital.

The merriments conclude with a huge and dazzling firework display, lighting up the Greek sky.

You may be thinking why is this event called ‘Cheese eating Sunday’? Throughout this particularly religious Sunday no meat products are allowed to be consumed. Instead macaroni cheese is served in abundance. Contrary to popular belief the word “macaroni” is not Italian, but actually derives from the Greek word “macaria”, meaning “blessed”.

The following day is “Clean Monday”. Whilst the carnival atmosphere is still present in Corfu Town, all food eaten has to be ‘pure’, meaning it is not to shed any blood. “Langana”, a flat Greek bread is served on “Clean Monday” along with squid, cuttlefish and fish roe.

Corfu Town is often referred to as being one of the most attractive towns in the whole of Greece. The views from the top of both the forts in Corfu Town’s old town are simply stunning. A walk along Garitsa Bay is particularly memorable, past the old Greek men playing boules, unique boutiques selling beautiful jewellery for a pittance, and the quaint waterside tavernas serving seafood so fresh, it is almost impossible just to walk past. Despite enduring substantial damage during WWII, Corfu Town’s architecture retains a strong Venetician style.

Corfu is a magical island, a mesmerising blend of history, culture, beauty and charm and Corfu Town is at the heart of the island’s enchantment. The many festivals and carnivals displayed in the town, and throughout Corfu as a whole, are a true embodiment of Greek culture, and performed with such passion, that they really are a pleasure to experience.

At the vanguard of such fervent celebrations has to be Cheese eating Sunday. If you are thinking of a late winter break, Corfu Town festival in mid-February has to be on the shortlist.

Are you looking for Corfu Town accomodation?

Akrothalassa is one of the finest private villas in Corfu

The location itself (Agios Spiridonas) is like no other on the island, a tucked away paradise with far reaching views over the sparkling Ionian Sea. It is in fact nestled amongst dense, lush forests and burgeoning olive groves, which is calling out for exploring.

The house is probably what you’d term as an architect’s dream (or certainly someone who values good design) thanks to its classic features combined with contemporary shape.

A rather unusually positioned pool awaits

The villa is equipped with everything you could ask for including luxury furniture (inside and out), elegant chandeliers, comfy soft furnishings, a bar, a grand BBQ and some beautiful pastel colours.

Beautiful interiors with fine furnishings

The sea is just a stones throw away, the mini market and 2 fantastic tavernas are less than 300m away, the beach is 1km away and Corfu town is around 30 mins drive.

Book this luxury villa in Corfu now.

Originally a Byzantine castle, it was rebuilt by the Venetians in its first phase (1400-1500) – the original Byzantine walls were strengthened and the canal opened (Contra-Fossa), which also created the artificial island accessed by a movable bridge.

The second stint of development happened between the16th-18th cent. Starting in 1546-1588 and ending with the additions and alterations made by the British.

Corfu's Old Fort

When you visit today you’ll notice two rather impressive bastions which bear the names of the Italian engineers Martinengo and Savorgnan as well as the later British buildings and additions, such as the church of St. George in the 1840 (definitely worth a visit) and basilica with Doric columns.

Explore Corfu's Old Fort

Not only will you learn something from a trip here, but you’ll also capture some of the finest views (from the top of the fort) of the island over this beautiful city.

Make sure you take some time out to visit the Old Fort

If you are looking for private villas with pools in Corfu then please check out our broad and varied portfolio for all tastes and budgets.

One of the many fabulous festivals in Corfu

Many of the festivals take place around the coast, around the main beach resorts, such as Corfu Town itself and in particular, the mountain village of Agios Mattheos which has become known for its outstanding night-long celebrations on August 6th, definitely not one to miss!

From the festivals themselves you can expect lots of colour, family entertainment and much fun to be had by all.

If you are a cricket fan then you may be interested in organising your trip around July when there are loads of cricket matches staged, a tradition that has obviously been passed down by the English and been running for almost200 years.

Noteworthy events of Corfu include:

• Cheese-Eating Sunday – mid-February, in central Corfu Town
• All Saints Day – June 3rd, around Agii Douli
• Saint Kyriaki Day – July 7th, in Peroulades
• Festival of Folklore Dance – mid-July, in Benitses
• Festival of Saint Paraskevi – July 26th, in Velonades
• Corfu Sardine Festival – mid-August, in Benitses
• Varkarola Music Festival – mid-August, at Paleokastritsa
• Return of the Virgin from Assumption – August 22nd and August 23rd, at Agraphi
• Pie Festival in Loustri – September 1st
• Revolution Processions – late October, throughout the Ionian islands
• Corfu St. Spyridon Celebrations – early November

Looking for a private villa with a pool in Corfu?

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