Greek Vacations For Summer 2011 - Corfu

March is the month when many people are booking their summer vacations, and the Greek island of Corfu will be on the shortlist in homes up and down the country as families decide where to go.

Corfu has much to offer, as those who have spent time there can attest. Whether you are visiting the island for the first time or returning once again, the island almost never disappoints.

Lying off Greece's southeastern tip, it has long attracted world leaders, including Homer, Napoleon and Wilhelm II, and has often been referred to as the queen of the Ionian islands. Many visitors proclaim it to be the most beautiful of the Greek, if not the world's, islands. Besides endless pristine beaches and the varied lushness of its interior, they point to the intensity of the blue sky overhead and almost always a good Corfu weather forecast as well.

A big part of the economy is from agriculture. It produces a wide variety of the olives that are such an integral part of Greek cuisine. Because of the climate and terrain, the olive season lasts fully six months. In addition, the region produces many other fruits and vegetables, all of which find their way to the numerous restaurants that populate the entire island.

Since most visitors gravitate to the eastern shore beaches and resorts, it is worth keeping in mind that the island has so much more to offer. Take a day or two to make your way from the beaches inland. If you head west, you will eventually reach the much more rugged cliffs that dominate the western shore. You will also have the pleasure of seeing firsthand the olive groves and the abundance of other fruits and vegetables. You will also spend time in the small villages that otherwise might be missed. You can't help but absorb some of the culture and history that defines Corfu. It is a bonus that many visitors miss.

Realistically it is the beaches and resort towns that bring people back to Corfu time and again. And, in this economy, a factor that weighs heavily in the decision is cost. The good news is that you can find excellent bargains. From the most inexpensive accommodations to the luxury multi-star resorts, you can find some excellent bargains if you act quickly. Spend a few hours online and you will come away with a list of bargain travel deals to choose from.

A number of hotels and resorts are now offering all inclusive prices. What that means for you is that the price quoted includes not only your room or rooms. You also get full access to the activities that are offered as well as breakfast and dinner. Some places provide all meals. Those kinds of deals can save you quite a bit even if you choose to sample some of the offsite cuisine, and you should - you usually end up ahead of the game.

Other factors that make it an attractive holiday destination are its accessibility and the fact that it is extremely family friendly. You can get to Corfu quite easily by air, so there is no island hopping to get to where you want to be. Another option is the frequent ferry from Brindisi, Italy.

The island does tend to be very family friendly. Many hotels and resorts accommodate children under a certain age for free, while the charge for older youngsters is somewhat less than for adults. Moreover, if playing on the beach and swimming are not enough to keep youngsters happy, you will also find a variety of other activities. Some are monitored by hotel personnel, leaving Mum and Dad some time of their own if they want it for a day.