Few people visiting the *Greek Islands* think to visit Corfu, which is not in the Aegean, but rather off the Northwest coast of mainland Greece. Too bad. It/s really incredible. The local regent offered a bounty in the 16th century for each olive tree planted on the island. As a consequence, unlike the rest of the Greek Islands, it is a green paradise hanging off of spectacular rocky cliffs.

   Also, its west coast has broad, sandy beaches with real ocean surf.

   And this same long west coast is full of spectacular rocky beaches with nice, and incredibly cheap, hotels nestled amongst them.

   The main town of Kerkira has a mediterranean charm.

   There are some beautiful homes in the hills surrounding it. All in all, the feel of this island is more Italian than Greek. This isn/t surprising, since the heel of the boot of Italy is only 75 miles across the Adriatic. You can fly here direct from Athens, and it is a terrific change-up from the dry, bleached islands that Greece is most famous for.