Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Ionian Islands / Corfu / Kavos
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| | | Kavos |  | Why go on holiday to Kavos?
On the southern tip of Corfu, Kavos, formerly a quiet fishing village, is now the place for hard drinking and partying. Burn the candle at both ends all night then crash out in the sun all day on the long, narrow beach or indulge in some watersports. The resort is packed with bars and clubs and is one of the most popular places to let your hair down in Greece.
Beware - among the more respectable revellers, there's also a high proportion of British lager louts. Most of the visitors to this resort are under 25.
How much will it cost?
Seven nights accommodation in an apartment within walking distance of the beach costs from £199, including flights.
When should I go?
The partying is heartiest in busy July and August but the heat might wear you out - temperatures can climb into the 90sF (30C). June and September are slightly cooler and less crowded.
Who's it for?
The young, single person or lively young couples. Steer clear if you're elderly or looking for a quiet holiday. Not recommended for families.
What are the must-sees?
Most visitors don't get further than the local bar and the beach, but if you fancy a stroll, Cape Aspro Kavos just below the town is good for walks. On a clear day you can see across to the neighbouring island of Paxos. There's an old ruin of a monastery nearby.
Otherwise this part of the island doesn't have a lot to see - hop on a bus for the half-hour ride into Corfu Town for shopping and sightseeing.
What will I spend?
Litre of petrol 50p, moderately-priced restaurant meal for two with wine £20, 24-exposure film £2.50, bottle of beer £1 and four-mile taxi ride about £3. All prices will vary.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Greece.
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| | Fact File : Kavos |
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| | | Kavos | | Did you know?
Small pieces of blue glass resembling eyes, worn round necks, are to ward off the evil eye, an ancient belief linked to the worship of the sea.
Language
Greek, Italian spoken by older inhabitants, English for most tourist activities.
Visas
None required for EU citizens.
Getting there
Flights from Glasgow, Manchester, Stansted, Gatwick, East Midlands, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol or Luton direct to Corfu. You can also fly to Athens and take a train to the ferry at Patras or one of three daily internal flights. From Patras you can get ferries to most of the Ionian islands.
Flying time from London
Three hours 10 minutes.
Getting around
KTEL bus services are useful to get from towns to resorts and beaches. Although regular, they are not frequent nor do they go to out-of-the-way places. Local buses also serve Corfu town and surrounds. Hire cars and mopeds are ideal as it's a small island but remember the road fatality rate is the highest in Europe. Greece recognises all national driving licences.
Currency
Euro.
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p, moderately-priced restaurant meal for two with wine £20, 24-exposure film £2.50, bottle of beer £1 and four-mile taxi ride about £3. All prices will vary.
Weather
Temperatures in July and August can climb into the 90sF (30sC). June and September are slightly cooler and less crowded.
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 661.
Voltage
220V 50Hz, standard continental plug shapes. UK appliances will need adaptors.
Opening hours
Banks, 8am-2pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-1.30pm Friday. Post offices, 7.30am-2pm Monday-Friday. Summer shop hours, 8am-1.30pm and 5.30pm-8.30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 8am-2.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. But many are open all day in big resorts.
Health — before you go
No vaccinations are required to enter Greece. But recommended routine jabs are tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and hepatitis (for package tours it is probably not necessary). The UK does have a reciprocal health care agreement with Greece. To use this you need an EHIC form from the UK Department of Health (available in post offices).
Health — when you are there
Rabies is uncommon but present in Greece, don't go cuddling any animals you see by the roadside — if bitten or licked on broken skin seek medical advice. To use the health agreement you need to visit an IKA office with an E111 from the UK. Even using the IKA scheme there are some charges, you may find it simpler just to buy adequate travel insurance.
Warnings
Be wary of sea urchins when swimming (they look like suspiciously regular black holes in the rock until you stand on them). Do not zoom round like the locals without a helmet when on motorbikes/mopeds — you don't know the roads like they do.
Emergency
Corfu General Hospital, tel 45 811. Police: contact the "tourist police" through your hotel/local tourist office for visitor-based issues such as rip-offs or even regular theft as they will act as intermediaries with the regular police. British Embassy in Athens: Ploutarhou 1, Athens 106 75. Tel 723 6211. British Consulate in Corfu Town: Menekratou 1, tel 0661 30 055.
Customs
Toilets are usually western-style, but some are still squatting-style, and neither will flush away loo paper — put it in the bin. Greece is quite a traditional country so tone down your dress or your un-dress in non-resort areas. Nudity is not tolerated.
Pets
Greece is a qualifying country for the Pet Travel Scheme but check with your vet for details.
Tipping
Service is included on restaurant bills, but it is customary to leave a small tip. The same holds for taxis, unless you feel brave enough to haggle.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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