Pelekas Beach/Kontogialos.

This beach once enjoyed international fame as an essential stop on the 'hippy trail' - and though those days are gone, since the arrival of roads and a hotel, it retains the same idyllic qualities that once tempted beach connosieurs. With a long gentle curve of soft golden sand - backed by the steep olive clad slopes of Pelekas hill - the gently shelving bay and clear water are ideal for swimming.

The beach is bracketed by two little harbours, used by small local fishing boats, and several tavernas provide shade and refreshments. 'Johnny's', at the north end, is notable as one of the last traditional beach 'kafenions' on the island, serving basic food and drink from a vine shaded terrace that looks all the way down the impressive coastline. At the other end of the beach, 'Maria's' is much larger, and famous for its fresh fish, caught locally by the owner. In the middle, 'Spyro's' and 'Naftis' sit right on the beach, and provide welcome refuge from the midday sun.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire, and there are a couple of volleyball courts for the more active, but for watersports, you're better off at Glyfada. Overall, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and a sign of quality is that at the quieter ends of the season you'll find yourself sharing the beach with as many Corfiots as tourists.

Getting There:

The free minibus runs every couple of hours during the day. Since the road to the north end of the beach turns off from the main road right at Paradise, the easiest thing is to stop the minibus on its way down to the beach, and get the late afternoon or early evening bus right back to the door. Later in the evening, the bus departs for the village from the top end of the hotel - to get there, walk up the road beside 'Spyro's' until you come to the hotel gate (remember to continue along - not up - where the road forks, unless you want a good workout walking all the way up!) - and stops in the village square. If you'll have a car, the roads to the beach turn off at Paradise, or at the big corner below the village, and there are plenty of signs.