Corfu has been inspiring storytellers since Homer, and Shakespeare is said to have drawn on it too. One look at this green Ionian island and you'll understand why. Olive and citrus groves scent the air, the sea glows in brilliant shades of blue, and the stress of everyday life seems to drift away the moment you arrive. You'll also see it called Kerkyra or Korfu.

The coastline is the big draw, and there's a beach for every mood. Choose a quiet stretch of sand with gentle water, or a lively pebble beach with tavernas and loungers close at hand. After a few days in the sun, spend some time on the island's history and culture. Corfu Town is home to many of the top sights, including the Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) and the surprising Corfu Museum of Asian Art. Over on the west coast, visit the hilltop Paleokastritsa Monastery above glittering bays, and stop to meet the residents at the Corfu Donkey Rescue.

Corfu works beautifully as a stand-alone island escape or a stop on a Mediterranean cruise. I'll match you with the right part of the island, the perfect hotel or villa, and the excursions worth adding.