Kavos - Introduction

Kavos, on the Greek island of Corfu, has been Corfu's prime party resort since the 1980s. Its reputation was, and still is, based on British 18-30s on package deals searching for cheap booze and all-night discos. It is a purpose-built resort that grew up here due to a 2km (1.5-mile) stretch of sand beach, and its isolated position at the southern tip of the island where it cannot cause disturbance to others. Most visitors stay in self-catering apartments in Kavos itself, though there are several two- and three-star hotels located in the slightly more peaceful Asprokavos, lying a 15-minute walk to the south and offering views of the island of Paxos, and in St Peter's (Agios Petros in Greek), which was developed in the 1990s as a quieter alternative to noisy Kavos and lies a 15-minute walk to the north. The centre is filled with British-style pubs and discos, and while it remains sleepy through the day the riotous nightlife runs from 2300 till sunrise.

Who Goes There
Kavos buzzes from Easter to late-Oct, with activity peaking from June to September, when gangs of British 18-30s dominate the scene, with the addition of groups of young Italians and Greeks in August. Cheap alcohol and late-night partying are the main pull, and men outnumber women by 10:1. On the edge of Kavos, the quieter area of St Peter's is also suitable for older couples and young families.

Where in the World
Kavos is located on the southeast coast of the Greek island of Corfu on the Ionian Sea, 48km (30 miles) south of the island's capital and chief port, Corfu Town; 48km (30 miles) from the airport.

Kavos lies on a flat coastal plain giving onto a beach and the sea channel facing the Greek mainland. Unlike the mountainous north, the south of the island is flat and supports olive groves, scrubland and even bamboo.

When to go
Kavos has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes. Winters are mild. November to March is the rainy season. The best months to visit are between May and September when rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures average 27°C (80°F).

Beach
Kavos grew up along a 2km- (1 mile-) long stretch of sand. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, and watersport facilities including doughnut rings, banana boats, water skiing, jet skiing, plus bungee jumping and even catapulting. Remember that the beach is generally quieter in the morning as clubbers are rarely out of bed before lunchtime, though some sleep off their hangovers on the sand. Many of the hotels have small outdoor pools, which a surprising number of visitors seem to prefer to the sea.

Beyond the Beach
Sleeping off hangovers seems to take up a fair proportion of most visitors' time, but those who feel up to it might take a trip in a glass-bottom boat to view underwater life. There is also a go-kart track at St Peter's, 1.5km (1 mile) north of Kavos (on the main road).

Family Fun
Kavos' main beach is fine for kids as the water is safe and shallow, however some people might consider the resort too noisy and chaotic for children. One hour north of Kavos, in Agios Ioannis on the main road to Glyfada, lies Aqualand (www.aqualand-corfu.com) water park, a vast complex of pools, giant Jacuzzi and slides, plus a bouncy castles, an adventure playground and a games arcade. There is also a go-cart track in St Peter's (see above).

Retail Therapy
Kavos has several small supermarkets catering for everyday necessities and cheap alcohol, plus the usual souvenir shops selling tourist tat - postcards, beachwear and T-shirts. For a more sophisticated shopping experience, make a trip to Corfu Town, where typical mementoes include kumquat liquor, olive oil, objects carved from olive wood, jewellery and leather goods.

A Night on the Town
Kavos is renowned for its rowdy nightlife. Things start livening up around 2300, when touts begin try to lure passers-by in for drinks. The main road, which runs parallel to and two block in from the seafront, is one continual string of noisy bars and clubs. The biggest and most talked-about club is Futures (on the main road), with guest DJ's from London's Cream and Ministry, podiums and dancing on the bar, and a capacity of 1,500. Popular bars for music and a party atmosphere include 42nd Street and Buzz Bar. For something more relaxed, try Atlantis chill-out bar on the beach, which is open non-stop and makes a favourite spot for watching the sun rise after a hard night's clubbing.

Eating Out
Traditional Greek tavernas are vastly out-numbered by fast food joints, pizzerias, British-style pubs serving pub grub and all-day English breakfast, and down-market Chinese and Indian restaurants. Kavos also has the dubious privilege of being home to one of only three McDonalds on the island (the other two are in Sidari and Corfu Town).

Getting Around
The island is well served by bus. The interurban ‘green' bus links Corfu Town to Kavos twelve times per day in high season. Taxis are cheap by European standards. It is possible to hire cars, quad bikes and bicycles. Alternatively, taxi boats shuttle visitors to other nearby beaches along the coast.

Exploring Further Afield
The island's elegant capital, Corfu Town, is stunningly beautiful with a romantic mix of Venetian, French and British architecture dating back several centuries. There are also organised boat trips to the unspoilt island of Paxos south of Kavos. Alternatively, take a day trip by boat to Albania to visit Butrint National Park with its UNESCO-protected Greek and Roman archaeological site, and the seaside resort of Saranda.

Splashing Out
If you really want to dress-to-impress, take a day off from the beach and head for up-market Corfu Town, where you'll find a wide selection of sexy, Mediterranean style clothes, shoes and jewellery, great for flaunting your tan. What's more, clothes and shoes are generally cheaper than they would be in other western European countries. And remember, the summer sales start in July.

Flying In
Corfu International Airport (KFU)

Kavos Deals

Flights to Kavos
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Hotels in Kavos

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prices are per night based on two people sharing

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