Gouvia is 5 km (approx. 3 miles) from Corfu Town and the Airport is on the east coast of the island. Gouvia feels self-contained and a little secluded due to its setting even though it is so close to the capital. Its the home to Corfu's main Marina and has a strong seafaring history going back to its days as a Ventian naval base. Gouvia remains popular with the island's rich and often famous boat owners. There are some impressive homes and costly yachts to be found in Gouvia harbour. Gouvia and its next door neighbour Kontokali (also with its own marina) attract tourists from all over the world. The British, American and Germans love it here, as well as the Greeks themselves who come in droves to enjoy the international atmosphere.

Gouvia sits in a tightly curving natural bay. There is a choice of Gouvia beaches and some quieter more secluded spots for bathing. They are mostly of shingle and pebbles. The beach has a shallow slope into the sea, the centre of the beach is safer than the sides, but on the whole swimming is safe for children, but supervision would be advised. Beach facilities also iclude Showers, toilets,sunbeds and brollies are available for a small charge and best for comfort on the pebbles. And while you lie on your sunbed you can gaze at the whitewashed walls of Ipapanti Church opposite the beach. It was built by the son of a Cretan aristocrat, it underwent extensive restoration work in 1996. The church's feast day is marked by two festivals on 2 February and 17 july.

Access to a Gouvia beach is easy from anywhere in the village, and a circular walk can be made to and from the beach on a tarmac surface. Due to the large bay shape and the shingle beach it is sometimes covered in a little seaweed and there is a possibility of urchins, please be careful. Gouvia offers the usual beach activities include paragliding, diving and most water sports, or why not hire a boat and explore the many coves up and down the coast. Another beach worth a visit is the Blue Flagged beach at Kontokali.

If you fancy a change from the beach you could head south along the shore from Gouvia beach, before passing a small jetty, on the right, you will see what remains of an age-old tradition. Here are sited a number of stone arches that once formed part of a Venetian shipyard. If you wonder why they chose here forget any maritime arguments and just look at the view. Your holidays in Gouvia could include a visit to the Lagoon water park, this is a pay as you enter leisure and water park, or a visit to Danilia, a Greek folklore centre built in traditional Greek style, or even hire a horse and explore the green hills, olive groves and citrus plantations, taking in the breath taking views, the famous beauty spot of Paleokastritsa isn't far, its a stunning village surrounded by dramatic wooded headlands.

Accommodation in Gouvia is varied and largely family orientated. There a very cosmopolitan feel to Gouvia, with some excellent restaurants, tavernas, bars and lively nightlife, yes Gouvia does have a couple of good clubs. If you do get hungry and want authentic Greek food that makes you want to eat there again, (only after a good days rest to get over the portions), look no further than:

Aries Taverna - to make it particularly Greek don't go for a traditionally English three course meal, order lots of starters and everyone dig right in - make your very own meze. Catch them on the right night and the brothers or their sons will dance for you too.

Or if your in the mood for Italian:

Bongo's - is a must for pizza, mind the steps as you go out if you've had a 'merry' evening. Taverna Vegina - is good for people watching while you eat a leisurely meal. Options include its own specialities. The kleftico came in paper parcels.

Poco Loco - if you tire of gorgeous Greek grub, it does amazing Mexican food. Argo's - is a sophisticated restaurant with an upmarket menu and extensive, if expensive, wine list. Sample Greek and international food, including hamburgers and sandwiches, as well as Greek dancing (three times weekly). For English food plus a game of pool and darts try:

The Locanda - a friendly British-run pub which serves the odd Greek speciality too. There are many, many more that provide excellant food.

Now if your feeling thirsty theres also plenty of bars:

Archies - in Kontokali is loud and bustling-with alive DJ, karaoke and dancing.

The Beer Bucket - is no place for the shy and retiring. There's live rhythm and blues bands once a week, gallons of draft beer, dancing on the bar and lots of laddish behaviour It's in Kontokali,

The King Size, Prince - in Gouvia fills up quickly with those keen to hear the English DJ play some great music,

Treetops - in Gouvia has excellent music and friendly atmosphere,

Trax - in Kontokali is a relaxing place for both couples and families to chill out, sip a cocktail or two and enjoy the warm welcome of owner Spiros while unwinding to jazz, reggae and soul.

Whispers - in Gouvia attracts a mostly a young crowd, the music pub,

Melodies - in Gouvia has great cocktails served by a flamboyant barman. Are you exhausted yet?.

The Shopping in Gouvia is better than average, there is the 'Diellas' supermarket on the main Paleokastritsa road, just opposite the Gouvia junction, its an 'Italian' hypermarket, or another popular supermarket is Alpha Beta or AB. It is on the same side as Diellas and is opposite a lane that will take you into Kontokali, past the Navigators Bar and Cava off-license. AB is slightly smaller than Diellas, but has a neat lift for customers to reach its second floor. It carry's more purely Greek products, if there is such a thing. You will find both useful if self-catering. Gouvia shops offer plenty of choice and you'll find lots of jewellery, clothes and leather. For high quality Italian goods at bargain prices try the leather warehouse, its sited at the far end of Gouvia (towards Dassia) If you do tire of Gouvia the resortof dassia is about a 15 minute walk away or why not visit the lively resort of Ipsos approx. 10 minutes by car. And the exclusive resort of Kommeno is just around the headland and with its famous 'Church Island' which is well is worth a visit. All are connected by public transport. But you will find Gouvia offers a little of everything, for you to enjoy your holiday.