GOUVIA
Area: Corfu
Country: Greece


Location:
On the E coast of the island of Corfu, opposite the Greek mainland. 5» miles NW of Corfu Town and airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 26610

Position:
At the central point of an almost completely enclosed natural bay. Olive and citrus groves and lush hillsides lie to the W.

Description:
Once a Venetian naval base, Gouvia now has a 274-berth yacht marina. The resort has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, with both a lively nightlife and quiet hillside spots. The centre has a cramped feel and a one-way system along the main strip. At one end of the beach is a ruined Venetian arsenal and a precariously beached wreck of a yacht. 1 mile inland is Danila, a purpose-built Greek-style village where folklore performances are organised for evening trips. Adjoining Gouvia is the quiet village of Kontokali.

Suitability:
Middlemarket, without extremes of either nightlife or isolation. Currently favoured by German visitors.

Accommodation:
A range of hotels with a few in each category.

Shopping:
Limited, although tourist shops sell island's own honey, famous ouzo, olive-wood trinkets and beach wear. Corfu Town is the place to go.

Beach:
Narrow sand and shingle beaches in several small shallow coves, no more than 150 yds from town centre; can become crowded. Mud can be a problem as Gouvia is located at the end of a lagoon. Paragliding and a variety of other water sports are available as well as boat trips. More on offer in nearby Dassia.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach activities. Nightlife: main road lined with lively tavernas, cocktail and sports bars and discos.

Eating:
Good-value snack bars. Greek tavernas serve traditional fare. Pasta restaurants; pizzerias. British cuisine widely available. Even a "Tex-Mex".

Public-transport:
Regular Corfu_Dassia buses. Long-distance service between Corfu and northern resorts.

Local-excursions:
See Corfu Town.