Olika

Below the villa is the blue sea and a pair of beaches - Prasoudi, which is accessed directly from the gardens - and Kauris, which is an easy stroll away. Other beautiful beaches close by include Paramona to the north and Halikounas to the south. This latter is a 3km-long stretch of sand and dunes that separates the sea from Lake Korission, an oasis of natural beauty that's home a vibrant range of flora, fauna and birdlife. The beach also has an excellent water sports centre offering lessons and facilities for kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

Behind Olika, lush, wooded hills rise up to over 400m. At the top is the venerable Pantokrator Monastery, and there is much more to explore along the walking trails that depart from nearby Agios Mattheos. This village, which is just a 10-minute drive from Olika, is an unspoilt, authentic Corfiot centre with a good selection of amenities, including minimarkets and tavernas.

Corfu Town, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site old town, its twin Venetian fortresses and its vibrant weave of streets flanked by restaurants, cafés and bars, is easily reachable in about 45 minutes.

The north of Corfu is within easy driving distance, and whether you head to the clifftop Venetian castle of Angelokastro, the idyllic bays and beaches of northeastern Corfu, the atmospheric abandoned mountain village of Old Perithia you will never have to drive much more than an hour and a half.

Corfu also offers many stimulating and fun activities for kids, if you can get them out of Olika's pool and away from its beach.