The climate in Corfu features hot, dry summers and mild winter weather. Temperatures in July and August range from 90ºF (32ºC) during the day to 64ºF (18ºC) at night. Rainfall is unlikely during the peak summer season, but heavy showers can be expected between September and April.

Getting around Corfu is fairly easy, but rather limited. There is an inexpensive yet highly efficient public transport system with KTEL Green Buses servicing most destinations on the island and connections between Kerkyra and Ag, Benitses, Kavos, Sidari, Stefanos and Ipsos on a daily basis. Taxis can be easily hailed in the street or booked in advance. Taxi stands are located in Corfu Town and the main resorts or bookings can be made by calling +30 33811 2. Hiring a car is a good option for those wanting to properly explore Corfu. There are plenty of car hire agencies dotted throughout the island.

There's more to Corfu than its party and clubbing scene, and with plenty of sun, sand and surf, children on holiday in Corfu can have a great time.

Water sports such as jet skis, pedalos, banana rides and parasailing can be enjoyed, while on dry land the little one can build sand castles on the beach, but choose your beach carefully as many are pebbled, and don't forget the sunscreen. For a great day in the outdoors, take a walk on Mount Pantokrator, the highest mountain on Corfu, located in the north, or enjoy a pony or horse ride on the shoreline in Avlaki, Kassiopi. Kids will love Aqualand Park, one of the best water parks in Europe, while a trip to the viewpoint of Kanoni, near the eastern port of Corcyra, will reward with breathtaking views over the island.

On days when outdoor activities are not an option, many of the larger hotels provide kids clubs where children can interact, play and make new friends. In many villages throughout Corfu, puppet shows, called Karagiozis are organized, giving children the opportunity to breach the language barrier and embrace the local culture.

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, divided into 100 cents. Banks and bureaux de change are widely available and travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining euros.

Known for its wild nightlife and its reputation as a bit of a party island, Corfu has enough late night entertainment to keep anyone going from dusk until dawn. From pumping clubs to laid back bars and lounges, Corfu is one destination where the nightlife cannot be avoided.

Corfu Town offers wonderful tavernas and restaurants along the waterfront, a great start to a big night out. Popular clubs include Apokalypsis, DNA and the Hippodrome, the only nightclub with a swimming pool. Most of the popular clubs worth visiting are located on Ethnikis Antistasseos, the main road heading north from the town, and party people should be willing to drop a bit of cash at these places.

Those more into music bars will find there are more than enough options to keep themselves busy, with everything from rock, soul, trance, ethnic, underground and even traditional Greek music bars, the choice is endless. Holiday resorts such as Kavos and Sidari are synonymous with nightlife and are particularly popular with British tourists.

There are, of course, other more chilled out options for those not interested in trying to have a conversation over a thumping bass line and blaring house music. Head to Kalami where laid-back bars abound, or for a tavern, Glyfada is a fabulous area to enjoy a sundowner, looking out over the sparkling Ionion Sea. There are orchestra and band concerts in the Old Fort in the summertime, and September brings the Corfu Festival and a number of ballet, opera, theatre and musical performances.

The larger resorts in Corfu all have supermarkets and touristy shops. Popular souvenirs include hand-made jewellery, lace, ceramics, pottery and olive wood sculptures. The best choice can be found in Corfu Town, the main commercial centre where there are many shops. There is a market here every morning, except Sunday. In more rural areas you'll find vendors selling home-made olive oil, honey, and wine from streetside stalls. Haggling is expected. One of the best souvenirs is the kumquat liqueur, which makes a wonderful gift. Most shops close over lunch time, but are open late, particularly during peak season.

In addition to its wonderful beaches and warm ocean, the lush green island of Corfu plenty of things to see and do, many of which have some cultural or historical significance. Outdoor activities to enjoy include horse riding, hiking and water sports, and there is even an 18-hole championship golf course for those fancying a quick round.

Start off in the beautiful leafy Corfu Town, which boasts some wonderful churches, fortresses and even a palace. History buffs will love the Archaeological Museum, offering insight into Corfu's past, as well as the neoclassical Museum of Asian Art, which houses some breathtaking pieces originating from China and Japan, and the Municipal Gallery of Corfu which showcases famous works such as the 'Sphinx' by Sp. Skarvelis and 'The assassination of Capodistria' by Haralambos Pachis.

There are many smaller villages worth visiting in Corfu as well. The villa of Achilleion, just 6 miles (10km) south of Corfu town, has beautiful rolling gardens which provide the perfect location for famous statues by the German sculptor, Herter. The terraced cliff-top view point known as Kanoni, near the eastern port of Corcyra, is the perfect place to take that postcard shot for the holiday album. Nymphes is a green village with a number of wells and waterfalls heavy with myth and legend.

Corfu also has a number of popular beaches, including Sidari with its 'Kanal de l'Amour', the pretty bay of Kassiopi, the quiet Lefkimmi with its children's playground, and the unspoilt Chalikounas Beach.