Barbati Holidays

Holidays in Barbati. A breathtaking mountainous backdrop. An award winning white pebble beach. A haven of calm on the island of Corfu. Packing already?

Barbati is almost two resorts in one. The main road is lined by bars and restaurants mixed in with traditional tavernas and pavement cafes, while the beach enjoys a blissful seclusion, away from the road and busier centre. Couples needing quiet lay in the sun all day. Young families paddle in the shallow, clear seas. This pristine pine-lined bay has won the EU Blue Flag and it's amazing it's not busier than it is. With two boat rental stalls and banana boats or waterskiing, the watersports here are unobtrusive. So you can sit back, let the sun warm your skin and gaze out across the water to Corfu Town.

Stay at Hotel Pantokrator, nestled at the foot of the mountain , or right on Barbati beach at Pelagos Villa. The Apollo Villa sits beside a cove so secluded it's practically private. Self catering holidays in Barbati are a breeze, with a couple of supermarkets and evenings out on taverna terraces. You can always hop in a boat across the bay to Corfu Town.

It may be small, but Barbati has its fair share of watering holes. For total refreshment, try one of the public swimming pool bars - something for mind, body and soul! Seaside bars like Agathi's are ideal for a cocktail at sunset. After dark Barbati buzzes with laughter and music - the perfect way to wind down as the day cools off.

'A long white pebble beach beneath forested slopes and a friendly village atmosphere - Barbati's a slice of old-time Corfu.'

Barbati's big on beach. Cradled by the lower slopes of Mount Pandokrator on one side and blue seas on the other, this mile-long stretch of smooth shingle must be one of the most ravishing in Corfu.

Arrive here early and you can feel suitably smug about grabbing a prize spot on the pebbles. From thereon in, there's little to stand between you and sunbathing-and-swimming heaven. Sink into the cool, azure waters - they're good for children, although the beach shelves fairly steeply. Or plant yourself on a lilo and wallow in the stunning views towards Corfu Town. Otherwise, just lay under the warm sun as you lazily turn the pages of that book you've been meaning to read. Then turn over and snooze away the hours without even the sneakiest look at your watch. And if the mood grabs you, try a waterskiing session or ringo ride from the watersports centre in the corner of the bay.

When you can tear yourself away, fix your sights on a beachside taverna for a scrumptious seafood spaghetti and carafe of ice-cold white wine. Once full, climb back up the steepish track to the small resort for the bliss of a Greek-style siesta. For a different kind of day, trek the pine-cloaked slopes to the summit of Mount Pandokrator. Glowing from the effort, you'll be rewarded by 360 degrees views over the island and ocean.

Come evening, Barbati's tavernas and cocktail bars shift seamlessly into nighttime mode. After dinner, enjoy a Greek floorshow or get into a slower, simpler groove enjoying a restful glass of wine as the sun descends below the dusky hills.

The jewel in Barbati's crown is its long, shingle beach and calm azure sea. Watersports are on offer and provide some of Barbati's limited entertainment. There are remnants of an ancient church right on the beach - it is closed but definitely worth a look. This resort is popular with families and couples and will suit you if you want to be drenched not only in sunshine, but also in beauty and friendliness.