Zefiros Traditional Hotel

This landmark , family-owned hotel in Corfu's prettiest resort combines traditional style with modern facilities. There are sea views from every room, and a ground floor bistro with galleried terrace serves breakfast, snacks and traditional Greek cooking until late. Palaiokastritsa's spectacularly scenic (but often crowded) beach is just across the street from the hotel, and there are fabulous views from every window of the wooded crags that enchanted Victorian visitors to the island. Originally a government-run hotel (it opened in 1935), the 11-room property has been in the hands of its present owners for three generations. They have very successfully blended nostalgic charm with modern facilities such as free wifi, air conditioning and mini-kitchenette in all rooms and suites. Accommodation is a mix of standard doubles and family rooms for up to five, and all rooms have balconies. The bright and airy café-bistro, where breakfast and all-day drinks and light meals are served, occupies the whole ground floor and has an attractive sea-view terrace. There is no pool, but the perfect sandy beach with its child-friendly shallow water is so close that this really isn't a drawback. An ideal base for a family holiday by the beach, or for exploring the island.