The sea around Kavos is warm and shallow and ideal for swimming and watersports, which holidaymakers can arrange from the beach. Popular excursions include a visit to the nearby aqua park and boat trips around the scenic coast. Those with a taste for culture should make the trip to the island's historic capital, Corfu Town, which is packed with interesting archaeological sights. Also, the interior of Corfu is worth exploring for those looking for some tranquillity; it remains very unspoilt and uncrowded even during the peak season.

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.

The nightlife and entertainment in Kavos is geared for 18-30s, so families would do better to stay well clear of the main strip. This area also attracts touts from far afield. The salesmen outside the bars and restaurants are very pushy but can be worth chatting up as they offer free drinks, but beware of the double measures. Visitors should avoid the Albanian gypsies selling flowers and glow bangles, or keep a very close eye on their wallets. The beach in Kavos is not great and is sometimes covered in litter and seaweed, however it offers safe swimming and lots of watersports. Mosquitoes can be a problem over the summer and the local shops sell various types of repellent. Mopeds are a great way to get around the local area, but tourists should be aware that they also put scores of people into hospital each year.

Kavos is the top party holiday destination in Greece and is crammed full of bars and clubs with music, dancing and karaoke. Snobs is a popular bar but the Rolling Stone is a good option for those who need a change from the constant beat of R&B and Garage music; it plays 60s, 70s and 80s classics and is always busy. Good nightclubs include the Limelight, Venue and Future & Atlantis, and hardcore partiers will love the nightly foam party at S-EX.

There are a wide choice of cafes, restaurants and fast food joints, but most offer a similar menu catering to holidaymakers and the unadventurous British palate. There is a variety of fresh seafood, and plenty of takeaway souvlaki and gyros places.

The shopping in Kavos is limited to souvenir and 'bucket and spade' shops selling the usual tourist tat geared to holidaymakers, including some (often quite good) fake designer labels. For more choice, there are regular buses to Corfu Town (half an hour away), which has an excellent range of shops. Good buys include gold, leather, lace, ceramics and silver. For self-caterers, there are a few mini-markets that supply the essentials, including cheap alcohol and cigarettes. For those that risk buying anything from the street vendors, remember to haggle hard.