Every beach in Corfu has its own bar or taverna to keep you refreshed from sun up 'til sun down. Beyond that, it very much depends on what your nightlife cup of tea is. Corfu does have a reputation for being something of a party island, but if you're looking for a serene escape, don't let this put you off. There are plenty of laid-back lovelies where you can toast the evening without thumping basslines in the background. Find yourself at home in Glyfada's tavernas where you can enjoy a drink at sunset. Or kick back and feast on the quietness in Kalami with its handful of chilled-out bars.

If you want to up the ante though, night owls are spoilt for choice. Taking the number one party spot is Kavos. Crammed full of bars and clubs, it's the one that never stops. From discos blasting out pop-tastic hits to too-cool clubs pumping out R&B and garage, this place rocks right through the night. Just as hip and happening is Corfu Town with its lively disco strip and buzzing bars. Or check out Kassiopi's harbour where you'll find trendy bars and cocktail joints.

Corfu town definitely has a nightlife scene, though many people are content to linger over dinner and then, after a promenade, repair to one of the cafes at the Liston, such as the Liston, Europa, or Aegli -- all of which have similar selections of light refreshments and drinks. Others are drawn to the cafes at the north end of the Esplanade, just outside the Liston -- Cafe Bar 92, Magnet, or Cool Down. For a special treat, ascend to the rooftop cafe/bar at Cavalieri hotel. Another choice is Lindos Cafe, overlooking the beach and facilities of the Nautical Club of Corfu.

It's approached by steps leading off Leoforos Demokratias, just south and outside the Esplanade. And one of the best-kept secrets of Corfu town is the little Art Cafe, to the right and behind the Museum of Asian Art; its garden provides a wonderful, cool, quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the town. If you enjoy more action -- loud music and dancing -- several nightspots are along the coast to the north, between Corfu town and the beach resort of Gouvia. They include Ekati, a typical Greek nightclub, Esperides, featuring Greek music; and Corfu by Night, definitely touristy.

The youngest night crawlers find places that go in and out of favor (and business) from year to year. Among the more enduring up around the Esplanade are the relatively sedate Aktaion, just to the right of the Old Fort; and clubs featuring the latest music such as Hook and Base along Kapodistriou (before the Cavialieri Hotel). Young people seeking more excitement go down past the new port to a strip of flashy discos -- Au Bar, Cristal, Elxis and the Vila Mercedes.

In summer, frequent concerts by orchestras and bands are held on the Esplanade; most of them are free. Corfu town boasts the oldest band in Greece. The Sound-and-Light performances are described in the listing for the Old Fort. September brings Corfu festival, with concerts, ballet, opera, and theater performances by a mix of Greek and international companies. Carnival in Corfu is celebrated on the last Sunday before Lent with a parade and the burning of an effigy representing the spirit of Carnival. For those who like to gamble, the casino at the Corfu Holiday Palace hotel is a few miles outside of town. Open nightly (8pm-3am) to individuals 23 years or older, it may not have the glamour of Monte Carlo, but it attracts an international set during the tourists high season (July till late August) in Corfu.