The Greek island of Corfu could be satisfied with trading on its gorgeous looks, but as NICK HALLISSEY discovered, there's more to it than that - including James Bond...

MY fiance, Liz, is getting a tad fed up with me. Whenever we go on holiday, I find a movie location to explore; it's quite tedious, really.

Last year: Tunisia, which provided the alien landscapes for Star Wars. This year: Corfu. And Liz thought she was safe.

Sadly not; for this island was the location for much of the James Bond flick, For Your Eyes Only, and as such, it was a must.

But enough of that; what of Corfu itself?

This lovely island, Kerkira to the locals, is set like an emerald in the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece, with Albania to the north. The Greeks actually call it "the emerald isle", in tribute to its lush and verdant vegetation.

At a mere 37 miles from top to toe, it makes an ideal destination for the moderately adventurous traveller. You can relax on the beaches, swim in the pools, and groove in the discos for as long as you want in the resorts, but much of the island can be explored in just two days.

Liz (let's call her Moneypenny) and I stayed in Benitses, a fairly gaudy resort about seven miles south of the Corfiot capital, Corfu Town.

Benitses is beginning to undergo a bit of a change at the moment, and not a very promising one. Formerly an energetic place with the youth appeal of a mini-Ibiza, the town has been upstaged by Kavos, and so is now getting a little shabby. Delboy Trotter's Pub doesn't help. On the other hand, this is still the Ionian Coast, so it's better than Grimsby.

Once a week, the 18-30 set come up from Kavos to "treat" Benitses to a foam party, and, recklessly, we went along. This is a thumping disco, during which giant foam guns are fired at the crowd. We made a quick exit, Moneypenny feeling like she'd lost a fight with a bottle of Radox.

But that's about it for Benitses' brash excesses; most nights, you'll be assured of peaceful slumber. Just watch for the midges.

The town boasts a smashing array of tavernas, and prices are reasonable. The divine mixed grill of lamb and pork for two at Antonis works out at about £10.

So that's Benitses. But we wanted out. Hiring a neat little Opel Corsa, we set off up the coast.

Corfu Town is a must-see. It is here that the island's multi-cultural history comes alive, with French, Venetian, Byzantine and British influences all competing for space. There's even an English cricket pitch in the middle of the esplanade.

There's great shopping to be had here, either on the swish, French-style Liston arcade, or in the souk-like backstreets. Top sightseeing venues include the magnificent Old Fortress (scene of a Bond car chase), and the nearby islets of Vlakherna and Pondikonissi.

Down the road, you'll find the frankly bizarre Achilleon Palace, built by the bonkers Elizabeth of Austria, in honour of her hero, the Greek warrior Achilles. It's costly and heaving, but it's worth at least a quick look from the gates.

Up and around the north coast, you'll find Corfu's real tourist gems. Kassiopi has a bustling harbour and beguiling quayside life; it's like a sun-kissed version of Whitby.

In Sidhari, you'll find breathtaking rock formations, and a dramatic inlet called the Canal d'Amour, which, it is claimed, brings eternal happiness to lovers swimming in it. It didn't work; Moneypenny and I argued over the directions afterwards.

Then there's the astounding beauty of Paleokastritsa, with its majestic cliffs and serrated coastline. It's very popular, though, so book early if you're looking for beach space.

We also found our way up the slopes of Corfu's highest mountain, Pantokrator, and to the ghost-hamlet of Perithia, just shy of the summit. It may be no more than two cafs and the saddest-looking craft shop in the world, but Perithia is a very special place. Quiet, humble, and fiercely guarded by the surrounding peaks, it nonetheless offers a chance for the weary traveller to take time out and contemplate life for a moment.

Corfu is a beautiful place; its variety and colour hard to match in the Med. Many of the beaches are pebbly, many of the resorts a trifle overworked, but the memories of the sea at Paleokastritsa, and cricket in Corfu Town, will never fade.

We found the Bond locations, of course, and Moneypenny humoured me as I pretended to be Roger Moore. But the truth is, Corfu probably has enough to inspire a film in anyone.

- Nick and Liz travelled with Olympic holidays on a late deal for £309 per person, for two weeks' self catering.

- Car hire was approx £50 for two full days with Alpha Car Rental.