Corfu (Kerkyra) Island

Corfu is the northern island of the Ionian Sea. The famous Homeric island, according to findings has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. Corfu's charms are innumerable and her fame insuperable, therefore, it is not accidental that the island's tourism is constantly increasing. Endowed with physical beauty, gorgeous shores idyllic landscapes and fertile land, it is regarded as one of the most cosmopolitan places. The modern resorts with super deluxe tourist accommodations have become extremely popular, attracting throngs of tourists constantly. Jewel of the island remains the old city - and capital - of Corfu. Adorned with neoclassical structures, tall bell towers, Venetian castles, verdant parks, flagstone alleys, the famous Liston - looking towards the central square of Spianada - and with other implausible sights in abundance, no wonder, Corfu is an island to be visited. Along the disproportionate streets of the old city scenic alleys - interrupted by monuments, Byzantine churches and stone fountains - walk to the Spianada - the famous central square - cross Liston (since the street is a copy of the Rue de Rivoli, undoubtedly you will get a taste of Paris), watch a game of cricket at the evergreen park and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the many cafes. Begin your tour from the Old Fortress (behind Spianada), the best known of Corfu's monuments - built on a small isle. The fort is joined to the city by a long bridge. Inside it there is the church of Saint George, one of Corfu's most beautiful churches - built by the British. The New Fortress (or Fortress of St Mark) to the left of the city, was built between 1572 and 1589 by the Venetians in order to protect the city from an eventual Turkish invasion. You will be astonished by the appeal of the palace of Saints Michael and George - at the central square.

Place of Interest

San Giacomo. In the center of the old city there is the City Hall - known as San Giacomo - built by the Venetians between 1663 and 1680.

Ano Plateia In the Ano Plateia (upper square) there is the Ionian style circular Building (dedicated to the first British governor, Thomas Merland).

The Temple of Apollo. Hill of Ascension (a panoramic view of the continental shores and the ruins of a Dorian temple).

Archeological Museum. the Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Museum (housed at the Church of Panaghia (Virgin Mary) the Antivouniotissa.

Museum of Asiatic Art.

 Museum of Dionysios Solomos the home of the national poet.

Modern Art Gallery: Hawaii. Leaving the city of Corfu there are interesting outskirts to be visited:

Achilleium Palace At picturesque Yastouri (appr. 7 miles), you can view the Achilleium Palace built by the Empress Elisabeth of Austria,

Kanoni (2 ½ miles) one of the prettiest places of Corfu.

Mon Repos, where many hotels and restaurants are located in a very short distance from the city.

Benitses (8 miles) where tourist activity is very intense

Beaches

Remote sandy beaches, with crystal clear waters, are bound to be discovered there. In the Western coast of the island there is a small bay, Ermones (9 miles) an incredible landscape with a wild primitive beauty (where, according to Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus met Nausika). Pelekas (8 miles) is a traditional settlement, built on a hill resembling a large veranda overlooking the immenseness of the Ionian. The incredible vista of the village, along with its well-known sandy beach, Glyfatha, attracts many visitors. A similar landscape - a natural balcony over the sea - is Bella Vista, a unique view not to be missed.

North of Corfu, you will encounter Alykes (2 ½ miles); Kontokali and Gouvia (5 ½ miles), during the drive you will come upon many hotels, restaurants, taverns offering hospitality, good food and entertainment.

Many villages will enchant you among them Roda and Sidar (appr. 19 miles) offering some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. The area attracts great crowds, especially the renewed shore of Kanali - where, according to folklore - one could meet his/her mate.  

Transportation

By air

Regular -40 minute- flights from Athens (El. Venizelos airport).

By Boat

There are ferries from Patra and from Igoumenitsa as well, all year round.

By bus & boat

Buses from the station of Suburban Buses, 100 Kifissou str. (Athens), run daily to Igoumenitsa (almost 7 hours).