10 + 1 THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN CORFÙ –
by Tamara from “My trip to Greece”
Corfu is the second largest island of the Ionian archipelago, the island that over the last 1000 years has seen the continuous coming and going of Byzantines, English, French and Venetians and each of them has clearly left their mark!
If you are considering a trip to Kerkyra but are not yet 100% convinced, here are 10+1 things to do and see in Corfu.
1-GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER
Did you know that Corfu, in addition to being a destination to spend your summer holidays, is also one of the most famous destinations in Greece, and not only, when it comes to Easter?
Well yes, the Greeks themselves and people from all over the world choose Corfu during the Greek Orthodox Easter as it is truly unique and singular, full of events that start from Palm Sunday… an unmissable opportunity!
2- CORFU TOWN
A walking tour through the streets of the capital is the perfect way to explore its historic center, which among other things has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007; in some ways you will feel like you are walking through the alleys of Venice, but without canals!
3- OLD VENETIAN FORTRESS
Once the historic center has been explored, a visit to the old fortress is unmissable, which initially housed the ancient city formed in the Byzantine era, easily reachable from the Spianada.
To access it you will have to walk along the iron bridge that crosses a small moat, up to the main entrance, where visitors are welcomed by the statue of Count Johann Matthias von der Schulenberg, commander who led the defense of Corfu against the Turks during the siege of 1716.
Within the complex are a number of interesting monuments, including the remains of an old English hospital and a Roman temple, St George’s Church.
Furthermore, the Fortress hosts the Corfu Public Library which is located in the old British barracks, while the area is also used for various types of art exhibitions and cultural events.
The Old Fortress is open every day and to enter you need to purchase a ticket costing €6.
4- CHURCH OF AGIOS SPYRIDONAS
This is the most important church on the island of Corfu, it dates back to 1580 and its bell tower is the tallest in the Ionian Islands.
Inside there are the relics of Saint Spiridon, the protector of the island, chosen as such because the Corfiots believe that the saint saved them from the plague, famine and Turkish invasion.
5- ACHILLEION
The Achilleion, for those who don’t know, is not an ordinary and simple palace, but was the summer residence of Princess Sissi; Yes, you read that right, that’s her!
Right here, on the island that many do not appreciate, the Princess, or rather Empress of Austria, found refuge from the rigid rules of the Viennese court; here he found the ideal place to relax and enjoy the “sigá sigá” days, filling his eyes and soul with the wonderful and crazy view that the residence had over the gulf of Corfu.
The entire design of the palace was entirely conceived by Sissi herself, who decided to finish the gardens with hedges, paths, fountains, statues, columns and frescoes that recreated the atmosphere of Ancient Greece, which she greatly appreciated.
The Palace was finally completed in 1891, and called “Achilleion” in honor of the Homeric hero Achilles; In fact, in the garden there was a statue of Achilles dying in the act of removing the arrow from his heel, which was replaced by Kaiser Wilhelm II 7 years later, with the death of Sissi, with Achilles in a victorious position.
6- HINLAND VILLAGES
The island of Corfu is not just sea and beach, in fact there are many picturesque villages found especially in the hinterland.
One more beautiful than the other, so perfect in their imperfection that they almost look like a postcard; think, most still retain their traditional character, where life flows at a different and relaxed pace.
Those not to be missed are:
Kassiopi, Pelekas, Palaia Peritheia, Sinarades, Liapades, Afionas.
7- VISIT THE DIAPONTIA ISLANDS
Islands what? Oh yes, off the coast of Corfu there is a tiny archipelago made up of 5 islets of which only 3 are inhabited; a trio of idyllic islands easily reached from Agios Stefanos on the north-west coast of Corfu: Erikoussa, Othonoi and Mathraki.
Perfect to combine with Corfu, if you have 10/15 days available, with its crystal clear sea and endless beaches studded with dunes.
8- VISIT TO THE KOUMQUAT DISTILLERY
Kumquats are traditional fruits of Corfu, similar to oranges, but much smaller and oval, approximately the size and shape of an olive, Chinese mandarins so to speak.
Kumquat plants grow mainly in the north-west part of the island and are one of the main agricultural products of Corfu, and on the road connecting Corfu Town to Palaiokastritsa is the Mavromatis Kumquat distillery, a family-run business specializing in the production and bottling of Kumquat liqueurs and sweets.
At the entrance you can observe the impressive ancient distillery equipment that was used to produce the liqueur and also, if you are lucky, you will also be able to attend a presentation on the production process of koumquat liqueur.
At the end of the tour it is also possible to taste the different types of products that you can then purchase and take home.
9- TOUR TO THE LOCATIONS OF THE “THE DURRELLS” SERIES
Before leaving for Corfu I absolutely recommend watching the British series “The Durrells”, based on Gerald Durrell’s autobiographical trilogy, which recounts the four years that his family spent on the island.
So a full day tour of the sites associated with the TV series is definitely a must, don’t you think?
10- PONTIKONISSI AND VLACHERNA MONASTERY
We can say almost with absolute certainty that the islet of Pontikonisi together with the Vlacherna Monastery are the “identifying sign” of the island!
Pontikonissi, which in Greek means island of mice (Ποντίκια topi, and νησί island…oh god I feel all Kostas Portokalos!) is located at the entrance to the Halikiopoulos lagoon, in front of the runway of the “Ioannis Kapodistrias” airport.
The islet is best known for hosting the Byzantine church of Pantocrator, which dates back to the 11th century and is only open to visitors on August 6 each year.
Before arriving on this islet you
You will come across the 17th century Venetian Vlacherna Monastery, which is located on the Kanoni peninsula from which you take the boat that takes guests to the island.
11- CANAL OF LOVE
About 36 km north of Corfu town is the most “romantic” beach on the island: Canal d’amour.
What makes it special are the rock formations with multiple shades of yellow that overlook this enchantment of nature and flank both sides of the bay, thus creating a natural passage towards the open sea.
According to legend, couples of lovers who swim along this “canal” will see their love never end; Isn’t that romantic?
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