Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseeus' last stop on his
long journey home to Ithaca, is the best known of the lonian islands. It
owes its sophistication and charm to the meshing of the different
civilizations that have occupied the island and to the natural beauty
with which it is so abundantly endowed. On this cosmopolitan island,
you'll be able to combine relaxation with good times and a full
nightlife, for Corfu is an international tourist centre which can
satisfy the demands of the most difficult visitor.
The capital of the island is also called Corfu (Kerkira). It is built on
a promontory that projects into the sea and is separated into a northern
and a southern section. East of the northern part lies the Old
Fortress, cut off from the town by a moat. For centuries all the
popular of Corfu lived within this citadel, which was founded by the
Byzantines but greatly expanded and strengthened by the Venetians. The
town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements, left over
from different civilizations. It presents an enchanting picture with its
broad streets and spacious squares, the popular Spianada – the town
"green" contrasting with its narrow back alleys paved with
blocks of stone (known as "Kantounia"), houses with a B
Italian influence, the famous Liston, a French arcade, traditional
Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church, Venetian monuments, balconies
with wrought-iron railings and window grilles.
Sightseeing in Town
The Archaeological Museum: tel.: 30.680, the Byzantine Museum housed in
the Church of the Panayia Antivouniotissa (closed for' the time being);
the Museum of Oriental Art: tel.: 23.124 in the English Palace of St..
Michael and St. George; the Town Hall, a superb example of Venetian
architecture built in 1663; the Byzantine church of St.. Jason and
Sosipater (12th century) with fine frescoes; the church of Corfu's
patron Saint Spyridon with its valuable icons and collection of
Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, a Byzantine fortress dating from the
13th century. Pelekas, 13 kilometres west of the town, a lovely village
set on a rocky hill, whose summit – according to the Corfiots say –
is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the
Ropa Valley is situated Corfu's excellent golf course. Kanoni, 4
kilometres south of town is the most popular spot on the island.
Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of
Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful
Pondikonissi and its 13th century church. Gastouri, a picturesque hill
village, is the site of the Achillion, the summer palace of the Empress
Elisabeth of Austria and the last Kaiser, now a casino in the summer and
a part of it a museum. Its gardens are well worth a stroll.
Other sights not to be missed include, on the east side of the island
Kassiopi, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, Benitses, Moraitika and Messongi On its
west side Lake Korission (Limni Korission), the only lake on the island.
In the northern part of the island are the resorts of Sidari, with its
sandy beach, and Roda, whose beach is even longer. From Sidari you can
take a boat to the three picturesque offshore islands of Erikoussa,
Mathraki and Othoni. Their sheltered anchorages are ideal for swimming
and sunbathing. But Corfu also has another side: a vital traditional
facet to its personality still very much alive in the costumes of its
village women and in its local festivals. Fine examples of folk art and
crafts are displayed in shops all over the island: hand-woven textiles
and embroideries with intricate designs, objects of all kinds carved out
of olive wood, silver utensils and lovely jewelry.
Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseeus' last stop on his
long journey home to Ithaca, is the best known of the lonian islands. It
owes its sophistication and charm to the meshing of the different
civilizations that have occupied the island and to the natural beauty
with which it is so abundantly endowed. On this cosmopolitan island,
you'll be able to combine relaxation with good times and a full
nightlife, for Corfu is an international tourist centre which can
satisfy the demands of the most difficult visitor.
The capital of the island is also called Corfu (Kerkira). It is built on
a promontory that projects into the sea and is separated into a northern
and a southern section. East of the northern part lies the Old
Fortress, cut off from the town by a moat. For centuries all the
popular of Corfu lived within this citadel, which was founded by the
Byzantines but greatly expanded and strengthened by the Venetians. The
town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements, left over
from different civilizations. It presents an enchanting picture with its
broad streets and spacious squares, the popular Spianada – the town
"green" contrasting with its narrow back alleys paved with
blocks of stone (known as "Kantounia"), houses with a B
Italian influence, the famous Liston, a French arcade, traditional
Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church, Venetian monuments, balconies
with wrought-iron railings and window grilles.
The Archaeological Museum: tel.: 30.680, the Byzantine Museum housed in
the Church of the Panayia Antivouniotissa (closed for' the time being);
the Museum of Oriental Art: tel.: 23.124 in the English Palace of St..
Michael and St. George; the Town Hall, a superb example of Venetian
architecture built in 1663; the Byzantine church of St.. Jason and
Sosipater (12th century) with fine frescoes; the church of Corfu's
patron Saint Spyridon with its valuable icons and collection of
Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, a Byzantine fortress dating from the
13th century. Pelekas, 13 kilometres west of the town, a lovely village
set on a rocky hill, whose summit – according to the Corfiots say –
is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the
Ropa Valley is situated Corfu's excellent golf course. Kanoni, 4
kilometres south of town is the most popular spot on the island.
Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of
Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful
Pondikonissi and its 13th century church. Gastouri, a picturesque hill
village, is the site of the Achillion, the summer palace of the Empress
Elisabeth of Austria and the last Kaiser, now a casino in the summer and
a part of it a museum. Its gardens are well worth a stroll.
Other sights not to be missed include, on the east side of the island
Kassiopi, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, Benitses, Moraitika and Messongi On its
west side Lake Korission (Limni Korission), the only lake on the island.
In the northern part of the island are the resorts of Sidari, with its
sandy beach, and Roda, whose beach is even longer. From Sidari you can
take a boat to the three picturesque offshore islands of Erikoussa,
Mathraki and Othoni. Their sheltered anchorages are ideal for swimming
and sunbathing. But Corfu also has another side: a vital traditional
facet to its personality still very much alive in the costumes of its
village women and in its local festivals. Fine examples of folk art and
crafts are displayed in shops all over the island: hand-woven textiles
and embroideries with intricate designs, objects of all kinds carved out
of olive wood, silver utensils and lovely jewelry.
