Corfu Island – one of the most amazing year round destinations in Greece

Unlike many other countries, the travel season in Greece has already started.

Starting with this post you will be introduced to numerous stunning destinations that are not as well-known as Mykonos or Santorini but equally as impressive, if not more so.

Corfu (or Kerkyra) is one of the most striking islands of Greece with abundant pristine beaches, magnificent landscapes, and a unique multi-cultural heritage (French, Venetian and British).  In addition, its Old Town is a UNESCO protected world heritage site.

Part of the Ionian Islands group, it is one of the most visited in Greece. Due to its history dating back to the 8^th century and multitude of interesting sites you can easily spend more than a few days exploring this magical place.

The famous British comedy/drama “The Durells in Corfu” was filmed here. Based on British naturalist, writer and zookeeper, Gerard Durell’s memoirs about his family’s four years on this magical island. Below is the house on Kalami bay in which the series was filmed.

Things to do and see:

Old Town of Corfu – a UNESCO protected world heritage site.  A pleasant stroll in the old city will make you feel like you are in Venice with its old buildings, narrow streets and flower filled balconies. The impressive structures are French, Austrian and Greek neoclassical influence.

Campiello – Labyrinth like alleyways in the Medieval quarter of the Old Town

Spianada Square – The largest town square in Greece with its remarkable 19^th century French architecture.

Liston Arcade – The city’s famous meeting spot showcasing its beautiful arcades and elegant cafes.

Many churches – Notably St Spyridon with its beautiful bell tower.

Numerous museums–  Including Archeological, Byzantine, museum of Asian art and the Dionysios Solomos museum.

Mon Repos Palace– Birthplace of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth’s husband. Now had been turned into a museum.

Kanoni– One of the most photographed spots of Corfu which offers amazing views of the  Pontikonisi island.

Achillion– Fairy tale palace built by the Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) of Austria to escape the Austrian court.

Canal d’ Amour – Where legend has it you find your soulmate.

Beaches:

Corfu is renowned for its spectacular beaches. Dassia, Glyfada, Ermones, Sidari, Paleokastritsa, Kontokali, Benitses to name a few.

How to get there

By air: Direct 60” flight from Athens. There are also flights from other countries in Europe as well.

By sea: You can island hop to and from Igoumenitsa on the mainland, Paxous, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ereikoussa, Manthraki and Othonoi.

There is also Island hopping to Italy (Brindisi, Bari, Ancona and Venice) and Albania.

Accommodations I would recommend:

Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa***** – Benitses, Corfu:

Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort ***** – Moraitika, Corfu:

Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection ***** – Glyfada, Corfu:

Grecotel Corfu Imperial Beach Luxe Resort ***** – Kommeno, Corfu:

Ikos Dassia ***** – Dassia Bay Corfu:

If you prefer to stay in the Old Town:

Kâmara Old Town Studios –