Islands,  Travel

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 8th century and multitude of interesting sites you can easily spend more than a few days exploring this magical place.

Old Venetian Fortress
Old Venetian Fortress

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.

Village of Kalami where Durells was filmed
Village of Kalami where Durells 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.

Old Town of Corfu
Old Town of Corfu

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

Campiello alleyway
Campiello alleyway

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

Spianada Square
Spianada Square

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

Liston Arcade
Liston Arcade

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

St Spyridon bell tower
St Spyridon 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.

Mon Repos Palace
Mon Repos Palace

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

View of Pontikonissi from Kanoni
View of Pontikonissi from Kanoni

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

Achillion palace
Achillion palace

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

Sidari - Canal d'Amour
Sidari – Canal d’Amour

Beaches:

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

Glyfada Beach
Glyfada Beach
Dassia beach
Dassia beach
Ermones beach
Ermones beach

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:

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/angsana-corfu.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA&label=Corfu

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

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/domes-miramare-corfu.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA&label=Corfu

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

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/domes-of-corfu-glyfada.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA&label=Corfu

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

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/corfu-imperial.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Ikos Dassia ***** – Dassia Bay Corfu:

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/dassia-ikos.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

If you prefer to stay in the Old Town:

Kâmara Old Town Studios –

https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/kamara-old-town-studios.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Want to see more hotel choices :

https://www.booking.com/city/gr/corfu.en.html?aid=7955347&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

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I love to share my passion of Greece and to promote Hellenism all over the world through it's culture, history, cuisine and magnificent destinations.

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