What to visit in Corfu by car. Choosing a resort in Corfu

What is Corfu Island famous for? Features of local beaches, resorts and hotels. What's good about a holiday in Corfu, what to do, what to see. Photos and reviews.

Corfu is a picturesque Greek island in the Ionian Sea, a small piece of land in the shape of a sickle, which is distinguished by a variety of flora. Mediterranean pines, mighty oaks, oleanders, orange trees and olive groves are found everywhere here. Thanks to the life-giving greenery, Kerkyra (the second name of the island of Corfu) seems like a fabulous emerald island. Centuries of rich, sometimes dramatic, history have left indelible traces, forever frozen in the stones of ancient temples, in the polished cobblestones of the pavement, in the walls of fortresses, palaces and mansions.

Corfu island on the map of Greece

Corfu Island - history

The corner of paradise continually haunted all the “superpowers” of the past. In ancient times, the Peloponnesian War began between Sparta and Corfu over the island of Corfu. Then the island became part of the Roman Empire. Cicero visited here twice, and Emperor Nero danced in honor of Zeus. At the beginning of the 14th century. The Venetians came to Corfu and ruled the island for 400 years, giving it magnificent architecture. The Most Serene Republic saved Kerkyra from the attack of the Ottomans, so today Corfu is the only Greek territory that has never known Turkish oppression.

Venetian architecture on the island. Corfu

Venice was ousted from the island by Napoleon's troops, the French burned the list of noble families and declared Kerkyra a territory.

But Bonaparte's reign was short-lived. The Russian fleet of General Ushakov drove out the French, and the Ionian Republic was soon created. Thus, for the first time since the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Greek statehood was restored. During the British protectorate, a network of roads, an aqueduct and many public buildings were built in Corfu.

Where to stay in Corfu

Most of the island's hotels are located on the seashore and have their own piece of the beach. If you do not plan to swim in sea water for one reason or another, you can stay in a hotel with a swimming pool in Corfu. For children, most hotel complexes have playgrounds.

All that remains is to choose your hotel among the huge number of offers on the island of Corfu. Our recommendations for the season2019:

Resorts and beaches of Corfu island

The entire 200-kilometer coastline of the island is a series of beautiful pebble and sandy beaches with cozy bays in which bungalows and villas are located:

Greek resort Ipsos- a great place to have an inexpensive holiday in Corfu and be able to comfortably travel around the island. The resort has a good selection of inexpensive hotels, a long sandy beach and convenient transportation;
One of the best resorts in Corfu - a fishing village Benitses 12 km from the capital;
- one of the most famous resorts on the island of Corfu, because it is there that the “Canal of Love” is located. Tourists necessarily strive to get to Sidari at least for a day to soak up the soft sand and enjoy the pristine beauty of this corner of the coast;
In the western part of Corfu there is a town Paleokastritsa, surrounded by bizarre rocks. Popular among our compatriots;
IN Dassia many large hotels, taverns and restaurants and a long pebble beach;
Resort Rhoda- a quiet place for a family holiday on the northern coast of the island. The pride of this Corfu resort is its long sandy beaches and warm sea with a gentle entry into the water;
- a paradise for connoisseurs of small villages. On the coast, instead of multi-storey hotels, there are small hotels and bungalows, where guests know each other by sight. All around are mountain landscapes, greenery, the smell of myrtle and orange trees. Acharavi beach is considered one of the longest in Corfu;
Golden sand resort Condocalion families with children were chosen;
Nissaki is a green resort at the foot of the Pantokrator mountain range on the north-eastern coast of Corfu. The place is famous for its intimate bays. The beaches of this Corfu resort are covered with snow-white pebbles, the water off the coast is clean and clear. The picture is complemented by a special microclimate and mountain air;
Resort Gouvia is located in the eastern part of the island of Corfu, near its administrative capital. A small cozy village is surrounded by greenery and offers tourists a beach holiday on the coast of a picturesque bay;
Southern resort Agios Georgios will appeal to lovers of peace and quiet;
The richest guests relax in the town Komeno.

It should be noted that the island is considered an elite resort with a long bohemian tradition, and many Corfu hotels have a luxury category. Even the famous Queen Elizabeth of Austria loved to vacation in Corfu. In 1890, she built the Achilleion Palace, a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture, near the capital. Later the mansion was bought by the German Emperor Wilhelm I, he grew roses in the garden and conducted archaeological excavations in Agia Theodora.

Attractions of Corfu

What sights of Corfu are worth seeing, where to look for them on the island and what to pay attention to:

In the capital of Corfu - Kerkyra - she left a piece of her heart. During Venetian rule it was rebuilt Old fortress, created by the Byzantines on the site of the ancient acropolis. New fortress built to protect against the troops of Suleiman the Magnificent. Nowadays there is a yacht mooring under the mighty fortresses. Exhibitions, concerts, as well as Greek folk dance performances and light shows are organized.
In 1799, Admiral Ushakov, commander of the Russian-Turkish squadron, drove the French out of the island of Corfu. Therefore, today Russian tourists have the opportunity to amuse their national pride by walking around monument to F. Ushakov, established by the Greek government in 2002.
At the beginning of the 19th century. French architect Lespes created on the main square of Corfu Liston gallery, the prototype of which was the Parisian shopping arcade on Rivoli Street. Now it houses the most popular cafes and restaurants in Corfu.
The decoration of Spinada Square is Palace of Saints Michael and George in neoclassical style. The building belongs to the Museum of Asian Art. A collection of 10,000 exhibits was donated to the island by Greek diplomats working in India and China.

The island of Corfu is one of the pearls of Greece, attracting thousands of tourists and travelers not only with the picturesque beauty of the landscapes and warm mild climate, but also with its unique historical attractions.

Old and New Fortress in Kerkyra

Corfu is a unique open-air medieval museum. What attractions of Corfu are worth seeing when traveling to this amazing island? Here you can spend hours wandering the narrow winding streets lined with old stone slabs, studying the ancient architecture of archaeological sites, squares, churches and museums, combining elements of different cultures.

Ruins of the Old Fortress, built by the Venetians, are located on a cape, which is separated from the island by the Contra-Fossa canal, and can be crossed by a drawbridge. Having reached the top point of the fortress, you can see a magnificent panorama of Kerkyra and picturesque views of the eastern coast of the island.

During the summer season, the fortress hosts festive events - light and sound shows and Ionian folk dances.

The new fortress is also a unique architectural and historical monument, which was one of the important defensive structures of the island's capital.

The fortress contains two large bastions, and the walls in two rows are connected by a labyrinth of passages and corridors.

The famous images of the winged lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice, arouse curiosity and interest among visitors. From the top of the fortress there is a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the city panorama.

The local authorities organize cultural events, concerts and exhibitions of sculpture and painting in the fortress building, which can also be visited.

Mount Pantocrator

Mount Pantokrator is considered the highest mountain peak of the island, rising in the northeast and reaching a height of 906m. The path to the mountain peak leads along a winding narrow serpentine road. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy the colorful natural landscapes and take in not only the entire island, but also Albania, and in cloudless, clear weather you can see Italy, 130 km away.

Here tourists can relax in a cafe and see the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, built on the site of a once-existing monastery.

Paxos Island

A visit to this charming little island (the smallest of the Ionian Islands), lying south of Corfu, will leave no one indifferent.

Covered in lush green vegetation (the island is home to over 300,000 olive trees), the island is notable for its natural beauty and diving sites.

Although there are no good beaches on the island, there are many moorings for yachts.

And, it should be noted that in the summer season it is problematic to get to the island; a lot of tourists come to Paxos and holidays here are very expensive.

In the southern part of this islet is the sea cave of Yapapanti - one of the wonders created by nature itself.

Family holidays in Greece are a great gift for both adults and children. The excellent Mediterranean climate, clean sandy beaches, comfortable hotels and boarding houses are an ideal place for families with children. Read the article about. This information will be useful in order to properly organize a family vacation.

Kanoni

This place is famous for its uniqueness and is one of the most famous attractions of Kerkyra, located in the southern part of the city. Surrounded by cypress trees and orange groves, Kanoni is incredibly beautiful at any time of the day.

Once here, you can visit the Botanical Garden and the Windmill - a striking architectural monument in the Byzantine style of the 12th century.

Mouse Island

This island got such an unusual name for the resemblance of the white staircase to the tail of a mouse, leading to the ancient monastery of Pantokrator.

This is one of the most popular places on the island of Corfu, from which a majestic panorama of the surrounding area and the sea opens. There is a legend that says that the island was the ship of Odysseus, which an angry Poseidon turned into stone.

Achilleion Palace

A magnificent palace that belonged to the Austrian Empress Elizabeth and was built in the architectural traditions of the Italian Renaissance. After the death of Elizabeth, the palace became the property of the German Emperor Wilhelm II.

The palace is surrounded by a huge park overlooking the picturesque surroundings and decorated with beautiful statues, the most famous of which is dying Achilles. In the palace apartments you can see interior items, as well as preserved furniture from the previous owners of the luxurious building.

Kaiser's throne

One of the best viewing points on the island of Corfu with an impressive panoramic view that will open before your eyes a panoramic picture of the sprawling sea and Mount Pantokrator.

This place was once a favorite of Kaiser Wilhelm, from the height of which he surveyed the surrounding area.

Sea Shell Museum in Benitses

This private museum, located in the village of Benitses, was created by a diver and collector who, while diving in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, collected a unique collection of shells - one of the most complete and largest in Europe.

Exhibits include a variety of corals, stuffed fish, lobsters, crabs, snakes and sea urchins. The cost of the most valuable and expensive shells reaches 22 thousand US dollars.

Canal di Amur

The channel of all lovers, a place covered in romance. According to legend, people who bathe in it will soon find a loved one or make peace with loved ones with whom they had a quarrel.

You will also have the opportunity to experience the effects of healing mud, which relieves hundreds of ailments according to local superstition.

Fortress of Angels or Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro

This preserved architectural monument is worth a visit while exploring Corfu. The ruins of a fortress built in the 13th century, located on the slope of an inaccessible cliff, are a majestic stone structure that once served as an important defensive facility.

At the top is located Chapel of the Archangel Michael and Gabriel with seven rock tombs carved in front of it. In one of the cave grottoes there is another chapel, which is also an example of the rich architectural heritage of the island.

Sunny Greece has an ancient historical heritage and is famous for its monuments of ancient architecture. Great representatives of humanity were born here, making enormous contributions to science, art and culture. Outside of large cities, tourists have something to see: the island of Corfu - attractions and unsurpassed nature, accessible to every vacationer.

Kerkyra is the main city of the island, the capital of Corfu. Since 2007, the city of Kerkyra has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and therefore every tourist is recommended to visit the ancient corner of the island. Original architecture, the ubiquitous Baroque style, narrow streets, elegant windows and attractive balconies - all this is available for viewing and admiring.

It is noteworthy that the local architecture will remind you of Italy. The attractions presented on the island of Corfu (Greece) are of great cultural and historical significance for the entire country. Over the years, the Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Goths, Venetians, French and English fought for the right to own the island. The transition of control affected local architecture and culture.

The most memorable sights of the island remain the forts Neo Frurio and Paleo Frurio. Visit the city's archaeological museum, where you can see a collection of objects discovered during excavations of the Temple of Artemis.

Paleo Frurio (Old Fortress)

The old fortress was built by the Venetians, and over a long period of time gradually lost its appearance. Now Paleo Frurio has been restored, although not all the buildings have survived to this day. The fortress is one of the visiting cards of the island. All kinds of cultural events are often held here.

What impresses tourists most is the thick fortress walls and the view of the island from the very top. You can only go up on foot and it is somewhat difficult physically, so it is better to go to the attraction in the morning, when Corfu is not yet so hot, and take a bottle of water with you.

Getting to the Old Fortress will not be difficult if you travel around the island in a rented car. Depart from the capital of the island along highways No. 24, 25. The journey will take about 40 minutes.

Entry fee– 8 euros, for children and pensioners Over 65 years old discounts are provided.

Neo Frurio (New Fortress)

Despite the name, the building began to be built earlier than the old fortress. From the walls of the building, tourists have a magnificent view of the surrounding area, a stunning panorama.

It is generally accepted that under the base of the fortress there is a labyrinth of underground passages. Currently, there is a naval military base here. The government decided to use the historical site in the interests of state security. But this circumstance will not prevent you from enjoying the beauty that opens from the New Fortress.

Entrance to the attraction is free.
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 15:30.

The palace is dedicated to the ancient Greek hero Achilles. On the territory of the historical and cultural building there are decorations - statues of mythical characters, busts of rhetoricians and representatives of ancient Greek philosophy.

Achilleion Palace was built at the end of the 19th century. The construction was sponsored by Empress Elizabeth of Austria. The authors of the project were the world famous Italian architects Rafael Caritto and Antonio Landi.

The building received an unspoken name - the Palace of the Sad Empress. There are some interesting things inside the building. Consider the unique painting of the ceiling, made by the hands of the outstanding artist of that time, Gallopi. Inside, tourists are invited to get acquainted with the characters of Greek mythology.

The palace is located in the village of Gasturi, 10 kilometers from the capital of Corfu. Bus number 10 leaves from the city.

The palace was the creation of the British. Construction took place over several years (from 1819 to 1824). The building was erected from natural material – Maltese limestone. Initially, the construction plan involved the construction of the residence of Sir Maitland, who held the high post of High Commissioner in those years. Some time later, the palace changed owners and became the residence of the Greek royal family. The British stay on the island ended in 1864.

Today the territory of the palace is occupied by the Museum of Asian Art. It presents more than 10,000 exhibits that diplomat G. Manos managed to collect. If you are interested in history, looking at photos and reading a description of the attraction will probably not be enough; it is better to hire a tour guide on the spot who will tell you interestingly about the exhibition of this museum in Corfu.

Address: Corfu Museum of Asian Art 49100 Palaia Anaktora, Corfu, Greece.
Opening hours: 9:00-16:00.
Cost of visit– 6 € in summer and 3 € from November to the end of March.

Mouse Island

The sights of Corfu that are worth seeing are represented by a lot of outstanding places, cultural, architectural and natural corners of the island.

Mouse Island got its name due to the external similarity of the stairs leading to the ancient monastery of Pantokrator with a mouse’s tail.

From here you can see the surroundings of the entire island, a sea filled with unusual colors. According to legend, the island is the ship of Odysseus, which acquired a stone appearance from an angry Poseidon.

The attraction is located in the northwestern part of the island, and you can only reach it by boat.

Vlaherna Monastery

Among those attractions that you can see in Corfu on your own, the Vlaherna Monastery is a must-stop for tourists. A few kilometers south of the central part of Corfu town is the Kanoni district, located on the peninsula of the same name. The highlight of Kanoni is the Vlaherna Monastery.

The attraction is located on a small piece of land, which is connected to the peninsula through a narrow concrete pier. The monastery is connected to the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. The azure-colored water perfectly complements the architectural complex, thanks to which the picturesque picture of the monastery has become the hallmark of the island of Corfu.

The monastery was built in the 17th century in honor of the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God. The miraculous icon remains here to this day. Get a taste of the country's culture by visiting this attraction on the island of Corfu in Greece.

Pleasure boats regularly depart from the Kanoni pier to the island (during the peak tourist season, the interval between boat departures is only 15 minutes).

Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is a picturesque resort famous not only in Corfu, but throughout Greece, located 26 kilometers from the capital of the island. It doesn’t matter whether you are going to go here on your own or as part of an excursion group - you should definitely come to Paleokastritsa! A famous landmark of the resort area is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary.

The modern appearance of the building has been preserved from the 16th-18th centuries. The first structure is believed to have been founded in 1225. Then the structure was a fortress, which after some time was destroyed and subsequently restored. Today, within the walls of the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, there is a Museum where you can get closer to Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.

The Paleokastritsa area is full of picturesque bays, where it is recommended for a slightly tired tourist to catch his breath. Enjoy the peace and tranquility, beauty and clean air of this region. Crystal clear water, a combination of pebble and sandy beaches - what could be better for a true traveler? Take as many photos as possible for a long-lasting memory of a cozy and calm corner.

There are two ways to get to Paleokastritsa on your own – by car or by public transport. Take the federal highway to the resort corner of the island. When leaving Kerkyra by public transport, it is worth knowing about regular buses that regularly run from the capital to the resort part of Corfu.

Note! To visit the monastery, you must dress appropriately: girls must cover their heads, shoulders and knees. The attraction closes at 13:00.

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Answering the question of what to see in Corfu for young couples, it is worth noting the Lovers' Channel as one of the romantic places on the island. If you are a romantic by nature, and also decide to visit the island of Corfu with your loved one, be sure to come here.

Not only young couples can access this local attraction: anyone who wants to find a soul mate or make peace with a loved one can come and swim in the canal, covered in legends. According to local belief, local ointments are endowed with healing powers and help in the fight against many ailments. The cozy place is located in the northwestern part of the island, not far from the village of Sidari.

About the island of Corfu

The island of Corfu is the northernmost and one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Its magnificent nature has inspired poets and artists since antiquity, and today Corfu has earned the reputation of a luxurious resort where everyone can find the type of holiday that they like.

From above, Corfu appears emerald green, due to the lush vegetation that covers the island with a continuous carpet. In the spring there is an intoxicating aroma from the many blossoming orange trees, and in the summer it is very pleasant to hide from the hot sun in the shady olive groves.

Since the island is washed by two seas at once, the color and temperature of the water in its different areas can vary significantly. In the northern part of Corfu, the water is cold and more suitable for diving enthusiasts than for swimmers, but the southern beaches, covered with fine soft sand, are ideal for a beach holiday.

The wonderful nature and gentle sea greatly contributed to the fact that Corfu began to attract a huge number of vacationers since the century before last, and thus became perhaps the first resort island of Greece. However, away from the coast there are still traditional Greek settlements that delight tourists with their idyllic beauty.

About the city of Corfu

Corfu is the European name of the island; the Greeks themselves call it Kerkyra. According to myths, Kerkyra was the daughter of the nymph Metope and the river deity Asopus; one day Poseidon saw her and fell madly in love with the beauty. The God of the Seas kidnapped her from her home, settling her on a beautiful emerald island. After some time, Kerkyra gave birth to a son and gave him the name Phaeac, in whose honor the people who later settled here began to call themselves Phaeacians.

The city of Kerkyra was founded in ancient times, in the 8th century. BC. and has always been an important port at the intersection of maritime trade routes. It is this fact that has made it so attractive to the rulers of various states throughout history. At various times, Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottoman Turks and the Venetians tried to conquer the island and its capital; the latter were the most successful in this matter and remained the masters of Corfu for four centuries. Such a difficult fate greatly affected the architecture of the island, which differs from others in the large number of defensive fortifications.

The island's capital, Kerkyra, is a large fortified settlement built in the heart of the citadel. A labyrinth of narrow streets paved with rough cobblestones now seems very romantic to us, but previously it was a harsh necessity. By the intricate curves of the streets, repeating the relief down to the smallest detail, one can judge how difficult this area was for construction. Today they seem very nice, sunny and friendly.

The old city, which we can see today, dates back to the 13th century, and is the largest “living” medieval monument in Greece. Elements from a variety of cultures are harmoniously combined here. Severe military fortresses and graceful Venetian staircases, monumental temples of the Byzantine era and cozy French-style neighborhoods coexist perfectly next to each other.

Sights of Kerkyra

The most famous sights of Kerkyra are its two fortresses.

The old fortress - Paleo Fruri was built in the Byzantine era on an artificially created island, and later, in the 16th century, it was rebuilt by the Venetians. Now its fortifications are slowly being destroyed by the constant impact of waves, and often quite large pieces of once strong masonry fall into the water. The interior premises, after careful restoration, are today used for holding various theatrical events using light and sound effects. From the highest point of the fortress there is an amazing view of the city and the eastern coast of the island. And in its center the temple of St. George has been preserved, which served as a garrison church for the British who owned the island in the 19th century. The interesting Byzantine Museum is located at the Paleo Frourio gate.

Neo Frurio - New Fortress, was built on the shore at the end of the 16th century in order to protect the city from a possible Turkish invasion. Nowadays, only part of the fortress is open to the public, while the other is used as a training base for the Greek navy. Tourists can visit the cellars and dungeons, climb the battlements and admire the magnificent views from them, and also visit the small cafe located at the highest point. Outside, the fortress is surrounded by a moat along which the city market is located.

On the steep slope of the eastern bank stands the ancient ancient temple of Kardaki, here the inhabitants of ancient Kerkyra worshiped their patron, the god Poseidon. Presumably, the temple was built on this site in the early 500s BC. Inside, surrounded by ancient columns, the altar of the temple has been preserved, and a sacred spring flows nearby.

Later, already in the Christian era, Corfu had a new patron - Saint Spyridon of Trimythous. According to legends, he saved the inhabitants of the island from imminent death more than once - four times they were threatened with famine, twice with plague, and to top it all off, there was also the threat of Turkish conquest. The inhabitants of the island are very grateful to their saint, in whose honor a beautiful temple was built in the 16th century - Agios Spyridon. The church bell tower is the tallest building in the city. Inside, in a beautiful silver shrine, the relics of the saint are carefully kept. To worship them and ask the patron for healing, many parishioners always gather in the temple. The scale of worship of this saint on the island is impressive; very often people swear by his name, thus expressing their devotion, and they also name children in his honor. The latter circumstance has led to the fact that almost a quarter of the entire male population of the island bears the name Spiridon.

But Agios Spyridon is not formally the main church of the city. The Cathedral of Kerkyra is Panagia Spiliotissa - Temple of the Virgin Mary in the Caves. It was also built in the 16th century, but in a completely different architectural style. This majestic building, unusual for churches in a rich red color, bears the bright features of Byzantine architecture. The relics are also kept here, but now of women, belonging to the blessed Empress Theodora, who became famous for the fact that under her reign the veneration of icons was restored in the Byzantine Empire. Her relics were brought to Corfu almost simultaneously with the relics of St. Spyridon, and now they occupy a worthy place at the altar of the main cathedral of Kerkyra. By the way, it became a cathedral not so long ago, only in 1841, when as a result of restructuring the main nave was significantly expanded.

There are many monasteries in Kerkyra, but two of them deserve special attention, especially since they are located very close to each other.

The Vlaherna Monastery is located on a small island, connected to the city only by a concrete pier, and occupies the entire area of this small piece of land. It all looks very picturesque - a snow-white church, surrounded on all sides by the blue sea. This monastery was built in the 17th century and received its name in honor of the miraculous Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God, which is kept here.

From a small pier located next to the monastery, you can take a walk to the nearby islet of Pontikonisi, which translates as Mouse Island. This islet is considered one of the main symbols of Kerkyra. Legends say that it was once the famous ship of Odysseus, turned into rock by an angry Poseidon. In the 12th century, the Pantokrator monastery was built here. To get to the monastery, you need to climb a long narrow staircase, somewhat reminiscent of a mouse’s tail, which is how the island got its funny name.

But Kerkyra is famous not only for its military and religious buildings. Throughout the 19th century, the island was ruled first by the French and then by the British. The city inherited the magnificent architectural ensembles of Spianada and Liston Street.

Spianada is the main and most beautiful square of the city. Here you can visit shops, sit in cozy cafes, or simply wander along the shady alleys of the park, examining the monuments erected in honor of people who left their mark on the history of the island.

Rue Liston is a smaller copy of the Parisian Rue de Rivoli. The lower floors of the houses here are a continuous openwork arcade in the depths of which there are cafes and expensive shops. Previously, only representatives of the local aristocracy, included in a special list - lista, had the right to move along this street. It is believed that this is where the name Liston came from. Opposite the galleries is a cricket field, which is loved by the locals. Every year at the beginning of autumn, an international cricket festival is even held here.

Neighborhood

Many interesting attractions for every taste are located in the vicinity of Kerkyra.

Fans of antiquities and archeology will be very interested in visiting Paleopolis, an excavation area open to tourists. Here, among lush tropical vegetation, you can find two ancient temples of the Doric era, one of which is dedicated to Poseidon, and the second to Hera. Also located here is the Temple of Artemis, a basilica from early Christian times, and the neoclassical Palace of Reposvilla, which now houses a museum.

A few kilometers south of the city is the amazingly beautiful Achileion Palace. It was built by order of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth of Bavaria, and combines architectural features of the neoclassical and ancient Germanic styles. There is a beautiful garden around the palace, where you can look at a very beautiful statue of the dying Achilles.

And finally, for those who are tired of looking at ancient monuments, 6 km from Kerkyra there is a huge Aqualand water park, which is considered one of the most modern in Greece. It's definitely worth coming here if you're traveling with children.

Thus, the island of Corfu, as in the old days, remains one of the most attractive Greek resorts. Beautiful nature, magnificent views, many different attractions, and comfortable hotels make a holiday on the emerald island not only very comfortable, but also unforgettable.

Paleokastritsa is located north of the capital of Corfu and is also one of the most popular holiday destinations.

The nature of these places amazes with its wild, pristine beauty. Sir Frederick Adam, the British High Commissioner, once ordered the construction of a road connecting the resort with the capital of the island.

The resort and bays are surrounded by rocky mountains covered with dense greenery. At the top of the highest of them stands the monastery of Zoodokhu Pigis (13th century), dedicated to the Mother of God.

There is an active church and museum on the territory.

Climbing up to the Bella Vista observation deck, you can admire an unforgettable view of the entire western coast, almost from a bird's eye view.

The resort is suitable for families and for families with children. The sea here is shallow, so parents do not have to worry about their kids, and children can safely play and splash in the shallow water.

Snow-white velvet beaches are equipped with everything necessary for a “lying” holiday. Fans of active recreation can go catamaraning, water skiing, wind surfing, play tennis or beach volleyball. Fans of diving will enjoy plunging into the underwater world of the local bays more than once.

Achilleion Palace

This majestic palace is located 20 km from the city of Kerkhira. The building, designed in the style of Platonic Romanticism, was built by the Italian architect Raphael Carita especially for Empress Elizabeth of Austria and was supposed to be “worthy of Achilles.”

Visitors to the palace always admired the elegance of its forms, designer inlaid furniture, and the magnificent Imperial Gardens, which offered a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and the Ionian Sea. In the center of the garden there is a statue of the deadly early Achilles, depicted without pathos or unnecessary arrogance. The author of the statue, a German sculptor, tried to simultaneously show him not only as a hero of myth, but also as an ordinary person.

In another part of the palace, near the main staircase, there is a large painting that depicts Achilles in a completely different way. Here he appears as the hero of the legendary myth: royal robes, military regalia and the defeated enemy Hector against the backdrop of an astonished audience.

Unfortunately, in 1898, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (or Sisi) was assassinated by an anarchist and after her death this luxurious palace was sold to the German Kaiser Wilhem II. Subsequently, this building became a museum where you can see many masterpieces of art, personal belongings of the Empress and the Kaiser.

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Paleokastritsa Monastery

The Paleokastritsa Monastery is located in the area of the same name in the west of Corfu.

The monastery is dedicated to the Mother of God, the Greek name sounds like Moni Theotoku. The modern buildings date back to the 17th century; the new monastery was erected on the site of a monastery built in the 13th century. On the territory of the monastery there is an arched courtyard and a small museum of Byzantine icons and icons of a later era. The interior of the monastery is the standard of classical monastic architecture. From the top of the monastery walls there are beautiful views of the islands, one of which, according to legend, may be the “Ship of Odysseus”. The monastery has a pleasant atmosphere of calm and comfort.

The Paleokastritsa area itself is considered the most beautiful on the island; it is very popular among tourists, who often visit the monastery.

Mount Pantokrator is the highest mountain on the island of Corfu.

Its height reaches 906 meters above sea level. It is located in the northeastern part of the island.

There is a monastery at the top of the mountain. The first monastery was built on the same site back in 1347, but, unfortunately, it was destroyed in the first half of the 16th century. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which has survived to this day, was built in 1689.

You can get to the monastery either by car or by hiking. The climb is quite difficult and long, so you should weigh everything carefully before setting off. You won't regret it if you go on foot. Beautiful nature and fresh air contribute to a great mood. The picturesque view from the top of the mountain will amaze you and give you many magnificent photographs.

In clear weather, from the top of the mountain you can see not only the distant Greek islands, but also the territory of neighboring Albania and even Italian lands.

At the top there is also a telecommunications station and a cafe where you can have lunch and relax after the climb.

Old Port

Benitses is an old fishing village located 12 kilometers from Corfu town, the capital of the island of the same name. If you move from Corfu along the island in a southerly direction, this will be the first resort area, which has recently become very popular among vacationers.

Previously, this area was called “Pinisse” (from the ancient Greek word “pinio” - river). The waters of the springs flowing from the Agi Deka and Stavros mountains form two small rivers, hence the name of the village. Until the mid-70s, the village lived a quiet provincial life. Fishing was the main occupation of the local men. The pier of the Old Port saw off and greeted fishermen with their catch every morning. Local residents and owners of nearby eateries came to the port to buy fresh fish. Fishing boats quietly rocked on the waves at the pier of the Old Port, and it seemed that it would always be like this.

However, with the development of the tourism business, the life of the local population has changed dramatically. The patriarchal structure was suddenly disrupted by the noise of night discos and beach parties. This was not to the liking of the local population, and young people eventually stopped coming here on vacation. Despite this, Benitses still remained a popular resort, but today it has a calm, almost family-like atmosphere. And in the Old Port, pleasure boats appeared next to simple fishing boats, and luxury yachts began to moor more and more often. With their appearance, the Old Port acquired a new life without losing its local flavor.

Asian Art Museum

The Museum of Asian Art is the only museum in Greece dedicated exclusively to Oriental and Indian arts.

The museum is located in the Palace of Saints Michael and George, designed by the English architect George Whitmore during the period when the Ionian Islands were ruled by Great Britain. It was founded in 1927 and was originally called the Museum of Sino-Japanese Art. The museum's exhibition contains more than 11,000 objects that span the Neolithic period until the 19th century.

Here you can see Chinese art from the Shang period to the Song dynasty. Among Chinese objects you can see coins, paintings, funeral offerings, seals, among Japanese ones - ceramic statues, samurai costumes, kakemono. The museum also houses a significant collection of art from Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet and Korea.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Church of St. Spyridon

The Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon is named after St. Spyridon of Trimythous, considered the patron saint of the island of Corfu. The relics of the saint rest in the temple, placed in a silver sarcophagus. Every year on Easter, the relics of the saint are carried through the streets of the city, and people hang red canvases from their windows. The fact that the patron is honored on the island is confirmed by the fact that the name Spiridon is very common here.

The temple building was originally located in the Sarocco area, but was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the city walls. The temple building was built in 1590 in a style typical of the Ionian Islands, which is so different from other Greek temples. The church is clearly influenced by 17th-century Italian architecture, as it stands out with its impressive belfry, reminiscent of the belfry of the Church of St. George in Venice.

The most striking elements in the interior of the church are the church ceiling and the iconostasis. Initially, the ceiling of the temple was painted by Payotis Doxaras.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Kerkyra (Corfu)? .

Old town of Kerkyra

The old town of Kerkyra is located in close proximity to the modern part, but most of the tourist attention is concentrated in old Kerkyra. This part of the city is home to some of Corfu's most famous architectural landmarks.

The architecture of the medieval city is made in the Baroque style. In this area, everything is of interest to the untrained eye of a tourist - narrow and winding streets, houses with low balconies decorated with flowers and vines, a majestic embankment with stunning palaces, fountains and colonnades. Italian travelers like to compare the Old Town with Italy, since the architecture in this part is almost no different from Italian. However, in this area of Kerkyra, Greek architects embodied ideas not only in the Baroque style, but also in the national, French and English. Houses of various buildings are decorated with balconies and windows with graceful bars, arches and galleries, making the appearance of the buildings unique.

There are no street layouts in the old town, they all lead randomly to the main monuments, palaces and temples of Corfu. One of the most important attractions for the Greeks is the Blachernae Monastery, which is considered the guardian angel of Kerkyra. The ancient part of the city is located near the monastery, and residents consider this neighborhood symbolic.