Guide of Corfu

The Island of Corfu is in the Ionian Sea facing the west coast of mainland Greece, it is the marvellous destination chosen by many for the summer holidays and is that beautiful island that welcomed Ulysses before his return to Ithaca.

History

Its ancient name was Korkyra, which is similar to what Corfu is called by the Greeks today, Kerkyra. The first settlements were created by the Greeks of Eretria and the Illyrians, it later grew as a colony of Corinth. There were many invasions of Corfu because of its favourable position in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is characterized by the different historical periods it has been through from the Angevin period to the Venetian era and French domination. During the world wars it was a base for Serbian troops, and then during the reign of Mussolini, Corfu was occupied by the Italian army.

Places to visit

In Pontikonissi the monastery of Vlacherna is not to be missed, it is located in the middle of the sea, on the Pontikonissi islet where you can also visit an ancient Byzantine chapel Pantokratora. An exciting place to visit is the Achilleion, which is a home built under the request of Princess Sissi, it has an extraordinary view and beautiful gardens that were used to shoot the scenes of one of the James Bond films. Angelokastro is a castle from the Byzantine era and is located in high location from which there is a brilliant panorama, the highest point of the north coast of Corfù. In the centre of Kerkyra there palaces and fortresses and the district of Kanotounia is made up of small streets and alleyways. La Spianada is the main square from where you can get to the Ancient Fortress, close to the Royal Palace.

Beaches 

In Corfù every part of the coast has clean sea and dreamy landscapes, Paleokastritsa beach is just one beach among many. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world in a bay with alternating rocky inlets and sandy beaches. Glyfada is a sandy beach, which has some establishments and the water is transparent and full of small fish. Barbat is located on the north-eastern coast of the island it is a charming place where you can find free beaches and some with amenities, so you can comfortably lie on the sun on loungers and sip drinks under an umbrella. Kassiopi in the north of Corfu is one of the most developed beaches on the island, it is located directly opposite the Greek and Albanian coasts, it has crystal clear waters with pebbles beach and plenty of amenities.