Corfu Attractions
Corfu Sights & Attractions
If you are fascinated by the uniqueness of natural landscapes, make Corfu Island your next holiday destination. Let your eyes wander around the unbeatable views of the islands and contemplate the enchanting sunset, a spectacle that generates the strongest feelings.
Corfu is a perfect destination whether you travel with friends, family or if you want to spend romantic moments with your loved one.
Corfu at a glance
Corfu is in the middle or the commercial crossroad of Mediterranean. The inhabitants of the city of Corfu are over 30.000. It is a lively place where the international airport, the port, and the contemporary roads have created an excellent infrastructure. In every corner of the town of Corfu, something new unfolds Historical monuments and the two Enetic Castles are the contrast of the narrow streets well known as kantounia and the full of life port. There move of twelve museums, a number of picturesque churches the local choir and some groups for traditional dances and the guarantee to get to know the customs of the island gives a unique picture. The climate is mild the beaches are safe enough for swimming and the sea sport and seems like gold. People can laze around on the beach swim sunbathe and generally enjoy them selves. It is a real chance to unwind South of Corfu is an island called Paxi.
“My childhood in Corfu shaped my life. If I had the craft of Merlin, I would give every child the gift of my childhood.” ― Gerald Durrell
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Corfu Sightseeing
Corfu hosts a lot of cultural, social and athletic activities. The island has 18 philharmonic bands, the municipal theatre in the city center as well as the open theatre “Rena Vlachopoulou” at Mon Repo.
There are also museums, the Municipal Library, the Art gallery as well as the Ionian University with six active departments. A lot of concerts, plays, exhibitions, and festivals that are organized throughout the year, reveal the artistic nature of Corfu’s residents. The fame of the Easter celebration has spread throughout the world and thousands come to the island in order to be part of the celebrations.
Concerning your entertainment, there are suggestions literally for every taste: stylish restaurants as well as traditional taverns, cafes, bars, clubs, the casino, bowling, cinema. At the same time, the possibility for athletic activities on the island is being continuously developed: football, cricket, golf, tennis, water polo, swimming, riding, handball, diving and a lot of summer sports. A lot of shops await you to make your purchases throughout the year.
Historical Monuments, symbols of faith, inextricable pieces of the local history, hidden within olive-groves and village neighborhoods. From the Antiquity till today the place has been inhabited. Ancient finds in fields, hills, and coasts, prove it. The vernacular architecture, influenced by the Byzantine and Western styles, has created settlements harmoniously blending with the natural environment and the island’s Mediterranean character.
Deserted Venetian castles, Byzantine monasteries, mills, trenches, oil-press buildings, stone-built mansions, villages hidden in the rock or amidst the olive-groves, are a few of the Corfu’s historical landmarks.|
Corfu is very fortunate to have preserved, in a reasonably good condition, the majority of monuments left behind by earlier generations.
In the city of Corfu prevail the two Venetian fortresses that used to protect Corfu from prospective conquerors. Between the two fortresses extends the old city of Corfu. The Old Town is one of the most charming parts of the Corfiot capital and owes its peculiar architectural planning to the rules set by Venetians for its defense. Built between the walls and the two Venetian castles, the Old Town offers the opportunity for romantic strolls in enchanting surroundings. Here, in the picturesque “maze of narrow streets”(kandounia ), under the tall buildings and amongst small squares and old churches, the present meets the past, and time seems to have stood still.
The charming housing blends harmoniously with the impressive arcade colonnades or the buildings of the Liston and the majestic 19th century Palace of St. George, which border the largest and most beautiful square in Greece is the Esplanade.
The architectural richness of the town continues in the picturesque streets of the busy commercial center and also in more quiet neighborhoods, where among old mansions and houses stand the buildings of the present Town Hall (17th century), the Ionic Parliament (1852), and the Old Government House (1840).
Most important amongst the many churches (mainly from the 16th to the 18th centuries) are the Metropolis (16th century) and the Church of St.Spiridon, the Patron Saint of Corfu (16th century), where his holy remains, as well as those of St.Theodora Augusta, are kept. Also important among the town monuments are the Mainland Rotunda (19th century) in the upper part of the Esplanade, the burial Monument of Menecrates (circa 600 BC) in Garitsa and the Byzantine Church of St. Jason and St. Sosipatra (circa 1000 AD) in Anemomylos, as well as the ruins of the early Basilica of Paleopolis and the archaic temples in the Kanoni peninsula.
Museums in Corfu
Archaeological Museum: Contains sculptures, ceramics, and other archaeological finds, mainly from the archaic period. The most important exhibit is the Pediment of the Mermaid(580 BC) from the archaic temple of Airtimes. It is the oddest large sculptured pediment in existence.
The entire island’s history is kept in an extensive collection of artifacts and sculptures, the museum houses. You can find many pieces representing different periods of the island’s history. Gravestones dated from the 6th century BC, tools and vessels from the Bronze age, flints and pieces from vessels from the Neolithic period, pediments from ancient temples, statues, coins and many more.
The Museum of Asian Art
It is housed in the upper floor of the Regency Royal Palace and contains a unique collection of more than 10.000 pieces. Most of it is based on the donated to the state by Corfiot diplomats and ambassadors.
Byzantine Museum: A collection of icons, mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries, painted by important Greek post-Byzantine icon
painters.
Fighter for the Septinsular Freedom: Housed in the Ionian Parliament building, where the Union of the Seven Ionian Islands with Greece was constituted, it contains portraits of politicians, newspapers, decrees and other documents pertaining to the struggle of the Ionian Islands for the Union with Greece.
Kapodistrias Museum: Housed in the villa of John Kapodistriasis family (at Koukouritsa), it consists of family furniture, paintings, and mementos from the life of that great political figure.
Historical Archive Collection: Consists of important archival material from the last five centuries, which retain the history of Corfu and the other Ionic Islands.
Public Library : Contains about 75,000 volumes.
Reading Society: Displays a large number of engravings, old texts, and printed material, photographs, etc.
Paper Money Museum of Ionic Bank: Contains a collection of paper money, very old samples, and is unique in its kind in Greece.
Outside the city, you may visit the ruins of Paleopolis, the Achillion that extended hospitality to many famous people, the castles of Angelokastron and Gardiki, Kanoni and Pontikonisi, Panagia Kassopitra, Old Peritheia, the Paleokastritsa Monastery etc.
Other Collections
You can also visit the Public Art Museum, in an old building on Academias st., exhibits include old maps, portraits of the kings of Greece, a work of the assassination of Kapodistrias and many more.
The Byzantine Museum, in the Church of Antivouniotissa, includes works of the Cretian and Ionian schools and another collection of local artists.
The Solomos museum housed in his house near Spianada square exhibits a personal collection of letters and writings from the poet Solomos.
The World of the Deep near the entrance to the New Fort is a collection of finds and photographs from in and around the Mediterranean sea.
Monasteries
Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Klimatia
Built at an altitude of 450 meters, the monastery of the Holy Trinity in Klimatia, on a site with a panoramic view, has served as a place for worship to God since the 15th century. Its frescoes -which date back to 1672- and its icons on the icon screen, painted in 1850, are of special interest. The monastery, which celebrates on Monday of the Holy Spirit, is famous for its murals and hospitality.
Temple of the Crucifix (Estavromenos Monastery)
The Temple of the Crucifix (Estavromenos) in the village of Nymphes is a church unique in its Byzantine style.
Monastery of Pantokrator
On the top of Pantokrator mountain, there was a monastery, built in 1347 by the residents of 23 nearby villages and probably destroyed in 1537. The present church was built at the same place in the late 17th century. The church attracts pilgrims from all over Greece throughout the year.
Religious events at the monastery of Pantokrator culminate during the “Pantokratror six-day period”, from August 1st to August 6th, with the celebration of “Metamorphosis” (the transfiguration). Thousands of faithful Christians flock to participate even in the overnight prayers, ascending footpaths to the monastery from nearby villages, carrying candles.
Church of Saints Jason and Sosipater
Askitario (a hermitage)
One of the oldest Christian monuments of the 5th century, the “Askitario” (a hermitage), just 1 km from Nymphes village, was built according to tradition, by the parents of an ascetic from Epirus, called Artemisios Paissios. The ascetic, miraculously lost his life the moment his parents came ashore to take him back, against his will. As soon as he saw them coming, he dug a grave and hide inside to pray. Then a huge rock fell from the mountain and crushed him. After having unsuccessfully tried to get their son’s dead body back, they built there, the “Monastery of Metamorphosis”.
Monastery of St. Catherine
The Monastery of St. Catherine, enhancing the landscape’s natural beauty. It was founded in 1713 and it is particularly renowned for the exquisite frescoes of the 18th and 19th century.
Panaghia Spiliotissa
The church was built in 1577 and became the Cathedral church of the city since 1841. It is situated at the southwest, above the Old Port. Since its original construction, the church was renovated both externally and internally. Among the numerous icons that the church hosts, distinguished those of M. Damaskinos (16th c) and E. Tzanne (17th c), but the most respective and the oldest on (15th c) is that of Panaghia Dimosiana, which is painted both sides. At Metropolis (Cathedral church) are placed the relics of St. Theodora Augousta ( Empress Thedora of Byzantion).
The Monastery of Panagia Myrtiotissa
Perched on the ridge of a hill overgrown with pines, above the beach of Myrtiotissa, the monastery, built in the 14th century, has taken its name from the icon of Virgin Mary that has been found there, amidst the myrtles (“myrties” in Greek).
The naïve architectural style harmoniously matches the plain setting in the monastery’s interior, adorned with the old icons and the smoked oil-candles hanging before them. In the minuscule, neat yard, lined with geraniums and bougainvilleas, one can relish the peace and calmness, while the view from here up above is spectacular, to where the blue of the sea meets with the blue of the sky.
On the 24th of September every year, the Fair of Panagia Myrtiotissa celebrates takes place here, gathering locals and tourists from all over the island.
Monastery of Agios Onoufrios
On a scenic country road leading from Sinarades to Kokkini and Vatos, you’ll find the monastery of Agios Onoufrios. You can light up a candle inside and enjoy the cool shadow of the trees in the pretty yard of the compound. The surrounding area is habited and is overgrown with vineyards producing excellent home-made wine.
Monastery of Holy Trinity
Built at an altitude of 450 meters, the monastery of the Holy Trinity in Klimatia, on a site with a panoramic view, has served as a place for worship to God since the 15th century. Its frescoes -which date back to 1672- and its icons on the icon screen, painted in 1850, are of special interest. The monastery, which celebrates on Monday of the Holy Spirit, is famous for its murals and hospitality.
Monastery of Pantokrator
On the top of Pantokrator Mountain, there was a monastery, built in 1347 by the residents of 23 nearby villages and probably destroyed in 1537. The present church was built at the same place in the late 17th century. The church attracts pilgrims from all over Greece throughout the year.
Religious events at the monastery of Pantokrator culminate during the “Pantokratror six-day period”, from August 1st to August 6th, with the celebration of “Metamorphosis” (the transfiguration). Thousands of faithful Christians flock to participate even in the overnight prayers, ascending footpaths to the monastery from nearby villages, carrying candles.
The Church of Corfu’s Patron St. Spiridon
Born in Cyprus, St Spyridon was the son of a poor family who was eventually ordained as Bishop of Trimythous. He lived and died in Cyprus, performing miracles all his life. When the Saracens invaded the island, the Cypriots opened his grave in order to move his bones to Constantinople; they found his body was still intact, while a scent of basil emanated from the tomb. After the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, a Corfiot elder brought him to Corfu, and his holy remains were passed as an heirloom to succeeding generations of his extended family until finally they were transferred to the Saint’s present church in 1590.
Processions
Four times a year, the Holy Relics of the Saint go out on parade to commemorate the occasions when he saved Corfu from various disasters. As a result, he is considered to be the island’s Protector, and his miracles are celebrated with respective annual processions:
The first procession: takes place on Palm Sunday, the day when Corfu was rescued from the plague in 1630. The Saint’s relics are paraded through the streets, escorted by all the island’s philharmonic orchestras and following the line of the old town walls from where the Saint drove out the disease.
The second procession (the oldest): was established in 1550 and traditionally takes place on Easter Saturday in thanks for the island’s relief from famine.
The third procession takes place on the first Sunday in November and marks the town’s second deliverance from the plague in 1673.
The fourth procession: is on 11th August in commemoration of the town’s liberation from the Turks in 1716, after a month-long siege.
The Monastery of Agia Kyriaki
When leaving village Sinarades and just a few paces off the main road, you’ll find the Monastery of Agia Kyriaki.
The building is not old, yet it is of an interesting architectural style, with impressive bell towers and remarkable details featuring all over the place.
The neat, blooming flowerbeds, the vineyards outside the monastery’s compound and the truly calm atmosphere will make you feel peaceful and relaxed.
Monastery Panaghia Vlachernon
The Church of Panagia Vlachernon is a well known picturesque monastery, on the edge of Kanoni peninsula, at the foreground of Pontikonissi and it is linked by a narrow road to Kanoni.
Vidos island
Vidos island is a lovely place for walking and relaxing. There is a lot of green. You can reach there by boat in 5 minutes. There is a perfect restaurant and one cafe- bar to enjoy your drink. There are also two small beaches for swimming. The boat service is used to be at the Old Port, every hour.
Churches
Corfu is known for its churches because there are so many of them, but also because of their distinctive facades, many modeled on Italian designs and domed ceilings usually decorated by local artists. Byzantine, Venetian churches with outstanding architecture interest decorated by famous local artists like Doxaras, Damaskinos, Tzane, Paramythiotis
Holy Trinity Church Corfu
Holy Trinity was founded in 1865 to serve the needs of the English speaking community on the island of Corfu. The church is part of the greater Anglican family but ministers to Christians of all denominations and to those of no church affiliation. It is linked to the Intercontinental Church Society, an Evangelical Anglican missionary society that seeks primarily to support outreach to residents and visitors in Europe.
21 L. Mavili Street, Kerkyra TK49131 Tel/Fax: 0661-31467 Email: [email protected]
The Old Fortress
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the already existing Byzantine fortification on the islet was improved, and in the 15th century, the walls were reconstructed by the Venetians. In the 16th century, the erection of all the defensive structures, designed by Venetian architects (Michele Sanmicheli), was completed. From ca. 1500 onwards, the fortified islet was used as a military and administrative center. Few buildings of the Venetian period are preserved, such as the central gate, the powder magazines, and the prisons. During the British Protectorate (1815-1864) new defensive structures and new buildings were erected, such as the barracks, the hospital, and the church of St. George.
In the early 1980s, the Martinego bastion was consolidated and in 1993 the land-side tower was restored. In the years 1992-1994, before the Summit Conference, the Ministry of Culture restored the central gate, the former “Latin chapel”, the English barracks, the so-called “Forseer” building, the church of St. George and the building of the 8th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. External areas were also remodeled and cleared. In 1994, the Venetian bases of the canons in the fortress Campana were cleared of the earth filling that covered them, and excavations were conducted on the plateau where an early pavement came to light.
The most important monuments of the site are:
The Building of the Prisons: It is one of the oldest buildings of the fortress, constructed by the Venetians in 1786. It was originally confined to the ground floor and the second story was added during the British Protectorate. A vaulted corridor divides the ground floor into two parts: the south-east is further divided into four cells and the north-west into two chambers of equal size. The entrance is in the middle of the facade, crowned by a small window. In the right side of the facade, three small windows are opened. A stone staircase leads to the northwest side of the building. The monument is already mentioned in the map of Fotinelli (18th century) as a prison.
The Main Gate: It assumed its present form in the 16th century (1550) when the whole facade of the fortress was remodeled. The gate is flanked by two spacious vaulted chambers.
The Chapel “Madonna dei Carmini” or “Latin Chapel”: Military chapel that existed as early as the 17th century.
British Barracks of the Officers: Stone building erected on the north side of the fortress after 1848, in order to be used as the barracks of the British officers.
The Barracks of the British Protectorate: Large structure, built of mudbricks. It was erected on the east side of the trench, probably after 1848.
The English Hospital: Large, mudbrick building of the British Protectorate (1835). It was used as a military hospital.
Church of St. George: Large basilica in the form of an ancient Doric temple. It was built in ca. 1840 and was the official Anglican church during the British Protectorate. The interior was originally divided into three aisles by two rows of iron columns which also supported the U-shaped gallery. In 1864 it was converted into an Orthodox church and an iconostasis was added. The iconostasis (altar screen) came from the church of St. Spyridon at the town of Corfu and was adorned with priceless icons, some of which have been attributed to the famous painter Emmanuel Tzanes.
Contact Information:
Address: 3 Vraila St., 491 00 Corfu
Telephone: (+30) 26610-48310, 48311
Winter Opening Hours (November 1st, 2004 – April 30th, 2005):
Monday: 08.30-15.00
Tuesday-Sunday: 08.30-16.00
Holidays: 6 January, Shrove Monday, Holy Saturday, Easter Monday, Holy Spirit Day, October 28th: 08.30-16.00
Closed on the following public holidays:
January 1st, March 25th, Good Friday, Easter Day, May 1st, Christmas (December 25 & 26). As regards other public holidays, check with the information center to verify opening hours and days.
Roman baths
The baths were probably part of a large Roman building complex in NW Corfu. The monument was destroyed during the construction of a road and the preserved section was discovered in private land in 1985, during the opening of a foundation pit for the erection of a modern house.
The preserved part of the building includes the hypocaust and the channel that carried water in the baths.
The area has been purchased by the Archaeological Service and can be visited by the public.
Contact Information:
Address: Xagoraris plot, Acharave 49100
Telephone: (+30) 26630-30680
Village Palaia Peritheia
Village Palaia Peritheia is among the region’s oldest. Built on the slopes of Pantokrator, it is literally an architectural ornament and its history dates to the Venetian era.
All houses and alleys are made of stone, and so are the churches, one more beautiful than the other, while the elementary school is accommodated in the Scordilis mansion. The village’s position was commanded by the fear of raids and malaria, which was raving along the coast. Access to Palaia Peritheia is easy, driving uphill from Aghios Ilias and Lotuses is like going back through history, as one finds out upon arrival. The village had been abandoned for years due to a plague. Thus, the people ascended from the mountain to its foot, spread in the olive-groves and built Aghios Ilias, Reliatika, Vouni, Portes, Krinias, yet in their minds was always “the village” as they call Peritheia.
Corfu resorts
Ipsos is one of the liveliest resorts on Corfu, stretching out along one kilometer of pebbly but gently shelving beach. Ipsos offers a huge selection of eateries; tavernas and gyros bars vie for space with English fooderies, the Chinese, the Indian, Italian, and the discos, bars and nightclubs.
Seeing Ipsos of early morning and when the waters are still, you would be forgiven for thinking you were holidaying on a lake, as the natural curve of the bay of Ipsos is flanked by Mount Pandokrator, the distant hills of the Greek mainland and Albania and the plain of Pyrgi. The waters are clean; Ipsos was awarded a European Blue Flag this year.
Barbati is situated at the northeastern end of Corfu, about 20km from Corfu town (Kerkyra) and the airport. Perched at the foot of Mount Pantocrator, amidst green cypress trees, it has breathtaking views along the coast to Corfu town on the right and across to Albania on the left. The sheer, rocky backdrop secludes Barbati from the rest of the island, giving it an isolated, hidden feel. Barbati resort itself is small and laid-back, with just a few shops, tavernas, and bars. Barbati has avoided excessive tourist development with the accommodation comprising of low-rise apartments, villas, and tavernas. The jewel in Barbati’s crown is it is long, shingle beach and calm azure sea. Watersports are on offer and provide some of Barbati’s limited entertainment. There are remnants of an ancient church right on the beach – it is closed but definitely worth a look. This resort is popular with families and couples and will suit you if you want to be drenched not only in sunshine but also in beauty and friendliness.
Benitses is a former fishing village set amidst wooded hills on the east coast of Corfu, 8 miles from the capital,
Corfu town, and facing the Greek mainland. Benitses now offers something of a quieter more relaxed atmosphere than that were common in the eighties when it was a popular youth beach resort. Benitses is now a relatively quiet resort shrugging off its more hectic past and now tends to appeals to couples. The beach at Benitses is small and made up mostly of rough shingle and pebbles, and sloping steeply at the water’s edge. There are water-based activities available in high season these include paragliding, water-skiing, and pedaloes. Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire. There are buses run regularly to Corfu town, Messonghi and if you are up to it, Kavos!
PALEOKASTRITSA is a firm favorite with British holidaymakers. Surrounded by lush and beautiful countryside it is one of the most scenic resorts on the island, but very hilly as well and the lack of footpaths can make walking scary. Night noise can be a problem as bikes scream up the hills. There are plenty of visitors but the bay is big enough to contain them without feeling too busy though visiting day-trippers do push up the prices.
The holiday focus is on Paleokastritsa main beach, a relatively narrow horseshoe crescent of shingle backed by a large car park choked with coaches. The water is deep and unsuitable for children but there are sunbeds, showers, and toilets. Boats leave regularly for reasonably priced trips and watersports include scuba diving.
Paleokastritsa, or Paleo as it is affectionately known, is by far the prettiest of the tourist resorts on Corfu.
As one of the island’s great beauty spots, Paleo is endowed with five horse-shoe shaped bays (one of which acts as a harbour) with crystal clear, turquoise waters with a backdrop of pine and olive clad mountains.
Watched over by the elegant Monastery of the Virgin Mary, Paleokastritsa (‘the little castle’) gets packed to the gills with day-trippers in the summer, so whilst it is undeniably beautiful, if you want to get away.
The highway north out of Corfu town isn’t the best introduction to Corfu island. A dreary motorway through a commercial wasteland ends at island’s main marina and ferry stop at Gouvia. Just before then and merged into is the resort of KONTOKALI. Despite its noisy neighbor, it manages some charm with subdued nightlife and good tavernas and bars though each year the two get closer and it only a matter of time before Kontokali is completely swamped. There are two beaches both sand and pebbles if you can see any of it for the sunbeds. One beach is in front of the massive Kontokali Beach Hotel but it’s not private. There are showers and you can even rent beach towels. It’s shallow in the water, particularly between the two groins and watersports areas are cordoned off. The other beach to the north is smaller and used more by the locals. In Kontokali village are scores of shops and restaurants, the remains of a castle and north along the coast an ancient Venetian shipyard. Big supermarkets are found on the main road with the Diellas hypermarket at the Gouvia turnoff if you want to stock up.
Kontokali boasts incredibly clean sand and shingle beach which is cleared of weed and rubbish every morning. The water is shallow and has been given the EU Blue Flag status which indicates that it is suitable for swimmers of all standards. Sunloungers and parasols can be hired on the beach. As fish is the local specialty in Kontokali you will find lots of Tavernas or fish tavernas. Fresh fish and the occasional meat dishes are the focus and the standard is very high. Usually, the taverna will have its own ‘dedicated’ fisherman and the menu will reflect the latest catch.
There are sufficient bars in Kontokali for a decent evening’s entertainment. From child-friendly places to vibrant joints with live music and gallons of draft beer, Kontokali will offer something for you. For shopping, it is best to go to Gouvia, the neighboring resort. There you will find a choice of shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, and clothes. For high-quality designer goods at bargain prices try the leather warehouse, located on the road to Dassia.
With a regular bus service running from the resort, a day or afternoon spent in Corfu town is an attractive option. Wander through the Venetian Old Town, past Byzantine churches and shuttered buildings. At the city’s heart is the Spianada, this area has a distinctly French feel, with its elegant row of cafes and manicured gardens. Here you can sip a coffee and watch a cricket game, as they still play on the green in the Spianada – another mark of Corfu’s veritable cosmopolitan character.
The quiet holiday village of Arillas, which faces the Ionian Sea and is surrounded by farmland, is an ideal choice for a relaxing break. It is the most northerly resort on Corfu’s western coast and therefore has a secluded atmosphere. The soft, sandy beach offers a range of watersports and if you feel like a change of scenery, try a countryside walk or head for the charming Byzantine monastery at Paleokastritsa. Evenings here are low-key, with traditional tavernas serving local dishes such as moussaka and kebabs. Or you could try the fresh seafood dishes that feature on the menu such as barbouni (red mullet) or fabric (sea bream). The village itself is compact and charming – Arillas is built around a single, narrow road. Due to its size, there are few tourist attractions, although there are some shops selling essentials and the tavernas offer music in the evenings. Arillas attracts mainly families and couples searching for a small slice of peace and quiet dusted with tradition. There is a bus service to Corfu town.
The charming town of Kassiopi is set in a pretty location. It is backed by Mount Pandokrator, which is strewn with flowers in the spring and boasts a picture-postcard harbor flanked by shingle coves and pebbly beaches. Despite the recent tourist development, it retains all the atmosphere of a picturesque fishing village. Located approximately 36km north of Corfu Town and the airport, Kassiopi resort has excellent amenities and really does have something for everyone!”. Most of the beaches are pebbly, small and hidden away in stunning secluded spots.
Kassiopi is still a working fishing port, so be sure to sample some fresh fish during your stay. There is a wide array of eateries to chose from. Nightlife is well-catered for in the numerous bars and a handful of discotheques. Kassiopi resort has many shops, with fine lace and crocheted goods being a local specialty. If you have the energy, climb Mount Pandokrator, for some of the best views in the world. Go as early in the day as possible to avoid climbing during the midday heat. Kassiopi is blessed with a wealth of history and was once a holiday destination for wealthy Romans. There are several ruins and churches to explore.
Kassiopi has managed to retain some charm, as resorts go, by virtue of the fact that it has a natural harbor (I like harbours!!!) which is still home to the local fishermen.
Kassiopi was a thriving settlement in Roman times and by the Byzantine era even rivaled Corfu Town in terms of trading and strategic importance.
The ever-growing and ever British resort is watched over by the now-ruined thirteenth-century fortress.
Built originally by the Angevins, the fortress was destroyed by the Venetians in a bid to prevent its subsequent seizure by rival rulers.
Dassia takes its name from the Greek word for ‘forest’, it is easy to see why some of the earliest (and at that time wealthiest) tourist development began here.
Backed by dense olive groves and lower hill woodland, the resort has grown into another strip development, between the old woods and the pebbly beach.
Dominated by the two large hotels, Dassia does have a range of excellent water sports. That, and the beach-fronted gardens (usable to sunbathe in for a fee) belonging to the aforesaid hotels.
Agios Gordis, another pleasant enough resort on the western side of Corfu, has a fine sandy beach and is backed by fertile hills and farming communities.
The one road leading through the resort to the beach has a good selection of Greek eateries including a snack bar offering vegetarian pittas and a few low key bars.
The resort gets busy during the summer months and is particularly popular with backpackers staying at the Pink Palace.
Nice little out of the way resort in a very peaceful setting. There is little in Maltas itself but a few shops and tavernas, but you can get evrrything you need. The huge sandy beach and the surrounding area are a great place to explore if you are into walking and wildlife.
Kavos, stretching out along what must have been a glorious beach, is best avoided by anyone wanting a Greek Holiday.
British beer on tap, discos open until 6 am and typically non-Greek food is what the resort offers.
Kavos was the base for the recent British docusoap, Greece Uncovered, and if you have seen that you will know that Kavos is the place to party on Corfu.
Easter in Corfu
For the Greek people, Easter is by far one of the most important festivals of the year and Easter in Corfu is unique! Good Friday brings solemn processions in memory of the burial of Christ. The processions are happening throughout the Island in every little village. The main procession that holds the most splendor starts at the Cathedral in Corfu Town at night fall and is watched by thousands of people. Many visitors come from Athens and all over Greece to fill the narrow streets of Corfu. The heart of the procession is the ‘Epitaphios’ a bier representing the body of Christ, beautifully decorated and carried aloft by soldiers and sailors, with all the High priests in brilliant robes, uniformed bands, school children, choirs, and all the faithful believers.
The evening once again brings thousands of people to the town where everyone assembles holding unlit candles while the Bishop of Corfu conducts mass. At the stroke of midnight, the Bishop announces that “Christ has risen” and the bands burst into sound, cannons roar from the fortress, fireworks explode, bells start ringing and everywhere is once again ablaze as everyone lights their candles. A spectacular event! Not to be missed.
Holy Saturday – At 9:00 am begins the procession of St. Spyridon, the saving St. of the Island. The relics of St. Spyridon are kept in a silver coffin in a tiny darkroom in the corner of the church, where the main source of light comes from the slender votive candles carried by the faithful. His remains are carried through the town as the bands play the theme from Hamlet ( played only on this day, and at no other time throughout the year). The most interesting place to be at the stroke of 11:00 on Saturday morning is the old section around the Liston Where the peaceful calm is shattered as a shower of pots and vases filled with water are thrown from thousands of windows and balconies to the streets down below, much to the delight of the locals and bewilderment of tourist ! Symbolizing good luck for the year to come. A custom celebrated only in Corfu.
Festivities
Easter is one of the greatest festivities on the island. It is the reason that this time of the year, visitors from all over the world are gathering on the island. At whichever church or monastery is functioning you will enjoy direct contact with the essence and soul of the Holy Week. The too many processions and “Epitaphios” (the funeral of Christ taken place on Good Friday), the first Resurrection at 11 o’ clock the Holy Saturday morning, the Resurrection at 12 o’ clock night seen in with a firework display, are well worth seeing.
For two years in the row, Garitsa Gulf is hosting one of the biggest sports events in the World. The Formula1, Powerboating World Championship, Grand Prix. The F1 series is escorted by many parallel events which in the mid-summer offer a refreshing spectacle. The Billiard World Championship took place on the impressive central stage of the Municipal Theatre of Corfu for the first time. All the stars of the ’90s most popular game came in Corfu and played in one of the best-organized events.
Excursions
Corfu Island is not being given the name “Emerald Island” by accident. Corfu is an island which is very accessible. Its scenic delights, its wonderful beaches, towns and places of historical interest can be seen, either through organized excursions or, independently by public transport or hire a car or motorbike.
Corfu town makes an ideal base for any sightseeing although accommodation, be in a luxury hotel or tiny pension, is available all over the island.
