Olive trees older than the Venetian Empire cast dappled shadows over hillsides that tumble toward coves of turquoise water. Corfu is not like other Greek islands. It wears its history like a layered garment, with Byzantine chapels, Venetian mansions, and British neoclassical facades all visible in a single streetscape. The waterfront at Paleokastritsa shimmers in shades of jade and azure as boats bob against the rocks. In Corfu Town, the Liston arcade echoes with the clink of coffee cups and the murmur of Greek and Italian mingling. Kumquat liqueur warms the throat as the sun sets behind the Albanian mountains across the strait.
Geography and Natural Beauty
The island of Corfu (Kerkyra) is situated at the northwestern part of Greece (only 5km from the Greek mainland). The island has a relatively enough rainfall, and thus there is a variety of plants. Green nature and plants such as olive trees and orchids create along with the clear blue sea a really wonderful place. The island of Corfu is often regarded as the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea and is also called the Emerald Island. The highest peak is Mount Pantokrator, measuring 906 m. The island’s unique microclimate, with more rainfall than any other Greek island, is responsible for its exceptionally lush vegetation. Over two million olive trees cover the landscape, some of them hundreds of years old with gnarled trunks that bear witness to centuries of island history.
Corfu has the coldest climate of all Greek islands (in summer daytime temperatures are around 28 C), which is pleasant in summer and suitable also for hiking and exploring the island. This milder climate makes Corfu an ideal destination for travellers who find the intense heat of the southern Greek islands overwhelming. Spring brings an explosion of wildflowers, while autumn remains warm enough for swimming well into October.
Beaches and Coastline
Beaches
On the island you will find beautiful pebble and sandy beaches. The best beaches for swimming are mostly in the eastern part of the island. The beaches are gentle with a calm sea (the waves are nearly absent, since the eastern side is not open to the sea), while at the western part you can find rocks. Paleokastritsa, on the west coast, is perhaps the most famous beach destination on the island, with a series of coves separated by rocky headlands and surrounded by lush green hillsides. The turquoise water here is exceptionally clear, making it perfect for snorkelling and boat trips to the nearby sea caves. The northern coast, around Sidari, features the famous Canal d’Amour, a narrow channel of water carved through sandstone cliffs where legend says swimmers who cross it together will find love.
Corfu Town and historic Sights
Kerkyra Town
Kerkyra is the capital of Corfu. The town has over 35,000 inhabitants. You shouldn’t miss Vlacheraina monastery, which lies on the own little island. The town’s Old Town is a UNESCO World heritage site, with a maze of narrow streets known as kountoura that date back to the Venetian period. The Liston, a long arcaded promenade built by the French, is the social heart of the city, lined with cafes and restaurants.
Corfu has also a rich history and interesting architecture. If you plan on sightseeing tour, you will certainly be happy that the island is dotted with plenty of sights worth visiting. You can visit Achillion a Classicist mansion, where the Empress Sissi spent much of her life. Another beautiful experience of your vacation could also be a walk to the ruins of a Byzantine castle Angelokastro from the 13th century or to the southernmost point of the island, which is Cape Asprokavos. There is an abandoned monastery, above which you can enjoy the view of 130m high rocky cliffs.
Northern coast of Corfu has long been a popular destination for air tours. The tourists are in this beautiful island totally excited. Many famous people have joined their life or name with this favourite destinations for example Johan Wolfgang Goethe, Oscar Wilde or the wife of Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, Elisabeth, called Sissi. The island’s cultural landscape is remarkably diverse, with seven Venetian fortresses, numerous Byzantine churches with original frescoes, and British-era neoclassical mansions scattered throughout the countryside.
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