What to see on the island of Corfu. Sights of Corfu: the most fascinating places on the Greek island. Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Paleokastritsa

Guests arriving at the seaport are greeted like a hospitable host by the capital of the island - Kerkyra (Corfu Town). In the unique appearance of the city, traces of not only Greek culture can be traced, but also French, British and, of course, Venetian. In order to feel the real atmosphere of Kerkyra, you must take a walk through the Old Town, surrounded by the Old and New Fortresses, built by the Venetians to protect the city. The New Fortress, also called the Sea Fortress, or the Fortress of St. Mark, hosts exhibitions and concerts. A memorial to the great Russian admiral Ushakov has been opened near the fortress.

The center of public life in Kerkyra is undoubtedly the most beautiful Spianada Square. The square is framed by the Liston architectural complex, built by the French. The vaulted galleries of Liston are home to some of the finest cafés and restaurants and are a favorite meeting place for the people of Corfu. And on the square you can watch performances by the city philharmonic societies, and cricket competitions traditionally held on Saturdays.

On the southern side of the square there is a majestic palace named after St. George and Michael. The palace, which was built by the British in 1820, housed the official residence of the British Commissioner. Today, the Museum of Asian Art displays its collections in the historical palace.

The heavenly patron of Kerkyra is Saint Spyridon. The richest temple, built in 1589, houses the relics of the revered patron of Kerkyra. The saint saved the island many times: from a plague epidemic, from famine, from being captured by the Turks. On the day of veneration of the beloved patron, the shrine is opened and the Saint’s vestments are changed. And every time the soles of the shoes are worn away, with traces of sand and algae. Therefore, local residents firmly believe that to this day Saint Spyridon “goes around” and protects their island.
It is also worth visiting the Cathedral of Kerkyra, the main shrine of which is the relics of the Byzantine empress St. Theodora, and the ancient church of Saints Jason and Sosipater. Excursions to the museums of Corfu - Archaeological, Byzantine art, paper money will be interesting.

Near the airport, 3 km from the city, there is the Mon Repos Park-Reserve. An ancient city existed on the site of the park, and the remains of ancient and Byzantine temples are still preserved on the territory of the reserve. In the central part of the park is the former residence of the Dukes of Edinburgh, and later the “dacha” of the Greek royal family - the Mon Repos Palace. The palace houses a museum where you can see a collection of artifacts found in the ancient city.

A small village on the peninsula of the same name is a favorite tourist destination. From here, along a small strip of land you can reach the Vlaherna monastery located in the middle of the sea. Or take a boat ride to the charming small island of Pontikonisi (Mouse Island), which, according to legend, is nothing more than the ship of Odysseus, turned to stone by Poseidon.

Near the village of Gasturi there is a real fairy-tale royal palace. Empress Elizabeth of Austria, better known as Princess Sissi, enchanted by the beauty of Corfu, commissioned Italian craftsmen to build a beautiful palace, dedicating it to the ancient Greek hero Achilles. The snow-white building of the palace is surrounded by dense parks, terraces descending from the hillside. The shady alleys are decorated with many beautiful statues, among which the most impressive are the Dying Achilles and the Victorious Achilles. The palace functions as a museum.

Angelokastro

"Fortress of Angels" is a Byzantine defensive fortress located on a high cliff off the north-eastern coast of Corfu. On the territory of the fortress there are two small chapels - the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and St. Kyriaki.

Every year, the colorful and solemn celebration of the Resurrection of Christ attracts thousands of visitors to Corfu. Starting from Palm Sunday, when a solemn procession is held with the relics of the patron saint of the Island, St. Spyridon, accompanied by 18 philharmonic orchestras, the entire Holy Week allows you to fully experience the significance of the main Christian holiday.
On Maundy Thursday, all the balconies of houses are decorated with long sheets of red fabric, and in the evening parishioners bring flowers to the temple to decorate the tombstone of the Savior.

The most mournful and solemn day is Good Friday. In the evening, from all the churches, under the mournful ringing and accompanied by orchestras, the Epitaphio, symbolizing the tomb of Christ, is carried out. Processions pass through the streets of the city and all residents and guests of Corfu accompany the procession with burning candles in their hands.

On Saturday, huge clay pots and vases fly from every balcony onto the pavement and break into pieces. This tradition exists only in Corfu. And on Sunday night everyone gathers in the temple to hear the joyful news of the resurrection - “Christ Anesti!” and bring a candle with blessed fire into the house. And in the morning a noisy and cheerful celebration begins with dancing, singing, and traditional roasting of lamb on a spit.

Of course, one of the main reasons for visiting any Greek island is a beach holiday. The varied beaches of Corfu will fully satisfy the needs of demanding tourists. You can enjoy your holiday on the equipped large beaches or retire to one of the many picturesque coves of the island. Or take a boat to the nearby islands of Paxi and Antipaxi. It should be noted that on the beaches located on the “inner” side, facing the Greek mainland, the water is warmer and the sea is calmer than on the “outer” side.

Beaches of the western, "outer" coast.

The most beautiful and popular resort is the charming village of Paliokastritsa. The amazingly beautiful bays with silver sand at the foot of green cliffs and the rich underwater world have made Paliakastritsa a favorite vacation spot for many tourists. Also worth noting are the sandy beaches of Agios Yorgos and Agios Stefanos, noisy youthful Acharavi, calm Roda, “wild” Gialos, secluded Ermones, and the popular Glyfada beach.

In the previous article we talked about how you can. Now it’s time for a story about the sights of Corfu and what is worth seeing on this beautiful island. The peculiarity of the island of Corfu is that it has a mixture of Greek, Venetian, English, and French cultures. This island, covered with lush greenery and fragrant flowers, was also a favorite retreat of the Austrian Empress Amalia Eugenie Elisabeth, better known by her pet name Sissi. Therefore, in modern Corfu you can see an abundance of attractions.

The most striking attraction of Corfu, in my opinion, is castle Austrian Empress Amalia Eugenie Elizabeth (Sissy) and adjacent to it garden.

They are located on the east coast of the island, 10 kilometers south of the airport, in the village Gasturi.

The name of the Achillio Palace comes from the name of the ancient Greek hero Achilles. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1890-1891 by the Italian architect Raphael Carito, commissioned by the Austrian Empress, who wanted to find peace and solace in this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean.

The Empress was an ardent admirer of ancient Greek culture, so the palace and park are decorated many sculptures depicting characters from Greek mythology. The most interesting are the statues of the nine muses, the dying Achilles and the victorious Achilles.

The architecture of the palace combines Doric, Ionic and Romanesque styles, but in general resembles the luxurious Viennese palaces. Inside you can see many frescoes with ancient scenes.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the palace was acquired by German Emperor Wilhelm II (Kaiser), who changed the location of some sculptures, installed a statue depicting the first owner of the palace in front of the palace entrance, and ordered the production and installation of a statue of the victorious Achilles. The Kaiser also ordered to bring rare plants to the island and decorate the garden surrounding the palace with them.

All this splendor can be seen by the modern traveler from 8-00 to 19-00 on weekdays and from 8-00 to 14-30 on Saturday and Sunday. Entry price in Achillio is 7 euros per person.

Old Fortress

Old Fortress (Palaio Frurio) one of the parts of the island's defensive system. It was built in the 8th century by the Byzantines and subsequently completed by the Venetians and the British.

The fortress is located near the city center and is separated from it by an artificially created strait. You can enter the Old Fortress via a special bridge, which is located a few tens of meters from Asian Art Museum.

The fortress is located on several levels; on the highest rises a giant Christian cross, which is clearly visible even at night to all ships approaching the island. There is also classic lighthouse.

From the top of the fortress there are breathtaking views of the city and the sea. On the territory of the fortress you can also see ancient bastions and guns from different eras, intended for the defense of the fortress, various administrative buildings, barracks and a prison.

There are also several churches and chapels on the territory of the fortress. Of greatest interest is Church of St. George, patron saint of warriors. It was built by the British in the mid-19th century, but in appearance it is more reminiscent of an ancient temple than a Christian church of that era.

Among other things, there is a cafe in the fortress where you can relax and have a snack. In summer, the Old Fortress is open to visitors from 8-00 to 19-30. In winter, some levels of the fortress are inaccessible for inspection. Ticket price 4 euros per person, discounted ticket 2 euros.

New Fortress

New Fortress, also called Neo Frurio and the Fortress of St. Mark, located within walking distance from the center of Corfu town and the port. It is considered a marvel of defensive architecture. It was she who prevented the Turks from capturing the island in 1716.

The construction of Neo Frurio began at the end of the 16th century by the Venetians. A huge amount of building material was needed, so about 2,000 houses and churches were destroyed on the island. It became part of the city’s defensive structures. Later, the New Fortress was completed by the French and British.

Neo Frurio has two levels - one to protect the city, the other to protect the port. On their walls you can see images of lions.

On the territory of the Fortress there are two bastions, one of which now houses a cafe. The fortress is surrounded by two rows of walls and equipped with a complex system of underground passages through which an inquisitive traveler can wander. This will help him to feel even better the gloomy atmosphere reigning in the New Fortress.

Also from Neo Frurio there is a magnificent view of the city and the Old Fortress. From April 15 to October 30, the New Fortress is open to the public from 9-00 to 21-00. Entrance fee 3 euros per person.

Not far from the New Fortress is located monument Russian admiral Fedor Ushakov. The monument was erected by grateful islanders for their help in liberating Corfu from the French invaders. Admiral Ushakov canonized as an Orthodox saint. An icon with his image is located in one of the temples in the center of Corfu.

City center, St. Spiridon, icon of Ushakov

A separate attraction of Corfu is the city of Corfu itself (the capital of the island), namely its center, the old town. Any traveler will be interested in wandering through the narrow cobbled streets, admiring the architecture of churches and residential buildings unique to Greece, as well as popping into several shops or sitting in one of the cozy cafes.

In the very center of old Corfu there is one of the greatest shrines of the Orthodox world - relics of Saint Spyridon of Trimifuntsky, patron saint of the island of Corfu. By the way, this is why Spiridon, or affectionately Spiros, is the most common male name on the island.

The inhabitants of Corfu greatly reverence Saint Spyridon; they believe that it was thanks to him that the island escaped plague twice, famine once, and was never conquered by the infidel Turks. Even during his lifetime, the saint possessed the gift of healing, cast out demons and could even resurrect the dead; he gave all his funds to the poor and strangers, and defended the unjustly offended.

The relics of Saint Spyridon were transported to Corfu in 1453 from Constantinople captured by the Turks. In 1590, a temple was built on the island, named after this saint. From then to this day, the relics have been kept in this temple. The saint's body has a constant temperature of 36.6 degrees, and his shoes and clothes wear out as if he were walking somewhere, they are replaced several times a year. When the priests cannot open the shrine where the saint’s relics are kept, they understand that he has gone away to help someone.

Since ancient times, Saint Spyridon has also been highly revered in Rus', which is why a huge number of Russian pilgrims come to his relics. The reliquary with the relics opens for veneration at approximately 10:00 and 17:00 after the morning and evening liturgy, but it is better to come in advance, as there are always a lot of people who want to venerate the holy relics.

It is advisable to write notes about health and repose in Greek or Latin letters to make them easier for the priest to read. In Greece, it is customary that if there is a cross on a note, then it is read for peace, and if it is worth nothing, then for health.

Temple coordinates for GPS N 39° 37.513 E 019° 55.352

Here you can make virtual tour of the temple St. Spyridon in Corfu, explore the surrounding area and even climb its bell tower and admire the view of the city: http://www.corfuchurches.com/content/view/58/70/lang,el/ (just click on the red button under photograph).

On the opposite side of the square from the Church of St. Spyridon there is Church of John the Baptist. Inside is an icon of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, canonized as an Orthodox saint. His comrade-in-arms, captain-lieutenant Savitsky, is also buried there; there is a memorial plaque in Russian above the grave.

The idea of ​​Russian occupation of the island was imposed on the Corfithians by the British for many years, but the islanders, like other Greeks, are by no means gullible people. In addition, they well remember that Corfu was under British occupation for a long time, and that Russian troops expelled the French from the island, after which Corfu became part of the Republic of the Seven Islands - the first independent form of Greek statehood since the fall of Constantinople.

Kanoni, Mouse Island, Monastery of Panagia Blachernae

Blacherna Monastery

Place Kanoni- another attraction of Corfu. It is located 5 kilometers south of the center of Corfu town. A long and narrow pier leads to a tiny island, on which there is an equally tiny building. Monastery of Panagia (Our Lady) Blacherna. In the monastery you can light a candle and pray, and buy souvenirs in the adjacent shop.

Boats are moored along the pier. Having paid one of the captains a symbolic price of 2.5 euros you can take a walk to the nearby Mouse Island, which really is shaped like a mouse. The islet is densely covered with vegetation and has a 13th-century church on it.

In Kanoni you can also experience a very unusual feeling and take impressive photographs. The fact is that Corfu International Airport is located very close, so landing and taking off planes fly almost over the heads of travelers, almost touching the bell tower of the monastery of Panagia Vlaherna.

Paleokastritsa, bay, Mother of God Monastery

Paleokastritsa is one of the most picturesque places on the island. There are many coves with azure water, beautiful beaches and traditional Greek taverns. It was here that the ancient city of the Phaeacians was located, where Homer’s Odysseus ended up shipwrecked during his wanderings.

Nowadays, Paleokastritsa offers many entertainment programs and sea excursions.

The most interesting excursion, in my opinion, is submarine trip along the coastline. The upper deck of the ship is above the water, from there you can admire the scenery, see an unusually shaped rock, take beautiful photographs, and feed the sea fish (food is provided by the crew).

Once inside the submarine, you will find yourself approximately three to four meters underwater. Through the windows and transparent bottom you can admire the reefs and their inhabitants - fish and crabs. The cost of tickets for such an excursion is approx. 10-15 euros, depending on the ship you choose.

All ships depart from the port of Paleokastritsa; their ticket sales offices are located nearby. At the port, during the summer months, there is a person on duty who provides free reference information to everyone.

Sailing along the coast of Paleokastritsa, you may notice on a forested cliff several white houses with a red tiled roof, and among them a high bell tower. This Theotoku (Mother of God) Monastery. You can get to it by climbing on foot from the port of Paleokastritsa. You need to walk along the road for 5-10 minutes.

There are a lot of beautiful flowers and fragrant plants in this small, cozy monastery. There is a museum on its territory where various curiosities are exhibited. The most impressive of them is a giant mollusk shell, measuring about one meter by eighty centimeters.

The icon of the Holy Trinity on the ceiling of the church in the monastery is very interesting. On it, God the Father is depicted with a halo in the shape of the Star of David, and the lower, sixth ray of the star is not visible, its role is played by the beard of God the Father.

The monastery is open from 7-00 to 13-00 and from 15-00 to 20-00, admission is free. It is best to have a scarf or pareo with you to cover bare areas so as not to embarrass the monks. Scarves are also provided at the entrance to the monastery, but there may not be enough for everyone.

Angelokastro

Another place worth visiting in Corfu is near Paleokastritsa. Its name translated from Greek means “citadel of an angel.” The fortress was built by the Byzantines in the 13th century on top of the highest cliff on the north-eastern coast of Corfu. The fortress is located at an altitude of 305 meters above sea level, offering a good overview of the water area. Therefore, the Angelokastro fortress played a decisive role many times in the defense of the island from the Turks. Now the fortress is in a dilapidated state.

However, going up to its ruins along a rocky mountain path, you can see the main gate, the remains of battlements, a garrison, a circular tower, a church in the rock, and also a small Church of the Archangel Michael, built on the site of another, early Christian church. The fortress also offers a magnificent view.

The fortress is available for visits from May to October. Free admission.

Archaeological sites of Corfu

You can also see several ancient ruins in Corfu. These are primarily the remains of the ancient capital of the island, which was located slightly south of the modern city (3 km). There you can see the ruins of an ancient agora and two ancient temples. Nearby is Mon Repos estate, built by the British at the end of the 19th century. Today it houses the Old Town Museum. It is open from April to October from 8-30 to 15-00. Monday is a day off.

Also noteworthy are the monument to Menekratis, the Nerazihas Tower, and the Temple of Artemis. Monument to Menekratis was erected around the 7th century BC and dedicated to the consul of Corfu. You can see the monument 24 hours a day at the intersection of Kipru and Marasli streets.

Neradzihas Tower- the only thing left of the ancient wall that protected the city. It is located behind the modern cemetery at the end of Ag.Theodoron Street. From Temple of Artemis Only a few fragments have survived to this day, located near the monastery of Saint Theodore, and the beautiful pediment of Artemis Gorgo, kept in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu.

Corfu Museums

Corfu has several interesting museums. These are the Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and the Museum of Asian Art.

Archaeological Museum located in the old town on the coastal street towards Garitsa, next to the hotel “CORFU PALACE”. The address of the museum is Vrailya Armeni 1. It displays finds from the ancient city and the Temple of Artemis, including the pediment of the temple with the image of the Gorgon Medusa. You can also see ancient household items, coins and sculptures in the museum.

The museum is open from 8:30 to 15:00. Monday is a day off.

Palace of Saints Michael and George- a majestic structure decorated with Doric columns. Built by the British in the first half of the 19th century. It was to become the residence of the English ruler of Corfu. After the overthrow of the British, the palace briefly became the residence of the Greek royal family. Currently it houses Asian Art Museum. It presents about 10 thousand exhibits. In the museum you can see ceramics, figurines and other items from Japan, China and India.

The museum is located in the old town near the Old Fortress. Opening hours: 8-00 to 19-30. Monday is a day off. The museum is adapted for visiting by disabled people.

Ticket price 3 euros per person. Every Sunday from November 1st to March 31st, admission is free. Museum website: http://www.matk.gr/en/

Art Gallery The municipality is located at Akadimias 1. It contains ancient icons, portraits of the kings of Greece, paintings by modern Corfiot artists, and ancient maps of the island.

The gallery is open from 9:30 to 15:00. Monday is a day off. The price of a regular ticket is 4 euros, a discounted ticket is 3 euros. Gallery website http://www.artcorfu.com/en/

These are the main attractions of Corfu. But undoubtedly, this wonderful island is fraught with many more secrets and surprises that will delight the travel lover.

The crossroads of East and West, washed by two seas, has always attracted close attention. If you believe the myths, Jason came here, returning with the Golden Fleece from Colchis. Here Odysseus met his beautiful savior Nausicaä.

Oscar Wilde and Goethe paid tribute to the beauty of the island. Gerald Durrell, with his trilogy ("My Family and Other Animals", "Garden of the Gods", "Birds, Animals and Other Relatives") increased the number of fans of the island.

Corfu is the Italian version of the name of the island. By the way, Italy is just a stone's throw away, and many tourists take the opportunity to go there for a couple of days. The Greek name of the island is Kerkyra.

Some general information about Corfu

• It is the westernmost island of Greece, the second largest in the Ionian Sea (after Kefalonia).
• The capital of the island is Corfu or Kerkyra (Corfu Town)
• The climate is typical Mediterranean, with warm winters and sunny summers. Thanks to the breeze, even in summer there is no stifling heat, unless you decide to stay in the center of Corfu.
• A well-developed tourist infrastructure, a huge selection of hotels, a variety of beaches - all this has made the island very popular among tourists and, as a result, not the cheapest for a holiday in Greece.

The best resorts in Corfu

The coast of the island can be conditionally divided into 4 resort areas, which differ in nature, beaches, seasonality, and tourist infrastructure. In total, there are about 30 towns and villages aimed at receiving tourists. Let's stop at the most popular resorts in Corfu.

Map of Corfu with main resorts

Corfu Resorts on the East Coast

Here are perhaps the most populous resort towns and villages of Corfu.

Kerkyra

Resorts Corfu - Kerkyra

Located 2 km from the airport, it is a picturesque place that you need to visit no matter what resort you stay at.

When visiting Kerkyra, do not forget to ask Saint Spyridon for the fulfillment of your most cherished desire.

• Beaches: sand and pebbles
• Night life: the most active on the island, all establishments are concentrated in the city center.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: for young people, for those who go for active nightlife

Gouvia, Kammeno, Dassia, Kontokali

Resorts Corfu - Dassia

The villages are located 12 - 14 km from the airport, north of Kerkyra. There are a large number of hotels of various levels, including elite ones (in Kommeno), many bars, restaurants, and discos. From here it is convenient to get to any point on the island for excursions.

• Beaches: narrow strips of sand and pebble beaches with convenient entry into the sea, very picturesque, clean.
• Night life: despite the presence of discos, many people go to the center of Kerkyra for fun at night.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: depending on the hotel, any category of tourists is comfortable here. Young people most often choose hotels in Gouvia and Kontokali. An ideal place for a family holiday is the green, picturesque Dassia.

Corfu resorts on the South Coast

This part of the coast is very popular with young people - there is where to have fun and the prices are more affordable.

Messonghi, Moraitika, Benitses

Corfu Resorts - Messonghi

Resort villages are located 18-22 km from the airport south of Kerkyra. Very lively resort towns, there is the opportunity to stroll outside the hotels, promenade, shops, bars, taverns. Convenient for excursions.

• Beaches: narrow coastal strip, sandy and pebble beaches, with a gentle entry into the sea, well equipped.
• Night life: for this they go to Kerkyra or Messonghi.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: depending on the hotel, any category of tourists is comfortable here.

Kavos

Resorts Corfu - Kavos

The resort is 45 km from the airport south of Kerkyra. This southernmost resort in Corfu has long been developed by English and Scandinavian youth, so be prepared for noisy parties in bars. Hotels here are inexpensive and there are many apartments available.

• Beaches: narrow coastal strip, sand and pebbles, with comfortable entry into the sea.
• Night life: Quite active in Kavos itself.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: for young people, for party-goers.

Corfu Resorts on the West Coast

The most picturesque beaches of Corfu are located on the western side of the island. Beautiful nature, cozy bays, the cleanest Ionian Sea, a rich underwater world - all this attracts many tourists here.

Glyfada

Corfu Resorts - Glyfada

The resort is located 15-17 km from the airport west of Kerkyra. A quiet, peaceful place with excellent beaches awarded the Blue Flag.

• Beaches: sandy (considered one of the best on the island), with comfortable entry into the sea.
• Night life: for nightlife you will have to go to Kerkyra.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: great option for a family holiday

Paleokastritsa, Liapades

Resorts Corfu - Paleokastritsa

These are perhaps the most beautiful resorts in Corfu. The distance to the airport is 22-24 km.

• Beaches: sand and pebble, small, with numerous bays near the hotels.
• Night life: There are a small number of bars in Paleokastritsa.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: an excellent choice for couples, for a romantic, relaxing holiday.

Corfu resorts on the North Coast

The resorts in this part of the island are not crowded, with good infrastructure and a comfortable sandy coast.

Barbati, Nissaki, Kassiopi

Resorts Corfu - Nissaki

These resort villages are located 19-30 km from the airport north of Kerkyra. Hotels are located in small bays, often with their own beach.

• Beaches: As a rule, small sand and pebble beaches at hotels in bays.
• Night life: For nightlife you will have to go to the center of Kerkyra.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: a good choice for a relaxing holiday for couples, for a family holiday.

Acharavi

Resorts Corfu - Acharavi

The resort is located 40 km from the airport north of Kerkyra. It is considered the center of youth recreation in the north of the island - the city has many bars and is lively. Hotels here usually have large areas.

• Beaches: wide sandy beaches, the sea is often rough here - this area is favored by surfers.
• Night life: Everything you need for nightlife can be found in the center of Acharavi.
• Who is the resort suitable for?: for any category of tourists, the main thing is to choose the right hotel.

How to get to Corfu

By plane:

• there is an international airport on the island. During the high season there are direct flights from Moscow.
• with a short connection at a very affordable price you can buy tickets with a flight through Athens.

Search for flights to Corfu

Cheap tickets to Corfu

• You can get to the island by sea from Patras, Igoumenitsa, Venice, or any island in the Ionian Sea

Hotels in Corfu

Holidays in Corfu are not considered the cheapest in Greece, but despite this, you can choose accommodation options for a wide range of budgets. The price range can be from 35-40 € per room in an apartment to 500-800 € in deluxe hotels.

Corfu is a Greek island located in the waters of the Ionian Sea. The historical flavor of the area and developed infrastructure have made the island a real tourist “Mecca”. Guests of Corfu are welcomed by the capital of Kerkyra, named after the nymph stolen and taken to the island by Poseidon. The city is the air and sea gateway to Corfu. Some travelers go from here to the island's resorts, but often tourists spend their entire vacation in Kerkyra. The local beauty and attractions are very attractive.

Story

The first information about the settlement dates back to the 8th century BC. It was founded by Corinthian colonists, but after 2 centuries the local residents managed to achieve complete independence.

The city of Corfu was often conquered and found itself under the protectorate of different countries. In the 3rd century BC it was included in the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, it was considered the territory of the Venetians, which the Ottomans later tried to capture.

In 1797, the town became French for a couple of years, but after Ushakov’s campaign it came under Russian protectorate. Russian influence lasted 8 years, after which the territory again became French. In 1815, Ionian Greece and Corfu came under British protectorate, which lasted almost 50 years. Only in 1864 Corfu, together with the capital, was transferred to the revived Greek state.

History is reflected in the architectural style of local streets. The Old Town of Corfu is especially unique in this regard. The area is home to buildings of French, Venetian, Italian and British architectural styles. Here are the famous monuments that most tourists come to see.

Modern Kerkyra for travelers is not only the gateway to Corfu and its resorts, but also unique attractions from different eras. Each region of Greece has a unique cultural heritage, but such a variety of styles is perhaps not to be found anywhere else.

Kerkyra – where it is and how to get there

Kerkyra and the island of Corfu are the westernmost points of Greece. The waters surrounding this territory are divided by the border with Albania on the eastern side of the island, and the Italian border on the west. You can only get to Corfu by air and sea.

Direct flights depart from Moscow and land at Corfu International Airport, which is 3 km from Kerkyra. The flight will take just over 3 hours. If you don’t have tickets for a direct flight, you can fly to the Greek mainland and make a transfer in Athens. From here to the island it is only an hour's flight, and there are up to 8 flights per day.

Public transport runs from the airport to the city. Be careful, as buses go in two directions: blue cars go to Kerkyra, and green cars take passengers to the resorts of the island.

It's easy to board the flight you want. To the right of the exit from the terminal there is a bus stop, from which route No. 19 departs for the city. The bus runs every hour and travel time to the bus station takes 10-15 minutes. The cost of the trip will be 2€.

If you don’t want to adapt to the public transport schedule, you can order a taxi or transfer from the airport. But it’s worth considering that there are no parking lots near Corfu Airport, so it’s better to book a car in advance. The cost of such a trip is also high: you will have to pay more than 20€.

If you are heading to Kekira from other cities in Greece, then you cannot avoid the ferry crossing. The sea route is very interesting, beautiful and not too long. The ship will deliver passengers from the mainland to the island in 1 hour.

The island of Corfu is one of the pearls of Greece, attracting thousands of tourists and travelers not only with the picturesque beauty of its 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.

We bring to your attention our review of another beautiful island in Greece.

It’s worth going there not only for a gorgeous tan, but also to visit numerous monuments of the ancient era - the historical part of the Old Town is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Greece HAS EVERYTHING! This famous phrase from Chekhov’s character is still relevant today. The famous shopping tours to Greece are very popular and are not going to lose ground. A what can you bring from Greece to a tourist - he tells about it.

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, during dives 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.