Corfu Island
The Island of Corfu
Corfu (Kerkyra) the second largest of Ionian Islands. It has 592 sq. km.and its 60 km long while its width varies between 4-30 km. It is one of the most beautiful and greenest Islands in Greece with total costline length of 217 km.
Corfu has rich multi-cultural heritage. Its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear blue seas, and its excellent weather all year round explains why Corfu is one of the most wanted Mediterranean destinations and puts a powerful spell on its visitors.
The Town of Corfu
Corfu Town is the capital of the Island and It is known for its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored Venetian architecture. To the west, the Venetian-built New Fortress has a network of tunnels underneath and views over the harbor. The 15th-century Old Fortress overlooks the town from the east and features a small chapel and mosaics. The Esplanade is a landscaped park near the water.
In 2007, the old town of the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The municipal unit of Corfu city has a land area of 41.905 km2 (16.180 sq mi) and a total population of 40.000 inhabitants while the whole island about 120.000.
There is promenade by the seashore towards the bay of Garitsa (Γαρίτσα), and also an esplanade between the town and the citadel called Liston (Λιστόν) where upscale restaurants and European style bistros abound. The origin of the name Liston has several explanations: many former Venetian cities have a square of that name, coming from a Venetian word meaning evening promenade, but it can also refer to the closed-list aspect of an up-scale area reserved to the nobility registered in the Libro d'Oro.
Beaches
The Grand Lady of the Ionian, has countless beaches of unbelievable beauty.
How many shades of blue are there? How many shades of blue are there? All you have to do is list them as you lay back on your sunbed and observe the waves breaking. Thirty beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag, adorning the 217km of Corfu’s coastline, set against a lush background of forest green. And there are many others, just as wonderful. Here are some of them to get you dreaming:
Myrtiotissa: Situated between Ermones and Glyfada, you’ll find the cape of Agios Georgios. On its southeastern side, the area of Myrtiotissa has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It has refreshing water, golden sand, a vibrant seabed perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving and a little freshwater stream that flows from the rocks into the sea.
Glyfada: Myrtiotissa’s neighbouring beach. It’s very busy and popular, with fine sand, surrounded by pine-studded hills, olive groves and villas. It is fully-equipped, including a space for beach volleyball. About 4km away, you’ll find the Corfu Golf Club and the Corfu Horse-Riding Club. Nearby is the well-known waterpark, Aqualand.
Historical Places
Corfu is a secret oasis of history and tradition. Thus, it’s not a surprise that has so many places for sightseeing.
Actually, you have to make an effort not to see Corfu’s history in every corner of the island! A few of the most important ones are listed below:
Corfu Old Fortress was built by the Venetians during the 15th century on a rocky peninsula, on the eastern side of the island.
Spianada Square between the Old Fortress and the old town of Corfu, is not only the biggest square in Corfu, but also the biggest square of the Balkans.
Pontikonisi is hands down, the most photographed spot in Corfu.
At the area of Kanoni, on the southern part of Corfu, there are two small islets rising from the sea. At the smaller island, you’ll see the picturesque church of Panagia Vlacherna. The bigger one is the famous Mouse Island.
Achillion Palace is located Just 10 km away from Corfu town. It is the stunning palace of the famous princess Sissy. Just imagine an imposing palace, surrounded by a tropical garden and amazing statues.