Corfu - The Precious Jewel of the Ionian Sea
The jewel of Ionian Sea, with its ambient cantons, lush lace coastlines, and attractive mountain villages, the alluring “island of the Phaeacians” knows how to respect centuries-old secrets as well as the poetry of a life that defies passing trends.
With a desire to get to know more about the undiscovered charm of the well-known Ionian Island, we will journey together to discover its distinct culture, high level of culture, traditions, magnificent mountain villages, alluring beaches, idyllic sunsets, but also its distinctive regional cuisine!
It has been the target of numerous invaders throughout history because it is the northernmost island in the Ionian Sea and is seen as a crossroads between East and West. The Venetians, French, Russians, and English all captured Corfu, which was formerly a part of the Byzantine Empire. She was able to develop a unique cultural identity thanks to the influences she encountered. Both the exterior design and the interior décor of public buildings, mansions, and ordinary urban homes exhibit signs of the West’s influence.
The Old Town
Surrounded by walls and fortresses, with Venetian multi-story houses separated by narrow cantons, with lanterns and shields, it is a place worth visiting any time of the day. Here is the Campiello, the old Jewish neighborhood. The Old Town is the largest “live” medieval city that has been preserved in Greece, masterfully combining its diverse architectural aspects to show how the various cultures influenced it. The Old Town and the New Town of Corfu are not separate. Therefore, there are comfortable streets and spacious squares next to the cantons, among which Spianada stands out, rightfully considered the most beautiful square in Greece and the largest in the Balkans. Cricket lovers will find here an amazing venue for their favorite game, which has been a tradition in Corfu since the days of the British administration.
On its western side, is the famous Liston.
Walk in Liston
Liston has a beautiful walkway with cafes and arched terraces. It was built in 1807 by a Frenchman named Mathieu de Lesseps and serves as an example of the architectural style that was prevalent when the French occupied Corfu during the Napoleonic era. Bounded by the Old or Sea Fort and divided from the city by the Contra Fossa, a moat with a drawbridge. Korifo, the Byzantine city of Corfu, was originally located within. Here we shall come upon the church of Agios Georgios. We shall ascend to the Fortress’s peak and the view from up here is breathtaking! The New or Stergian Fortress was built between 1576 - 1588, to protect the city from a possible Turkish invasion.
Libro d’ Oro: The nobility of Corfu
Corfu society was divided among nobility, bourgeois, and commoners throughout the Venetian period. The lowest layer, the “plebaya,” was made up of bio-wrestlers. It was decided in 1572 to construct the Libro d’ Oro containing the names of the noble families. Each noble candidate had to demonstrate that he met the three qualifications of ancestry. That is, himself, his father, and his grandfather, unless they were goldsmiths, apothecaries, or art dealers, did not engage in “brutal work” or manual labor.
Kanoni
One of the island’s popular tourist spots is Kanoni, which is close to the airport and has a view of Pontikonissi. The 17th-century Monastery of Panagia Vlacherna is accessible only by a small stretch of land. From the shoreline, one can go to Pontikonissi and see the picturesque Pantokrator chapel. On the road to Kanoni, we will stop at the Paleopolis Museum (Mon Repos) to see the stunning gardens, the imposing mansion (formerly the summer residence of the former Greek royal family), and the archaeological treasures.
Gastari (10 km from Corfu) managed to charm Empress of Austria Elisabeth (Sissi) to build the grandiose “Achillion Palace” in 1884-1891, to be used as a resting place. It is now a museum. We will walk through its beautiful gardens and see the two magnificent statues, Achilles of Death and Achilles of Victory. Inside the palace is the huge oil painting “The Triumph of Achilles.” It is worthwhile to take a stroll to Benitses, an old fishing village, that is now a popular tourist destination with beautiful taverns by the sea.
Discovering the beauties of the north...
If we go north in our car, we will see Alykes, a coastal community with vacation homes, and Gouvia (old Venetian Naval Station, today a tourist center). A few kilometers further down, Dassia, which has some of the best hotel complexes, emerges through the greenery. The charming fishing village of Ypsos, which has a great beach and lively nightlife, is close by. As we go along the coastal road, we pass by communities that are completely covered in greenery and have stunning beaches, including Barbati and Nisaki, with wonderfully colored waters. Everywhere you will find tavernas, next to the sea, with local snacks, fresh fish, and good wine. Kalami is one of the most picturesque ports on the island, with a nice beach and blue-green waters.
The road to the north is especially lovely because on the slopes of Pantokrator (the highest mountain of Corfu) diverse landscapes can be seen at every turn of the drive. We will soon be in Kassiopi, a quaint fishing village with a lovely port and a majestic castle. Here we will swim in crystal clear, turquoise waters. From Kassiopi, Roda and Sidari you can take daily boat trips to the Diapontia Islands, Othonous, Ereikousa and Mathraki. Here one can enjoy the beauty of nature, without the tourist crowds.
In Peroulades and the Canal d’ Amour...
Exotic colors, strange rock formations, waters with tropical colors and idyllic coves make up the landscape after Sidari. The area is known as the Canal d’Amour. A beach with white sand and emerald waters forms in each cove. Dreamy landscape!
Heading west…
The western coast faces the Adriatic and literally enchants us. About 26 km from Corfu is Paleokastritsa, which, according to many scholars, is considered the Homeric city of the Phaeacians. The view from above, as we descend, is unique and the waters blue-green and crystal clear. To the right, on top of the hill, is the historic monastery of Paleokastritsa, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. After the village of Krini is Angelokastro, a fortress built on a steep peak and overlooking the endless blue... The most beautiful view of the area may be enjoyed from the village of Lakones and the position “Bella Vista”.
There in the South...
From the city of Corfu, continuing south, we will reach Agios Ioannis Peristeron, Moraitika and Messogi, where the largest olive grove of the island is located. A fork in the road leads to the important Coryssion Lake. The beach of Agios Gordis near Lefkimmi, is an ideal all-day stop to enjoy the sea and an idyllic sunset. Whatever part of Corfu you visit, this island will enchant you, whether you want the richness and comfort of modern tourist facilities or the beauty of tradition and picturesqueness. Experience it with all your senses!
Activities
Corfu Golf Club: Α natural oasis in the middle of Corfu, Corfu Golf Club is an ecosystem in itself that can be conveniently accessed from different parts of the island.
E-mail: info@corfugolfclub.com, T. (+30) 26610 94220
Riding: Ride on Issos in Lefkimi to discover the beauty of Corfu. “Corfu Riding Center Dimitris ISSOS”, tel. 6977399481 and 6947228489, (Mr. Dimitris Katsaros).
What will you eat:
Pastitsada (veal or rooster in a pot with fresh tomato and thick spaghetti), sofrito (beef in a pot with white sauce and mash or fried potatoes), burdeto (scorpion fish or cod, with red sauce in the pot), cigarelli (fried wild herbs with garlic and red pepper), numbulo (excellent smoked pork sausage), bianco (fish stewed with lemon, garlic and pepper), savoro (fried fish with rosemary sauce, vinegar, garlic, and raisin.
Kum-quat
A tourist emblem of the island, the fruit of the citrus japonica tree was brought to the island by the English. It is used to make liqueur and small sweets.
Through VOLTA, readers step into a world of the art of living, where every page serves as an invitation to indulge in the exceptional.
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