Attractions of Corfu - What is Worth Seeing for a Tourist. Corfu Island: attractions and interesting facts of Corfu on the map with description

What is Corfu Island famous for? Features of local beaches, resorts and hotels. What's good about a holiday in Corfu, what to do, what to see. Photos and reviews.

Corfu is a picturesque Greek island in the Ionian Sea, a small piece of land in the shape of a sickle, which is distinguished by a variety of flora. Mediterranean pines, mighty oaks, oleanders, orange trees and olive groves are found everywhere here. Thanks to the life-giving greenery, Kerkyra (the second name of the island of Corfu) seems like a fabulous emerald island. Centuries of rich, sometimes dramatic, history have left indelible traces, forever frozen in the stones of ancient temples, in the polished cobblestones of the pavement, in the walls of fortresses, palaces and mansions.

Corfu island on the map of Greece

Corfu Island - history

The corner of paradise continually haunted all the “superpowers” of the past. In ancient times, the Peloponnesian War broke out between Sparta and Corfu. Then the island became part of the Roman Empire. Cicero visited here twice, and Emperor Nero danced in honor of Zeus. At the beginning of the 14th century. The Venetians came to Corfu and ruled the island for 400 years, giving it magnificent architecture. The Most Serene Republic saved Kerkyra from the attack of the Ottomans, so today Corfu is the only Greek territory that has never known Turkish oppression.

Venetian architecture on the island. Corfu

Venice was ousted from the island by Napoleon's troops, the French burned the list of noble families and declared Kerkyra a territory.

But Bonaparte's reign was short-lived. The Russian fleet of General Ushakov drove out the French, and the Ionian Republic was soon created. Thus, for the first time since the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Greek statehood was restored. During the British protectorate, a network of roads, an aqueduct and many public buildings were built in Corfu.

Where to stay in Corfu

Most of the island's hotels are located on the seashore and have their own piece of the beach. If you do not plan to swim in sea water for one reason or another, you can stay in a hotel with a swimming pool in Corfu. For children, most hotel complexes have playgrounds.

All that remains is to choose your hotel among the huge number of offers on the island of Corfu. Our recommendations for the season2019:

Resorts and beaches of Corfu island

The entire 200-kilometer coastline of the island is a series of beautiful pebble and sandy beaches with cozy bays in which bungalows and villas are located:

Greek resort Ipsos- a great place to have an inexpensive holiday in Corfu and be able to comfortably travel around the island. The resort has a good selection of inexpensive hotels, a long sandy beach and convenient transportation;
One of the best resorts in Corfu - a fishing village Benitses 12 km from the capital;
- one of the most famous resorts on the island of Corfu, because it is there that the “Canal of Love” is located. Tourists necessarily strive to get to Sidari at least for a day to soak up the soft sand and enjoy the pristine beauty of this corner of the coast;
In the western part of Corfu there is a town Paleokastritsa, surrounded by bizarre rocks. Popular among our compatriots;
IN Dassia many large hotels, taverns and restaurants and a long pebble beach;
Resort Rhoda- a quiet place for a family holiday on the northern coast of the island. The pride of this Corfu resort is its long sandy beaches and warm sea with a gentle entry into the water;
- a paradise for connoisseurs of small villages. On the coast, instead of multi-storey hotels, there are small hotels and bungalows, where guests know each other by sight. All around are mountain landscapes, greenery, the smell of myrtle and orange trees. Acharavi beach is considered one of the longest in Corfu;
Golden sand resort Condocalion families with children were chosen;
Nissaki is a green resort at the foot of the Pantokrator mountain range on the north-eastern coast of Corfu. The place is famous for its intimate bays. The beaches of this Corfu resort are covered with snow-white pebbles, the water off the coast is clean and clear. The picture is complemented by a special microclimate and mountain air;
Resort Gouvia is located in the eastern part of the island of Corfu, near its administrative capital. A small cozy village is surrounded by greenery and offers tourists a beach holiday on the coast of a picturesque bay;
Southern resort Agios Georgios will appeal to lovers of peace and quiet;
The richest guests relax in the town Komeno.

It should be noted that the island is considered an elite resort with a long bohemian tradition, and many Corfu hotels have a luxury category. Even the famous Queen Elizabeth of Austria loved to vacation in Corfu. In 1890, she built the Achilleion Palace, a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture, near the capital. Later the mansion was bought by the German Emperor Wilhelm I, he grew roses in the garden and conducted archaeological excavations in Agia Theodora.

Attractions of Corfu

What sights of Corfu are worth seeing, where to look for them on the island and what to pay attention to:

In the capital of Corfu - Kerkyra - she left a piece of her heart. During Venetian rule it was rebuilt Old fortress, created by the Byzantines on the site of the ancient acropolis. New fortress built to protect against the troops of Suleiman the Magnificent. Nowadays there is a yacht mooring under the mighty fortresses. Exhibitions, concerts, as well as Greek folk dance performances and light shows are organized.
In 1799, Admiral Ushakov, commander of the Russian-Turkish squadron, drove the French out of the island of Corfu. Therefore, today Russian tourists have the opportunity to amuse their national pride by walking around monument to F. Ushakov, established by the Greek government in 2002.
At the beginning of the 19th century. French architect Lespes created on the main square of Corfu Liston gallery, the prototype of which was the Parisian shopping arcade on Rivoli Street. Now it houses the most popular cafes and restaurants in Corfu.
The decoration of Spinada Square is Palace of Saints Michael and George in neoclassical style. The building belongs to the Museum of Asian Art. A collection of 10,000 exhibits was donated to the island by Greek diplomats working in India and China.

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 palace building 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.

It can hold your inspiration for quite a long time, however, you can also get fed up with it. So, if you feel that the strings of your soul no longer sound the same, it’s time to go in search of new experiences. Fortunately, everything is in order with interesting places in Kerkyra outside the capital of the island.

No. 1 Pontikonisi or mouse island

History, if it has retained in its memory why Mouse Island is called that way, then, apparently, it hid this knowledge deeper than others. Much more often they remember another legend that Pontikonsi is supposedly the ship of Odysseus, turned into an island by the angry Poseidon. You are unlikely to find any mice or, especially, anything reminiscent of the cunning king of Ithaca on Pontikonisi, but what remains is a small church built by monks back in the distant 13th century.

Today Pontikonisi is one of the visiting cards of the island, and to make it even more impressive, it is photographed so that the Blachernae Church also gets into the frame. The latter is located on another small island connected to Corfu by a causeway. Must see #1 in our symbolic ranking of the best places outside the island's capital.

Mouse Island and Blachernae Church

No. 2 Achillion

Even if you are not a big fan of palaces, Achilleion is unlikely to leave you indifferent. Although many figures have left very conflicting memories about it, there is no doubt that it is one of the most stylized points of Kerkyra with a number of unique features. Firstly, this is the image of Achilles, to whom, in fact, the palace is dedicated - sculptural and artistic images of the hero are found everywhere on the territory of the complex. Secondly, an amazing man-made park, stunning with its grace and views of the coast. Finally, the connection of the Palace with the name of the Royal House of Habsburg, which in itself serves as a guarantor of impressions, because the building is made in the best traditions of the Austrian monarchs, who were prone to architectural delights.

Achilleion is surrounded by a stunningly beautiful park

No. 3 Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is one of those places whose beauty cannot be expressed in words. And it’s not so easy to photograph a fairly large bay with a camera. Therefore, all that remains is to mark the place on the map, putting a large cross and taking its word for it. At one time, Sir Frederick Adam, the British High Commissioner, was so impressed by the beauty of Paleokastritsa that he ordered a separate road to be built here from the city of Corfu, which, having gone through a number of reconstructions, remains the best on the island to this day.

Paleokastritsa is one of the main natural pearls of the island

A beautiful bay with stunningly clear water, surrounded by huge rocks covered with pine needles and cypress trees - Paleokastritsa leaves an indelible impression. What the Greeks did not do well was transport - there could have been more buses connecting the resort with the city of Corfu. Grekoblog wrote more about the resort - we highly recommend it.

No. 4 Sidari

Situated in the north of the Island, Sidari is famous as one of the main resorts of northern Corfu. The popularity of Sidari was brought by its excellent beach and bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings. You can go here in a rented car to lie on the beach and dine at one of the many taverns. The sea in Sidari is shallow, and the water is much warmer than in Paleokastritsa.

As the sea recedes at Sidari, the narrow strip of sand beneath the cliffs becomes a beach

#5 Perulades

Another amazing place in Corfu, located, by the way, not far from Sidari. The place is famous for its huge cliffs of layered sandstone. Sometimes the water comes close to the rocks, leaving no place for swimming. But if you are lucky and the narrow strip of sandy beach turns out to be free from the power of the sea, then the time spent here will certainly be remembered for a long time. However, you can come to Perulades for another reason - to enjoy a stunningly beautiful sunset while drinking coffee on top of a huge cliff.

Corfu stands apart from other Greek resorts. According to most tourists, the quality of service in hotels on the island is much higher than on the Chalkidiki Peninsula, Rhodes or Crete. And although you won’t find ancient ancient temples and theaters here, Corfu has a fairly large number of well-preserved monuments of Byzantine architecture, Orthodox monasteries and palaces.

Corfu has incredibly picturesque landscapes. From observation platforms scattered throughout the island, an unforgettable view of the coast, fertile plains, pine groves, lush green hills and small villages opens up. The healing Mediterranean air of Corfu can improve your health and energize you, and the gentle sun will give you a golden, even tan.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

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What to see on the island of Corfu?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Kerkyra was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. Over the long history of its existence, it changed owners many times. The city was owned by the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman Turks, the French and the British. At the beginning of the 19th century, Kerkyra was under the protectorate of the Russian Empire for seven years. Since 2007, the city center has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its special architectural value.

An entertainment complex for the whole family with a huge number of water attractions. The water park has created conditions for visitors of all ages, so even the youngest children will not be bored. The infrastructure includes a range of services for people with disabilities. Aqualand is one of the largest water parks in Greece. It is located on an area of 75 thousand m².

Venetian fort, erected in the 15th-16th centuries on the foundation of a Byzantine fortress of the 8th century. At the foot of the hill on which the fortification rises, the Church of St. George, decorated with Doric columns, was built. The temple was built already under the British in the 19th century. Many buildings of the fortress, such as the palace of the Venetian governor and some churches, have not survived to this day.

Another Venetian fortress, built in the 16th century to strengthen the defense line of Corfu. Subsequently, the building was completed by the British and French. Neo Frurio is located at the top of St. Mark's Hill. Nowadays, part of the premises is used as seaport offices, the other part is open to the public. On the territory of the fortress there is a small gallery where exhibitions are sometimes held.

The street was laid out in 1807-14. Architects I. Parmesan and M. de Lesseps worked on the project. It was created in the image of the Parisian “promenades” characteristic of the French capital. Initially, access to the alley was allowed only to representatives of aristocratic families. Liston Street is home to a large number of souvenir shops, jewelry stores and cafes.

One of the central squares of Kerkyra, surrounded by picturesque vegetation and historical buildings. It is located near the Paleo Fruri fortress and the main tourist promenade, st. Liston. Spianada Square is a very comfortable and cozy place for leisurely walks, which is constantly used by tourists and locals. Around the square there are taverns where you can taste hearty Greek cuisine.

The palace complex was built in 1890 at the behest of the Austrian Empress Amalia Elizabeth of Bavaria. Corfu was Elizabeth’s favorite vacation spot; she often escaped here from the hated and pompous Vienna. After the death of the Empress, the palace became the residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. By his decree, the interiors were updated. Nowadays, there is a museum on the territory of the palace.

The palace was built in 1819 - 24. for the British Governor of the Ionian Islands. The local senate and the headquarters of the knightly order of St. George were located here. The complex is built in a classical style. Its facade is decorated with a long row of Ionic columns. Today, the palace houses the Museum of Asian Art, which houses the extensive collection of the diplomat G. Manos, collected during his long travels throughout Asia.

A small island with the official name "Pontikonisi", located south of Corfu. There is a legend that this is the ship of Odysseus, which was turned into stone by the angry god Poseidon. The place was nicknamed "Mouse Island" due to its tiny size. The island is easy to get around on foot in a few minutes. Boats run from Corfu to Pontikonisi. Some tourists prefer to get to the place by swimming.

Orthodox monastery of the 18th-19th centuries, founded by the pious Tsilibaris family. Throughout the 20th century, the monastery was for women; after a short period of decline, in 2005, by decree of the President of Greece, it was revived as a men's monastery. The monastery is located on a small island next to Mouse Island. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The venerated icon of the Blachernae Mother of God is kept in the monastery.

A 17th-century monastery located in the picturesque western part of Corfu. It is located on the top of a cape, surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Ionian Sea. The monastery was erected on the site of an old destroyed monastery from 1225. The icon of Skopjetissa (Paleokastritsa) and the icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God are kept within its walls. Not far from the monastery complex there is a winery, a museum of icons and an olive oil factory.

The temple is located among the historical quarters of Corfu, right in the heart of the Old Town. Quite a lot of funds for the development of the church were donated by the Russian Empress Catherine II. The temple has always been considered one of the most luxurious in the Ionian Islands. Its interior is richly decorated with frescoes of the 17th-18th centuries. in Italian style. The cathedral houses the relics of St. Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu.

Corfu was under British protectorate from 1815 to 64. Since the British belong to the Anglican Church, they needed their own necropolis, which was organized almost immediately after the island came under British control. The oldest graves date back to 1817. Soldiers who took part in the world wars, as well as representatives of the British administration, are buried in the British Cemetery.

The structure is an important monument of the Byzantine era in Corfu. It was erected at the beginning of the 13th century. Since the 14th century, the fortress was owned by the Venetian Republic. During the siege by the Ottoman Empire, Angelokastro withstood the onslaught, despite its small garrison. The fortress has survived to this day in fairly good condition. Since 2009, the fortification has been open to the public.

Kassiopi is a small town in Corfu with a population of about 1,200 people. It is believed that settlements have existed on this site since the time of King Pyrrhus (3rd century BC). Kassiopi Castle was founded on the ruins of a Roman fortification during the Byzantine era. Later, the Venetians worked hard to strengthen the fortress. The structure is located on the cape. It is clearly visible from the harbor.

An incredibly picturesque place located in the northwestern part of the island, near Sidari Beach. The “Canal of Love” consists of several narrow strips of water, sandwiched between rocks and ending in small bays. This Greek “fjord” has incredibly warm water and a cozy sandy beach. The place is very popular among tourists due to its beauty and expressiveness.

Sand and pebble beach, located 23.5 km. from Corfu town. It differs in that even on the hottest day the water here remains relatively cold. The beach is surrounded by picturesque hills. In its surroundings there are beautiful coves and bays that can be explored by renting a small boat. Paleokastritsa is a popular diving spot for both beginners and experienced divers.

The beach is located in the western part of Corfu. It is surrounded by hills, pine groves and citrus orchards. Most of the beach is covered with pebbles, but there is also a sandy section. The total length of Agios Gordios is about 1.5 km. A wide range of entertainment is provided for tourists. Here you can rent water equipment, go bungee jumping, go boating or paragliding.

The highest mountain on the island (906 meters above sea level). At its top there is a monastery and modern telecommunications towers. From the Pantocrator observation deck, on a clear day you can even see the distant shores of the Apennine Peninsula. There are several hiking trails for tourists along which you can climb to the top. The ascent takes approximately two hours.

Equipped site located on the rocks near the village of Pelekas. The German Kaiser Wilhelm II loved to spend moments of relaxation here (hence the place got its name). The site offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding area - you can see Mount Pantokrator, the coast of Albania, the western and eastern coastlines of Corfu, as well as all the beauties of the green Ropa Valley.