Corfu is located in a cultural crossroad, in the entrance of the Adriatic sea and it is historically well known since the 8th century B.C. when it was first colonized by the Corinthians. Since then Corfu was influenced by the Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Angevins, Venetians, French, British until its union with Greece in 1864. The passages of so many civilizations from the corfiot land gave birth to a vivid historical In 2009 UNESCO recognized Corfu as a fortified port end Mediterranean city that kept its integrity and authenticity. This recognition has prompted local authorities and the inhabitants to become active carriers of the responsibility to preserve, advance and promote the natural and historical monuments located in the island.
Corfu is a hospitable and popular tourist destination not just because of its historical uniqueness in the Greek territory but also thanks to its natural beauty. The climate supports dense vegetation right to the seashore while the coastline that extends over 200 kilometers provides a multivariate selection of beaches to the visitor.
Culturally the island is especially active in the areas of music, theater and painting. Music and art exhibitions constitute a very important section of the life of the city with various events in the central town spots, from spring all through summer, while the majority of the locals know how to draw, create and participate in the traditional philharmonic bands.
Apart from being home to the Ionian University, Corfu is a popular travelling destination, as it is renowned, among other things, for the beauty of its landscape and for its style of architecture which is unique among Greek islands.
Corfu Airport: Flying to Corfu , for most Europeans, is an easy flight lasting less than 3 hours. Corfu’s International airport (Kapodistrias) is located on the edge of Corfu (Kerkyra) town, it is modern and compact. During the summer months (May to October) there are regular charter flights from most European countries to Corfu. Domestic flights (from Athens) operate all year round.
Corfu Port: Corfu’s port is at the edge of Corfu (Kerkyra) town. Ferries from Greek mainland (Igumenitsa and Patra) offer a regular service as well as ferries from Italy (Venice, Ancona and Brindisi). Corfu port is also a popular stop for visiting cruise ships.
Driving to Corfu: If you wish to drive to Corfu, the regular ferries from Italy and the Greek mainland to Corfu make the trip quite easy. The roads of Corfu are generally in good condition, even if unavoidably steep and twisting in some locations. Renting a car on Corfu is the most flexible way of exploring. The roads, although often narrow, are easy to drive. A well as renting a car though, you can also consider taking a bus or use a local taxi. Do not forget that you can rent a motor boat – and no license is required! Renting a boat will be the experience of your Corfu holiday.
Achillion Palace in Corfu: The Palace was built in the 1890′s as a summer palace for “Sissi”, Austria’s Empress Elizabeth (King Otto of Greece was her uncle). The Palace, located in the village of Gastouri, was the residence of Elizabeth (Sissy), the Empress of Austria as the solace of her soul. It was used as her summer retreat. Later the Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany bought the Palace. Directly below, on the coast, is the unusual Kaiser’s bridge, the stone built jetty where the Kaiser set out on his yacht for swimming trips. The Palace is definitely a place to take your camera. This beautiful building in picturesque gardens overlooks the sea and Corfu town. Achillion Palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace in Corfu: Mon Repos Palace is situated on top of Analipsis hill, near Kanoni area, in the middle of a beautiful setting full of greenery. It was built in 1826 by the British Commissioner Frederic Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife, Nina Palatianou. Later on, the palace became the summer residence of all British governors of Corfu and when the Ionian Islands were united to Greece, in 1864, it was given as a gift to King George I of Greece. This is also the house where Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, the husband of Queen Elisabeth II, was born into on June, 10th, 1921. During the Italian occupation of Corfu, in the Second World War, this palace became the residence of Parini, the Italian governor of the Ionian Islands. In 2002, the European Court of Human Rights at Strasburg awarded to the ex-king a compensation of £7 million for the three properties he lost when monarchy was abolished in Greece, in 1975. Nowadays this house is used by the Municipality of Corfu as a tourist attraction and is visited by hundreds of tourists every year. The palace has today been restored and reflects its original and classical imposing features. It hosts a museum that includes many Ionian treasures. The palace itself is placed in a very nice environment and is surrounded by a big park. In fact, walking through its paths is a delight! The remains of the ancient town of Corfu, which have been found opposite to the palace, make archaeologists believe that Mon Repos was built right on the site where the ancient city of Corfu used to be.
The Museum of Asian Art in Corfu: The Museum of Asian Art in Corfu is the only museum of this kind in Greece. It is housed in an imposing neoclassical building near Liston promenade, Espianada square, in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George. This building was constructed between 1819 and 1824 by the British and initially served as the residence of the British High Commissioners of the Ionian islands. Later on, it was the seat of the Ionian Senate, the Ionian Parliament and the headquarters of the Chivalric Orders of Saint Michael and Saint George (in the mid 19th century), from where it took its name. When the Ionian islands were united to the Greek state in 1864, this building was used as a summer residence of the Royal Family. However, it declined as a royal residence because the King preferred to spend his summer months in Mon Repos palace, a lovely small palace surrounded by a lot of greenery, also situated near Corfu center; the Palace of Saint Michel and Saint George was mostly used as an office by the King rather than as a residence. This museum also hosts some other exhibitions from time to time and organizes shows on cultural matters in general. It is certainly an impressive sight to see and something you do not expect from a Greek island.
Things to Do in Corfu
When planning your trip to Corfu why not stay for a few extra days and make the most of what the island has to offer?
For ideas on things to do in Corfu, tripadvisor is a great place to start for visitor recommendations:
Tripadvisor, Top Things to do in Corfu
Alternatively, have a look at the Visit Greece, Corfu Visitor Guide:
Visit Greece, Corfu Visitor Guide
You can also have a look at the recommendations of the municipality of Corfu: