Jul 22 2008
Corfu island - Greece
Corfu is the most northern island which is part of the Ionian Islands and it has the second size after Cephalonia. Along the years, the island covered in proportion of 80% of the mountains full of forests which go down to the blue waters of the sea, with a population which today has reached about 100 thousand inhabitants, has never known the Turkish domination, which had a decisive influence in its cultural evolution. Although they have participated in the common struggle against the Romans, along with Sparta, Athens and Corinth, they have finally fell under the domination of Rome, like the rest of Greece. Then, they passed successively under the domination of Byzantines, Venetiens, for nearly 4 centuries and for a short time of the Ottomans, after which they were disposed to France in 1797. After a brief period of Russian occupation, they returned to French, from 1807 until 1814, when they passed under the British domination. From 1863 the Ionian Islands were annexed to Greece by the Treaty of London. The first thing you will notice here is the architecture which is typically Venetian for Corfu, the capital of the island, in which live the third part of the inhabitants of the island. The city patronage of St. Spiridon preserved in a large part the venetian specifics. Visiting Corfu today, with its crowded streets, full of shops with souvenirs, with picturesque markets, Esplanada is above them all. It is the most pleasant opportunity to discover its cosmopolitan air.
Corfu offers tourists the chance to enjoy the water and beaches in the region. Here visitors can find anything from a simple tavern up to a magnificent resort rest. Corfu Town includes an extensive area villages, farms and a real flora and fauna. Many come here to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Over the years, Corfu has won the reputation of being a tourist hot spot among British tourists.
The night life…
Corfu offers a variety of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and attractions which to enjoy during your stay on the island. One of the most interesting places where you should stop is the Old Town, where many streets and buildings awaits you with adventure and emotion. When you get to Liston you will be met by substrings cafes that are safe to allow a proper rest, relaxation before you start a new adventure. In Corfu there are many places waiting to be visited and with which you can become familiar through the discovery of the surroundings. A visit to the Achilleon palace allow tourists to know the Gastouri village. On this cosmopolitan and sophisticated island, you’ll be able to relax and to combine with entertainment and with an intense night life. Corfu is an international tourist centre which meets all the needs of the most difficult visitors. It is an island of incomparable beauty that has inspired many painters, sculptors and even men of letters including Goethe, Oscar Wilde and Lawrence Durrell.
Main attractions…
Paleokastritsa is situated at 26 km west of Corfu town, being a miniature paradise with its crystal waters, luxury vegetation and charming gulfs increasing directly from the sea.
Angelokastro, situated near Paleokastritsa, it’s a Byzantine fortress of the XIIIth century.
Pelekas is situated at 13 km west of the town, a charming village located on a rocky hill, whose peak is the ideal place from which you can watch the sunset.
Kanoni & Mouse Island - at 4 km south of the city, the most popular place of the island. Here a narrow dig leads over the visitor to the Monastery of Vlaherna, where he can take a boat to visit the wonderful Pondikonissi and its church of the XIIIth century.
Gastouri is a picturesque village, the capital of Achillion and the summer palace of Queen Elizabeth of Austria (Sissy). The palace has many gardens, ideal for romantic walks. Part of it hosts a museum.
Aqualand is one of the largest aqua-parks of Europe, built on an area of 700 thousand square meters, with an incredible number of attractions for all ages.
Kalipso Star - a wonderful ride on a boat with bottom of glass where you can admire the rich flora and fauna of the Ionian sea and a special performance of the sea divers.
