Corfu Has Something for Everyone
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Corfu, also called Kerkira, is a northern Ionian island that has something for every taste. Plenty of beautiful beaches line the coast, city lovers can enjoy Corfu Town, and the interior of Corfu gives off a more “countryside” vibe with lush vegetation, modest villages and farms, and countless olive and fruit trees. It’s a mixture of simplicity and sophistication.
Corfu Town is the cosmopolitan capital city of Corfu and its cultural heart. Everyone visiting Corfu must pass through Corfu Town since it is where all ships and planes arrive to the island. Corfu Town has a number of stylish restaurants and hotels and the city has a combination of Greek, Italian, French, and British elements. The city is small enough that you can easily walk anywhere you’d like to explore. There are plenty of popular sights to see in Corfu Town.
The Byzantine Museum, housed in Pagagie Antivouniotissa, an ornate church dating from the late 15th century, features an elegant selection of icons from around Corfu. The Archaeological Museum has finds from ongoing island excavations. The Esplanade, which many say is the most beautiful esplanade in Greece, was built as parade grounds by the British and is now used as a popular public park. Celebrations, games, and concerts take place here. Visitors can enjoy Corfu Town’s two fortresses, the New Fortress and the Old Fortress. Standing on the peaks of the Old Fortress you have a wonderful view west over the town and east to the mountainous coast of Albania. The New Fortress was constructed in 1577-78 to strengthen town defenses three decades after the construction of the Old Fortress.
Paleokastritsa, located on the west side of the island, 25km northwest of Corfu Town is worth a visit if you have the time. It features a spectacular territory of grottoes, cliffs, and turquoise waters. This is considered by many to be the site of Homer’s city of the Phaeacians. The beautiful beaches are usually packed with day-trippers from Corfu Town.
If you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife in Corfu, you have plenty of options. Corfu Town has plenty of establishments, but they are more “low key” than some other areas. If you are looking for loud music and want to dance the night away, head north from Corfu Town towards the beach resort of Gouvia. Near the New Port, on Ethnikis Antistaseos (also known as “Bar Street”), you’ll find plenty of these establishments. They can be on the pricey side and most have a cover charge. The party really doesn’t get started here until after midnight.
You really don’t need a car to visit Corfu, unless you want to get off the beaten path. Corfu Town is very compact and not conducive to car use. It is very easily walk-able. If you plan to visit different parts of the island, an inexpensive bus service runs to all of the island’s main towns and beaches.
Categorized in: About Corfu Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
