Program "I love Psychology 

Interesting places in Corfu. What to see on the island of Corfu: Old Town, Spyanada Square, the Palace of Saints George and Michael. Old and New Fortress in Corfu

For some reason, many people, thinking about Greece, immediately remember Athens. Meanwhile, this country can offer tourists much more interesting places - a huge number of islands, each of which is curious in its own way.

Corfu island

The description of this place usually begins with words about the climate, unique historical value, hospitable people, delicious national cuisine. Of course, all this is true, and this is enough to choose this particular island for recreation.

In fact, it now has a different name - Kerkyra (with an emphasis on the first syllable). The old one has been preserved since the time when this territory belonged to Italy. In addition to the Russian language, the same name appears as the main one in a number of European languages, although the official name is still indicated on the maps.

The island is located off the western coast of mainland Greece, and stretches along it for 65 kilometers. Its northern tip begins next to the territory of Albania. To the west is Italy.

The average annual temperature on the island is 22 degrees above zero. The rainy season lasts from October to March, the rest of the time Corfu is a real paradise for tourists. So, what to see in Corfu to leave here with the best impressions?

History of the island

In order to understand what to see in Corfu, you need to look into its past. After knowing a little about its history, you can understand what will be the most interesting. And there is something to study.

At various times, Corfu was a colony of Corinth, passed under the rule of Sparta, united with Athens, was part of the Roman, and later the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle Ages, the island was recaptured several times from each other by representatives of the cities of modern Italy, and Venice ruled it for about 400 years. For a short time, Corfu was also the territory of Turkey, and in the 19th century - even of France. After being under the control of Great Britain for some time, in the end (in 1864) it finally became part of Greece, although Italy repeatedly occupied it during several wars.

Corfu is interesting in that some ancient buildings and even part of the old city of Kerkyra, located north of the modern one, have been preserved here. In addition, obviously, the Venetian culture also had a huge impact. Architecture, art, even the peculiarities of the local language - all reflect the four centuries of Italian dominance. And this gives a special charm.

In the myths of ancient Greece

Even the name of this island comes from the name of a nymph - the Greeks respect their legends so much. Corfu was abducted by the god of the seas, Poseidon. And if before that, according to Homer, the island was called Scheria, then later it was named after the nymph for whom it became a new home.

The largest cities in Corfu

According to the 2001 census, just over 110 thousand people live in Corfu. So there is no need to talk about truly large settlements.

The most populous remains the capital of the island - Kerkyra or Corfu, located on the east coast. Almost 25 thousand people live here. There are several other towns and villages, but the most popular, besides the capital, are Paleokastritsa and Perama. Hotels are mainly located on the coast, but there is always some settlement nearby, so you should not worry about the infrastructure.

Main tourist attractions

So what to see in Corfu? Of course, each traveler will answer this question in his own way, but there are also traditionally popular tourist places here. Among other things, the island is very picturesque, especially its northern part. Fortress Citadel and Angelokastro, numerous churches and monasteries, museums, Pontikonisi, Paleokastritsa - Corfu offers a choice for every taste. So what should you visit first?

  • Old city of Kerkyra. In 2007, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, so it is worth taking a look at least with one eye. Narrow streets, baroque architecture, balconies, graceful windows, arches - literally everything here reminds of Italy.
  • Monastery of Blachernae. The snow-white building is extremely popular among tourists, probably due to the fact that Pontikonisi is located nearby.
  • Church of St. Spyridon. This place is literally the symbol of Corfu. Almost every visitor brings photos of this church home. The relics of St. Spyridon are kept in the temple, which once a year, on Easter, are carried throughout the city.
  • Old and New fortresses. In Greek, they are respectively called Paleo Frurio and Neo Frurio. The old one was built by the Venetians, now it has been restored and is used for cultural events, although not all buildings have been preserved. The new one (although it bears such a name) began to be built even earlier. Its walls offer a stunning panoramic view, contrasting with the gloom of its interiors. It is said that under the fortress there is a whole labyrinth of underground passages. And now the base of the navy is located here.
  • Liston street. It was designed by a French architect and is very reminiscent of Rivoli. Previously, only people belonging to the highest circles of society could walk along it. Now there are boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
  • Spianada Square. It is considered the largest on the island and the main one in the city. There are a large number of museums, several Christian churches and a beautiful park.
  • Paleokastritsa. Corfu, although it is the largest city, is not always the most interesting. Therefore, it is worth visiting the neighboring coast, especially since there is a beautiful beach here, and the views are extremely picturesque.
  • Canoni. This area of ​​Corfu is charming at sunset. Here you can watch the landing of planes, and many tourists consider this a wonderful sight.
  • Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island. Corfu is surrounded on all sides by small areas of land, and although not all of them are popular, this one is often visited by tourists. Despite the name, there are no mice here, Pontikonisi is just shaped like a rodent. According to legend, it used to be the ship of Odysseus, which the angry Poseidon turned into an island.
  • Pantocrator. The highest point of the island, from where a stunning panorama opens and you can even see the coast of Albania.

In general, the easiest way is to rent a car or scooter for a few days and drive around the whole island in search of your own unique experiences, especially since it is unlikely to take much time. So, to get from Kerkyra to Paleokastritsa, you need to drive only about 20-30 kilometers.

(Greece), of course, it does not end there. Amazing nature, clean sea air, the atmosphere of Italy, museums full of antiquities - literally every stone here breathes history. So why not enjoy it?

Beaches

Of course, many tourists do not think about what to see in Corfu, but just want to lie in the sun and splash in the sea. They will also be satisfied, because the island has many different beaches, lagoons and coves. The most famous of them is Paleokastritsa. Corfu, however, does not exhaust its collection of beaches: rocky Peroulades, located in the north of the island, sandy Agios Gordis and Glyfada, perfect for children. It should be noted that the sea is calmer on the eastern side, the most luxurious hotels are also located here.

Another curious beach has a romantic French name "Canal of Love", because the two rocks that form a small bay in the shape of a heart, according to legend, used to be two lovers, but they were separated. A couple who swim across the bay together, according to the sign, will be together forever, and those who are only looking for their love swim through a natural tunnel in the hope that this will help them find happiness soon. This beach is a kind of attraction and is very popular among tourists.

Other entertainment

Young people will also be interested here, because the natural conditions allow you to do sports such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, yachting. Perhaps, underwater views are not as picturesque as in the Red Sea, but the abundance of caves perfectly compensates for this. Of course, there are bars and nightclubs for those who prefer not to sleep until the morning. Water parks, at hotels and not only, are suitable for families. In the end, you can just bring a fishing rod with you, as many Europeans do, and calmly meditate, looking at the float.

Neighboring islands and territories

Despite the fact that Corfu occupies a very small area, many tourists come back here again and again. Naturally, they have no desire to look at the same sights, so many go on short trips to Albania, Italy and mainland Greece, as well as to neighboring islands, such as Paxos and Antipaxos, which, according to legend, were once part of Kerkyra, but Poseidon separated them with a trident strike so that he would have a quiet place to rest. Ferry service is established, so travel and excursions on the island of Corfu and its environs will not be a problem. Of course, someone will say that in this case it is not worth going to Kerkyra, but the indescribable atmosphere again and again attracts tourists here.

Since Kerkyra - the same visa rules apply here as in the rest of the country. It is best to get a long-term Schengen visa, which provides for several entries, especially since consular workers have become much more favorable towards Russians in recent years.

Do not get hung up on one restaurant located nearby. Greek cuisine is wonderful and amazing, and if you go away from the tourist spots, you can enjoy its authenticity with a glass of locally produced wine.

In a previous article, we talked about how you can. Now it's the turn of the story about the sights of Corfu and what is worth seeing on this beautiful island. A feature of the island of Corfu is that it has a mixture of Greek, Venetian, English, French cultures. This island, covered with lush greenery and fragrant flowers, was also a favorite retreat of the Austrian Empress Amalia Eugenie Elisabeth, better known by the pet name Sissi. Therefore, on modern Corfu you can see an abundance of attractions.

The most striking attraction of Corfu, in my opinion, is castle Austrian Empress Amalia Eugenia Elizabeth (Sissy) and adjoining garden.

They are located on the east coast of the island, 10 kilometers south of the airport, in the village Gastouri.

The name Achillio Palace comes from the name of the ancient Greek hero Achilles. This architectural masterpiece was built in 1890-1891 by the Italian architect Rafael Carito by order of the Austrian Empress, who wanted to find peace and solace in this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean.

The Empress was an ardent admirer of ancient Greek culture, so the palace and park are decorated many sculptures depicting the characters of Greek mythology. The most interesting are the statues of the nine muses, the dying Achilles and the conquering Achilles.

The architecture of the palace combines Doric, Ionic and Romanesque styles, but in general it resembles luxurious Viennese palaces. Inside you can see many frescoes with antique scenes.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the palace was acquired by the Emperor of Germany Wilhelm II (Kaiser), who changed the location of some of the sculptures, installed a statue depicting the first owner of the palace in front of the entrance to the palace, ordered to make and install a statue of the victorious Achilles. The Kaiser also ordered rare plants to be brought to the island and decorated with them in the garden surrounding the palace.

All this splendor can be seen by a modern traveler from 8-00 to 19-00 on weekdays and from 8-00 to 14-30 on Saturday and Sunday. Entrance ticket price in Achillio is 7 euro from a person.

Old Fortress

Old Fortress (Paleo Frurio) one of the parts of the island's defensive system. It was built in the 8th century by the Byzantines and subsequently completed by the Venetians and the British.

The fortress is located near the city center and is separated from it by an artificially created strait. You can enter the Old Fortress via a special bridge, which is located a few tens of meters from Museum of Asian Art.

The fortress is located on several levels, at the highest rises a giant Christian cross, it is clearly visible even at night to all ships approaching the island. There is also classic lighthouse.

From the top of the fortress, breathtaking views of the city and the sea open up. On the territory of the fortress, you can also see the ancient bastions and weapons of different eras, designed to defend the fortress, various administrative buildings, barracks and a prison.

Also on the territory of the fortress there are several churches and chapels. Of greatest interest is Church of St. George, the patron saint of warriors. It was built by the British in the middle of the 19th century, but in appearance it looks more like an ancient temple than a Christian church of that era.

Among other things, the fortress has a cafe where you can relax and have a bite to eat. During the summer period, the Old Fortress is open to the public from 8-00 to 19-30. In winter, some levels of the fortress are not accessible for inspection. Ticket price 4 euros per person, reduced ticket 2 euros.

New Fortress

New Fortress also called Neo Frurio and Fortress of St. Mark, located within walking distance from the center of Corfu and the port. It is considered a marvel of defensive architecture. It was she who in 1716 prevented the Turks from capturing the island.

The construction of Neo Frurio began at the end of the 16th century by the Venetians. A huge amount of building material was needed, so about 2,000 houses and churches were destroyed on the island. It became part of the city's defensive structures. Later, the New Fortress was completed by the French and the British.

Neo Frurio has two levels - one to protect the city, the other to protect the port. On their walls you can see the image of lions.

On the territory of the Fortress there are two bastions, one of which is now a cafe. The fortress is surrounded by two rows of walls and is equipped with a complex system of underground passages through which an inquisitive traveler can wander. This will help him feel even better the gloomy atmosphere that prevails in the New Fortress.

Neo Frurio also offers a magnificent view of the city and the Old Fortress. From April 15 to October 30, the New Fortress is open to the public from 9-00 to 21-00. Entrance ticket price 3 euros from a person.

Not far from the New Fortress is monument Russian admiral Fedor Ushakov. The monument was erected by grateful islanders for their help in the liberation of Corfu from the French invaders. Admiral Ushakov canonized as an Orthodox saint. The icon with his image is in one of the temples in the center of Corfu.

City center, church of St. Spiridon, icon of Ushakov

A separate attraction of Corfu is the city of Corfu itself (the capital of the island), namely its center, the old town. It will be interesting for any traveler to wander along the narrow cobbled streets, admire the architecture of churches and residential buildings unique for Greece, as well as look into several shops or sit in one of the cozy cafes.

In the very center of old Corfu is one of the greatest shrines of the Orthodox world - relics of St. Spyridon Trimifuntsky, the patron saint of Corfu. By the way, that is why Spiridon or affectionately Spyros, the most common male name on the island.

The inhabitants of Corfu revere St. Spyridon very much, they believe that it was thanks to him that the island escaped the plague twice, once famine and was never conquered by the Turks of other faiths. Even during his lifetime, the saint had the gift of healing, cast out demons and could even raise the dead, he gave all his means to the poor and wanderers, defended the unjustly offended.

The relics of St. Spyridon were transported to Corfu in 1453 from Constantinople captured by the Turks. In 1590, a temple was built on the island, named after this saint. Since then, to this day, the relics are kept in this temple. The saint's body has a constant temperature of 36.6 degrees, and his shoes and clothes wear out, as if he is walking somewhere, they are replaced several times a year. When the priests cannot open the shrine where the relics of the saint are kept, they understand that he has left to help someone.

Since ancient times, Saint Spyridon has also been very revered in Russia, so a huge number of Russian pilgrims come to his relics. The shrine with relics opens for worship at about 10:00 and at 17:00 after the morning and evening liturgy, but it is better to come early, as there are always a lot of people who want to venerate the holy relics.

It is desirable to write notes about health and repose in Greek or Latin letters, so that it would be easier for the priest to read them. In Greece, it is customary that if there is a cross on a note, then it is read for peace, and if it costs nothing, then for health.

Temple coordinates for GPS N 39° 37.513 E 019° 55.352

Here you can make temple virtual tour Spyridon in Corfu, explore the area around him and even climb his bell tower and enjoy the view of the city: http://www.corfuchurches.com/content/view/58/70/lang,el/ (just click on the red button under photograph).

On the opposite side of the square from the church of St. Spyridon is Church of John the Baptist. Inside is an icon of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov, canonized as an Orthodox saint. His comrade-in-arms captain-lieutenant Savitsky is also buried there, a memorial plate in Russian is buried above the grave.

The idea of ​​a Russian occupation of the island was foisted on the Corfians by the British for many years, but the islanders, like the rest of the Greeks, are by no means gullible people. In addition, they remember well the fact that Corfu was under British occupation for a long time, and the fact that Russian troops expelled the French from the island, after which Corfu became part of the Republic of the Seven Islands - the first independent form of Greek statehood since the fall of Constantinople.

Kanoni, Mouse Island, Monastery of Panagia Blachernae

Monastery of Blachernae

Place canoni- another attraction of Corfu. It is located 5 kilometers south of the center of Corfu town. A long and narrow pier leads to a tiny island containing a building of an equally tiny Monastery of Panagia (Our Lady) Blachernae. In the monastery, you can light a candle and pray, and buy souvenirs in the adjacent shop.

Boats are moored along the pier. By paying one of the captains a symbolic price in 2.5 euro you can take a walk to the nearby mouse island, which really is shaped like a mouse. The islet is densely covered with vegetation, and there is a 13th-century church on it.

In Kanoni, you can also experience a very unusual feeling and take impressive photos. The fact is that the international airport of Corfu is located very close, so the planes landing and taking off pass almost over the heads of travelers, almost touching the bell tower of the monastery of Panagia Blachernae.

Paleokastritsa, bay, monastery of the Mother of God

Paleokastritsa is one of the most picturesque places on the island. There are many coves with azure water, beautiful beaches and traditional Greek taverns. It was here that the ancient city of the feacs was located, where, having suffered a shipwreck, the Homeric Odysseus ended up during his wanderings.

Nowadays, Paleokastritsa offers many entertainment programs and sea excursions.

The most interesting tour, in my opinion, is submarine travel along the coastline. The upper deck of the ship is above the water, from where you can admire the scenery, see an unusual rock, take beautiful photos, feed the sea fish (food is provided by the team).

Going down inside the submarine, you will find yourself approximately three to four meters under water. Through the windows and the transparent bottom, you can admire the reefs and their inhabitants - fish and crabs. The cost of tickets for such an excursion is about 10-15 euros, depending on the ship you choose.

All ships depart from the port of Paleokastritsa and their ticket offices are located nearby. In the port, during the summer months, a person is on duty, providing free reference information to everyone.

Sailing along the coast of Paleokastritsa, you may notice several white houses with a red tiled roof on a forested cliff, and among them a tall bell tower. This is Teotoku Monastery (Mother of God). You can get into it by climbing on foot from the port of Paleokastritsa. You need to walk along the highway for 5-10 minutes.

There are a lot of beautiful flowers and fragrant plants in this small, cozy monastery. There is a museum on its territory, where various curiosities are exhibited. The most impressive of them is a giant clam shell, about a meter by eighty centimeters in size.

The icon of the Holy Trinity on the ceiling of the temple in the monastery is very interesting. On it, God the Father is depicted with a halo in the form of a star of David, and the lower, sixth ray of the star is not visible, its role is played by the beard of God the Father.

The monastery is open from 07:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 20:00, admission is free. It is best to have a scarf or pareo with you, to cover bare spots so as not to embarrass the monks. Scarves are also given at the entrance to the monastery, but they may not be enough for everyone.

Angelokastro

Another place worth visiting in Corfu is not far from Paleokastritsa. Its name in Greek means "angel's citadel". The fortress was built by the Byzantines in the 13th century on top of the highest cliff on the northeast coast of Corfu. The fortress is located at an altitude of 305 meters above sea level, it offers a good overview of the water area. Therefore, the fortress of Angelokastro played a decisive role many times in the defense of the island from the Turks. Now the fortress is in a dilapidated state.

However, climbing up to its ruins along a rocky mountain path, you can see the main gate, the remains of battlements, a garrison, a circular tower, a church in the rock, as well as a small Church of the Archangel Michael built on the site of another early Christian church. There is also a magnificent view from the fortress.

The fortress is available for visits from May to October. Free admission.

Archaeological sites of Corfu

On Corfu you can also see several ancient ruins. First of all, these are the remains of the ancient capital of the island, which was located a little south of the modern city (3 km). There you can see the ruins of an ancient agora and two ancient temples. Nearby is Manor Mon Repos built by the British in the late 19th century. Today it houses the Museum of the Old City. It is open from April to October from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday is a day off.

Also noteworthy is the monument to Menekratis, the tower of Neradzikhas, the temple of Artemis. Monument to Menekratis was erected around the 7th century BC and is dedicated to the consul of Corfu. You can see the monument around the clock at the intersection of the streets of Cyprus and Marasli.

Neradzikhas Tower- the only thing left of the ancient wall that protected the city. It is located behind the modern cemetery at the end of Ag.Theodoron Street. From Temple of Artemis only a few fragments have survived to this day, located near the monastery of St. Theodores, and the beautiful pediment of Artemis Gorgo, stored in the Archaeological Museum of Corfu.

Museums in Corfu

There are several interesting museums in Corfu. These are the Archaeological Museum, the Art Gallery of the Municipality and the Museum of Asian Art.

Archaeological Museum is located in the old town on the coastal street towards Garitsa, next to the hotel "CORFU PALACE". The address of the museum is Vrailya Armeni 1. It exhibits finds from the ancient city and the temple of Artemis, including the pediment of the temple with the image of the Gorgon Medusa. Also in the museum you can see ancient household items, coins and sculptures.

The museum is open from 8:30 to 15:00. Monday is a day off.

Palace of Saints Michael and George- a majestic building, decorated with Doric columns. Built by the British in the first half of the 19th century. It was to become the residence of the English ruler of Corfu. After the overthrow of the British, the palace briefly became the residence of the Greek royal family. It currently houses Museum of Asian Art. It presents about 10 thousand exhibits. In the museum you can see ceramics, figurines and other products from Japan, China and India.

The museum is located in the old town near the Old Fortress. Opening hours 8-00 to 19-30. Monday is a day off. The museum is adapted for the disabled.

The ticket price is 3 euros per person. Every Sunday from November 1 to March 31 admission is free. Museum website: http://www.matk.gr/en/

Picture gallery municipality is located at Akadimias 1. It contains ancient icons, portraits of the kings of Greece, paintings by contemporary Corfiot artists, old maps of the island.

The gallery is open from 9:30 to 15:00. Monday is a day off. The price of a regular ticket is 4 euros, a reduced ticket is 3 euros. Gallery website http://www.artcorfu.com/en/

These are the main attractions of Corfu. But undoubtedly, this wonderful island is fraught with many more secrets and surprises that will delight the travel lover.

Guests arriving at the seaport, as a hospitable hostess, are met by the capital of the island - Kerkyra (Corfu Town). In the unique appearance of the city traces can be traced not only of Greek culture, but also of French, British and, of course, Venetian. In order to feel the real atmosphere of Corfu, you must definitely walk around the Old Town, surrounded by the Old and New Fortress, built by the Venetians to protect the city. Exhibitions and concerts are held in the New Fortress, also called the Sea Fortress, or St. Mark's Fortress. A memorial to the memory of the great Russian admiral Ushakov was opened near the fortress.

The center of public life in Corfu is undoubtedly the most beautiful square of Spianada. The square is framed by the Liston architectural complex built by the French. Liston's vaulted galleries 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 the performances of the city philharmonics, and cricket competitions traditionally held on Saturdays.

At 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 Commissioner of Britain. Today, the museum of Asian art presents its collections in the historical palace.

The heavenly patron of Kerkyra is St. Spyridon. In the richest temple, built in 1589, the relics of the revered protector of Kerkyra are kept. The saint saved the island many times: from the plague, from hunger, from being captured by the Turks. On the day of veneration of the beloved patron, the shrine is opened and the vestments of the Saint are changed. And every time the soles of the shoes are worn out, with traces of sand and algae. Therefore, the locals firmly believe that to this day St. Spyridon "bypasses" and protects their island.
It is also worth visiting the Cathedral of Kerkyra, the main shrine of which are the relics of the Byzantine Empress St. Theodora, 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 a park-reserve of Mon Repos. There was an ancient city 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 "cottage" 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 destination for tourists. From here, along a small strip of land, you can reach the Blachernae monastery located in the middle of the sea. Or take a boat ride to the charming little island of Pontikonisi (Mouse Island), which, according to legend, is nothing but the ship of Odysseus, turned to stone by Poseidon.

Near the village of Gastouri there is a real fabulous royal palace. Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Princess Sissi, fascinated by the beauty of Corfu, commissioned Italian craftsmen to build a beautiful palace, dedicating it to the ancient Greek hero Achilles. The snow-white building of the palace 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 “Achilles the Conqueror”. The palace works like a museum.

Angelokastro


The "Fortress of the Angels" is a Byzantine defensive fortress located on a high cliff off the northeast coast of Corfu. On the territory of the fortress there are two small chapels - the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and St. Kiriaki.

Every year, the bright 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 canvases of red fabric, and in the evening, parishioners bring flowers to the temple to decorate the tomb of the Savior.

The most mournful and solemn day is Good Friday. In the evening, from all the churches, to the sound of mourning and accompanied by orchestras, the Epitaph, 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 smash to smithereens. 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 dances, songs, and traditional roasting of lamb on a spit.


Of course, one of the main goals of visiting any Greek island is a beach holiday. The diverse beaches of Corfu will fully satisfy the needs of demanding tourists. You can enjoy your holiday on equipped large beaches or retire to one of the many picturesque coves of the island. Or take a boat to the nearby islets of Paxi and Antipaxi. It should be noted that on the beaches located on the "inner" side facing mainland Greece, the water is warmer and the sea is calmer than on the "outer".

Beaches of the western, "outer" coast.

The most beautiful and popular resort is the charming village of Paliokastritsa. The amazing beauty of the bay with silvery sand at the foot of the green rocks, the rich underwater world made Paliokastritsa a favorite vacation spot for many tourists. It is also worth noting the sandy beaches of Agios Yorgos and Agios Stefanos, the noisy youth Acharavi, the calm Roda, the “wild” Yialos, the secluded Ermones, the popular Glyfada beach.

Corfu island on the map of Greece

Detailed map of Corfu island

Corfu Map

Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands belonging to Greece. The second largest (593 square kilometers) among the Ionian Islands, Corfu is their administrative center. The capital of the island is the eponymous city of Corfu (or Kerkyra in Greek).

The map of Corfu represents a crescent-shaped piece of land washed by the sea. The Greek island is located in the northwestern part of the Ionian Sea, it stretches from north to south for 65 kilometers parallel to the coast of the mainland. The map of Corfu gives an idea of ​​the position of the island relative to other territories: in the north, the island is located off the coast of Albania, from which it is separated by a strait from 3 to 23 kilometers wide, and in the south, opposite the coast of Greek Thesprotia. The length of the coastline is 217 kilometers.

The northern part of the island is extremely mountainous: it is crossed by an ancient mountain formation, including the highest point of Corfu - Mount Pantokrator (917 meters). The central zone is hilly, and the southern zone is lowland.

A detailed map of Corfu will help you decide on the choice of a resort, which in most cases are located in picturesque picturesque towns and villages.

Corfu Map with attractions located in the map tab, in the places section. This service will help you navigate the terrain while traveling.

Corfu island- one of the northernmost Ionian islands of Greece and the second largest. Corfu is recognized as the greenest and most romantic island in Greece. The island of Corfu is shaped like an "Italian boot without a spout". Its dimensions are: length 120 km, width - from 40 to 4 km, coastline length 217 km. The capital of the island is Kerkyra(Kerkyra or Corfu Town). Travel time by plane Moscow - Corfu is about 3 hours.

Corfu Island captivates with its charm. Flying up on a plane to the island of Corfu, admiring its charm from the window ... breathtaking! After all, the only runway International Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" (Corfu International Airport I Kapodistrias) is located on an artificial embankment right on the lake and it seems that the plane is landing on the water.

Corfu is unusual, interesting and original. It combines the heritage of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian culture. Corfu- this is such "Greek Italy". On the island of Corfu there is a beautiful tradition of celebrating Easter.

Map of Corfu (Kerkyra) with cities and resorts


Corfu Resorts

Most of the resorts on Corfu Island are concentrated in the eastern part of the island. This is due to the fact that the water temperature on the west coast is 2-3 degrees cooler. In the southern part of Corfu, hotels for Russians are rarely offered, due to the distance from the capital and the south is more focused on English youth.

The main part of the resort areas is concentrated in the center of the island of Corfu on the west and east coasts. Let's consider them in more detail.

Resorts in the North East of Corfu recommended for a relaxing beach holiday. The hotels of these resorts are isolated, they include everything necessary for a comfortable stay, but there is no active life outside the hotels.

resort of Agios Spyridon- a flat area with sandy beaches and a natural reserve. On the beach is the Church of St. Spyridon. The resort is located 40 km from the island's capital, which is about an hour's drive.

Resort Nissaki is located 24 km from the capital, which is a 45-minute drive. Numerous picturesque bays with pebble beaches and sheer cliffs, the emerald sea, Mount Pantokrator with magnificent views - the secluded romance of the island.

North of Corfu a rather remote place, however, often this is not an obstacle for tourists. After all, the beauty of the local landscapes and fantastic bays is a huge advantage. Resorts on the north coast of Corfu: Roda, Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi. Most tourists come to the north of Corfu for an excursion to the Strait of Lovers (Canal D'Amour), which is located between the cities of Roda and Sidari, as well as in search of unforgettable views of nature.

Resorts of the central and eastern part of the island of Corfu - These are predominantly flat resorts with a rich nightlife. Bars, restaurants, cafes and taverns give the evening life of the city a special touch. Greek music and cuisine will not leave indifferent any vacationer.

Resort Gouvia- an inexpensive youth resort located 6 km from Kerkyra.

Resort Dassia immersed in the greenery of trees that descend close to the sandy beaches. It is located 12 km from the capital of Corfu. The resort of Dassia is an ideal place for a family holiday, but recently young people and water sports enthusiasts have been competing with them.

Of particular note is the picturesque town of Kommeno. This is the most elite area of ​​Corfu. Here on a private peninsula is the most expensive hotel in Corfu - Grecotel Corfu Imperial 5 stars.

This area includes resorts of Ipsos and Pirgi(14-15 km).

South of the city of Kerkyra there is another group of resorts: Kanoni, Perama, Benitses. These resorts are preferable for a relaxing holiday. Nightlife is not as active, but still there. A little further south extend youth resorts Moraitika and Messonghi.

On the west coast of Corfu are the best beaches on the island Ermones and Glyfada.

Resort Paleokastritsa- the highlight of Corfu. It is located 25 km from Corfu. The purest gentle sea of ​​various shades of green and blue tones, steep cliffs, immersed in greenery, created incredibly beautiful bays with sandy beaches. It is a paradise for lovers of scuba diving, hunting and divers. In addition, the Teotoku Monastery of the 17th century is located in this area - one of the main attractions of the island. Corfu.

Tours on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra)

In 2019, tour operators offer tours to the island of Corfu (Kerkyra) with direct flights on regular and charter flights from two Russian cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Tours to Corfu (Kerkyra) from Moscow daily from April 25, 2019 to October 13, 2019.
Tours to Corfu (Kerkyra) from St. Petersburg 1 time per week on Fridays from April 31, 2019 to October 06, 2019.

Direct tickets from Moscow to Corfu

Hotels on Corfu

Hotels for families with children under three years old:
CORFU IMPERIAL Grecotel Exclusive Resort 5* (Commeno).
AQUIS SANDY BEACH RESORT 4* (Agios Gordis).
GRECOTEL DAPHNILA BAY THALASSO 4* (Dafnila-Dassia). Beach with shade from trees.

Hotels for families with children:
SUNSHINE CORFU Hotel & SPA 4* (Nissaki).
KONTOKALI BAY RESORT & SPA 5* (Kontokali).

Hotels without children on the island of Corfu (18+):
ATLANTICA GRAND MEDITERRANEO RESORT & SPA 5* (Ermones).
AQUIS AG. GORDIOS BEACH hotel 4* (Agios Gordis).
Affordable hotels for the price-quality for young people and families:
CORFU HOLIDAY PALACE 5* (Korfu, Kanoni).
CORFU DELFINIA Hotel 4* (Moraitika).
MESSONGHI BEACH HOLIDAY RESORT 3* (Moraitika).

Attractions of the island of Corfu

  • The capital of the island of Corfu is the city of Corfu (Kerkyra).
  • Spianada Square in the city of Corfu.
  • Liston Street is the central street of old Corfu overlooking the waterfront. Previously, List officially existed - a list of aristocrats, and only they were allowed to enter this elite street. Now it is a haven for tourists.
  • Museum of Asian Art.
  • Seaside promenade.
  • Sea fortress - Old fortress of Corfu (Kerkyra).
  • Coastal fortress - New fortress of Corfu (Kerkyra).
  • Gymnasium.
  • Monument to Russian Admiral Ushakov.
  • District Paleokastritsa- the most beautiful and picturesque on the island.
  • Male Monastery of Our Lady of Paleokastritsa(Moni Teotoku). The miraculous icon "Life-Giving Source" (Zoodohu Pigis).
  • Palace of the Greek kings.
  • Achillion Palace.
  • Church of St. Spyridon - the patron saint of the island of Corfu (Kerkyra).
  • Cathedral of Panagia Spiliotissa (1577).
  • Belfry of Agios Spiridion.
  • Vidos islet. Cathedral of Saint Stephen.
  • Venetian Esplanade.
  • Archaeological Museum.
  • Fortress Aggelokastro XIII century.
  • The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin of Blachernae and the "Mouse Island" are the visiting card of the island of Corfu.
  • Ruins of the Temple of Zeus.
  • Ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
  • Channel of all lovers (Channel Di Amour).
  • Water park - AQUALAND (15 different slides).

Achillion Palace (Achilleion)

One of the main attractions of Corfu is the neoclassical Achilleion Castle. The palace was built in 1891 by order of Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria (Princess Sisi) of Austria and designed by Italian architect Rafael Carita. The queen paid great attention to the excavations of Heinrich Schliemann, who owns the discovery of the Aegean culture and the archaeological study of Troy. Therefore, the Greek hero of the Trojan War, Achilles, was chosen as the main theme of the entire palace.

Palace - consists of 3 floors and has many balconies. Around the palace there is a beautiful well-groomed garden, which in the form of steps smoothly descends to the coast. There are many sculptures in the garden, the most famous being the work of the German sculptor Ernst Gustave Herter "The Dying Achilles", the second is the brass statue "Achilles the Conqueror" made by Goetsch.

The palace complex and the garden are decorated with sculptures of Greek gods, heroes of Greek mythology, busts of ancient Greek philosophers, paintings and unusual paintings. The most important attraction of the Achillion Palace is a full-wall painting by the Austrian artist Franz Match "The Triumph of Achilles".

9 years later, after the death of the queen, in 1907, the German emperor Wilhelm II bought the palace. Today it is a tourist attraction - it houses museum.

What to bring from Corfu (Kerkyra)?

  1. Olive oil. Olive oil with garlic and hot pepper.
  2. Cosmetics and soap from Olive oil.
  3. Kumquat is an exotic fruit. (reminiscent of an elongated orange). Tinctures, liqueurs, sweets are made from it.
  4. National ceramics.
  5. Honey. Honey with nuts, raisins and other fillings.
  6. Liquor - walnut, cherry, orange.
  7. Goat cheese.
  8. Ginger beer.
  9. Sweets.
  10. Embroidery. Not far from the Temple of St. Spyridon.