Corfu overview
Corfu boasts a fascinating history where a succession of occupiers stamped their own signatures on the local customs and architecture, and today, this luxuriantly verdant Island of Eden boasts fantastic beaches, clear azure waters, a fascinating history, and a Venetian style capital which is reputedly one of Greece’s loveliest towns.
Corfu, the best known and 2nd largest Ionian island, is covered with slender cypress trees, three million olive trees, and an abundance of fresh produce including tomatoes, herbs, lemons, kumquats and olives. Due to its strategic importance, it is steeped in history from successive occupations by Romans, Sicilians, Venetians and the French, plus the British who left behind a fascinating legacy of brass bands, cricket and ginger beer! Corfu’s coastline stretches for more than 200km with fabulous sweeping bays, secluded coves, and beautiful golden sand, shingle or pebble beaches leading to crystal clear azure waters; Blue Flag Glyfada on the west coast is considered to be the top beach in the whole of Greece.
Corfu Town
One of the loveliest towns in Greece and boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, Corfu Town is set between two Venetian fortresses with numerous ancient landmarks and sites to explore, either on foot, or by horse drawn carriage. Charming, unique and strongly influenced by its former occupiers, the Old Town boasts elegant mansions and palaces, Byzantine churches, well-preserved Venetian castles and magnificent flower filled French style town squares including the central Spiniada Esplanade where, Englishstyle summer cricket matches are held. At the northern end lies the elegant palace of St Michael and St George whilst at the western end the beautiful Parisian Liston boasts fine restaurants and cafes. The 16th century St Spyridon Church contains mummified remains of the island’s patron saint, and Panaghia Spiliotissa Cathedral contains important Byzantine icons. There’s fashionable shopping in the new part of town, and cosmopolitan restaurants, bars and a vibrant nightlife around the port area.
Kanoni
Just a few kilometres to the south of the capital, Corfu Holiday Palace is situated in Kanoni, a resort well placed for fantastic elevated views over Mouse Island and the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, plus easy access to Corfu Town and many archaeological sites.
Kontokali
Located 6km north of Corfu Town, the charming village of Kontokali boasts a sheltered bay and a sand and shingle beach. Low key nightlife comprises a quiet meal in a traditional taverna with traditional live Greek music and dancing.
Nissaki
Some 22km north of Corfu Town at the foothills of the island’s highest peak, the pretty village of Nissaki with its scattering of traditional family run tavernas, friendly bars and handful of shops, is perfect for families and sun worshippers. There’s a small sand and shingle beach, some rocky coves with clear waters perfect for snorkelling and diving, and Mount Prantokrator for walkers and hikers. It’s a quiet resort with low key nightlife.
Agios Ioannis Peristeron
On the east coast, 18km south of Corfu Town, Agios Ioannis Peristeron is perfect for families and beach lovers with its long sand and pebble beach and plethora of water sports. There are a few beachside tavernas, plus cafes and mini-markets in the village, and for more choice, there’s lively Moraitika, 2km away. In the surrounding area there are lovely coves, lush forests and picturesque villages, plus Achilleion Palace, built for the Empress of Austria in 1890, 9km away, and Aqualand, 14km away.