Why to visit Corfu?
Corfu is a beautiful island, green, beautiful landscapes and very different at the same time. No wonder Corfu was chosen as the summer residence of Empress Elisabeth (Sissy) of Austria and was coveted by the Ottomans, Venetians, English, French, who have struggled over time to conquer and dominate .
If you appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty, great beaches clean, clear and turquoise, Corfu is a holiday destination to consider.
Corfu is definitely a location where you can relax and recharge the batteries. Regarding beaches, you should know that most of the west coast beaches are sandy, while those on the east coast are pebbled. These pebbles white, immaculate, polished water landscape and give a special charm not disturb you if you have special shoes for the beach, especially as you will find sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach.
Resorts in northwest and northeast of the island that are more developed. On the west coast, Paleokastritsa is the most desirable location, being famous for its beautiful scenery. On the north-east of the island, Kassiopi we liked in particular.
If you are in Corfu, is a shame not to visit the most interesting places, especially as the island is relatively small and can go from side to side of the island in one day. To visit, it is best to rent a car, but you must be prepared to drive on the roads narrow and winding. We guarantee intense emotions when they come oncoming cars or buses, but the upside is that you will see beautiful landscapes.
Corfu is a rural island where you will see many households with beautiful gardens, with lemon and olive trees, and animals. I've seen small towns, charming houses covered with flowers, with small streets, narrow and, of course, sloping, with one grocery store and a tavern in the center, where the council of elders gather (and not only) to debate issues daily coffee. The locals are very kind to help you, guide you and tell you that you absolutely must visit places on the island. Locals and even the elderly, can communicate in English.
During lunch, do not be surprised if you feel a smell appetizing food that even you're tempted and self-served food. The influence of the Venetians and the Turks feels and local cuisine. Locals cook beef, pork, fish and lamb. Most used ingredients are olives, olive oil, lemons, tomatoes, coriander, oregano, mint, basil, cheese and eggs. Patsitsada - spaghetti with beef and tomato sauce. Sofrito - thread beef or pork with garlic sauce. Another traditional dish is Bianco - fish with potatoes and garlic, which I find harder in restaurants. Stifado - beef cooked in wine and onions. Kleftiko - lamb with vegetables. Saganaki - any quality cheese, chicken, peppers, shrimp. You have to try exotic local fruits necessarily kumquat and maybe a liqueur made from them. The cost of a meal at the restaurant is around 15-20 euro / person.
What to visit in Corfu?
• Paleokastritsa
In Corfu should not miss Paleokastritsa, where the beaches are superb with a great clean, clear turquoise blue that we usually only see in magazines. As if you do not believe it, you really are in such a place, what you see is real. So a dip at Paleokastritsa is a MUST. Being a tourist area, on the beach at Grotto - Paleokastritsa is pretty much agitation and coaches can hear it coming. But for more privacy, you can rent a boat and see different caves and deserted beaches, isolated. It is superb to stay on one of these beaches and enjoy nature in peace. Not to be missed Paleokastritsa monastery where you make some pictures that you can easily use as desktop background.
• Town of Corfu (Kerkyra)
The island's tumultuous past has left its mark on the architecture of the buildings in Corfu. Strolling the streets of Old Town of Corfu, at one time, you can even ask: Am I on a Greek island? If you go in Corfu, waiting for you to see white houses and blue windows, you'll be a little surprised. Here you will find buildings, houses, churches with Venetian architecture because the Venetians had the greatest impact on culture and architecture of the island. Thanks to this cultural heritage, Corfu town is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
In Corfu town is nice to walk the narrow streets of Old Town, to drink a frappe at one of the terraces on the Esplanade, where the rich went for walks or to go into the souvenir shops (new we liked most more stores objects made of olive wood). In Old Town there is the Church of Saint Spiridon, the patron of the city. You can also visit the Old Fort, where you'll notice again the influence of the Venetians, and the New Fortress, where you can see a beautiful view of the city.
• Peninsula Kanoni
Another place worth seeing is the patron of the island, where there are two small islands: Vlacherna with a small church and white Pontikonisi, called Mouse Island. The view you will remain in my mind and surely you will recognize the leaflets on the island of Corfu. You'll be amazed to see planes flying over the bay passing at a short distance. You can rest and enjoy the view from one of the terraces nearby.
• Achillion Palace
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Corfu is Achillion Palace of Empress Elisabeth (Sissy) of Austria, located in Gastouri. Palace that was built in neo-classical style between 1889-1892. The name "Achillion" Empress was given in honor of Achilles, hero of Homer. The place of honor are the two statues of Achilles, one depicting strong and imposing and one presenting it Achilles dying, trying to remove his arrow to the heel. Here you will find a collection of art objects and furniture that belonged to Empress. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the sea and Corfu town. For moviegoers, it is good to know that the Achillion Palace were filmed and scenes from James Bond - For Your Eyes Only (1981).
• Canal D'Amour
I was impressed by this whole new landscape, with some rock formations, which by sea erosion led to the formation of small coves of unparalleled beauty. There are many legends about this place, but the main idea is that you luck in love if you bathe in Canal D'Amour. About couples are more likely to stay together for life. The sea is quite rough among the rocks and however you see some brave jumping off cliffs into the sea from your height of 2-3 meters. And while you're at Canal D'Amour, you can have lunch in the resort of Sidari, where you'll find a large supply of restaurants.
(athletes locatiiPalatul Achillion, Canal D'Amour, Kassiopi)
• Kassiopi
One of our favorite places is Kassiopi, a small resort, but chic, green, olive trees, citrus, flowers, and especially with some absolutely gorgeous beaches with a great dream. Here is a small port where there are several cafes and restaurants. Although the beaches are sandy Kassiopi, a marvel of natural beauty and you will definitely want to halt, to take a bath and listen to the sea.
• The setting sun at Kaiser Throne
How about if you dine in the place where the German Emperor Kaiser Wilhelm liked to watch the sunset II? German Emperor bought Achillion Palace in 1907 and spent his summers in Corfu. Although the king had the palace residence on the other side of the island, he liked to go to Pelekas to watch the sunset. At Kaiser Throne of a 360-degree view of the whole island.
• Agni
A local told us that if we want to eat fresh fish, go to Agni. I was and I did not regret: dreamscape and food to match. Agni was a pleasant surprise. Agni is on the north-east of the island, between Nissaki (5 km) and Kassiopi (11 km).
We ate lunch in a very pleasant atmosphere at Taverna Agni, where I ate the best for the entire duration of your stay. While here you will find mostly tourists and the prices are a bit higher than average, we think worth trying. It is good to know that for dinner tavern offers speed boat transfer from nearby resorts. Dinner reservations can be made online (http://www.taverna-agni.com/).
Writing these lines, though now I go again in Corfu ...
Have a nice trip and live beautifully!