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Corfu is, with its 590 km², the largest island of the Ionian archipelago. Bordered by the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, it is both Greek and cosmopolitan. Its Greek name, Kerkyra, comes from a woman named Corcyra, with whom Poseidon was in love and with whom he decided to flee to the island, leaving her with his name. It was also in Corfu that Hercules conceived his son Hyllus before going to THE carry out his work. Over the centuries, the island has attracted sailors, merchants, artists, seduced by its beauty and its strategic location OASIS between Italy and Albania. For such is the magic of Corfu: this Mediterranean island is rich in multiple cultural influences and above all breathtaking landscapes!
The capital of the island has the same name as this one. Corfu city, with its watercolours, has an air of Italy... From beige to purple, the string of ochre-coloured facades, iron balconies and churches with red roofs bear witness to four centuries of Venetian domination on the island (1386-1797). Another notable influence is that of the British domination, the most successful example of which is the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George. You will also often see the Corfiotes playing their favourite sport, Cricket, a British heritage par excellence. THE KANONI PENINSULA owes its name to a battery of cannons abandoned by Napoleon’s troops. It was here that the first city of Corcyre was established: the inhabitants stretched out on the western slope, the sanctuaries on the eastern façade. From Kanoni, the view plunges down to the monastery of the Vlachernes, poetic on the lagoon, and to the Pondikonissi islet, which can be reached by boat and which hides the church of the Pantokrator. Go there at sunrise to enjoy the most beautiful light!
Planted with trees by the French at the beginning of the 19th century, the Spianada, a former defensive square laid out in Venetian times in front of the citadel, is today the lung of the city of Corfu and is a pleasant place to walk. It includes a cricket pitch, a favourite sport of the Corfiotes since British colonisation, and the Maitland rotunda, N O T T O erected to the glory of an English high commissioner. On the edge, the Liston aligns its elegant arcades, built from 1807 to 1814 by the MISS French, nostalgic for the Rue de Rivoli.
THE ACHILLEION PALACE, a luxurious neoclassical villa in Pompeian style, was built from 1889 to 1891 for Empress Sissi. On either side of a vestibule with a ceiling fresco by the Italian painter Galopi, you can visit the blue-walled dining room with its stuccoed cherubs, the salons full of souvenirs of the royal families, and the portrait of Sissi by Winterhalter. The gardens, punctuated by statues, offer a superb view of the countryside and the lagoon. On the west coast, 25 km from the city of Corfu, PALEOKASTRITSA is one of the most important places on the island. Endowed with several beaches and famous sea beds, this seaside is a paradise for lovers of water sports. Paléokastritsa is composed of three quite distinct coves: a port and two small beaches leaning between the city and the mountain.
The old town of Corfu stretches from the Esplanade (east) to the New Front (west) according to a complex plan: at first wisely aligned, perpendicular to KAPODISTRIOU, the main artery where the heart of the city beats, the streets become sinuous as you approach the old port, which reveals a maze of Kantounia, those alleys where you inevitably get lost. THE ISLAND Situated south of Corfu, PAXOS is a tiny island covered with olive trees, set with impressive beaches and cliffs at the foot of which are hidden many sea caves. Charming little ports and a multitude of hamlets complete the portrait of the most secret of the Ionian Islands. This haven attracts sailboats and yachts from Greece and Italy, making Paxos the most chic and probably the most expensive of the Ionian Islands. Finally a short distance further south, Antipaxi offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
From the top of this mountain, the PENTOKRATOR (917m), a panorama worthy of the gods with a view of Corfu, the continent and nearby Albania. There are two tarmac routes up to the top. Botany enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that a few varieties of orchids grow on the slopes of the mountain. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL B E A C H E S BEACHES OF CORFU OF CORFU Issos beach is one of the most impressive beaches of the island. The one meter high dunes, the isolation and the crystal clear water make this beach a favorite place for locals and tourists alike. Mass tourism has not yet arrived on this beach, so that every swimmer can enjoy an almost untouched sandy beach. Its extraordinary beauty makes it a beach often coveted for films or advertising. The most famous filming probably took place in 1981 when Roger Moor shot the James Bond film “For your eyes only”.
The beach of Aghios Georgios is surrounded by Cypresses and located 40 km northwest of the city of Corfu. It is embedded in a picturesque mountainous landscape and is almost 3 km long! The Ionian Sea is particularly clear and the conditions are ideal for windsurfing or catamaran sailing. In the middle of the comfortable terraces and pubs, the diving school of Aghios Georgios allows you to discover the beauty of the seabed.
Barbati beach is a long and narrow pebble beach quite popular. The mountain landscapes frames the beautiful bay and holidaymakers find relaxation and nature here. You can explore the nearby small bays by boat and if you walk along the beach you will enjoy the warm welcome of the Greek taverns.
The Canal d’Amour beach is one of the most famous and impressive beaches in Corfu. The beach is surrounded by strange sandstone formations that form a long narrow channel inland. The beach itself is very small but seems much larger due to the adjacent rocks. It is a true masterpiece of nature that you should not miss! SIVOTA 60mn, 2 ½ hours under way Typical Greek village side of the mainland. Tourist destination with some organized beaches and many possible activities around : Beach bela braka, blue lagoon beach, the caves at petra isl are some of the most beautiful places B O A T in the surrounding area. Available activities. Scuba, water-sports, snorkelling TRIP OTHONI- ERIKOUSA 80mn 3 ½ hours under way Explore two small islands in the northern part of Corfu. Apart from some very special beaches (Aspri Ammos, Spilia kalipsos, kanola) and the small picturesque village of the screens, erikousa is also quite interesting for its bays(groove, aria. Tzoufaka). This trip could easily be done twice, visiting different places each time. Available activities: Hiking, snorkelling
PARGA 80mn 3 ½ hours under way Parga is a very picturesque city in the mainland of Greece. Large busy beach or lonely and beautiful bays, Parga has it all. The beach of Valtos, or the river of Aherontas will amaze you by its diversity and history. You can travel up the river with the tender or with special commercial boats which create a feeling of adventure. Available activities: Water-sports, Trip in the castle and the city of Parga
PAXOS AND ANIPAXOS 80mn 3 ½ hours under way The most beautiful part of the Ionian Islands in our opinion. Paxos and Antipaxos are known about their special natural beauty that are sculpted around it. There are dozens of beaches and the places that you will visit stay dazzled. Voutoumi, Lakka, Spileo Yapapandi, the shield of the tripitus and the port of Paxon the Gaio are places that must be visited by anyone traveling to the surrounding area. Available activities: Scuba, Hiking
LEFKAS - FISKARDO 160nm 7hours under way This trip, although long distance, is a visit to the best beaches in the area. We need to start early. Stop at some of the fantastic beaches of Paxos. Next stop are the Gremnous and porto katsiki with the world famous beaches of Lefkada .Later in the afternoon a walk in the very picturesque Fiscardo of Kefalonia. The return, however, will be a 3 hour trip. Available activities: Scuba, water-sports RESTAURANTS TO DISCOVER
RR RODOSTAMO In a 5 star hotel, the restaurant Rodostamo offer a unique menu of high gastronomy, presenting modern version of traditional Corfiot & Greek Cusine. The place offers breathtaking views to the Kommeno bay.
THE VENETIAN WALL One of the most historical and beautiful restaurants in Corfu town! Atmospheric, romantic, with open tasty horizons, overlooking the beautiful Kremasti Square, in front of the historical venetian well. Local produce and fresh ingredients used, compose a great selection of dishes for an unforgettable culinary experience. RESTAURANTS
POMO D’ORO – Italian – Corfu town This small restaurant is located in a very tranquil and picturesque square in the Old town of Corfu. Chef Megoulas proposes a contemporary Greek cuisine with a personal style. In summer, the restaurant serves on a small terrace under the “vaults” of an old Corfiot house.
TAVERNA AVLI A garden of tastes awaits you at the parkland of Garitsa bay, in Corfu town, to introduce you to tasteful pleasures that satisfy all your senses.A new scenery of indulgence has been set with plenty of zeal and fervour in one of the most beautiful spots of Corfu town in order to treat you to its culinary secrets and quality food amidst a pleasant and friendly environment. For any other requests regarding your stay in Corfu : restaurants, excursions, transportation, our Concierge is at your entire disposal
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