What to see in Corfu? Attractions in Corfu, Greece

For some reason, many people are thinking about Greece, just remember the Athens. Meanwhile, this country can offer to tourists more interesting places - a huge number of Islands, each of which in its own way interesting.

Corfu

The Description of this place usually starts with the words about the climate, unique historical value, friendly people, delicious national cuisine. Of course, this is all true, and this is enough to choose this island for vacation.

In fact, he now has a different name - Kerkyra (with the accent on the first syllable). The old has been preserved from the time when this territory belonged to Italy. In addition to the Russian language, the same name appears as a primary in several European languages, although on the maps it still indicates the official name.

The Island is in the Ionian sea, off the West coast of mainland Greece, and stretched along the 65 kilometers. Its Northern end starts near the territory of Albania. To the West is Italy.

The annual Average temperature is 22 degrees above zero. The rainy season lasts from October to March, the rest of Corfu is a real Paradise for tourists. So, what to see in Corfu to get away with good impressions?

History of island

In order to understand what to see in Corfu, you must look into his past. A little bit after hearing his story, you can understand what will be most interesting. A study is that.

At different times, Corfu was a colony of Corinth, passed into the power of Sparta, together with Athens, was part of the Roman and later the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle ages the island several times repulsed from each other, the representatives of the cities of modern Italy, and Venice was ruled by them for nearly 400 years. Long stayed Corfu and Turkey, and in the nineteenth century, even France. After spending some time under the British control, eventually (in 1864) he finally became part of Greece, although in periods of several wars Italy was repeatedly occupied.

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Corfu is interesting because it preserved some of the ancient buildings and even part of the old town of Corfu, located North of modern. In addition, obviously, has had huge clout and Venetian culture. Architecture, art, even the local language - all reflect four centuries of the domination of the Italians. And it gives a special charm.

The Greek myths

Even the name of this island comes from the name of a nymph, so the Greeks respect their legends. Kerkyra was abducted by the God of the seas Poseidon. And if, according to Homer, the island was called Scheria, afterwards called in honour of the nymphs, for which he became a new house.

Largest cities in Corfu

According to the census 2001, Corfu is home to just over 110 thousand people. So what about really large settlements is not necessary.

The Most populous is the capital of the island, Kerkyra or Corfu town, located on the East coast. Here live nearly 25 thousand people. There are several towns and villages, but the most popular, except the capital are considered Paleokastritsa and Perama. Hotels are mostly located on the coast, but always poblizosti any locality, so that the infrastructure do not worry.

Major landmarks

So, what to see in Corfu? Of course, each traveler will answer this question differently, but there is also traditionally a popular tourist spot. In addition, the island is very picturesque, especially in its Northern part. Citadel and Angelokastro, numerous churches and monasteries, museums, Pontikonisi, Palaiokastritsa - Corfu offers a choice for every taste. So, what is worth visiting in the first place?

• The Old town of Corfu. In 2007 he was included in the list of UNESCO world heritage site, so it is worth a look at least one eye. Narrow streets, architecture, Baroque style, balconies, elegant Windows, arches - literally everything here is reminiscent of Italy.
• Monastery of Vlaherna. The white building is extremely popular among tourists, probably due to the fact that nearby is located a bus stop.
• The Church of St. Spyridon. This place is literally a symbol of Corfu. Almost every visitor brings photos of this Church home. The temple relics of St. Spyridon, which once a year, at Easter, sneaked across the city.
• The Old and the New fortress. In the Greek language they are respectively referred to as Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio. The old one was built by the Venetians, it is now restored and used for cultural events, though not all buildings have survived. New (though it has the same name) began to build even earlier. With its walls offering stunning panoramic views, contrasting with the gloom of its interior. Some say that the fortress is a maze of underground tunnels. And now here is the base of the Navy.
• Liston. It was designed by a French architect and is very similar to the Rivoli. Before it could walk only people who belonged to the higher circles of society. Now there are boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
• Square Spianada. It is the biggest island and biggest in the city. There is a large number of museums, several Christian churches and a lovely Park.
• Paleokastritsa. Corfu, though it is the largest city, it is not always the most interesting. Therefore it is necessary to visit the neighbouring coast, especially because there is a beautiful beach and the views are extremely picturesque.
• Kanoni. This area of Corfu charming at sunset. Here you can watch the sunset, aircraft landing, and many tourists consider it a wonderful spectacle.
• Pontikonisi, or Mouse island. Corfu is surrounded by small land areas, and although not all of them are popular, this often visited by tourists. Despite the name, mouse is not here, just in the form of Pontikonisi resembles a rodent. According to the legend, before it was the ship of Odysseus, who angered Poseidon turned into an island.
• Pantokrator. The highest point of the island offering a stunning view and you can see even the coast of Albania.

Generally, the easiest way to rent for a few days car or scooter and travel the island in search of their own unique experiences, especially since it hardly takes much time. So to get from Corfu to Paleokastritsa, you need to drive only about 20 to 30 kilometers.

Attractions in Corfu (Greece), of course, not limited to this. Amazing nature, fresh air, the atmosphere of Italy, the museums full of antiquities - here every stone breathes history. So why not enjoy it?

Beaches

Of Course, many tourists don't think about what to see in Corfu, and just want to lie in the sun and splash in the sea. They, too, will be satisfied, because the island has many diverse beaches, lagoons and coves. The most famous of them - Paleokastritsa. Corfu, however, this collection of beaches does not cover: rocky Peroulades is located in the North of the island, the sandy Agios Gordis and Glyfada, well suitable for children. Note that on the Eastern side of the sea more calm, here's most upscale hotels.

Another interesting beach is the romantic French name "love Canal", because the two rocks, forming a small Bay in the shape of a heart, according to legend, were once two lovers, but they were separated. Couple that crossed the Bay together, according to the sign, will be together forever, and those who are just looking for love, swim through a natural tunnel in the hope that it will soon help them gain happiness. This beach is a unique attraction and very popular among tourists.

Other activities

The Youth will also be interesting here, because the natural conditions allow to be engaged in such sports as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing. Perhaps the water is not such beautiful species as the Red sea, but the abundance of caves is well compensated. Of course, there are bars and night clubs for those who prefer not to sleep until morning. Water parks, in hotels and not only. In the end you can just bring your own bait, as do many Europeans, and to meditate quietly, looking at the float.

Neighboring Islands and territories

Despite the fact that Corfu is a very small area, many tourists return again and again. Of course, to look at the same sights they have no desire, so many go on a short trip to Albania, Italy and mainland Greece and in the neighbouring Islands such as Paxos and Antipaxos, which, according to legend, was once part of Corfu, but Poseidon has separated them with a blow of the Trident, him to have a quiet place to stay. A ferry was established, so travel and tours in Corfu and its surroundings will not be a problem. Of course, CT...