Corfu

Corfu is a splendid island in the waters of the Ionian Sea, facing the coast of Epirus. It is one of the seven islands that form the Eptanese (the others are Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi, Kythira). The rich and verdant vegetation, the superb Venetian architecture, the picturesque villages, the lively nightlife, make Corfu the most spectacular landscape in all of Greece, which attracts thousands of tourists every year, first of all the Italians.
The island has wonderful beaches: from the north the first you come to is the beach of Sidari, where the "canal d'amour" is located, then towards the south there are the beaches of Ermones, Glyfada, Pelekas, Myrtiotissa and the very green bays of Paleokastritsa surrounded by rocky hills full of olive and cypress trees. Crystal clear waters, beautiful sandy beaches and sea caves make this place a true paradise!
The island is quite mountainous, Mount Pandokrator (906m) in the north of the island being its highest point.
The island is quite mountainous, Mount Pandokrator (906m) in the north of the island being its highest point. According to mythology Poseidon, god of the sea, fell in love with the nymph, kidnapped her and took her to the island. Since then the island has taken the name of the Nymph.
Archaeological excavations have revealed that the island was inhabited since the Paleolithic era (7-4th century BC), a period in which Corfu was a very important commercial center and was inhabited by the Phoenicians.
During the Byzantine period the city gradually expanded until it became a very powerful and fortified territory, full of fortresses and castles such as the Castle of the Angel, the Castle of Gardiki, the fortress of San Marco.

How to get

Corfu island

The island of Corfu can be reached by plane or by ferry.

Indeed, the island has an international airport, the Kapodistrias airport. The airport is located 3 km south of Corfu town and can be reached by local buses or one of the many taxis. Many hotels make their own mini-bus available for transfers to and from the airport. Various car rental companies can also be found at the airport. The island of Corfu is also connected with the international airport of Athens and Thessaloniki. From both airports Corfu can be reached in about 50 minutes.
Most flights to Corfu arrive in Athens first and then continue on to the island.
There are also many charters to the island which operate all year round and directly connect Corfu to various cities in Europe. The low-cost airline Easy Jet also flies from European airports to Corfu.
For more information:
Kapodistrias Airport
Tel.: +30 26610 89600
E-mail :kakktl@otenet.gr

It is also possible to reach Corfu by hydroplane starting from the city of Ioannina, in Epirus. Hydroplanes started operating a couple of years ago and connect Corfu to Ioannina and the island of Paxi.

By sea Corfu can be reached by ferry from the port of Patras or from the port of Igoumenitsa. From the port of Igoumenitsa it is possible to reach the southern part of Corfu and arrive at the port of Lefkimi in about an hour. The service is available every day from 5 in the morning until ten in the evening. From the port of Patras the journey takes about six hours. There are no ferries to Corfu from Piraeus.

If you are in Athens and want to go to Corfu by ferry, you can take the bus to Patras (about 3 hours) and then take the ferry to Corfu (about 7 hours), or go by bus to Igoumenitsa (about 7 hours) and from there the ferry to Corfu (1,5 – 2 hours).
Furthermore Corfu can be reached by ferry from Italy with departures from Venice, Bari, Ancona.
The ferry also connects Corfu to other islands such as Paxi, Zakynthos, Kefalonia.

For all information on airports in Italy and Europe: All Airports

On the island there are splendid and suggestive places to visit.

Pontikonisi Island
4 km from Corfu there is the peninsula of Kanoni where the island of Pontikonisi is located and the famous white bell tower of the Monastery of Panaghia Vlacherna, connected to the mainland by a pier. The monastery is the most famous of the island and also very suggestive.

Kassiopi city
It is a small village 35 km north of Corfu town and is dominated by a Roman fortress located along the harbour.

Town of Agios Matheos
The town, 23km south of Corfu, is not targeted by tourism and offers wonderful sea views.

Pelekas
The village, 13km west of Corfu, is quite busy in the summer and is the starting point for excursions around the island. It is said to have the best sunset of the whole island of Corfu.

Castle of the Angel
It is strategically located in proximity to Krini. Probably from the 13th century, it was built to defend the inhabitants from pirate attacks. There is also a church, in honor of the Archangels Gabriel and Michael, built in a cave.

Gardiki Castle
Although partially demolished, it has an evident Byzantine style. The castle, quite striking due to its octagonal shape, is clearly visible from the entrance to the village of Gardiki and is located to its right. The castle attracts hordes of tourists every year.

Some useful telephone numbers for your stay on the island:
Taxi Station: +30 26610 33811/ 33812/ 41333
Suburban Buses (KTEL): +30 26610 30627

Panoramic view from Pontikonisi island

The capital of the island of Corfu
Corfu
The city of Corfu is the capital of the island of Corfu and is one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in Greece, as well as the largest and most populated city (about 30,000 inhabitants) of the Ionian Islands and is the main port of the island.
It has long been under the influence of the Venetians who controlled the island for centuries. The Turks have never occupied Corfu unlike the other Ionian islands and this makes the city different from the rest of Greece.
Built on a promontory, the city has a unique architecture influenced by many centuries of Venetian, French and English domination.
The various architectural styles make Corfu Town unique in charm, character, and atmosphere.
The Venetians built two fortresses in the city: the old fortress, near Piazza Spianada, and the new fortress, just above the old port.
The French and then the English followed the domination of the Venetians. The whole city was reorganized and most of what we see today dates from the 16th to the 19th century.
Magnificent monuments such as the Esplanade square, the Liston, the Palace of San Michele and San Giorgio, the palace of Mon Repos and many other wonderful architectures were built.
The city center is based around the two forts which are both worth visiting. The northernmost part of the city contains the new fortress as well as the new and old harbour. The new port is where the ferries arrive in Corfu. The old port is less busy but more picturesque.

Esplanade square (also called Spianada) is the central square of Corfu town. It was built between the two fortresses during the Venetian domination. It became a public square during the French occupation and was designed according to French garden architecture, with many trees and flowers.
Every summer this square hosts the cricket competition, the only event of its kind that takes place in Greece. The Esplanade square is surrounded by sumptuous buildings and impressive monuments and the old Venetian fortress. One of the most beautiful buildings in the square is the Liston which is located west of the Esplanade and was built during the French occupation. Its stunning arcaded terrace was inspired by the architectural style of Via de Rivoli, Paris, and houses the most elegant and luxurious cafés and restaurants on the island. The city also has beautiful surroundings such as Kanoni where the ruins of the ancient city are located or the beautiful Mandouki area.
The city of Corfu is well served by two bus lines managed by KTEL: the blue line for urban routes, the green line for suburban routes. The terminus of the blue line is located near the port; the terminus of the green line is in piazza Sarocco, in the city centre. In most cases, tickets can be purchased directly on board.

To visit
Esplanade Square (or Spianada)
This square is one of the most significant monuments of the city and is thought to be the largest square in the entire Balkans. Before the 19th century the area was empty and used for defensive and strategic purposes. Today it is the central square of the city. It is located between the Old Fortress and the Old Town.

Old Fortress
Also known as Paleo Frourio, construction began in the 8th century and served to protect the city of Corfu from various conflicts. Over the centuries the fortress underwent changes. For example, the Venetians added the moat in the 16th century and the British added various buildings inside it, such as a church in the 19th century. From the top of the fortress you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city. The fortress is one of the most popular historical attractions on the island.

New Fortress
It was built by the Venetians and is strategically located near the old port of the city. The construction of this impregnable fortress began in 1576 and continued until 1645. It was completed soon after the Turkish invasion.
Its dungeons are intriguing and mysterious. The lion of Venice is portrayed just above the main arch.

Ionian Academy
Located on the south side of the Esplanade square, the Ionian Academy was founded in 1808 by Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the newly independent Greek State, and was the first University of Greece. This beautiful palace was destroyed in 1943 during the Italian invasion but has been wonderfully restored.

Palace of San Michele and San Giorgio
Located north of the Esplanade square, this Palace is one of the most elegant monuments on the island. It was built during the British occupation, in 1824.

Town Hall Square
During the Venetian occupation, the town hall square was the meeting place of the nobles. In 1720 it was used as an opera house and was called Teatro di San Giacomo. Today the building houses the National Bank of Greece.

Saint's Square
Around this square are located three of the most important and impressive churches of Corfu: the church of Santo Spiridon, which has the largest bell tower of all the churches in the city and its red dome is the first thing visitors see when they arrive with the ferry to Corfu. Saint Spiridon is the protector of the island. It saved the city from a plague in the 17th century.
The other two churches are the church of the Beata Vergine degli Stranieri and the church of San Giovanni.

Mandouki
Mandouki is a historical area: its inhabitants resisted against the French conquerors in 1799. Today it is a delightful suburb with a pleasant high street surrounded by beautifully restored period houses, shops, bars and traditional Greek tavernas.

Platytera monastery
Located in the suburb of Mandouki, the monastery was built in 1743 and restored after its destruction in 1799. In this monastery there is the tomb of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of the independent Greek state.

Museums
Museum of Asian Art
It is the only museum of its kind in Greece. It is housed in an imposing neoclassical building near the Liston, in Piazza Espianada, in the palace of San Michele and San Giorgio. The building was built between 1819 and 1824.
The exhibited works include items from China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Korea, Siam, Tibet, Nepal, Cambodia, and Thailand. Among the exhibits are Samurai armor and weapons, theater masks, Chinese porcelain and bronze objects, sculptures and ceramics. The works are exhibited in 5 rooms. The ground floor of the museum was the entrance to the Ionian Senate and it is possible to see the portraits of the presidents of the Senate. On the second floor there is the throne room, the ballroom and the dining room, with the medals of the order of the Knights painted on the walls.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08.30 to 19.00 (May to October) and 08.30 to 15.00 (November to April).
Ticket price: €3 (full price) €2 (reduced)
Special ticket: €8 (full price) €4 (reduced price) valid for visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Old Fortress, the Church of Antivouniotissas and the Museum of Asian Art.
For more information:
Email: matk@culture.gr
Tel: +30 26610 30443

Corfu Archaeological Museum
The museum houses finds dating from prehistoric times to the Hellenic era. The museum houses finds dating from prehistoric times to the Hellenic era. The most important museum work is the impressive Gorgon pediment of the temple of Artemis from 585 BC. The pediment was unearthed in 1911 and is considered to be the oldest pediment of an ancient Greek temple. The archaeological museum is located in Vraila street.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 08.30 to 15.00.
Ticket price: €3 (full price) €2 (reduced)
Special ticket: €8 (full price) €4 (reduced price) valid for visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Old Fortress, the Church of Antivouniotissa and the Museum of Asian Art.
For more information:
E-mail: protocol@hepka.culture.gr
Tel.: +30 26610 30680

Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa
The museum is located in the Church of Antivounissa, one of the oldest and richest churches in Corfu Town. In 1979 the church was transformed into a museum and exhibits a rich collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine relics and icons depicting more than five centuries of religious art.
The museum is located in the old town of Corfu, in Arseniou street.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 08:00 to 19:00 (April to October) and 08:30 to 14:30 (November to March).
Ticket price: €2 (full price) €1 (reduced).
Special ticket: €8 (full price) €4 (reduced price) valid for visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Old Fortress, the Church of Antivouniotissa and the Museum of Asian Art.
For more information:
E-mail: 21eba@culture.gr
Tel: +30 26610 38313

Solomos Museum
It is the museum dedicated to Dionysius Solomos, the Greek national poet who wrote the text of the Greek Hymn. He lived most of his life on the island of Corfu where he wrote most of his work. The museum is located in a beautiful house where the poet lived and exhibits many of the poet's personal belongings, a collection of his manuscripts, various portraits and photographic material.
The poet's house has been transformed into a museum by the Society of Corfiot Studies.
The museum is located in the old town of Corfu, in Arseniou street.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 09:30 to 14:00 (June to August) and 09:30 to 13:00 September to May).
For more information:
E-mail: musol@otenet.gr
Tel.: +30 26950 48982

Municipal Gallery
The Municipal Gallery of Corfu is located in the Palace of St Michael and St George. It houses brilliant work by local 19th century artists and frequently hosts major exhibitions.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00.
For more information:
E-mail: pinakcrf@otenet.gr
Tel.: +302661048690

Kapodistrias Museum
The museum is dedicated to the First President of the State of Greece, Ioannis Kapodistrias, who was born on the island of Corfu.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 26610 39528 / 32440

Museo della musica
The Music Museum “Nikolaos Halikiopoulos Mantzaros” was opened in October 2010 by the initiative of the Società Filarmonica di Corfu. It was in fact dedicated to the founder of this society and to the composer of the Greek National Anthem and the Olympic Anthem.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:30 to 13:30.

Numismatic Museum
The Museum was founded by the Ionian Bank in 1981. It is housed in a building designed by local architect Ioannis Chronis. It houses a rich collection of banknotes, coins, bank documents, prints and other objects as well as a reproduction of the banknote construction process.
The museum is open from 08.30 to 15.00.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 26610 41552 / 80342

Beaches
With its clear waters and surrounded by lush vegetation, the beaches of Corfu attract many tourists every year. Paleokastritsa is the most famous beach. Other nice places to swim are: Agios Gordis, Pelekas, Glyfada.

Paleokastritsa
It is located 23km northwest of Corfu town. It is the best known and perhaps also the most picturesque beach on the island. Huge green cliffs surround the coast and many sea caves all around Paleokastritsa can be visited by boat. The beach is quite small and very popular. It is surrounded by bars and hotels and there is a not very quiet street nearby. But the view of bays and inlets are wonderful.

Agios Gordios
It is located 19km southwest of Corfu town. It is one of the best known beaches of Corfu. The beach is surrounded by impressive rock formations. It is very green and offers various tourist services. It gets very crowded during the high season for the well-known Pink Palace Hotel which attracts many American and Canadian students every year.

Pelekas
It is located 13km west of Corfu town. It is surrounded by large green rocks. The coast has very soft sand. Surprisingly, the residents also speak fluent English, many with a distinct American and Australian accent. The locals are very welcoming.

Glyfada
It is located 16 km west of Corfu town. It is one of the most popular and splendid beaches on the island. The large surface of fine sand is surrounded by cliffs covered with trees.

Corfu old quarter

Having fun in Corfu
Entertainment is not lacking in Corfu. Bars, clubs, discos, music until morning, both in the center of Corfu and on the many beautiful beaches. The best known destinations where to spend nights of pure fun are Palaiokastritsa, Glyfada, Benitses, Dasia, Goybia, Ipsos.

In Corfu there is also a Casino, located in the Holiday Palace hotel (which offers a spectacular panoramic view), in the Kanoni area, 4km from Corfu town and the airport.
The Casino is the first post-war casino built in Greece and started operating in 1962. It has a size of 900 square meters, and a large variety of games: 50 slot machines, 10 American roulette tables, 4 Backjack tables, 1 poker table. It is open from 20.00 to 03.00. To enter you must be at least 23 years old and have your own identity card or valid passport.
For more information:
E-mail : cascorfu@otenet.gr
Tel.: +30 26610 46941 – 42

There is also a water park, which is located near the village of Agios Ioannis, in the center of the island. It is the funniest water amusement park in all of Europe. In addition to the many water games, it also has 7 pools with 7 different types of waves. It features a free parking area of ​​600 cars. The water park is open from May to October. There is also a bus that connects the park to Corfu town. The journey is just 20 minutes.
For more information:
E-mail: http://www.aqualand-corfu.com/contact.asp
Tel.: +30 26610 58351