A monument to Darrell was found not far from the embankment and the fortress:
As befits an old southern town, the streets are quite narrow and cobbled.
From Orthodox churches The Cathedral of St. Spyridon, located on Feotoki Street, enjoys special respect. It would be worth checking out the Archaeological and Byzantine Museums, as well as the unexpected Museum of Asian Art.
One day we were lucky, there was a folklore festival in the city!
Apparently these were for the most part amateur groups, even schoolchildren in ordinary T-shirts, danced together, but the concert was held at such a high point that I did not want to leave, no matter how tired the children asked to go home. So they walked along the already dark streets behind the speakers, who were also in no hurry to disperse and periodically started dancing again).
3. Old fortress of Kerkyra
The fortress is, of course, a must-visit! Firstly, ancient walls and cannons, and secondly, a view of the city and the sea :).
By the way, there is also a new fortress, but it is active, the military are stationed there :)
4. Palace Museum "Achilleion"
From the romantic side - the palace of Empress Elizabeth of Austria (in simple terms - Princess Sisi). There are many portraits of her in the palace, and there is a sculpture at the entrance:
As befits a palace, it has a large collection of paintings, antique sculptures and household items from that era, and there are secluded corners throughout the park. Be sure to take the audio guide to hear little known facts from the life of the former owners of the palace.
5. Paleokastritsa and Angelokastro
Paleokastritsa is a town on the shore of a beautiful bay, on the western side of the island. You can walk or drive up to the rock on which the Orthodox monastery of the Virgin Mary (Theotokou Mother of God) is located. Before entering, women wearing trousers are given scarves to create the appearance of a skirt.
Near the monastery there is Observation deck:
There are two coves in Paleokastritsa where you can swim and rent boats and catamarans.
The ruins of a 13th century Byzantine fortress are visible nearby - Angelokastro(unfortunately, we didn’t get inside; entry is closed on Mondays).
6. Sunset on the sea
It turns out that finding it is not so easy. Excluding eastern and South coast, even in the west it is not visible everywhere because of the mountains and hills. The northwestern coast of the island is best suited. For example, we found the Panorama restaurant in the village of Logas, where at the moment of sunset they play romantic music, and all visitors fix their eyes on the colorful tints of the evening sky and the luminary disappearing into the sea.
There are even such romantic bar swings :), and a little further away there are hammocks.
Or you can drive to the observation deck on the western bank - in Pelekas, called the Kaiser's Throne, which is where Kaiser Wilhelm preferred to admire the surroundings and the sunset.
7. "Channel of Love"
This is such a natural small strait in Sidari, there is also sand beach.
You can see airfield near the Halkiopoulou estuary, planes are flying almost overhead. We were specifically waiting for the next flight :)
Nearby there is a small Monastery of Our Lady of Blachernae on an islet in Kanoni, accessible by boat.
You can also admire the panorama of the sea from the street of the high mountain village of Lakones...
So, briefly, about 10 days we got one post...
But the list of attractions can be continued endlessly, because everyone will discover their own, unique Corfu and will want to come back here more than once. At least I don't lose hope :)
What is Corfu Island famous for? Peculiarities local beaches, resorts and hotels. What's good about a holiday in Corfu, what to do, what to see. Photos and reviews.
Corfu is a picturesque Greek island in the Ionian Sea, a small piece of land in the shape of a sickle, which is distinguished by its diversity flora. Mediterranean pines, mighty oaks, oleanders, orange trees and olive groves are found everywhere here. Thanks to the life-giving greenery, Kerkyra (the second name of the island of Corfu) seems like a fabulous emerald island. Centuries of rich, sometimes dramatic, history have left indelible traces, forever frozen in the stones of ancient temples, in the polished cobblestones of the pavement, in the walls of fortresses, palaces and mansions.
Corfu island on the map of Greece
Corfu Island - history
The corner of paradise continually haunted all the “superpowers” of the past. In ancient times, the Peloponnesian War began between Sparta and Corfu over the island of Corfu. Then the island became part of the Roman Empire. Cicero visited here twice, and Emperor Nero danced in honor of Zeus. At the beginning of the 14th century. The Venetians came to Corfu and ruled the island for 400 years, giving it magnificent architecture. The Most Serene Republic saved Kerkyra from the attack of the Ottomans, so today Corfu is the only Greek territory that has never known Turkish oppression.
Venetian architecture on the island. Corfu
Venice was ousted from the island by Napoleon's troops, the French burned the list of noble families and declared Kerkyra a territory.
But Bonaparte's reign was short-lived. The Russian fleet of General Ushakov drove out the French, and the Ionian Republic was soon created. Thus, for the first time since the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Greek statehood was restored. During the British protectorate, a network of roads, an aqueduct and many public buildings were built in Corfu.
Where to stay in Corfu
Most of the island's hotels are located on the seashore and have their own piece of the beach. If you do not plan to swim in sea water for one reason or another, you can stay in a hotel with a swimming pool in Corfu. For children in majority territories hotel complexes playgrounds are equipped.
All that remains is to choose your hotel among the huge number of offers on the island of Corfu. Our recommendations for the season2019:
Resorts and beaches of Corfu island
The entire 200-kilometer coastline The islands are a series of beautiful pebble and sandy beaches with cozy bays where bungalows and villas are located:
- Greek resort Ipsos- a great place to have an inexpensive holiday in Corfu and be able to comfortably travel around the island. The resort has a good choice inexpensive hotels, long sandy beach and convenient transportation;
- One of best resorts Corfu - fishing village Benitses 12 km from the capital;
- - one of the most famous resorts Corfu Island, because that’s where the “Canal of Love” is located. Tourists necessarily strive to get to Sidari at least for a day to soak up the soft sand and enjoy the pristine beauty of this corner of the coast;
- In the western part of Corfu there is a town Paleokastritsa, surrounded by bizarre rocks. Popular among our compatriots;
- IN Dassia many large hotels, taverns and restaurants and a long pebble beach;
- Resort Rhoda — quiet place For family vacation on the northern coast of the island. The pride of this Corfu resort is its long sandy beaches and warm sea with a gentle entry into the water;
- - a paradise for connoisseurs of small villages. On the coast, instead of multi-storey hotels, there are small hotels and bungalows, where guests know each other by sight. All around are mountain landscapes, greenery, the smell of myrtle and orange trees. Acharavi beach is considered one of the longest in Corfu;
- Golden sand resort Condocalion families with children were chosen;
- Nissaki is a green resort at the foot of the Pantokrator mountain range on the north-eastern coast of Corfu. The place is famous for its intimate bays. The beaches of this Corfu resort are covered with snow-white pebbles, the water off the coast is clean and clear. The picture is complemented by a special microclimate and mountain air;
- Resort Gouvia is located in the eastern part of the island of Corfu, near its administrative capital. The small cozy village is surrounded by greenery and offers tourists beach holiday on the coast of a picturesque bay;
- Southern Resort Agios Georgios will appeal to lovers of peace and quiet;
- The richest guests relax in the town Komeno.
It should be noted that the island is considered elite resort with a long bohemian tradition, and many of Corfu's hotels are in the luxury category. Even the famous Queen Elizabeth of Austria loved to vacation in Corfu. In 1890, she built the Achilleion Palace, a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture, near the capital. Later the mansion was bought by the German Emperor Wilhelm I, he grew roses in the garden and conducted archaeological excavations in Agia Theodora.
Attractions of Corfu
What sights of Corfu are worth seeing, where to look for them on the island and what to pay attention to:
- In the capital of Corfu - Kerkyra - she left a piece of her heart. During Venetian rule it was rebuilt Old fortress
, created by the Byzantines on the site of the ancient acropolis. New fortress built to protect against the troops of Suleiman the Magnificent. Nowadays there is a yacht mooring under the mighty fortresses. Exhibitions, concerts, as well as Greek folk dance performances and light shows are organized.
- In 1799, Admiral Ushakov, commander of the Russian-Turkish squadron, drove the French out of the island of Corfu. Therefore today Russian tourists have the opportunity to amuse national pride by walking around monument to F. Ushakov, established by the Greek government in 2002.
- At the beginning of the 19th century. French architect Lespes created on main square Kerkyra Liston gallery, the prototype of which was the Parisian shopping arcade on Rivoli Street. Now it houses the most popular cafes and restaurants in Corfu.
- The decoration of Spinada Square is Palace of Saints Michael and George in neoclassical style. The building belongs to the Museum of Asian Art. A collection of 10,000 exhibits was donated to the island by Greek diplomats working in India and China.
Paleokastritsa is located north of the capital of the island of Corfu and is also one of the most popular places for relax.
The nature of these places amazes with its wild, pristine beauty. Sir Frederick Adam, the British High Commissioner, once ordered the construction of a road connecting the resort with the capital of the island.
The resort and bays are surrounded by rocky mountains covered with dense greenery. At the top of the highest of them stands monastery Zoodohu Pigis (13th century), dedicated to the Mother of God.
There is an active church and museum on the territory.
Climbing to the Bella Vista observation deck, you can admire an unforgettable view of everything West Coast, almost from a bird's eye view.
The resort is suitable for families and for families with children. The sea here is shallow, so parents do not have to worry about their kids, and children can safely play and splash in the shallow water.
Snow-white velvet beaches are equipped with everything necessary for a “lying” holiday. Lovers active rest They can ride catamarans, water ski, wind surf, play tennis or beach volleyball. Fans of diving will enjoy diving into the undersea world local bays.
Achilleion Palace
This majestic palace is located 20 km from the city of Kerkhira. The building, designed in the style of Platonic Romanticism, was built by the Italian architect Raphael Carita especially for Empress Elizabeth of Austria and was supposed to be “worthy of Achilles.”
Visitors to the palace always admired the elegance of forms, designer inlaid furniture, magnificent Imperial Gardens, from where there was a beautiful view of the surrounding valleys and the Ionian Sea. In the center of the garden there is a statue of the deadly early Achilles, depicted without pathos or unnecessary arrogance. The author of the statue, a German sculptor, tried to simultaneously show him not only as a hero of myth, but also as an ordinary person.
In another part of the palace, near the main staircase, there is a large painting that depicts Achilles in a completely different way. Here he appears as the hero of the legendary myth: royal robes, military regalia and the defeated enemy Hector against the backdrop of an astonished audience.
Unfortunately, in 1898, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (or Sisi) was assassinated by an anarchist and after her death this luxurious palace was sold to the German Kaiser Wilhem II. Subsequently, this building became a museum where you can see many masterpieces of art, personal belongings of the Empress and the Kaiser.
What sights of Kerkyra (Corfu) did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Paleokastritsa Monastery
The Paleokastritsa Monastery is located in the area of the same name in the west of Corfu.
The monastery is dedicated to the Mother of God, the Greek name sounds like Moni Theotoku. Our modern buildings date back to the 17th century. new monastery was erected on the site of a monastery built in the 13th century. On the territory of the monastery there is an arched courtyard and a small museum of Byzantine icons and icons of a later era. The interior of the monastery is the standard of classical monastic architecture. From the top of the monastery walls there are beautiful views of the islands, one of which, according to legend, may be the “Ship of Odysseus”. The monastery has a pleasant atmosphere of calm and comfort.
The Paleokastritsa area itself is considered the most beautiful on the island; it is very popular among tourists, who often visit the monastery.
Mount Pantocrator is the most high mountain on the island of Corfu.
Its height reaches 906 meters above sea level. It is located in the northeastern part of the island.
There is a monastery at the top of the mountain. The first monastery was built on the same site back in 1347, but, unfortunately, it was destroyed in the first half of the 16th century. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which has survived to this day, was built in 1689.
You can get to the monastery either by car or by hiking. The climb is quite difficult and long, so you should weigh everything carefully before setting off. You won't regret it if you go on foot. Beautiful nature and fresh air contribute to a great mood. Scenic view, opening from the top of the mountain, will amaze you and give you many magnificent photographs.
In clear weather, from the top of the mountain you can see not only the distant Greek islands, but also the territory of neighboring Albania and even Italian lands.
At the top there is also a telecommunications station and a cafe where you can have lunch and relax after the climb.
Old Port
Benitses is an old fishing village located 12 kilometers from Corfu town, the capital island of the same name. If you move from Corfu around the island to south direction, then this will be the first resort area, which has recently become very popular among vacationers.
Previously, this area was called “Pinisse” (from the ancient Greek word “pinio” - river). The waters of the springs flowing from the Agi Deka and Stavros mountains form two small rivers, hence the name of the village. Until the mid-70s, the village lived a quiet provincial life. Fishing was the main occupation of the local men. The pier of the Old Port saw off and greeted fishermen with their catch every morning. Local residents and owners of nearby eateries came to the port to buy fresh fish. Fishing boats quietly rocked on the waves at the pier of the Old Port, and it seemed that it would always be like this.
However, with the development of the tourism business, the life of the local population has changed dramatically. The patriarchal structure was suddenly disrupted by the noise of night discos and beach parties. This was not to the liking of the local population, and young people eventually stopped coming here on vacation. Despite this, Benitses still remained popular resort, but today it has a calm, almost family atmosphere. And in the Old Port, pleasure boats appeared next to simple fishing boats, and luxury yachts began to moor more and more often. With their appearance, the Old Port acquired new life without losing the local flavor.
Asian Art Museum
The Museum of Asian Art is the only museum in Greece dedicated exclusively to Oriental and Indian arts.
The museum is located in the Palace of Saints Michael and George, designed by the English architect George Whitmore during the period when the Ionian Islands were ruled by Great Britain. It was founded in 1927 and was originally called the Museum of Sino-Japanese Art. The museum's exhibition contains more than 11,000 objects that span the Neolithic period until the 19th century.
Here you can see Chinese art from the Shang period to the Song dynasty. Among Chinese objects you can see coins, paintings, funeral offerings, seals, among Japanese ones - ceramic statues, samurai costumes, kakemonos. The museum also houses a significant collection of art from Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet and Korea.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Church of St. Spyridon
The Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon is named after St. Spyridon of Trimythous, considered the patron saint of the island of Corfu. The relics of the saint rest in the temple, placed in a silver sarcophagus. Every year on Easter, the relics of the saint are carried through the streets of the city, and people hang red canvases from their windows. The fact that the patron is honored on the island is confirmed by the fact that the name Spiridon is very common here.
The temple building was originally located in the Sarocco area, but was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the city walls. The temple building was built in 1590 in a typical Ionian Islands style that is so different from others greek temples. The church is clearly influenced by the Italian architecture XVII century, because it stands out for its impressive belfry, reminiscent of the belfry of the Church of St. George in Venice.
The most striking elements in the interior of the church are the church ceiling and the iconostasis. Initially, the ceiling of the temple was painted by Payotis Doxaras.
Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Kerkyra (Corfu)? .
Old town of Kerkyra
Old city Kerkyra is located in close proximity to the modern part, but most of the tourist attention is concentrated in old Kerkyra. This part of the city is home to some of Corfu's most famous architectural landmarks.
Architecture medieval city made in Baroque style. In this area, everything is of interest to the untrained eye of a tourist - narrow and winding streets, houses with low balconies decorated with flowers and vines, a majestic embankment with stunning palaces, fountains and colonnades. Italian travelers They like to compare the Old Town with Italy, since the architecture in this part is almost no different from Italian. However, in this area of Kerkyra, Greek architects embodied ideas not only in the Baroque style, but also in the national, French and English. Houses of various buildings are decorated with balconies and windows with graceful bars, arches and galleries, making appearance buildings are unique.
There are no street layouts in the old town, they all lead randomly to the main monuments, palaces and temples of Corfu. One of the most important attractions for the Greeks is the Blachernae Monastery, which is considered the guardian angel of Kerkyra. The ancient part of the city is located near the monastery, and residents consider this neighborhood symbolic.
If you are planning a vacation on the islands, then you should definitely choose Corfu in Greece, whose sights are as stunning as its natural beauty.
This is really the most beautiful island The Ionian Sea, the rocks of which are covered with magnificent coniferous forests, myrtle groves, vineyards, and orange orchards.
The history of Corfu is a story of endless conquests. This magnificent emerald island is a real treasure, it has constantly attracted the attention of a wide variety of conquerors. Naturally, wars of conquest affected the culture and life of the local population.
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origin of name
The attractions of Corfu will be described in detail in this article. This is the legacy left by the greatest civilizations of the Earth: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, but the greatest influence on the architecture of the island is medieval Italy, or rather. It was the Italians who gave the island its current name. Previously, it was called in Greek - Kerkyra; the name is romantic, because it is intended to remind of great love the Greek god of the seas and oceans Poseidon and the nymph Kerkyra. By the way, the name is very accurate, because in translation Corfu is a city of mountains.
The first attraction of Corfu is the magnificent Corfu - the capital is like a little Italy
The local residents used to be called Thracians and this is also a tribute to the memory of Greek culture, because the son of Poseidon and Kerkyra was called Phaeaka. In general, the history of the area goes back to ancient times, to legendary, mythological events. It is believed that the Argonauts, who followed the Golden Fleece to Colchis, once found shelter here, and the Greek king Fr. Ithaca Odysseus met the princess Nausicaa on this shore.
The capital of Corfu is the city of Kerkyra, or, as it is also called Corfu Town, one of the most beautiful cities Mediterranean. Very picturesque, clean, cozy.
Corfu Island in Greece - main attractions
It is clear that beautiful nature, legends, and architectural sights attract tourists who, when coming here, first of all go to the Old Town of Kerkyra. It is here that there are two complexes that are definitely worth a visit. These are Paleo Furio and Neo Furio.
Old fortress of Paleo Frurio. Built on an artificial island jutting out into the sea. Defensive forts are located along the entire perimeter
Paleo Furio was built by the Byzantines around the 7th century. Gradually growing, the complex turned into the fortress of Corfu, which has been perfectly preserved to this day. Nowadays numerous holidays take place here.
The New or Coastal Fortress (in Greek Neo Frourio) is huge complex defensive structures erected in the north-eastern part of the city of Corfu, on the hill of St. Mark. The fortress was built in 1572-1645
The Neo Furio fortress is a magnificent fortification structure that began to be built by the Byzantines and was completed by the British and French. The fortress survived many attacks, but was preserved simply perfectly.
Interesting fact: next to the gates of the Neo Furio fortress there is a monument to the legendary Russian admiral F.F. Ushakov, who freed it from the French during the Ionian campaigns.
All premises of this fortress are open to the public. You can walk through the galleries, look at the medieval prison, appreciate the fortifications, in general, feel the spirit of medieval maritime romance.
Undoubtedly, best place The old town is the Spianada Square (Kerkyra). This magnificent 19th century square was once considered the center of political life islands (however, now there are also holidays and festivals on it; the square becomes especially elegant on the eve of Easter). It was difficult for a “mere mortal” to enter its territory. First, it was necessary to get on a special list - Liszt. It is from this “Liszt” that the name of the magnificent Liston Gallery comes, located on the square (the best shops, best cafes and restaurants are located here) and the neighboring Liston Street, which is considered the main tourist “artery”. This is where locals and tourists take an evening stroll.
The visiting card of the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) is the attraction - the Achilleion Palace. It was erected in the 19th century by order of the beautiful Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), wife of Franz Joseph. The Empress was a romantic person and was fond of Greek mythology. That is why the palace was built in the classical ancient Greek style, with porticoes, columns and statues of the Empress’s favorite hero Achilles and other Greek gods. After the death of the empress, the palace “got to” Wilhelm II (Emperor of Germany), and then became the property of the island. Now there is a magnificent museum here.
Sights of Corfu that are definitely worth seeing
There are objects here whose inspection is mandatory. If you plan to sightsee on your own, remember this. These are, for example, the Palace of Saints Michael and George, the Cathedral of St. Spyridon (Kerkyra), Cathedral islands of Corfu.
The Palace of St. George and Michael was built by the British in the 19th century. It became the residence of the British War Commissioner. The palace has three floors and is divided into two parts (St. George's part and St. Michael's part, respectively). Visit the legendary Museum of Asian Art and the Archaeological Museum, which are located in the Palace. Nearby there is also an island-famous Art Cafe. The coffee here is simply amazing.
The Cathedral of St. Spyridon of Trimythous is a particularly revered place on the island. It is believed that this saint is the patron saint of the island, and it was he who saved local residents from various disasters, such as plague, famine, pirates, Ottoman and Crimean Janissaries. The cathedral houses the relics of this saint, and every year, on the day of his remembrance, solemn services are held in the cathedral. Thousands of believers want to touch the shrine containing the relics of the saint; it is believed that he is still capable of working miracles. Interestingly, in the cathedral you can leave special notes about the health of your loved ones and requests for remembrance of loved ones who have already died.
Note: If you cross the square located next to the Church of St. Spyridon, you can get into the small Church of John the Baptist, where the icon of St. F. Ushakov is kept.
In general, the islanders sacredly preserve the memory of this hero, because it is to him that they owe the formation of the state of the Seven Islands.
The Cathedral of Kerkyra is also beautiful. It is in no way inferior in size to the Cathedral of St. Spyridon.
Interesting fact: It is in Corfu that the relics of Saint Theodora, once a Byzantine empress (and even earlier, a hetaera known throughout Greece), are kept.
Another interesting, sacred place is the British Cemetery. It is clear that this is not exactly a tourist attraction, but the place is really very beautiful and authentic. The fact is that while Corfu was under the protectorate of Great Britain, there was a garrison of British soldiers here, and there was a British administration. The English, who belonged to the Church of England, wanted their remains to rest on specially consecrated ground. It was for these purposes that the British Cemetery was built. The first burials appeared here in 1817.
Some tourists come here to see the magnificent 13th-century Fortress of Angelokastro (Fortress of Angels). It is located in the northwestern part of the island, on top of the mountain. This is probably the most famous Byzantine castle in all of Greece. He saved local residents more than once, for example, from the Ottoman Turks, who, despite the fact that they managed to capture the entire island, were unable to take the fortress where the local residents took refuge. The fortress has recently been restored and is open to tourists. The main thing to remember is that the fortress museum is closed on Mondays.
Another interesting place- Castle of Cassiopeia. This castle is located next to a small settlement. It is believed that people lived here as early as the 3rd century BC. The Venetian castle of Cassiopeia arose on the site of ancient Roman and Byzantine fortifications. This is one of the oldest buildings in Corfu and one of the most picturesque. The view from the castle's observation deck is stunning.
All tourists believe that a visit to the Kaiser's Throne observation deck is a must. This is a magnificent place, commissioned by the German Emperor Wilhelm II. From this site there is a stunning view of the entire island.
Another “observation point” is Mount Pantokrator, which can be easily climbed along a serpentine road. The height of the mountain is approximately 900 meters, and it offers views not only of nature and the Ionian Sea, but also of Albania, and in clear and calm weather you can see the Italian coast.
What to see in Corfu from the sights - reviews
Many who arrived in Corfu by plane said that they almost immediately noticed the small island.
This is Pontikonisi or the Mouse Island of Corfu. Judging by the reviews of tourists, this island is very picturesque and worth a trip here. Very connected with the island beautiful legend: it is believed that the god of the sea Poseidon was angry with Odysseus (for killing his son, the giant Cyclops, who, by the way, wanted to eat Odysseus himself and his crew) and turned his ship into a small island so that he would forever remain off the coast of Kerkyra .
Another wonderful place, judging by the reviews of tourists and local residents, is Cape Paleokastritsa and the beach of the same name - Paleokastritsa Beach.
Cape Paleokastritsa is the most picturesque place in the entire northwest of the Ionian Sea, and the sandy beach is an ideal place for relaxation with the whole family or alone with your loved one. There are numerous cozy cafes, taverns and restaurants, diving schools, you can rent a boat to go to one of the many secluded coves and enjoy the hot sun, sea and warm sand alone and without fuss.
Tourists note: To travel around Corfu you need to have a map in Russian with the main attractions.
By the way, nearby is one of the most beautiful monasteries of Corfu.
The monastery in Paleokastritsa is a wonderful place, built in the 17th century. But it is known that the first religious buildings appeared here in the 13th century. The monastery is snow-white and very clean, beautiful and well-groomed. The place is very quiet and peaceful. Here you can attend not only the service, but also visit the Museum of Byzantine Icon Painting.
Canal of Love in Sidari is a small but very beautiful sandy beach, which is located in a heart-shaped bay surrounded by two small rocks. There is a very beautiful (and classic) ancient Greek legend associated with this beach. Locals believe that the two rocks are two lovers who, with their happiness, aroused the envy of the gods, and they decided to separate them forever, turning them into rocks separated by the sea.
It is believed that lovers who swim together across the canal separating the rocks will never part. And if a person is lonely, he should swim into a small grotto, washed out by the sea in one of the rocks, and make a wish to find his soul mate, and it will naturally come true.
The beach in Sidari is very beautiful, the sea here is quiet and calm, it is clear that even without couples in love there are a lot of tourists here.
The beach of Agios Gordios or Halikounas is located in the southwest of the island. Corfu. It is a sandy beach surrounded by magnificent mountains and sand dunes. Nearby is the beautiful freshwater lake Korission, connected to the sea by a wooden bridge. This beach has been preserved in its original form. There are no hotels or inns here, although there is everything you need for comfortable rest.
Another wonderful place that almost everyone who has visited Corfu recommends visiting is the Blachernae Monastery, located near the Kanoni Peninsula. You can get to Kanoni from Kerkyra by any means of transport, or you can even walk, because the distance is only 5-6 km. By the way, tourists say that the most beautiful sunsets on the island are from Kanoni.
The monastery itself was built around the 15th century and is located on a small island connected to the “mainland” by a narrow road.
The miraculous icon of the Blachernae Mother of God is kept in the monastery church. People come from all over Greece to worship her. It is interesting that all Orthodox services are held in the church at the monastery. You can even get married here. An excellent solution for a young couple who has come on vacation and already knows that they are ready for a responsible step.
It is clear that Fr. Corfu is a family resort, and many come here specifically for a seaside holiday, but you can also go to the water park with children.
Do you know that: The Aqualand water park is considered the best on the island of Corfu.
Aqualand is one of the largest water parks in Europe. Its area is about 75,000 square meters. m. There is everything for a comfortable stay, including with very young children and children with health problems.
Corfu is a wonderful place. Many who have already visited the island return here again and again to discover more and more facets of this “emerald” island of rare beauty.
Watch the video - a story about the most interesting, picturesque, worthy of attention and visit beautiful places Corfu Islands:
Photo gallery
The legendary Greek island of Corfu is located in the northern part of the coast of Greece. The warm Ionian Sea washes it with gentle waves. It is here that you can see an extraordinary mixture of landscapes, eras and cultures.
Sightseeing tours show tourists all the most interesting things, but what is really worth seeing when arriving on the island for the first time? Let's consider the most famous attractions of the island of Corfu.
Story
The island of Corfu has a rich, centuries-old history. Epochs and religions, cultures and traditions are mixed here. The island was conquered and liberated many times. The owners here were the Spartans, Byzantines, French, Venetians and British. The first mentions of Corfu date back to Greek mythology. Kerkyra, as the locals call the island, in honor of Poseidon’s beloved, the capital is also called by the same name.
Today Kerkyra, or as the city of Corfu Town is also called, is a favorite place to visit by tourists from different countries peace. When you come here for the first time, you get the impression that France, Greece, Italy and England have merged into one. Interestingly, tourists notice that the city has an exact copy of the French street Rue de Rivoli.
Attractions of Corfu
Locals call the island of Corfu by different names. Some say about it that this is a place where everything is possible, others call it the Land of the Gods, but tourists called this place the Millionaires' Resort. This is not surprising, because here you can meet the most famous and richest people in the world; even representatives of royal families come here to relax.
This island welcomes literally everyone. It is comfortable here for older couples, large families and youth groups. Let's look at the most interesting attractions of the resort that a tourist should see.
Achillio
On the eastern part of the coast, in the small village of Gasturi, lies an extraordinary palace, built by order of the Austrian Empress Sissi. The palace received its name in honor of the hero of ancient Greek myths, Achilles. The castle was built in the 19th century and is still perfectly preserved. In the building and the nearby garden you can find dozens of ancient Greek sculptures, which are the personification of mythological heroes. The sculptures of the dying Achilles and the statues of the muses make an indelible impression.
There is also a lot to see inside the palace. There are many unique frescoes depicting ancient scenes, which have no analogues in the world. The palace is framed by plants of rare beauty that were brought here from different corners peace by order of Emperor Wilhelm II, who became the owner of the castle at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Old city
The central part of Kerkyra is a unique historical monument world culture. The interweaving of narrow stone-paved streets can lead tourists to the most secluded and interesting corners of the capital. Numerous churches, unique Gothic buildings, small souvenir shops and cozy cafes will be found here at every turn.
Temple of St. Spyridon
In the heart of the Old Town is the oldest Christian shrine - the Church of St. Spyridon. The remains of the patron saint of Corfu, Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, are kept here. It is this saint who is credited with the fact that Kerkyra was able to avoid the terrible plague twice and was never captured by the Turks.
The islanders believe that at sunset, when the temple is empty, Saint Spyridon goes around his possessions and guards this place. According to the assurances of local residents, his clothes wear out, and therefore every year he is changed into a new dress. The saint's old clothes are cut into small pieces and distributed to people in envelopes. It is believed that such a talisman saves anyone from illness and misfortune. Interestingly, the name Spiridon is still the most common among male names among the local population.
Icon of Ushakov
Admiral Fedor Ushakov was a significant figure for the island. It was thanks to him that the State of the Seven Islands was created, which marked the beginning of the development of modern Greece. The admiral, together with the indigenous population, was able to hold back the onslaught of the French, thereby preserving the freedom of the local residents. After his death, Admiral Ushakov was canonized. The icon of the saint with his face is kept in the Cathedral of John the Baptist. You can get to this place by crossing the square from the Church of St. Spyridon.
Kanoni
To the south of the capital of Corfu lies the small colorful village of Kanoni. Tourists love this place for its wonderful houses, beautiful beaches and magnificent views of the neighboring island with the monastery. There is a small hotel here where you can stay with your family and spend unforgettable days swimming in the warm Ionian Sea. The indigenous population of the village is incredibly hospitable; everyone can feel at home here.
Monastery of Panagia Blacherna
Opposite the village there is a small island. You can get here along a long pier that leads to the tiny monastery of Panagia Blachernae. The most amazing thing is that right above the monastery there is an air route that leads to Corfu airport, so planes fly here so low that it seems that they are about to hit the bell tower of the Cathedral.
The monastery, unfortunately, no longer operates, but in the temple you can pray and light candles. Here, in the church shop, various souvenirs are sold. Many tourists specifically come to the monastery to find peace and tranquility within these walls. The attractions of Corfu attract not only ordinary tourists to this place, but also pilgrims.
