Sights of Corfu route on the map with description. What to see on the island of Corfu: Old Town, Spianada Square, Palace of Saints George and Michael

Among the islands of the Ionian archipelago, Corfu has always been the most important. Garden Island or “Emerald Paradise of Greece”. Pivotal events took place here that influenced the fate of the region; Greek tourism began to emerge here - since ancient times, the island has been loved by representatives of the aristocracy.

Today the island is a concentration of religious, natural and architectural monuments. Which of these objects are worth seeing during?

Note:

• on the island
• sunbathing in Greece

Cathedral of St. Spyridon

The local heavenly patron and most revered saint is Spyridon of Trimythous. The largest cathedral of the island, located in the capital - Kerkyra, is named in his honor. The relics of the saint are kept here, and not only the Greeks themselves, but also numerous pilgrims come to venerate them. It is believed that St. Spyridon is a patron in financial matters and has more than once saved local residents in difficult times.

The Orthodox church was built in the 16th century in a style atypical for Greece. Its architecture is closer to Venetian traditions - a common phenomenon in the Ionian archipelago. The decoration of the cathedral is striking in its luxury: here you can see the iconostasis, part of which reaches the ceiling, large chandeliers made of silver and gold, as well as icons in gold frames. The cathedral houses many figurines that parishioners bring as thanks. Another feature of the temple is the wall paintings created by the masters of the Ionian school.

Achillion

The palace complex was built in 1890 and belonged to Queen Elizabeth of Austria. Since the palace was dedicated to Achilles, its architecture follows a mythological theme. Visitors to Achillion are greeted by a large statue of an ancient Greek hero. Walking around the complex, you can see statues of other mythological characters: Athena, Zeus, Hera.

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Inside, the ceiling painting attracts attention. It was performed by the Italian Gallopi, who depicted the goddesses of the seasons. Achilleion keeps many personal belongings of the former owners of the palace: portraits, furniture, documents. However, Achillion attracts not only its architecture and artifacts, but also its location. It is located on a green hill, from which there are views of a large part of the island and the neighboring islet of Pontikonisi.

Fortress of Angelokastro

Angelokastro is considered an important Byzantine structure. This protected acropolis was once a center of trade and flourished in the 13th century. Then there were periods of struggle for Angelokastro: it belonged either to the Angevins and Genoese pirates, or to the Turks.

Today here you can see the remains of powerful walls, watchtowers, Orthodox churches (some have frescoes left), and residential premises. Ancient Christian tombs have also been found on the acropolis. Another reason to visit Angelokastro is the views of the mountains and the sea. The fortress is open only in the summer season, when the weather is favorable for climbing the hill.

Kardaki Temple

Not far from Kerkyra there is a Doric monument - Kardaki. This is an archaeological complex, the main object of which was a temple dedicated to Poseidon or Apollo. There is no better preserved ancient temple on the island than Kardaki. Its architecture is dominated by Ionic features - all the surviving columns and the altar are in this style.

Those who love peace should visit Kardaki: the temple is located in a quiet place with lush greenery. And from the height there are views of the Ionian Sea.

Mon Repos Palace

Next to the Kardaki Temple is the colonial Villa Mon Repos, which is almost 200 years old. In the past, local English governors stayed here, and then representatives of the Greek royal dynasty. The luxurious residence is open to everyone.

After walking through the shady garden, you can go inside, where the museum is located today. It houses artifacts from all archaeological areas of Corfu and from the seabed. After restoration, almost all rooms of Mon Repos were restored to their original form: the interior was restored with original furniture, things and portraits of the previous owners remained untouched. The highlight of the Mon Repos Garden is the sea views that open from the hill.

New and Old fortresses

There are two well-preserved fortresses in Kerkyra. The first is Paleo Frurio, or Old. Both the first Byzantine buildings of the 8th century and the later English ones survived in it. It is located on an artificial lake and is surrounded by fortifications along its entire perimeter. Not all monuments in Paleo Frurio have been preserved - many buildings and temples have been destroyed. But in the summer, light and sound shows, dance programs and concerts are organized inside.

The second fortress of Kerkyra, although called New (Neo Frourio), is interesting for its ancient architecture. It was built in the 16th century to repel attacks from the sea. The fortress consists of two bastions, the walls of which have preserved images of Venetian lions. You can wander through the endless labyrinths of stairs and tunnels of Neo Frurio, visit the Byzantine Museum, and then climb the tower and enjoy the views.

Spianada Square

In Kerkyra, interesting places are at every step. And even the whole square is a real historical monument. Spianada is located in the center of Corfu and is one of the largest European squares. Life is in full swing here: mass celebrations, street concerts, and sporting events are held. And for the residents of Kerkyra, Spianada is a favorite place for walks.

The most significant city places are gathered around it. Behind you rises the Paleo Frurio fortress, the Museum of Asian Art, and the Palace of Michael and George. Another popular street of Kerkyra, Liston, begins very close by. While walking around Spianada, you will notice monuments to famous personalities and events in Greek history.

Paleokastritsa is located north of the capital of Corfu and is also one of the most popular holiday destinations.

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 the monastery of Zoodokhu 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 the entire western 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. Fans of active recreation can go catamaraning, water skiing, wind surfing, play tennis or beach volleyball. Fans of diving will enjoy plunging into the underwater world of the local bays more than once.

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 its forms, designer inlaid furniture, and the magnificent Imperial Gardens, which offered 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.

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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. The modern buildings date back to the 17th century; the 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 Pantokrator is the highest 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. The picturesque view from the top of the mountain will amaze you and give you many great photos.

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 of the island of the same name. If you move from Corfu along the island in a southerly direction, 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 remains a popular resort, but today it has a calm, almost family-like 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 a new life without losing its 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 style typical of the Ionian Islands, which is so different from other Greek temples. The church is clearly influenced by 17th-century Italian architecture, as it stands out with 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.

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Old town of Kerkyra

The old town of 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.

The architecture of the medieval city is made in the 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 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 the appearance of the buildings 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.

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 around the world. 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 parts of the world 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 of 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.

For some reason, many people, when thinking about Greece, immediately remember Athens. Meanwhile, this country can offer tourists much more interesting places - a huge number of islands, each of which is interesting in its own way.

Corfu Island

The description of this place usually begins with words about the climate, unique historical value, hospitable people, and delicious national cuisine. Of course, all this is true, and this is enough to choose this particular island for your holiday.

In fact, it now has a different name - Kerkyra (with emphasis on the first syllable). The old one has been preserved from the times when this territory belonged to Italy. In addition to the Russian language, the same name appears as the main one in a number of European languages, although the official name is still indicated on the maps.

The island is located off the western coast of mainland Greece, and stretches along it for 65 kilometers. Its northern tip begins next to the territory of Albania. To the west is Italy.

The average annual temperature on the island is 22 degrees above zero. The rainy season lasts from October to March; the rest of the time, Corfu is a real paradise for tourists. So, what should you see in Corfu to leave here with the best impressions?

History of the island

In order to understand what to see in Corfu, you need to look into its past. After all, having learned a little about its history, you can understand what will be the most interesting. And there is something to explore.

At various times, Corfu was a colony of Corinth, came under the rule of Sparta, united with Athens, was part of the Roman, and later the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle Ages, the island was recaptured from each other several times by representatives of the cities of modern Italy, and Venice ruled it for about 400 years. For a short time Corfu remained the territory of Turkey, and in the 19th century - even of France. After being under British rule for some time, it finally (in 1864) finally became part of Greece, although Italy repeatedly occupied it during several wars.

Corfu is interesting because some ancient buildings and even part of the old city of Kerkyra, located north of the modern one, have been preserved here. In addition, Venetian culture obviously had a huge influence. Architecture, art, even the peculiarities of the local language - everything reflects four centuries of Italian dominance. And this gives it a special charm.

In the myths of Ancient Greece

Even the name of this island comes from the name of a nymph - that’s how much the Greeks respect their legends. Kerkyra was stolen by the god of the seas Poseidon. And if before this, according to Homer, the island was called Scheria, then later it was named in honor of the nymph for whom it became a new home.

Largest cities on Corfu island

According to the 2001 census, just over 110 thousand people live in Kerkyra. So there is no need to talk about truly large populated areas.

The capital of the island remains the most densely populated - Kerkyra or Corfu, located on the east coast. Almost 25 thousand people live here. There are several other towns and villages, but the most popular, besides the capital, are Paleokastritsa and Perama. Hotels are mainly located on the coast, but there is always some settlement nearby, so there is no need to worry about infrastructure.

Main tourist attractions

So, what to see in Corfu? Of course, each traveler will answer this question in his own way, but there are also traditionally popular tourist places here. Among other things, the island is very picturesque, especially its northern part. The fortresses of the Citadel and Angelokastro, numerous churches and monasteries, museums, Pontikonisi, Paleokastritsa - Corfu offers a choice for every taste. So, what is worth visiting first?

• Old town of Kerkyra. In 2007, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, so it is worth taking a look at at least once. Narrow streets, Baroque architecture, balconies, elegant windows, arches - literally everything here resembles Italy.
• Monastery of Vlaherna. The snow-white building is extremely popular among tourists, probably due to the fact that Pontikonisi is located nearby.
• Church of St. Spyridon. This place is literally the symbol of Corfu. Almost every visitor brings photographs of this church home. The temple contains the relics of St. Spyridon, which once a year, on Easter, are carried throughout the city.
• Old and New fortresses. In Greek they are respectively called Paleo Frourio and Neo Frourio. The old one was built by the Venetians, now it has been restored and is used for cultural events, although not all the buildings have survived. They started building the new one (even though it has that name) even earlier. Its walls offer stunning panoramic views, contrasting with the gloom of its interiors. They say that under the fortress there is a whole labyrinth of underground passages. And now there is a naval base here.
• Liston Street. It was designed by a French architect and is very reminiscent of Rivoli. Previously, only people belonging to the highest circles of society could walk along it. Nowadays there are boutiques, restaurants and cafes here.
• Spianada Square. It is considered the largest on the island and the main one in the city. There are a large number of museums, several Christian churches and a beautiful park.
• Paleokastritsa. Corfu, although it is the largest city, is not always the most interesting. Therefore, it is worth visiting the neighboring coast, especially since there is a beautiful beach here and the views are extremely picturesque.
• Kanoni. This area of ​​Corfu is charming at sunset. Here you can watch planes landing, and many tourists consider this a wonderful sight.
• Pontikonisi, or Mouse Island. Corfu is surrounded on all sides by small areas of land, and although not all of them are popular, this one is often visited by tourists. Despite the name, there are no mice here; Pontikonisi is simply shaped like a rodent. According to legend, this used to be the ship of Odysseus, which the angry Poseidon turned into an island.
• Pantocrator. The highest point of the island, from where a stunning panorama opens and you can even see the coast of Albania.

In general, the easiest way is to rent a car or scooter for a few days and travel around the entire island in search of your own unique experiences, especially since it is unlikely to take much time. So, to get from Kerkyra to Paleokastritsa, you only need to travel about 20-30 kilometers.

(Greece), of course, does not stop there. Amazing nature, clean sea air, the atmosphere of Italy, museums full of antiquities - here literally every stone breathes history. So why not enjoy it?

Beaches

Of course, many tourists don’t think about what to see in Corfu, but just want to lie in the sun and splash in the sea. They will also be satisfied, because the island has a wide variety of beaches, lagoons and bays. The most famous of them is Paleokastritsa. Corfu, however, does not exhaust its collection of beaches: rocky Peroulades, located in the north of the island, sandy Agios Gordis and Glyfada, perfect for children. It should be noted that on the eastern side the sea is calmer, and the most fashionable hotels are located here.

Another curious beach has the romantic French name “Canal of Love”, since two rocks forming a small bay in the shape of a heart, according to legend, used to be two lovers, but they were separated. A couple who swims across the bay together, according to the sign, will be together forever, and those who are just looking for their love swim through a natural tunnel in the hope that this will help them soon find happiness. This beach is a unique attraction and is very popular among tourists.

Other entertainment

Young people will also be interested here, because the natural conditions allow you to engage in sports such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and yachting. Perhaps the views underwater are not as picturesque as in the Red Sea, but the abundance of caves perfectly compensates for this. Of course, there are bars and nightclubs for those who prefer to stay up until the morning. Water parks, at hotels and not only, are suitable for families. In the end, you can simply bring a fishing rod with you, as many Europeans do, and calmly meditate while looking at the float.

Neighboring islands and territories

Despite the fact that Corfu occupies a very small area, many tourists return here again and again. Naturally, they have no desire to look at the same sights, so many go on short trips to Albania, Italy and mainland Greece, as well as to neighboring islands such as Paxos and Antipaxos, which, according to legend, were once part of Kerkyra, but Poseidon separated them with a blow of his trident so that he would have a quiet place to rest. Ferry services are well established, so travel and excursions in and around Corfu will not be a problem. Of course, someone will say that in this case it is not worth going to Kerkyra, but the indescribable atmosphere attracts tourists here again and again.

Since Kerkyra, the same visa rules apply here as in the rest of the country. It is best to get a long-term Schengen visa, which allows for multiple entries, especially since consular officials have begun to treat Russians much more favorably in recent years.

Don't get hung up on one restaurant located nearby. Greek cuisine is beautiful and amazing, and if you go away from the tourist spots, you can enjoy its authenticity with a glass of locally produced wine.

Corfu stands apart from other Greek resorts. According to most tourists, the quality of service in hotels on the island is much higher than on the Chalkidiki Peninsula, Rhodes or Crete. And although you won’t find ancient ancient temples and theaters here, Corfu has a fairly large number of well-preserved monuments of Byzantine architecture, Orthodox monasteries and palaces.

Corfu has incredibly picturesque landscapes. From observation platforms scattered throughout the island, an unforgettable view of the coast, fertile plains, pine groves, lush green hills and small villages opens up. The healing Mediterranean air of Corfu can improve your health and energize you, and the gentle sun will give you a golden, even tan.

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What to see on the island of Corfu?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Kerkyra was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. Over the long history of its existence, it changed owners many times. The city was owned by the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman Turks, the French and the British. At the beginning of the 19th century, Kerkyra was under the protectorate of the Russian Empire for seven years. Since 2007, the city center has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its special architectural value.

An entertainment complex for the whole family with a huge number of water attractions. The water park has created conditions for visitors of all ages, so even the youngest children will not be bored. The infrastructure includes a range of services for people with disabilities. Aqualand is one of the largest water parks in Greece. It is located on an area of ​​75 thousand m².

Venetian fort, erected in the 15th-16th centuries on the foundation of a Byzantine fortress of the 8th century. At the foot of the hill on which the fortification rises, the Church of St. George, decorated with Doric columns, was built. The temple was built already under the British in the 19th century. Many buildings of the fortress, such as the palace of the Venetian governor and some churches, have not survived to this day.

Another Venetian fortress, built in the 16th century to strengthen the defense line of Corfu. Subsequently, the building was completed by the British and French. Neo Frurio is located at the top of St. Mark's Hill. Nowadays, part of the premises is used as seaport offices, the other part is open to the public. On the territory of the fortress there is a small gallery where exhibitions are sometimes held.

The street was laid out in 1807-14. Architects I. Parmesan and M. de Lesseps worked on the project. It was created in the image of the Parisian “promenades” characteristic of the French capital. Initially, access to the alley was allowed only to representatives of aristocratic families. Liston Street is home to a large number of souvenir shops, jewelry stores and cafes.

One of the central squares of Kerkyra, surrounded by picturesque vegetation and historical buildings. It is located near the Paleo Fruri fortress and the main tourist promenade, st. Liston. Spianada Square is a very comfortable and cozy place for leisurely walks, which is constantly used by tourists and locals. Around the square there are taverns where you can taste hearty Greek cuisine.

The palace complex was built in 1890 at the behest of the Austrian Empress Amalia Elizabeth of Bavaria. Corfu was Elizabeth’s favorite vacation spot; she often escaped here from the hated and pompous Vienna. After the death of the Empress, the palace became the residence of Kaiser Wilhelm II. By his decree, the interiors were updated. Nowadays, there is a museum on the territory of the palace.

The palace was built in 1819 - 24. for the British Governor of the Ionian Islands. The local senate and the headquarters of the knightly order of St. George were located here. The complex is built in a classical style. Its facade is decorated with a long row of Ionic columns. Today, the palace houses the Museum of Asian Art, which houses the extensive collection of the diplomat G. Manos, collected during his long travels throughout Asia.

A small island with the official name "Pontikonisi", located south of Corfu. There is a legend that this is the ship of Odysseus, which was turned into stone by the angry god Poseidon. The place was nicknamed "Mouse Island" due to its tiny size. The island is easy to get around on foot in a few minutes. Boats run from Corfu to Pontikonisi. Some tourists prefer to get to the place by swimming.

Orthodox monastery of the 18th-19th centuries, founded by the pious Tsilibaris family. Throughout the 20th century, the monastery was for women; after a short period of decline, in 2005, by decree of the President of Greece, it was revived as a men's monastery. The monastery is located on a small island next to Mouse Island. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The venerated icon of the Blachernae Mother of God is kept in the monastery.

A 17th-century monastery located in the picturesque western part of Corfu. It is located on the top of a cape, surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Ionian Sea. The monastery was erected on the site of an old destroyed monastery from 1225. The icon of Skopjetissa (Paleokastritsa) and the icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God are kept within its walls. Not far from the monastery complex there is a winery, a museum of icons and an olive oil factory.

The temple is located among the historical quarters of Corfu, right in the heart of the Old Town. Quite a lot of funds for the development of the church were donated by the Russian Empress Catherine II. The temple has always been considered one of the most luxurious in the Ionian Islands. Its interior is richly decorated with frescoes of the 17th-18th centuries. in Italian style. The cathedral houses the relics of St. Spyridon, the patron saint of Corfu.

Corfu was under British protectorate from 1815 to 64. Since the British belong to the Anglican Church, they needed their own necropolis, which was organized almost immediately after the island came under British control. The oldest graves date back to 1817. Soldiers who took part in the world wars, as well as representatives of the British administration, are buried in the British Cemetery.

The structure is an important monument of the Byzantine era in Corfu. It was erected at the beginning of the 13th century. Since the 14th century, the fortress was owned by the Venetian Republic. During the siege by the Ottoman Empire, Angelokastro withstood the onslaught, despite its small garrison. The fortress has survived to this day in fairly good condition. Since 2009, the fortification has been open to the public.

Kassiopi is a small town in Corfu with a population of about 1,200 people. It is believed that settlements have existed on this site since the time of King Pyrrhus (3rd century BC). Kassiopi Castle was founded on the ruins of a Roman fortification during the Byzantine era. Later, the Venetians worked hard to strengthen the fortress. The structure is located on the cape. It is clearly visible from the harbor.

An incredibly picturesque place located in the northwestern part of the island, not far from Sidari Beach. The “Canal of Love” consists of several narrow strips of water, sandwiched between rocks and ending in small bays. This Greek “fjord” has incredibly warm water and a cozy sandy beach. The place is very popular among tourists due to its beauty and expressiveness.

Sand and pebble beach, located 23.5 km. from Corfu town. It differs in that even on the hottest day the water here remains relatively cold. The beach is surrounded by picturesque hills. In its surroundings there are beautiful coves and bays that can be explored by renting a small boat. Paleokastritsa is a popular diving spot for both beginners and experienced divers.

The beach is located in the western part of Corfu. It is surrounded by hills, pine groves and citrus orchards. Most of the beach is covered with pebbles, but there is also a sandy section. The total length of Agios Gordios is about 1.5 km. A wide range of entertainment is provided for tourists. Here you can rent water equipment, go bungee jumping, go boating or paragliding.

The highest mountain on the island (906 meters above sea level). At its top there is a monastery and modern telecommunications towers. From the Pantocrator observation deck, on a clear day you can even see the distant shores of the Apennine Peninsula. There are several hiking trails for tourists along which you can climb to the top. The ascent takes approximately two hours.

Equipped site located on the rocks near the village of Pelekas. The German Kaiser Wilhelm II loved to spend moments of relaxation here (hence the place got its name). The site offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding area - you can see Mount Pantokrator, the coast of Albania, the western and eastern coastlines of Corfu, as well as all the beauties of the green Ropa Valley.