Corfu

The old citadel Corfu, known also as Kerkyra, is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands in Greece. Located off of the far northwest coast of the country, Corfu lies in the Adriatic sea, east of Italy and southwest of Albania. Historically Corfu has been controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians and the British. Regions and Towns Corfu Town, known in modern Greek as Kerkira or Kerkyra, is the largest and most important town on the island. This is where the airport is located and where most cruise ships and long distance ferries dock. It is a small, pleasant city catering well to tourists. The North of the island is wider and more mountainous. The coastal areas are well developed with good pebbly beaches. The South of the island is less wide (only a few miles across from west to east) and tends to have sandier beaches. Benitses is a very old, traditional fishing village. Benitses lies 12 km south of Corfu Town, and leads to the emerald valley. The water of the springs which flow from the mountains of Aghii Deka and Stavros, join together in two small rivers, giving the area the name Pinisse (derived from the ancient Greek word 'Pinio') = Pinitse = Benitses. The mild climate and the natural beauty of Benitses village has attracted a lot of tourists from the beginning of the century. It is only during the last 30 years that tourism has replaced all other sources of income and now is the sole occupation of the inhabitants during the summer season. Understand The satisfactory infrastructure and the multiple possibilities for various activities are ideal for group holidays on Corfu and the nearby islands. Motivation trips, congress tourism, school trips, Ferrari or antique cars clubs and Harley Davidson groups meet here every year. Corfu's nature, sea and history have made sure so that you today, no matter when you come, or how long you will stay, or your style, you will certainly find original and interesting situations to exercise and to have fun. In a place with a tradition in tourism of at least 130 years, with Greek education and the influence of “nobility” from England, France and, surely, Venice, in a place which is used to welcoming the international jet-set for several decades now, the possibilities for sports and amusement are certainly impressive. Corfu may not have a Disneyland, children's museums, zoos or other things closely connected with children, but the whole island is ideal for children. It's one of few places in the world, where children are bound to find what they really need: a warm welcome. In Corfu there are no tropical diseases, criminality, violence, dangerous sea or other kinds of "dangers". Children here, as you will see for yourselves, play safely in the streets, in the parks, at the playgrounds, on the beach. The way of life of the Corfiot people is almost in family. Check this out, and you will see that it is worth bringing here your children some time. Climate The climate of the archipelago of Corfu is warm mediterranean. The summer here is warm and relatively dry with a blue sky, often cooled by seasonal breezes, offering the ideal conditions for surfing, while rarely is it interrupted by rains. The mountainous areas are cooler. The winter here is mild. Rainfall occurs mainly from November till March. On average, there are 3000 hours of sun per year with an average daily sunshine duration of 8.5 hours. Hours of sunshine Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Corfu 7 10 12 12 11 9 6 Spring here is impressive and offers visitors the privilege to enjoy the wealth of vegetation and colors, combined with high-taste tourism . Easter celebration here becomes the experience of a lifetime . Summer is the most popular season for Corfu, with beautiful beaches and crystal water for unconcerned hours on the beach. Autumn is the season of vintage, the period during which the whole island smells of grapes; it may be the best time to get to know the routine of the island. Christmas and New Year's Day in Corfu is music, hymns, carols, in a quiet, decorated place with a mild climate and a noble finesse. Get in By plane Corfu "Ioannis Kapodistrias" airport (IATA) is served by several airlines. Year-round both Aegean and Olympic airlines have flights to Athens. In the high season (roughly easter through October), other airlines including German Wings, Easyjet, Air Belin, TuiFly, LTU, Transavia and Wizzair serve the island. You can reach the city center from the Corfu Airport by taxi, shared shuttle or book a private transfer upfront. Local Taxis The authorities regulate tariffs for all licensed taxis. If the taxi is licensed, it displays a rate card in the window or on the dash. In case you don´t see any rate card, ask the taxi driver for the rate. The approx. cost of a ride from the airport to the city is 17 Euro. Corfu Airport Taxi page Shared Shuttle Shared Shuttle Service can be reserved online. The approx. cost of a ride from Corfu Airport to Corfu is 16 GBP/person (Cabfind Holiday Transfers or Transfers Corfu). Private Airport Transportation If you prefer not to share a car with other people you can book a private transfer from the airport in advance.Most companies, which offer this service, require the booking has been made at least 24 hours in advance. Easy Private Taxi has Corfu Airport to the city at €25 for a sedan, €60 for a minibus 8-seater Corfu Airport Transfers has Corfu Airport to the city at £30.44 for a sedan, £49.95 for a minibus By seaplane Airsea Lines, Marina, Gouvia, about 4km (2.4 miles) from Corfu town, tel 801-11-800-600 (calling from Greece), +30-210-9402012 (calling from abroad) [1] offers seaplane service to and from Greek destinations incluging Ioannina, Patra, Paxi, and other Western Greek Islands, As well as Brindisi in Italy . By boat Direct Ferry links exist to/from Venice, Ancona, Bari, Brindisi (Italy), Himara and Saranda, (( ALbania )) and Igoumenitsa, Patra (Greece) . As of March 2008, a bunk in a four- person cabin from Venice to Corfu was €107. By road transport By the buses of Corfu KTEL, which connect Corfu on a daily basis to Athens, Patra, Thessaloniki, and other places in Greece. In your own yacht If you come in your own yacht the Marina, Gouvia offers you a comfortable stay, very close to Corfu town, while in the town you can moor off at the NAOK harbour, as well as at the Old Port. You can also moor off at Benitses Marina, not far from Corfu town. Get around By bus There are two types of bus in Corfu - Blue buses serve Corfu town and the environs, Green buses serve the rest of the island. The Blue bus terminal in Corfu Town is in San Rocco Square. The bus information kiosk displays timetables and provides maps showing exactly where the buses terminate (some terminate a few blocks south of the square). Bus stops have electronic displays, and self-service ticket machines. Tickets are single-journey only and must be validated on the bus. They can be bought from the machines, or from the driver (for €0.50 more) (see full timetable here. Useful lines include the number 7 which goes to and from Dasia every 20 minutes (30 minutes on Sundays), the 10 which goes to and from Achilion every two hours, the 6 to and from Benitses (not quite hourly) and the 11 to and from Pelekas every 2-3 hours. The airport bus is No 19 - check the timetable as frequency varies during the day with some big gaps. It is only a ten-minute ride, and costs €1.10. Number 6 Benitses bus also goes past the end of the airport access road from where it is a 500m walk to the terminal. The Green Bus Station is near the New Port, from where buses depart for all villages of Corfu Island. Regular departures to Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Kavos, Roda, Acharavi, Kassiopi A full timetable can be found here. By taxi There are plently of taxi lines in Corfu Town. between the Spaniada and the cricket ground. at the heart of the shopping center of the town in Methodiou street at the Old Port at the New Port many others in Gouvia, Dassia, Benitses, Ipsos, the Airport etc. And there is the radio taxi which can be reached by phone at +30 26610 33811 By car You can rent a car at the airport or through one of many local companies. In general, it is cheaper to pre-book a hire car via the Internet before arriving. Many of the roads are very narrow so it can be better to choose a small car. While there is a good road running North-South along the East coast from Sidari to Lefkimmi and from Corfu town across the island to Paleokastritsa, many roads have poor surfacing. Often the insurance provided for hire cars does not cover damage to the underside of the car so watch out for large holes in the road. Hire car companies often provide a free map but you may find it worth buying one in advance as the maps are not especially good, especially for the North-West interior.[2] By boat A great way to explore the island and access beaches that can't be easily accessed otherwise is to rent a boat. Most towns have at least one boat rental company and boats up to 30HP do not require a licence to hire. [3] By bicycle An automatic bike sharing scheme, called EasyBike Brainbox is available to rent bicycles[4]. See Nymphes A big village with a lot of water, green and legends built on a height of 200 meters. According to a legend, in old times, the Nymphs used to bathe in the village's waterfalls. A walk to the wells and the waterfalls is enough to make you understand why this legend exists! It is almost certain that you will come across a nymph, too and if you are lucky, you will see her bathe in the water especially in spring. After your walk to the myths, it is a good idea to visit the premises of the Agriculture Co-operative which elaborates kum-kuat and produces liquor and sweets. You will be offered some for free and you will have the chance to try the different liquor qualities (and of course, buy some, if you like). Just outside the village, you can visit Askitario, a small but historic monastery. According to tradition, here lived in the 5th century the monk Artemios Paissios from Epirus, who is said to have worked many wonders. Kynopiastes A traditional village of the Messi Region of Corfu and only 10 km away from Corfu town and airport, which is a must visit. Old mansions of the 17th to 19th centuries, a marble church, a 17th century monastery and a museum (and the only one on the island) devoted to the olive tree with one of the world famous restaurants on the island tavern « Trypas ». The narrow tiled paths invite you to walk on them, looking at the small squares and at the houses which preserve the traditional colors. The main church is devoted to the Virgin Mary and it is in the central square. It is a traditional church with unique architecture and an impressive marble entrance. Inside, there are frescoes of the 18th century Ionian School of Painting. At the edge of the village there is the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, built in the 17th century. Lakones A typical Corfiot village on the slope of a green hill. You should go for a walk to Bella Vista to admire the view over the bay of Paleokastritsa and relax in one of the picturesque coffee shops. If you like trekking there is a path leading down to Paleokastritsa. The surnames of the inhabitants of the region refer to the soldiers who supported Angelokastro in the late Byzantine period, as well as to refugees from Mani. Among the houses of the 18th and 19th centuries you will find churches and traditional coffee shops. At the central church you will see donations of the first emigrants to America of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Roda Visit the village resort of Roda on Corfu's northern coast. Traditionally a fishing village, the area has retained its chararcter while developing in to a popular destination for holidays. Unique in the sense that the old village still exists at the heart of the resort, locals mix with the different nationalities who visit time and time again. Roda is a contained resort, without the typical sprawl. There is plenty of accommodation, bars, restaurants which offer a wide range of menus, typical Greek and Corfiot dishes, Italian, Chinese and others. Roda is a relaxed resort but has a good nightlife, with nice bands, singers and comedy shows as well as the ever popular kareoke. If you want a laid back holiday, then Roda is the place, with quiet corners and a beautiful sandy beach, Roda offers something for everyone.[5] Achilleion Statue of Achilles thniskon (dying) at the Achilleion gardens Achilleion (Greek: Αχίλλειον) is a palace built in Corfu by Empress of Austria Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sissi after a suggestion by Austrian Consul Alexander von Watzberg. Sissi was a woman obsessed with beauty and very powerful but tragically vulnerable since the loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria in the Mayerling affair in 1889. A year later in 1890 she built a summer palace in the region of Gastouri (Γαστούρι), now the municipality of Achilleion, about ten kilometres to the south of the city of Corfu. The palace was designed with the mythical hero Achilles as its central theme. Do Aqualand, Agios Ioannis. It's quite a small water park with only a few main "rides". It is best to travel to and from the park under your own steam as a whole day there with an organised trip might be too long. Benitses (Benitses), [6]. A former fishing village and one of the most traditional Corfiot villages with unique natural beauty and a very popular and famous tourist destination, used to be the first tourist resort of Corfu. is situated on the Eastern coast of Corfu, only 12 kilometers from Corfu town, and 9 kilometers from the international airport Ioannis Kapodistrias. The coastal road of Benitses is full of hotels, restaurants, cafes and other shops that offering everything the most demanding visitor can ask. Benitses is surrounded by the mountains in one side and the aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea in the other, this unique combination of nature with the hospitality of the residents, which are very familiar with different cultures, are what make visitors to love the place. 2 miles to the north there is the famous Achilleion palace.  edit Beaches On the West side of the island, the beaches are sandier while the East tends to have calmer waters. Sidari. A fair sized resort dominated by British tourists. At one end of the beach is the "Canal de l'Amour": sand stone cliffs with narrow inlets, a natural archway and small paths to explore. Dasia and Ipsos. A narrow stony beach with relatively calm waters. The resort runs along the road so there's a good variety of shops and tavernas.[7] Kassiopi. One of the more relaxed and atmospheric resorts with a pretty bay and beach that is mostly stony. The waters are crystal clear and calm. Somewhat spoilt by the prevalence of tacky tourist bars/cafes catering to the many English tourists that crowd the town. Glifada. A long wide sandy beach with fairly rough waters. The resort is somewhat isolated.[8] Pelekas beach. Even more isolated than Glifada. Also a nice sandy beach. Lefkimmi beach. A wide long sandy beach that is quiet due to being in the less busy South. There's a practical taverna with a children's playground. The waters are extremely calm and very shallow, even out for quite some distance. Barbati beach Chalikounas beach. A very long, virgin stretch of land, caught between Chalikiopoulos' Lake and the Adriatic sea. The natural landscape here is unique, it is a great place to get away from the world and just enjoy both sea and sun.[9] Issos beach. Next to Chalikounas, again on the southwest of Corfu, this beach has a desert motive, because of the high sand hills right next to the seashore. Bring your bike and enjoy the terrain, or just enjoy the panoramic view from high above. [10] Prasoudi beach. High cliffs hang over your head, clean waters and a mix of sand and pebbles on this remote beach. Messonghi beach Gentle current, ideal for children, clean water with sand, pebbles and plenty of little fish. Benitses A former fishing village and one of the most traditional Corfiot villages with unique natural beauty and a very popular and famous tourist destination, for many decades used to be the first tourist resort of Corfu, it is situated on the Eastern coast of Corfu, only 12 kilometers from Corfu town, and 9 kilometers from the international airport Ioannis Kapodistrias. [11] The coastal road of Benitses is full of hotels, restaurants, cafes and other shops that offering everything the most demanding visitor can ask. Benitses is surrounded by the mountains on one side and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea on the other, just 2 miles to the north lays the famous Achilleion palace. [12] For a full list of beaches see the Corfu Beach Guide here Walking Corfu is an ideal location for a keen walker. The North is fairly rugged with Mt. Pantokrator, the highest mountain. Beneath the mountain is Corfu's oldest village, Ano (Upper) Perithia. At the other extreme is Korission Lake (in the South), an inland lake, separated by a thin sand bar from the sea. The Corfu Trail is a 222km long distance footpath covering the full length of the islands. The route is well signed and a book accompanies the trail [13], there is also an introduction, history and walking guide for Old Perithia, Corfu's oldest village which you pass through on the Corfu Trail. Yachting There is a lot of yachting going on in Corfu and the Ionian, which, in general, is an ideal place for sailing and yachting with steady fair winds all summer long. Discovery Yachting Charter, Gouvia Marina, Corfu, ☎ +30 6948 388098, [14].  editDiscovery Yachting offers yachts for sailing in the Ionian.For details you can visit www.discoveryyachting.com or mail us at info@discoveryyachting.com Motoryacht Pyewacket, Gouvia Marina, Corfu, ☎ +30 697 9230011 +44 786 7802829, [15].  editMotoryacht Pyewacket is the newest addition in Gouvia Marina , its a 20m motor charter yacht made by sunseeker with two professional UK/Dutch Crew members on there third season in the Ionian. Eat Eat at Agni Bay either in the evenings or during the day, arrive on foot or by boat, there are 3 places to eat on the beach all excellent, some of the best food ever. Water Taxis run some evenings from some of the surrounding villages. Prices are high here (as featured in Gerald Durrell's My Family and Other Animals) Captains (Captain George's), Nafiskas 35, Kanoni (opposite Corfu Holiday Palace). 12:00-24:00. A traditional, family run taverna. The food is hearty and home-cooked. Vast menu includes traditional Greek favorites like spanakopita, tzadziki, and hummus but also spaghetti and burgers! modest.  edit Klimataria or Grapevine, benitses (opposite blue bus stop in benitses), ☎ 00302661071201, [16]. 7PM-11PM. If you aren't a seafood fan then this restaurant might not appeal to you as there are limited alternatives, although there is a good selection for vegetarians. Its a family run business and the setting, a very old building, must be the most photographed building in Benitses. Eat early to get a table as the locals rarely eat before 22.00. 10-40€.pp.  edit To Fagopotion, Agios Stefanos. Worth visiting but praise in the Guardian newspaper on 13 09 08 (ostentatiously displayed at the entrance )may have gone to chef Christos Vlachos' head. Don't let him bully you. Some of the cooking is good, some is ordinary, and some has the feel of leftovers from the night before.  edit HARMA Cafe Snack Bar, Eleftheriou Benizelou 46, ☎ 2661046975. A cafe by the port serving sandwiches, deserts. ice cream and drinks. Owners are American. Have free Wi-Fi.  edit Maska Taverna, 41, Nafsikas St, Kanoni, ☎ +302661081336, [17]. Traditional & family taverna located in Kanoni are the two main objectives of owners Thanassis & Marianna Vassilas whom bare a long history in restaurants since the grand father of Thanassis was Yiannis Halikias, owner of “Paniperi” the first taverna in Corfu , dating back to 1895.  edit Ambelonas Corfu (The vineyard), karoumbatika (on the road to Pellekas village), ☎ +306932158888, [18]. 7pm-10:30pm We,Th.Fr. Situated in a wild natural setting with panoramic view of central Corfu, is a simple and flexible space, combining gastronomy with a playful touch. You may enjoy original cooking with fresh ingredients combined with ACORDO products (www.acordo.gr); Local authentic wines from the vineyard - white grapes kakotrigis, Red grapes skopelitiko 10-30euro.  edit Buy As elsewhere in Greece, olive wood, ceramic and leather goods are common. In addition to many tourist shops in places such as Corfu town, you will find small shops along some of the more major roads, often combined with the factory/workshop. In some remoter areas, you may find locals selling locally produced wine, honey and olive oil from small street-side stalls. Drink Gingerbeer. Corfu was a British protectorate and gingerbeer is one of the British style drinks that the locals adopted with enthusiasm. The Greek version is simply excellent. Ask for it at Liston or better restaurants and coffee houses. Locally it is called "Tsitsibeera". Sleep Corfu has countless options for accommodation - from 5 star hotels in Corfu town to spare rooms you will only find by asking around as well as many private villa and vacation rentals that are typically booked in advance or online. With so many people staying in Croatia and other hot spots, accommodation in Corfu is plentiful, but note that most of the accommodation is in the coastal areas - budget hotels are not so easy to find in Corfu Town. Corfu Town Corfu Island Belmare Corfu hotel (Corfu luxury hotel), (Kassiopi village), [19]. A friendly family run hotel close to Avlaki beach of Corfu island.  edit City Corfu Marina Hotel (Corfu city hotel), (Corfu City), ☎ +30 26610 39505 (info@citymarina.gr, fax: +30 26610 33708), [20]. A classic hotel with a modern style.  edit Hotel Corfu Secret, Agios Markos, ☎ +30 2103245475 (info@corfusecret.gr, fax: +30 2661097931), [21]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Lowest price: 45€.  edit Corfu Villa Lefki, Chalikouna beach, [22]. Newly built villa on a unique virgin beach, next to St. Matthew village in the southwest of the island  edit Family Studios, Marathias Beach, [23]. Budget studios and apartments which was recently renovated, it is run by very friendly family and staff, situated right on the sea front of Marathias beach.  edit Govino Bay Hotel, Gouvia 491 00, ☎ +30 26610 90600 (reservations@govinobay.gr), [24]. In front of Gouvia Bay. Most of the resort is covered by green gardens, olive and palm trees. The complex is build amphitheatrically, with buildings of four to five apartments each one, all scattered around.  edit Hermes Apartments Dassia, Dassia, Corfu (Oposite the Chandris Hotel), ☎ +30 26610 93373, [25].  edit Kaiser Bridge Hotel, Benitses, ☎ +30 26610 72096, +30 26610 72190 (fax: +30 26610 72098), [26]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Hotel Kaiser Bridge is situated right on the beach, 9 km to the south of Corfu Town, between Perama and the picturesque fishing village of Benitses. Just 10 m from the beach, the hotel has breathtaking views of the shorelines of mainland Greece, Pontikonissi and of course of the famous Kaiser’s Bridge, once used by Queen Sissi to access Achillion Palace, which is situated just 1.5 km above the hotel in the village of Gastouri. Jorgos and the rest of the familly where great hosts. Lowest price: 18€ depending on the season.  edit Lena Mare Hotel Apartments, Acharavi, ☎ +30 26630 63713 (info@lenamare.com, fax: +30 26630 63717), [27]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. Lena Mare Hotel Apartments is a luxury hotel in the Acharavi area on the northern section of the island of Corfu. Lowest price: 40€.  edit Marlina Corfu Villas, Kommeno, [28]. at Kommeno bay, 8 kilometers from the airport.  edit Palms and Spas, Corfu Boutique Apartments, Messonghi Beach (18km from Corfu Town), ☎ +302661075266, [29]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. Elegant and design apartments within olive groves and palm trees, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The accommodation has Suite rooms (with private outdoors jacuzzi/hot-tub, living-room) and smaller knit Studios; all have sea views and Messonghi beach is just 100 meters/5 mins away. Free Wi-Fi in the rooms and parking in site. from 39 €/night. (39.4711852347125,19.9377393722534) edit Pantokrator Hotel, (Barbati village), [30]. Northeast of Corfu town, next to Barbati, one of the island's most picturesque villages. Panoramic views over the southern part of the island.  edit Saint Nicholas Hotel, Gouvia, Corfu, ☎ +30 26610 91621, [31]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00.  edit The Pink Palace, Agios Gordios Beach, ☎ +30 26610 53103, [32]. checkin: 24 hrs; checkout: 9AM. A backpacker spot, the hostel offers free transportation from the ferry by their pink bus, and new arrivals are given a shot of pink liquor. Activities offered at the Pink Palace include a Kayak and ATV rental, as well as a number of guided activities such as other island excursions. Most other activities on offer (of which there are plenty) revolve around drinking - the booze cruise for example (jump off the big rock naked and get free beer) and the hostel's own club - packed out during the summer months. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the room. Dorms from €18; single rooms from €30/45 low/high season.  edit Sunrock. Sunrock, also on the West Coast, down the cliff from Pelekas. This is a much more low key, relaxed place, just up from Pelekas beach; one of the best sandy beaches on the island. Many people find themselves here in order to escape from the incessant partying down the coast, yet Sunrock has a bar and is often full of young people with a less commercially oriented party in mind. A shuttle is normally offered to carry passengers from the port, and during warmer months daily scooter rentals are available.  edit The Merchant's House Boutique Bed & Breakfast (The Merchant's House), Old Perithia, Corfu 49081 (Located in Corfu's oldest village in the north-east of the island), ☎ +30 6988 712 885, [33]. checkin: 14.30; checkout: 11.00. The Merchant's House Boutique Bed & Breakfast is in Corfu's oldest village, Old Perithia, in the attractive north-east of the island. There are just six suites in beautifully restored houses dating back to 1828, providing a unique accommodation in a Heritage Protected Site (dating back to the 14thc) and Area of Natural Beauty. A perfect and exclusive location for walking, painting and other gentle pursuits, or simply relaxing in the countryside beneath Mount Pantokrator (the island's tallest mountain.) For those wishing to enjoy the cobalt blue seas, beautiful beaches are just 15 minutes drive away. from 130.  edit Active Kerkyra, potbox 5208, 49087, ☎ 0049402208067, [34]. checkin: 13:00; checkout: 10:00. Budget studios and apartments with pool at Liapades Beach ,covered by green garden ,swimming pool area 25.  edit Casa Nuova, 49087 Liapades Beach, ☎ 0049402208067, [35]. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 9:00. Comfortable houses with pool at famous Rovinia Beach, all scattered around,picturesque view, jut 10 minutes from beach and village square, pool ,dogs allowed 55.  edit Corfu Santa Barbara-Maria Apartments, Perivoli, South Corfu, ☎ 00302662023151, [36]. (39.412957,19.986497,) edit Get out Corfu makes a good start for a tour of the Western Greek Islands. It's also a good jumping-off place to get to Italy or Albania. Day trips to Paxi and Sarande are popular, usually combined with an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint which is to be highly recommended! A tour of the Albanian Riviera is a must! This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!