Top 20 attractions in Corfu

Corfu stands apart from the rest of the Greek resorts. According to the majority of tourists, the quality of service in the hotels of the island is an order of magnitude higher than on the Halkidiki Peninsula, Rhodes or Crete. And although there are no ancient ancient temples and theaters here, there are quite a large number of perfectly preserved monuments of Byzantine architecture, Orthodox monasteries and palaces in Corfu.

Corfu has an incredibly picturesque landscape. From observation platforms scattered throughout the island, an unforgettable view of the coast, fertile plains, pine groves, hills and small villages buried in greenery opens up. The healing Mediterranean air of Corfu is able to strengthen health and energize, and the gentle sun will give you a golden even tan.

What to see on the island of Corfu?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Kerkyra old town

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

Aqualand water park

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 smallest 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 square meters.

Paleo Frurio

Venetian fort, built in the 15th-16th centuries on the foundations of a Byzantine fortress from the 8th century. At the foot of the hill on which the fortification rises, the Church of St. George is built, decorated with Doric columns. 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.

Neo Frurio

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

Liston Street (Kerkyra)

The street was founded 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, only representatives of aristocratic families were allowed access to the alley. A large number of souvenir shops, jewelry stores and cafes are concentrated on Liston Street.

Spianada Square (Kerkyra)

One of the central squares of Kerkyra, surrounded by picturesque vegetation and historic buildings. It is located near the fortress of Paleo Frurio 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. There are taverns around the square where you can sample hearty Greek cuisine.

Achillion palace

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, here she often fled 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, a museum is located on the territory of the palace.

Palace of Saints Michael and George

The palace was erected 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 classic style. Its façade is decorated with a long row of Ionic columns. Today, the palace houses the Museum of Asian Art, which houses an extensive collection of diplomat G. Manos, collected by him during his long travels across Asia.

Mouse Island

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" because of its tiny size. The island is easy to walk around in a few minutes. Boats run from Corfu to Pontikonisi. Some tourists prefer to swim to the place.

Vlaherna monastery

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 reborn as a man's. The monastery is located on a small island next to Mouse Island. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The revered icon of the Blakherna Mother of God is kept in the monastery.

Monastery in Paleokastritsa

17th century men's monastery located in the picturesque western part of Corfu. It is located at the top of a promontory surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Ionian Sea. The monastery was erected on the site of an old destroyed monastery of 1225. Within its walls are kept the Skopietissa (Paleokastritsa) icon and the icon of the Assumption of the Mother of God. Near the monastery complex there is a winery, an icon museum and an olive oil factory.

Cathedral of Saint Spyridon (Kerkyra)

The temple is located among the historical quarters of Kerkyra, right in the heart of the Old City. 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 contains the relics of St. Spyridon, the patron saint of the island of Corfu.

British Cemetery (Kerkyra)

Corfu was under British protectorate from 1815-64. Since the British belong to the Church of England, they needed their own necropolis, which was organized almost immediately after the transfer of the island to the British. 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.

Fortress Angelokastro

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

Kassiopi castle

Kassiopi is a small town in Corfu with a population of about 1200 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 did a good job of strengthening the fortress. The facility is located on a cape. It is clearly visible from the harbor side.

"Channel of love" in Sidari

An incredibly picturesque place located in the northwestern part of the island, near the Sidari beach. "Channel of Love" is a series of narrow strips of water, sandwiched between rocks and ending in small coves. This Greek "fjord" has incredibly warm water and a cozy sandy beach. The place is very popular with tourists due to its beauty and expressiveness.

Paleokastritsa beach

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 destination for both beginners and experienced divers.

Agios Gordios beach

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 area. 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.

Mount Pantokrator

The highest mountain on the island (906 meters above sea level). At its top there is a monastery and modern telecommunication towers. From the observation deck Pantokrator 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.

Throne of the Kaiser observation deck

Equipped playground located on the rocks near the village of Pelekas. Here the German Kaiser Wilhelm II liked to spend minutes of rest (hence the name of the place). A circular panorama of the surroundings opens from the platform - 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 valley of Ropa.