Floating just off the coast of mainland Greece is the island that most of us Brits have a soft spot for; Corfu. Often described as the most scenic of the collection, it is the closest Greek island to the UK. Corfu will answer all of your sun loving prayers with soft sandy beaches, awe-worthy mountain landscapes, luscious greenery and of course a good speckling of culture and history.
Corfu Town
Corfu Town with its large Port is probably the focal point of the island. It presents a nice base from which to explore the remainder of the island. Attractive and cultured with a strong Venetian architectural theme, the charming cobbled streets of the old town lead the way to the old and new forts, beautiful mansions, palaces and numerous other elegant buildings. As such, Corfu has earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities that Greece has to offer.
Be sure to visit Mon Repos Palace during your time here, the birthplace of Prince Philip. The building itself is filled with many intricate treasures but there is also a temple in the pretty grounds and numerous walkways to be traversed. The Liston building is also worthy of a mention, within which you can treat yourself at one of the most luxurious cafes and restaurants to be found across the island. A healthy spattering of churches, museums and pretty squares complete the picture.
With such diversity to be found across the island, an escape from the town, no matter how endearing, is practically essential to really get the best from your time here. Abundant greenery blankets the entire island, interspersed with olive and citrus groves and unspoilt traditional villages where donkeys are still the most common form of transport. Meadows become a burst of colour during spring when wildflowers run riot.
Explore the morth of Corfu
In the north, the terrain picks itself up a few notches and becomes more mountainous before finally giving way to Mount Pantokrator, the highest mountain on the island at over 1,000m high. The road to the summit climbs through several mountain villages, the highest of which is Strinilas. The views up here are obviously fantastic, reaching far out to the other Greek Islands such as the tiny isle of Paxos and perhaps even the tip of southern Italy if you are lucky! Enjoy lunch at one of the 3 tavernas surrounding the village square and soak up the views. Head further to the northern tip of the island and you will reach Kassiopi, one of the best diving centres on the entire island.
Paleokastritsa – Corfu
Paleokastritsa, a popular village on the west of the island has long been considered one of the most beautiful coastal spots. With stunning scenery and serene beaches, it’s no surprise. Swim in the warm waters of 6 different beaches, each enclosed by tall cliffs. Complimented by the scent of nearby olive, lemon and orange trees.
Sandy beaches in the south
Heading south, the land of sun, sea and sand is even more abundant. It’s highly popular with the majority of visitors. Agios Georgios is an ideal example for families and couples alike. Perfect for lazy days spent lapping up the sunshine, but there are also water sports on offer for a bit of fun and frolicking. Take a stroll through the olive groves and you will arrive in Argirades, a traditional village dating back to the 10th century. Hire a bicycle and cycle slightly further north where Lake Korrision lays. This is a nature reserve which is home to many species of bird. Pontikonisi, otherwise known as Mouse Islands, which makes for a great day trip, is best reached by boat and the trip over affords stunning of Kanoni Bay.
It’s easy to see Corfu is calling so why not consider a trip here this year and start your very own love affair with this beautiful Grecian escape.
