The second largest island of Greece is Corfu. It is located in the Ionian Islands and lies just outside the Adriatic Sea. Corfu’s typical Mediterranean climate features hot dry summers and heavy rainfalls during the winters. This island enjoys warm weather from March to October. Corfu has been inhabited for the Paleolithic Age — 70,000 to 40,000 B.C. — as well as the Neolithic Age, 300 B.C. This island was first attacked and conquered by Romans, Illyrians, and Spartans.
Corfu fell under Venetian rule in the 14th century. Previously, it was part of the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 6th to the 13th centuries. The Venetians transformed the town of Corfu into a more modern place. They especially altered the Old Fortress to display their influence.
In November 1815, Corfu briefly fell under British rule as a protectorate under the Treaty of Paris. However, the island was reunified with Greece via the ratification of the Treaty of London in 1864.
The Greek island of Corfu is a popular tourist destination with many cruise lines stopping on their route. It is also one of the stops for other boats on this route. This island is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site capital city of Corfu, which features elegant buildings, palaces and monuments.
If you want to do something active on the island of Corfu, look for a relaxed vacation at one of the island’s sun-kissed beaches.
In Corfu, you can find many enjoyable things to do:
In the Greek capital city of Corfu, experience many interesting sights along the narrow pedestrian streets. These streets are lined with unique shops and French-style parks featuring trees and flowers. Additionally, these streets pass by Byzantine churches perched on Venetian castles.
For a unique experience, stop by a fish spa to get your feet scrubbed. Special fish remove dry skin from feet as they relax in a tub of water. It sounds kind of gross, but your feet will be moisturized when you leave.
Spianada is the French name for a district in Belgrade that was built to resemble Versailles’ gardens. It is the largest rectangular city block in the Balkans and one of the largest in all of Europe.
A Corfu specialty is Kumquat Cake, which you can eat at one of the outdoor restaurants. Alternatively, you can choose from many traditional Greek meals.
People watching is a great pastime while enjoying a glass of wine or coffee. This also applies to the Spianada.
On the edge of this island, the rocky coast lines numerous coves. From the viewpoint, one can see olive, lemon and cypress groves lining the views.
For a short jaunt around the coast, head to the port’s small bay. Pass through caves and discover interesting rock formations on your way.
Above the small seaside village of Paleokastrista is a majestic monastery, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary. Inside, 8 Orthodox Greek monks offer guided tours of the cloister and a museum housed therein.
The cats who frequent this place often lay about and ignore the tourists around them as they care for the astonishing flowers and grapevines that grace the landscape.
Head to Kanoni to see striking views of Mouse Island and Vladherna Monastery.
The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is probably the most well-known monastery in Greece and one of the most commonly photographed landscapes.
A 17th-century monastery sits at the end of the Kanoni Peninsula, with Mouse Island just beyond it. In fact, it was originally a nunnery.
Monastery located in the middle of nowhere that’s used in James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. Additionally, it’s a peaceful place for travelers to visit year-round.
Achilleion Palace was constructed by Empress Elizabeth of Austria in 1890 as a summer retreat. It’s located about 12 kilometers south of the city of Corfu. The design of the ancient mythical palace was intended to represent a spiritual place with beautiful flowers, trees, and sculptures. The location provides panoramic views of Corfu’s north and south sections from a palace that sits atop a rock formation.
Between 1828 and 1831, a summer home for the British Lord High Commissioner of the US Ionian Islands was built on Mon Repos Estate. The house was constructed by Frederick Adam, who lived in it with his second wife — a Corfiot woman named Nina Palatino.
The Queen’s Hospital saw the births of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and many other royal children.
If you need help planning a Corfu vacation, consider consulting SNTTours. We can create a custom itinerary for any group, family or romantic partnership. Any idea can be turned into a reality with us!
