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Corfu Greece |
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About CorfuCorfu is the most northerly of the Ionian Islands and lies very close to Albania. The island is the second largest of the Ionian islands with an area of about 600 sq. kilometres. The island is characterised by a Mediterranean mild climate with a lot of rainfalls in winter. Due to the rainfall, the island is considered one of the greenest in Greece. Corfu is a mountainous island with, as highest mountain, Pantokrator at 914 metres situated in the northern part of the island. The capital and main port of the island is also called Corfu (Kerkyra), it is the largest town on the island and well worth a visit for it’s character, atmosphere and beautiful buildings. One of the attractions to be seen while visiting the town is that the airport runway can be seen from the main town. You are looking down on the planes as they arrive across the bay on a very low approach to the airport. The town of Corfu has grown up within fortifications, where every foot of ground was precious, it is mostly, a labyrinth of narrow, up-and-down streets, not really suitable for modern motor vehicles. The restaurants spill out onto the side walks, here you can take the weight off your tired feet, sit in comfortable chairs and people watch while drinking cool drinks. The island itself can be split into three districts, of which the northern is mountainous, the central undulating and the southern low-lying. Corfu is generally considered to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands, but the prevalence of the olive groves gives some monotony to its colouring. |
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Around Corfu Island Acharavi Archaravi is on the north coast of Corfu between Roda and Agios Spy. The village of Acharavi is set a little way back from the beach front but over the years shops, restaurants, villas and a number of hotels have sprung up and now the gap between the village and the seafront has closed. The beach is made up of sand and shingle with a gently shelving beach making it safe for families. Water sports are available on this beach. The beach seafront is lined with tavernas and small cafes. Parking in this resort is limited and you may not be able to park right on the seafront. Agios Spyridonas A little further eastwards and you come across the resort of Agios Spyridonas. If you look across the bay you will see mountains of Albania. This resort still has some of its old charm and has not yet been taken over by the tourist development syndrome. The bay has soft white sand and clear sparkling waters. A nature reserve just inland from the beach protects this area, the Andinoiti lagoon that forms part of the reserve being the focus for birds, small mammals and wild flowers. Agios Georgios (North)
When you leave the village you start the slow decent into Agios Georgios. Hotel Theo is one of the first hotels you come to. The swimming pool is situated on the roof and has fantastic views over the bay. The beach itself is a wide beach with some shingle but mostly a sand that shelves easily into the sea making it ideal for families. This beach is well known for its water sports and in particular the windsurfing centre that makes the most of the wind that can be quite strong on this beach. It is also worth mentioning that this resort is ideal for the walkers amongst us, there are some beautiful walks amongst the olive groves and coastal paths. Agios Geogios (South) This resort has grown up along one of the longest stretches of beach on the island. The resort has grown as part of the development along this 12km stretch of sandy beach, unfortunately the development has not grown with a lot of character but the location is superb. The beach is not very wide but if you are prepared to walk you will find the beach can offer quite places. Water sports are available on this beach near the centre of the resort. Several good tavernas line the beach waiting for you to relax in the shade with lunch or a cool beer. Just inland from the beach is the village of Argyrades, this village is an ideal place to visit with its shops and cafes. Agios Gordis This resort is found by traveling from either Sinarades or Kato Garouna through the pine clad hills down to the beautiful bay that stretches out before you. The beach is wide and made up of sand and shingle. Water sports and dive centre can be found on the beach. If you take the time to walk to either end of the beach good snorkeling can be found amongst the rocky outcrops. South of this beach you will find a small cove called Fieroula and the small village of Pentation. Agios Mattaios I thought it worth mentioning some of the inland villages of which Agios Mattaios is one. This delightful little village with its fantastic views is well worth stopping off to explore. The village is very traditional and built in terraces on the tree covered hills of mount Agios Mattheos or Grava. Take the time to walk the winding path through the village to the square where you will find a fountain and the village church. Glyfada This resort has one of the best beaches on the island, soft golden sand and just about every water sport you can imagine can be found on this beach. The beach itself is quite wide and long so you can always find a quite spot. Some care needs to be had because the beach does not always shelve so gently into the sea. Many large hotels have sprung up in this resort and with this is the night life that is aimed at the younger tourist. Gouvia This resort is quite close to Corfu Town and this makes it very popular. The night life is said to be very good and this does tend to make this resort a favourite with the younger tourist. The beach itself is not very wide and is mainly shingle and can get quite crowded in the height of the season with boats arriving from Corfu town. Kassiopi Kassiopi is a thriving resort that has been built up around a small fishing port. It is now a mixture of shops, tavernas, cafes and bars catering for all tastes. The history of Kassiopi is fascinating and many of the sites still remain today. Kassiopi is served by several beaches like Kalamionas and Imerolia beach. Smaller coves that are in the main shingle can also be found along this coast. Kavos If your looking for great night life this is the resort for you. There are many bars and clubs all trying to get you to enter. This resort is geared up to entertain the younger tourist out for a good time at night and sleeping all day. This does make the beaches less crowded during the morning and early afternoon and this is when the families can enjoy some quite time to themselves. The main beach at Kavos is wide and soft and about 2km of sand, the beach is ideal for families and has water sports available. Myrtiotissa This is truly one of the best beaches on the island, it is made up of soft golden sand, rugged rocks and a back drop of a high cliff face. The area is ideal for snorkeling with its rocky outcrops and clear waters. Beware, due to high cliffs this beach does not have the luxury of numerous beach bars or tavernas, so you do need to go prepared. The beach shelves gently into the sea making it ideal for families but it can get a little crowded in the high season. Sidari The resort of Sidari is made up of a number of little coves, mostly sand and shingle and the shallow water is ideal for the younger families. The largest of the beaches is Megali beach. The resort is purpose built around the old Sidari and is designed to entertain families. On offer there are a number of options to keep the younger tourist active, and amused such as water sports on the beach, the water slide park, and go-carts to name but a few. For the older tourist there are many bars, clubs and restaurants. You can catch glimpses of the old Sidari village with its village square, church and small tavernas but in the main the tourist industry has taken over the resort and the village. |
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Places of InterestThe Achilleion Palace
The Palace was completed in 1892 and once owned by Kaiser Wilheim who left it in 1914 and never returned. The site was eventually taken over by the Greek State and parts of the site are now open to the public.
Old Corfu Town The old medieval town of Corfu is a maze of narrow streets and passageways that ooze charm and character. Wonder through the streets and just take in the atmosphere that has not changed even today in the 21st century.
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