Summer on Corfu
Corfu offers many things to do during the summer, magical beaches, cultural activities, parades and an environment full of culture, charm, friendliness and cozy atmosphere. Corfu town's historic center has a lot of architectural interest. The Corfu historic center is full of cozy narrow roads, historically important buildings, small squares as well as Espiannade square, museums, churches and plenty of things to see, visit, taste and explore. There is an opportunity to go shopping in the character-full streets of the Corfu Town town, just by Saint Spyridon church or in the new part of the town. A visit to Saint Spyridon Patron of the island church, shopping in the bric-a-brack shops in old Corfu Town center and a coffee on the famous Liston.
A Brief History of Corfu
Corfu Island is 593 square kilometers (229 square miles) in area, with a population of 110,000 people of whom 45,000 live in Corfu town.
Corfu history is rich and dates back to Homer. Corfu stands between East and West and has always been the bridge between the two different worlds of Western and the Eastern culture. In the middle ages Corfu was occupied by the Venetians, French and the English. The 1864 reunification with Greece is celebrated on 21 May each year with parades and bands marching around Corfu island, a date to not be missed in Corfu. Today, Corfu offers a variety of amenities. Its natural beauty, the green landscapes, the endless beaches, the history, folklore and culture are the main attractions for visitors who enjoy Corfu during the holidays.
The City Hall is located at the Michael Theotoki Sq. It is a 17th century building, one of the most characteristic examples of Venetian architecture. Its construction began in 1663 and finished 1693. The unknown architect chose local stone from Sinies and gave a splendid renaissance style to the building.
The 'Old City' recalls past ages; the European influences are visible everywhere and harmoniously coexist, giving to the city a special colour. There are no mosques and minarets in Corfu. No stamp of Asiatic / Turkish occupation can be found on the island. Here Europe meets Greece and the nature ungrudgingly spreads hundreds the shades of green and blue, the Corfiot Civilization developed with significant particularities that make it stand apart.
Some parts of the city and the greater area of the Municipality of Corfu are modern, but everywhere Venetian, French and British traces can be found to remind us that the Turks never conquered Corfu.
Palaces, fortresses, museums, libraries, galleries, churches, interesting public buildings and private mansions, public, private and archaeological sites, sites of natural and special interest, traditional houses, verdant olive groves, picturesque ports and clear blue waters make an unexpected puzzle on the area of the Municipality of Corfu, that leaves even the most demanding visitor speechless.
Liston Arcade, between Kapodistriou and Eleftherias Streets (early 19th c.)
Liston description: Residential building complex on the Esplannade, which was begun under the French empire and forms the main testimony to the French presence on Corfu. The rhythmical repetition of features on the main facade, especially the elegant arcade, reflects the monumental concept of urban design of the Napoleonic period in straight, identical layouts like that of the Rue des Rivoli.
Corfu beaches and main villages
South-West (The virgin beaches)
Distances are from Benitses village.
Chalikounas Beach: Distance: 15 kms Style: Partially organized
This long stretchy sandy beach is within the limits of a protected natural area and well known for its wildness and natural beauty! There is one bar where you can buy drinks. There is an unofficial nudist beach located in the far end of the beach.
Issos Beach: Distance: 17 kms Style: Organized
This long stretchy sandy beach is also known as "The James Bond beach" as the film Number 6 "For Your Eyes Only" was filmed here. Issos is a perfect spot for windsurfers and you can find a snack bar, toilets, changing rooms, showers and lifeguard on the beach.
Marathias and Santa Barbara Beaches: Distance: 20 kms Style: Organized
Propably two of the most beautiful un-commercialized beaches of the island. Long stretchy sandy beaches with crystal blue waters and restaurants and tavernas by the beach.
Paramonas Beach: Distance: 17 kms Style: Partially organized
Paramonas offers a long stretch of golden sand and seaweed and while this is the ideal spot for sunbathing, visitors are warned of the rocky seabed.
Prasoudi Beach: Distance: 15 kms Style: Partially organized
The green-blue waters is a piece of heaven for locals especially when there is no wind. Beautiful smallish sandy beach offering sun beds and umbrellas and some lovely restaurants with a wonderful sea view offering local products and dishes. Wonderful place to relax, enjoy and feel what locals enjoy over summer!
Mid-West Corfu
Glyfada Beach:
One of the most popular beaches of the island, Glifada is located 16 kilometers west of Corfu Town. The large surface of fine sand is surrounded by tree-covered cliffs and imposing rocky formations which drop into the crystalline waters. Sun beds, umbrellas, water sports facilities, various shops and taverns are available in Glifada Beach.
Agios Gordis Beach:
The beach of Agios Gordis is one of the most popular beaches in Corfu; the sandy beach is surrounded by impressive rocky formations. Sun beds, umbrellas and water sport facilities are offered in Agios Gordios.
Mirtiotissa Beach:
Mirtiotissa was characterized by the English writer Lawrence Durrell as the "loveliest beach in the world" for this sandy paradise is surrounded by dramatic and imposing cliffs covered by trees; this is why it is one of the most popular beaches of the island of Corfu, attracting thousands of visitors every summer. The beach owns its name to the beautiful Monastery of Mirtiotissa which is located just above it. It is an unorganized beach, totally unspoiled and unofficially nudist.
North-West Corfu
Paleokastritsa Beach:
Paleokastritsa is the name of the most famous picturesque village of the island of Corfu, 26 kilometers northwest of Corfu Town.
The village of Paleokastritsa offers many nice taverns overlooking the bay and six sandy and pebble beaches which are scattered all around the area; those beaches are surrounded by olive tree forests and are famous for their dramatic scenery and the beauty of their colors.
The main beach of Paleokastritsa is quite small and very popular. It is surrounded by bars and hotels and there is a road behind it so it is not quiet. But the views of the cove are great. You can get a boat here which takes you around the many caves in the area.
North Corfu
Sidari Beach:
Canal D'amour - swim there and find your love. If you already have the love of your life you will stay together forever. You can try diving and other water sports there.
North East Corfu
Kassiopi Beach:
A nice view to mainland Albania. Diving lessons.
Kouloura Beach:
Close to the popular Kalami the fishing village of Kouloura has a smaller and less populated beach to offer. There is a lot of shade here with the cypress trees surrounding the back of the beach. Looking to the right you get the great view of the small harbor which a regular view on postcards of the island. A boat sits on log ends in the middle of the beach; not something you will see elsewhere on the island. It is quite idyllic and underdeveloped but there are loungers and shades.
Ipsos Beach:
The long, thin beach has a road that runs along the whole of the back of it. Behind the road there are tourist type shops, minimarkets, bars and cafes. The village of Ipsos itself is a resort base for tourists. There is a good view from the beach to the left up the slopes of Mount Pantokrator. The beach of Ipsos is very pebbly with a lot of loungers and sun shades.
Kalami Beach:
The wide beach of Kalami is composed by smooth flat stones and inspired the English author Lawrence Durrell for his novel "Prospero's Cell". Continue on the road rather than taking the turning to Kouloura and you reach Kalami. The beach has a big reputation and is very busy. The bay is pebbly. Behind it some apartments sit amongst the trees. A wooden path goes along the back of the beach. The harbor is small but has a few boats. Due to the road ending before the beach it is quite peaceful. Restaurants, bars and accommodation can be found in this area.
Barbati Beach:
The beautiful long pebble beach of Barbati is situated 20 kilometers north of Corfu Town, near the village of the same name. It was awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of its beach and its waters. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for rent.
South Corfu
Kavos Beach:
Kavos is one of Corfu's most southerly beaches, accessed straight through the resort centre! The roads down are narrow, however, and best tackled on foot. Sand extending into open sea. Some weed at the waterline in places. Kavos beach is a very nice place for youngsters mainly; there are many bars, restaurants and night clubs.
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We wish you to have a wonderful rest on the beach, to enjoy heavenly warm sea water, take unforgettable sunbaths and plunge into marvelous Corfiot atmosphere.
Corfu is a splendid place!
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