Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands which nestle off the west of Greece. The island is thirty-six miles long and the widest part is fifteen miles wide. Amazing there are over three million evergreen olive trees, watered by winter rains. Corfu summers are hot and dry with spectacular sunsets in the west. The beaches to the North East are made up of sheltered rocky coves and shingle beaches, but to the North and South, there are long sweeping sandy bays that the tourists just flock to. With its spectacular beaches, and being one of the greenest Mediterranean islands, it is an island of true beauty to visit.
Things to do
Although Corfu is a small island with a great climate, there is plenty for you to see and do. Visit the beautiful village, Palaiokatritsa which is truly a memorable place with exceptional scenery and superb beaches. It is a resort where you can swim and relax at six different secluded sandy and fine pebble beaches. There are trips to Albania available seeing the Achilleion Palace and Corfu Town’s Old Fort. A walk around the Old Town of Corfu Town is another must, including a visit to the church of Ayios Spiridon, the island’s patron saint. To the south of Corfu Town is the beautiful view from Kanoni, and the villa of Mon Repos which now houses the Museum of Palaiopolis. To end your holiday on a high, take a drive up Mount Pantokrator for the best views ever.
Shopping
Whether you want jewelry, leather goods, olive wood objects or handmade needlework Corfu has it all. The shops in Corfu Town are very diverse and numerous. There is a wide selection of souvenir shops where you can find no end of local ceramics to buy. The tourist based shops are open all day long until late at night, every day of the week, so you can always buy that all important present to take home.
To see the best of the local ceramics, there is a Pottery Workshop where you can observe Sofoklis Ikonomides and Sissy Moskidou making and decorating all the pottery on sale. A fascinating must see.
Nightlife
People in Corfu tend to linger over dinner, and then retire to one of the cafes at the Liston, such as Capri, Liston or Europa for a similar selection of light refreshments and drinks. If you like something a bit more livelier then there are several night spots along the north coast between Corfu town and the beach resort of Gouvia. Ekati is a typical Greek nightclub and there’s a tourist nightclub called Esperides.
In summer there are frequent concerts by the town’s orchestras and bands, mostly free on the Esplanade. Corfu Town boasts the oldest band in Greece, so they’re well worth a watch.
Eating out
Corfu has exceptional food and wine to enjoy. Corfu’s Tavernas will not disappoint. Modern Corfiot food is fresh and exciting, and involves more than a soggy mousaka. Eating is very important to the Greeks as it is the one time families get together and socialise. The traditional highlight of the week is Sunday lunch often lasting for several hours. The Greeks don’t expect quick service and often frown upon food that is too hot. Waiters will not rush you so just sit back and relax the Greek experience.
If it is on the menu, don’t presume it is available. A clue is whether there is a price next to it. This is because most establishments work on a ‘seasonal availability’ basis, as most produce is local. Whatever you order though will be fresh and a true taste of glorious Corfu!