Corfu is the northernmost and perhaps the greenest of the Greek islands. Corfu is nicknamed “the emerald island” either because of its lush vegetation or because of the green money in the wallets of financiers who consistently come here to make big deals and simply relax on luxurious villas and yachts.
Corfu is not far from Italy, for a long time the island was under the rule of the Venetians, so the Italian accent on this Greek island can be heard in everything – in the architecture, and in the cuisine, and in manners. Corfu is perfect for a quiet family vacation – the beaches here are sandy, clean, with a gentle entrance to the water; young people will like it here – a lot of discos and bars; lovers of cultural rest will also find something to do – there are enough museums, picturesque churches and legends in Corfu.
Legend has it that the island of Corfu was visited by Odysseus; Medea and Jason, who stole the Golden Fleece, lived here for some time. Corfu is also under the personal care of St. Spyridon of Trimiphunt, who gives hope and health to the suffering.
Corfu climate and weather
Corfu is the northernmost Greek island, so the climate is not as arid as on the other Ionian Islands. The bathing season starts in May and ends in October. In summer it is hot here, in July and August the thermometer column consistently shows about +30 °C. Fresh breeze and lush island vegetation, in the shade of which you can hide, make your vacation in Corfu as comfortable as possible.
Corfu Beaches
Corfu is washed by the Ionian Sea. The water on the east coast of the island is warmer than on the west coast. The beaches are sandy and pebbly, with many cozy bays and coves.
The most famous beach resort is Paleokastritsa. Amazing bays with underwater caves, green rocks, sandy beaches – divers and lovers of outdoor activities choose to vacation here. Getting here is easy – Paleokastritsa is located 25 km from the capital of the island. Among the forested mountains hides the monastery of the Virgin Mary. The favorite pastime of tourists who come here is boating along mysterious grottoes and bays.
The second favorite beach of tourists is Kalamaki, aka Apraos. The one and a half kilometer wide sandy spit and clear sea are ideal conditions for resting with children. The beaches of Acharavi and Kassiopi are sandy with pebbles. The beach of Glyfada was awarded the Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the water. Families with children, young people, lovers of quiet beach recreation come here.
The beaches of Agios Stefanos and Agios Gordios are considered to be among the most beautiful in Corfu. On St. Stephan’s beach there are lakes with blue clay, which has a beneficial effect on the skin, rejuvenating it. On the beach of Agios Gordios there is a center for water sports. The infrastructure is developed just fine – there is entertainment for every taste, sun beds and umbrellas, a lot of cafes, restaurants and stores. The entrance to the water is smooth, sandy. Couples love to come to St. Gordios beach to admire the sunset.
Corfu Attractions
Corfu Town has one of the most beautiful squares in the whole of Greece, Spianada Square. Wonderful sculptures, cozy restaurants, benches in the shade of old trees make Spianada Square a wonderful place to relax.
Explore Paleo Frurio, the Old Fortress built during the Venetian period. It stands right on the beach. In the evenings, Paleo Furio hosts concerts with classical music, light and sound intertwined with the sound of the waves. The new fortress, also known as Neo Furio, is also open to tourists.
The island of Corfu is under the protection of St. Spyridon of Trimiphunt, the famous wonderworker. His relics are kept in the church, and a line of pilgrims snakes there all year round. St. Spiridon is known for his miracles – he healed the terminally ill, saved Corfu from the plague and the invasion of the Turks. It is believed that St. Spyridon travels the world and helps those in need. The proof of this is the boots on the relics, which wear out a lot in a year.
An interesting fact about Corfu – there is a monument to Admiral Ushakov. In 1799, Fyodor Fyodorovich liberated the island from the French invaders. Grateful Corfu residents not only put a monument to him, but also organize an annual holiday in his honor – it is celebrated in early October.
Finding something to do in Corfu is easy. Lovers of active recreation choose diving and snorkeling, hang gliding, water skiing, golf and tennis on beautiful courts. With children you can go to the water park. Corfu has about 800 churches, so pilgrimage tours here are also very popular. Young people appreciate Corfu for its many cabarets, restaurants, bars and discos.
Corfu cuisine
The food in Corfu has a strong Italian accent, with spices, thick pasta and stews. Be sure to order pastitsio for lunch – a casserole made of several layers of pasta, tomato paste, minced meat and béchamel sauce. The recipe was once brought from Italy, and it is only made in Corfu.
Corfu is a seaside town, so fish and other sea creatures are masterfully prepared here. We recommend to try fried mullet and kebab of swordfish (xiphias souvlaki). Stifado htapodi – octopus stewed in red wine – is also good.
In Corfu, you can try “kotosupa” – no, not cat soup. It is chicken soup with rice and avgolemono sauce. For the second course you will be pleased to have “kouneli kravato” – rabbit stewed in red wine with onions, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and parsley. Corfinians are excellent at cooking quail and partridges – stewed in wine and tomato sauce and served with vegetables and exquisite house wines.
Only Corfu makes kumquat liqueurs – there are plantation and winery tours where you can buy a few bottles as gifts for yourself and friends.
Those with a sweet tooth will love the small cheese pies of tiropitakia, spinach, herb and cheese pies. For coffee, which is drunk 24 hours a day in Corfu, we recommend ordering Bugatsa, a puff pastry with cream and cinnamon or soft cheese.
