Island of Corfu, Greece: photo and description of sights, tours, reviews

The island of Corfu (Greece) combines the history of many peoples who tried to seize these lands. Now the resort is considered a place of rest for wealthy tourists, because often come here, millionaires from around the world. However, there are many budget hotels. How to get to Kerkyra? What tours are offered by domestic tour operators? What do you need to see on the island? We will try to answer these questions in our article.

History of the island

The island of Corfu (Greece) is usually known to European and domestic tourists under the name of Corfu. It is used by many tour operators, but it is not officially called. The first mention of the island appeared in ancient times. Even Homer wrote about Kerkyra, although in his works it was called Scheria. The active growth of the population of the island, which was at the intersection of trade routes of the West and the East, began in the era of antiquity. Athens, Sparta and Macedonia for a long time fought among themselves for the right to have this fertile region. In the III century BC, the island became part of the Roman Empire. After its disintegration Kerkyra remained in the composition of Byzantium.

For many years the island was attacked by Turks, Sicilians and Italians. The weakening Byzantine Empire could not resist them, so in 1401 the inhabitants of Corfu decided to entrust their fate to Venice. In its composition, Corfu was until 1797. Kerkira is the only Greek region that has never fallen under Muslim rule. In the XIX century, Corfu owned France, and then the Republic of the Seven Islands, which was under the protectorate of Russia and Turkey. In 1864 the region became part of independent Greece. The island was badly damaged during the German bombing of the Second World War. Many sights have been irretrievably lost.

How to get to Corfu?

Many tourists prefer tours organized tours themselves. It's easiest to get to the island by plane. In the high season, several direct flights from the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg to Kerkyra a week. The price of one-way ticket is about 7000-9000 rubles. A little cheaper will cost a flight with several transfers. Tourists who prefer to travel the land can get to the mainland Greece by train, and then by bus to reach the coastal cities. From here you can take a ferry to the island. Such a route will take 2-3 days, and its cost will be more expensive than a plane ticket.

Tours in Kerkyra

Travelers every summer fill the island of Corfu (Greece). Tours are sold here from all major tour operators, and a week-long voucher will not be very expensive. Night in a budget hotel will cost about 1500-2000 rubles for a double room. However, when buying a voucher, you should carefully choose your accommodation. Some hotels for this amount offer shabby little little rooms with a minimum level of comfort, while others, on the contrary, have prepared clean and well-kept rooms of economy class. The cost of meals is included in many tours, but travelers prefer to eat outside the hotel.

On the island there are several hundred restaurants, each of which offers to try the original local cuisine at low prices. Outside the cafe it's worth to buy local goat cheese, olive oil, coniferous and citrus honey and kumquat.

Typically, the tours suggest a hotel accommodation, which has its own swimming pool and a minimal set of entertainment. However, Kerkyra is a place for outdoor activities. First you need to visit the capital of the island, which is called small Italy. Orthodox tourists will be interested in numerous ancient monasteries and churches. On the beaches of the island you can do diving and snorkelling. A large water park is open for children here.

City of Corfu (Greece)

Kerkira is not only the Greek name of the island, but also the name of its capital. The ancient city itself is the main attraction of Corfu. Its construction began during the late Middle Ages, when the region belonged to Venice. Therefore, the old part of the capital is so much like the Italian cities. Along narrow and winding streets small houses with low balconies are built, which are abundantly decorated with flowers and entwined with a vine. On the waterfront there is a majestic palace surrounded by fountains and a park. In the central part of the city is the monastery of Vlaherna, which the Greeks consider the guardian angel to be Kerkyra. The most ancient building on the island is the Kardaka temple, which was built about 2500 years ago in honor of Poseidon. According to legend, it was this god who created Corfu.

The historical center of the city is a labyrinth of winding streets paved with cobblestone. As a rule, they all lead to significant sights of the city. Tourists should see the fortresses of Paleo and Neo Furio, the Palace of Saints Michael and George, the Rotunda of Maitland, the statue of Georgios Feotokis. Many museums will also like the connoisseurs of history and art. So, in the city there are Byzantine, Asian, Serbian, Numismatic and Archaeological museums.

Kerkyra (Greece) is suitable for beach holidays. In the city there is a well-equipped coast, where you can not only swim in the sea, but also go diving, go water skiing, catamaran or motor boat.

St. Spyridon's Cathedral

The cathedral is located in the center of Corfu. Its construction was completed in 1590. The temple was consecrated in honor of St. Spyridon of Trimphund, who is considered the patron of the whole island. The cathedral stores his relics, which are one of the main Orthodox shrines not only of Corfu, but of all Greece. According to the believers, they have miraculous powers and are able to heal from disease. A huge number of Orthodox come here from all over the country, so huge queues are built daily before the relics.

The Cathedral of St. Spiridon has a rich interior and exterior decoration. It is known that the money for its construction and repair was donated not only by the Orthodox, but also by Catholics. So, for the needs of the temple sent money, even the Russian Empress Catherine II.

Like the rest of Corfu (Greece), the temple is built in the Venetian style and is very different from traditional Orthodox churches. The cathedral can be visited any day. Typically, the morning service starts here at 08:30 and ends around 10:00. At the same time, holy relics are opened for visitors. In the afternoon the cathedral is visited by numerous tourists and pilgrims, for whom excursions are arranged. Visit the evening service at 19:00.

The fortress of Angelokastro

The island of Corfu (Kerkyra, Greece) often suffered from attacks by Turks and Italians. The ancient fortress of Angelokastro, located on the coast of the island, was built by the Byzantines in the late 13th century. For a long time she defended the inhabitants of Corfu from enemy invaders. At the peak of her power, a garrison of 4,000 men could be stationed in it. Recent excavations have found here the Christian vaults of the 5th century and large tanks for storing water. Today the fortress, built on a high hill, is visited not only by amateurs of history, but also by connoisseurs of panoramic views. From the top of Angelokastro you can admire the seascapes or see the entire island from a bird's eye view.

Now the fortress is in a dilapidated state, but it is gradually restored and archaeological excavations are carried out. Tourists can visit the ruins themselves or as part of excursion groups. The ticket price for both children and adults is 3 euros. The castle is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday from 08:00 until 15:00. The day off is Monday.

Achillion Palace

In the XIX century, Greece, Corfu, whose photo can be seen in this article, has become the main residence of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth. After the suicide of her son, she lived here her years. The palace was built in 1890 in the Pompeian style, and the main theme of its design was the hero of the Iliad Achilles. The building stands on a high slope surrounded by lush gardens and is considered a favorite destination for visitors. First, the building itself is considered a unique palace complex not only in Greece, but throughout Europe. Secondly, it offers a wonderful view of the greater part of the island of Corfu. The entire territory of the palace is decorated with numerous antique busts and sculptures, carved furniture and exquisite paintings.

After the death of Elizabeth, the palace served as the spring residence of the German kaiser for a long time, and was later given to the casino. Now Achillion is open for tourists. It is located 10 km from the capital, you can reach it by bus. The cost of the visit is 10 euros. On weekdays the palace is open from 08:00 until 19:00. At the weekend the complex closes at 14:30.

Beach of Peroulades

Kerkyra (Greece), whose attractions are described in this article, is famous not only for its historical, but also for its natural monuments. One of them was the rocky beach of Perulades, which is located 10 km from the coast of Sidari. True, to sunbathe and swim in the sea here is unlikely to work. A small section of the beach is surrounded by layered rocks, whose height reaches 100 meters. Down the stairs down to the sea can only be during a short outflow. Most tourists come here in the evening to admire the sunset.

On the cliff there is a cozy tavern, where you can not only have dinner, but also rent a room for several days. The road from Kerkyra takes about 1 hour. Buses do not go here, so it's best to get to the coast on your own car.

The blue lagoon (the island of Corfu, Greece)

To reach the Blue Lagoon, located next to the marine caves Murtos, you can only on a watercraft. As a rule, tourists buy a full-fledged sea cruise, which includes a trip to the entire western coast of Corfu. A sightseeing tour along the coast leaves the city of Corfu (Greece) and lasts all day, food and drinks will be included in the ticket price. For almost an hour, the boat stops at the unusually beautiful Blue Lagoon Bay, where the film of the same name was shot. Travelers can swim in the cleanest waters of the bay or go diving and snorkeling.

Old fortress

Creation of another fortress of Corfu (Greece) owes a Venetian architect. According to their idea, it was to become an impregnable place, so the cape on which it was erected was separated from Corfu by a deep moat. To reach the island could only be on a narrow bridge, which has survived to our days. Now it is called the "bridge of suicides". A few years after the construction, the fortress fell into desolation. From it remained only a few bastions and numerous ruins. Sometimes music concerts are held here, and in the dark there are light shows. Because of the hot weather, tourists often walk around the territory in the early morning or late evening.

Reviews of tourists about holidays in Kerkyra

An excellent place for a quiet holiday will be Greece. Kerkyra, whose hotels differ in their price variety, also appealed to tourists. In their reviews they describe the beauty of local flora and fauna, a large number of historical attractions, a clean coast and the sea. Travelers note that the island is not suitable for lovers of lazy rest. Corfu needs to be investigated, not just lying on the beach. Also, tourists liked the mentality of the local population. The owners of shops and taverns are always friendly and smiling, and for their regular customers they make good discounts.

The only drawback of Kerkyra is the lack of a developed network of bus routes. Going on a trip around the island, you must necessarily rent a car for travel. Otherwise, it will be problematic to visit many sights.

Draw conclusions

Tourists like Greece. Corfu (Kerkyra) is visited annually by thousands of tourists who support the economy of the city. The trip here should be organized by active people who like to visit historical sights, learn the culture and traditions of the host country. On the island for you there are budget, and respectable hotels and restaurants.