Corfu, known also as Kerkyra, is the northernmost and largest of the Ionian Islands in Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most popular Greek beach resorts and offers many kind of activity. Corfu has appr. 100, 000 residents

Corfu, known in modern Greek as Kerkira or Kerkyra, is the largest town on the island and its administrative center. This is where the airport is located and where most cruise ships and long distance ferries dock. Its Old Town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here buildings of the Venetian era are to be found. The old city’s architectural character is strongly influenced by the Venetian style, coming as it did under Venetian rule for a long period.

Beaches

• Sidari. Popular beach in the northern coast. Sandstone cliffs with narrow inlets.
• Barbati Beach. Decent all-family resort in the eastern side. There is tavernas and a gift shop on that mile long beautiful beach.
• Pelekas. One of the largest water parks in Europe and a golf course as well as the good and isolated beach.

Palace of St. Michael and St. George

This beatiful Regency-style palace is located in the Old Town of Corfu. It was built around 1819. It served as the High Commissioner’s residence, but was also the home of the Ionian Senate and the Order of St Michael and St George. Today the palace houses the Museum of Asian art depicting e.g. Tibetan temple art.

Benitses

This former fishing village in the eastern coast is part of the most traditional Corfu. Locating 12 kilometres from 12 kilometers from Corfu town,  it is an ideal place for enjoying the old Corfite village atmosphere. The coastal road of Benitses is full of hotels, restaurants and cafes.

Old Town of Corfu

The oldest part of the center of an island is astonishing with its Venetian architecture, narrow streets and the Esplanade. Here is also an old Venetian fortress build on the site of a Byzantine castle.

Shopping

• From Corfu Spirit, located in Acharavi, you can get local products such as oils, gifts, sweets and cosmetics.
• The Ionian Sea area is famous for its ceramic works. These are also sold in several souvenir shops of the city.
• From several shops can be found hand-woven carpets, tablecloths and napkins as well as skirts and blouses made of lace and cotton. Sweaters made on the Aegean Island are very popular among tourists.
• Skewers for souvlaki and Greek pastries are also good choices to bring home.
• Mezzo Mezzo is one of Greece´s leading fashion boutiques.
• Queen Accessories located in Roda, on the north side of the island, sells, for example, handmade rings and earrings.
• Paramythia is surely the right place for gourmet-lovers, because from there, you can buy traditional cheeses.
• Art of Olive Wood sells olive wood art made by Kostas Avlonitis.
• From Perdita´s Glass Art, located in San Stefanos (Agios Stefanos) you will find handmade stained glass, old pots and much more.
• Mundo Maya Ethnic Shop, located in Sidari, sells ethnic clothes and accessories.

Photos: With the CC licence / Tasoskessaris, Piotrus, Hombre, Cplakidas, Rachel Bickley