Corfu is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea and is the second largest of the Ionian Islands. It is a popular vacation destination and international travelers have been coming to this island since the 1940’s and remains today one of the most popular Greek islands.
Tourism is an important economic factor to Corfu with agriculture taking an important second place. The rich soils and humid climate of the island allow for spectacular crops of fruits, spices, olives and wine. These fields and orchards dot the beautiful green landscape and the modern roadways allow for splendid self-guided tours of the island.
Corfu is also a popular destination for international stars as well as royalty. The Greek royal family would summer on this island and Elizabeth, an Austrian empress, had a palace on the island that today is a hotel and casino and open to the public.
With a long and illustrious history, Corfu has many fine examples of historic architecture and culture. From the Venetian citadel in the harbor to the British built Regency palace in the main town, there are plenty of well preserved statues, monuments and buildings for the historian.
The best way to experience Corfu is to visit the myriad villages and deserted beaches. The quaint fishing villages of Moraitika and Benitses offer a glimpse of traditional life and you can see all the way to Albania from Kassiopi. There are plenty of museums in these small towns, and the square of Spianada is an ideal place to enjoy a coffee or late afternoon cocktail. The most popular beach is called Paleocastritsa and it is also home to a 13th century monastery that houses the bones of a whale. The beaches of Sidari, Kavos and Ermones are also very pleasant.
Other activities on the island include golf, cricket, tennis, water sports, diving, biking, hiking and horseback riding. The Waterland waterpark in Gouvia is also a popular attraction for both the young and young at heart. Mandouki, also known as the Disco Strip, is a great place to find bars and discos and the larger towns and villages have wonderful restaurants.
The old town of Corfu is a fascinating town to explore. The town’s roads are paved with cobblestones and are a narrow and twisting to accommodate new growth, but they are clean and colorful and perfect for exploring on foot. Dotted with boutiques and tiny cafés, this town is the epitome of Greek island life.
The island’s north east coast has been developed primarily for tourist use and here one can find large holiday villas and hotel resorts. Many large resorts have also taken root on the eastern coast, but the southern resort area of Kavos is also popular with tourists.
Corfu is a majestic island that provides families, honeymooners and just about anybody a fantastic destination to enjoy a holiday. From the historical ambiance to the modern accommodations and facilities on the north and eastern coasts, Corfu is an ideal location for a vacation.
