Without a doubt the best method to see Corfu is by vehicle. It is the largest and most northerly of the Greek Ionian Islands and is 60 km long with a maximum width of 30km. Mount Pantokrator is the highest point of Corfu at 906 metres and if you increase to its peak you can see the whole of the island. If you wish to actually see all the destinations it has to do with 4 days strong driving (despite the fact that you can cross from one side of the island to another in half an hour). Corfu has a network of small back road in the north so it is easy to get lost or drive constantly around missing all of the island's most attractive spots. I have actually for that reason created a couple of suggestions for mini-tours so that you can prepare days out throughout different stages of your holiday.
I have divided the outing in five sections: Corfu town and north, south, east and west of the Island and all the ranges presume a starting point of Corfu City centre. It is a simple island to drive around with great roadways, the only thing is that nobody appreciates traffic signs and you need to utilize your horn frequently.
It is best to pre-book a hire cars and truck to visit the island before you land at Corfu Airport. Not only will reserving early frequently protect you the very best deal, however it will save you time filling out paperwork when you arrive at Corfu Airport and will guarantee that you get the make and design of automobile that finest satisfies your requirements. Renting a car from the airport will likewise mean that you will not need to capture a bus or work with a taxi to reach your vacation destination.
1. CORFU TOWN
The old town (also called Campiello) with its maze of narrow streets was constructed by the Venetians in between 1550 and 1630.
The Spianada (Esplanade) is the main square which is among the most beautiful in Greece.
The Fortress of San Marco was built between 1576 and 1645. It played a pivotal role in safeguarding the town and these days it is the best lookout.
The island has 37 churches, and a check out to St Spyridon in Corfu is a should as it is the resting place of the island's tutelary saint. Numerous miracles are attributed to him, including expelling the plague and he is revered as the saint to direct travellers safely on their journeys. This could likewise discuss the fact why a lot of males on the island are called Spyros.
2. SOUTH EAST COAST
Drive for simply 4m from Corfu to Kanoni which is among the most stunning websites on the island with the Vlahernon Monastery built on a small island joined to the mainland by a centuries old promontory. It is extremely close is the lovely and famous Pontikonisi (Mouse island) with a 13th century church which you can reach by boat.
Gastouri is an 11km drive. This is where you will find the Palace Achillion which was integrated in the 1890's as a summer house for "Sissi" - Austria's Empress Elizabeth (King Otto of Greece was her uncle). The terraced gardens are quite beautiful and you can see a small collection of imperial mementos while taking pleasure in incredible views throughout the Corfu Channel to the range of mountains of Chimara. They shot a scene here with Roger Moore for the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only".
Benitses is a 13km drive and is a popular resort with a beach and many dining establishments, tavernas, bars and clubs guaranteeing a really dynamic night life. At the Shell Museum you can view corals, fossils, sharks teeth, crabs, lobsters, snakes, starfish and sponges. It is open every day from 10.00 am to 20.00 pm
Agios Ioannis is16km from Corfu, on the primary roadway to Glyfada and the website of Aqualand experience waterpark. It is a fantastic place for a household day out and is open from Might to October 7 days a week from 10.00 to 18.00
Mesongghi is a 22km drive and is gorgeous town close to the sea with Lake Korysion which is only significant lake on Corfu.
Kavos is a 49km drive down on the south eastern idea of Corfu. It is popular tourist village for young people with many bars and clubs plus a terrific beach. On your way down here make stop at Boukari for the very best fish on the island.
3. NORTH EAST COAST
Simply 9km north west of Corfu town are Kontokali and Gouvia villages which offer a big selection of dining establishments, tavernas, beaches, marine, bars, discos and so on. Dassia Town is a 13km drive with a beach surrounded by olive trees. Once again it has its share of bars discos and restaurants. Kassiopa is a 36km drive and is a captivating fishing town with a small marina.
4. NORTH WEST COAST
Sidari is 31km from Corfu and is traveler resort with some amazing beaches. The Canal of Love (Canal d`amour) is where you swim to find your partner in love. From Sidari you can take a boat to the three small islands of Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki.
Peroulades is a 35km drive. It is a handsome hillside town using some gorgeous natural environments and the most magnificent sundown of the island. Peroulades main beach is simply a narrow strip of sand below vertical cliffs that floods with waves at each passing boat and you can just get to it by climbing up down 66 steep and winding cement actions. The taverna above the beach provides spectacular sunset views and gives the location its alternative name https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/?search=Corfu of Sundown Beach
Agios (Saint) Stefanos is a little fishing village 37km NW From Corfu City (not to be confused with among the same name on the North East coast). Agios suggests Saint in Greek.
This quite little fishing village with sweeping hills at either side has become a preferred and elegant resort with many hotels and pricey villas for lease. The bay is very hectic during the day with lots of checking out traffic. The locals here are extremely inviting
You need a car to get here as the roads are narrow and it is a bit off the beaten track a little - hence it seems to escape the crowds. To arrive from Sidari, drive to Peroulades and as you leave sundown beach, turn ideal and follow the signposts to Avliotes. This road will take you to St Stefanos.
Magoulades is a 37km drive and is a conventional town established over 4000 years ago in between Sidari & Arillas. It has stunning views to the sea and is surrounded by banks of wild flowers and olive groves. You can go to the Monastery of Ipsili Theotokos positioned on top of the hill
5. WEST COAST
Head north from Corfu across the island for 26km to the western coast holidays in corfu island and Paleokastritsa which is an incredibly popular little village on rocks facing the sea. It has a number of excellent fish tavernas, restaurants, bars and shops. Go to the popular abbey of Panagia Paleokastritsa which was built in 1228 BC.
Then head south to Ermones which is 15km from Corfu and legend has it is the place where Odysseus fulfilled Nausica. You can check out the abbey of Mirtidion where evidence of Neolithic habitation has actually been found.
Drive another 5km south to Pelekas village which perches on the top of a hill with amazing view and unforgettable sundowns. Glyfada beach there is incredibly popular.
Another 5km approximately will get you to Aghios Gordio which stands high on a cliff at the foot of a remarkable series of coastal hills, steeped in the fragrance of pine and lemon groves, cypress and sage. The bay sweeps between 2 big headlands with a sand and pebble beach and clear, warm waters.