Korfu

Corfu - what a dream island. Along with Crete and Rhodes, Corfu is one of the most popular islands in Greece. Numerous holidaymakers come to this island year after year. A mild climate, an incredible amount of greenery, warm summers with lots of sunshine, beautiful beaches and bays as well as crystal clear water - do you need any more reasons to travel to Corfu?

Can you still remember that feeling? Grains of sand between your toes, the scent of sunscreen on your skin, salty seawater in the air: nice and relaxed, that's what a beach holiday must be like. And Corfu is a great place for that. Corfu lies to the west of the mainland - where Greece borders Albania. The island is the seventh largest in the country and is considered one of the most popular. Besides beautiful beaches, however, there is much more to discover. That's why it makes sense to organise a rental car or you can travel by your own car, which is not even that complicated. There are daily ferries from Ancona in Italy to Igoumenitsa, where only a short ferry crossing separates you from Corfu Town. A permanent place to stay is recommended, be it a nice hotel or cosy bungalow by the sea, from where you can discover the island.

Already upon arrival, Corfu shows a clearly different face than one is used to from other Greek islands. Corfu is green! It smells of cypresses, pine trees, orange and lemon trees. A special feature: you can find over twenty species of orchids on Corfu! Thanks to its microclimate, an estimated 4 million olive trees grow on Corfu. More than half of the island's surface is said to be covered with olive groves. Olives were brought to the Corfiots in the 16th century by the Venetians, who guided the island's fortunes for almost 400 years as a colonial power. The Venetians also left their unmistakable mark on architecture and Corfiot cuisine. It is thanks to them that Corfu, unlike the other Greek islands, never fell under Turkish rule. The oriental touch that is otherwise common in Greece is simply not present here. This is another thing that makes the island and the town of Corfu so surprisingly different.

Corfu Town is definitely worth a visit. Start your walk on the waterfront promenade with a view of the old fortress, one of the five Venetian castles on Corfu. Continue across the green area of Spianada. If you are lucky, you can observe the Corfiots doing something completely un-Greek here. One legacy of the British protectorate in the 19th century is cricket. And so it is not surprising that the Greek national cricket team is based in Corfu. No sooner have you crossed the square and left the bit of England behind you than France greets you. The brief period of French rule over Corfu at the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 19th century has also left unmistakable traces. Liston is the name of the row of houses that bears the signature of the French engineer Mattie de Lesseps and gives Corfu a little touch of Paris. Cosy cafés under the archways entice tourists and locals to linger over a Greek coffee and other delicacies. Kumquat ice cream, for example. Asians brought this plant to Corfu and since then, kumquat jam and sweet pickled kumquat fruits are among the specialities of Corfiot cuisine. They can even be found in Greek salads in Corfu.

Be sure to take a look at the small church of Agios Ioannis, the oldest church in the city, dating from 1480. Father Provatas is happy to open his doors and willingly show you the treasures inside. The Casa Parlante museum on Nikiforou Theotoki Street is an entertaining journey back in time to the 19th century. The count and countess open their study and private rooms to the curious visitor. In the salon, visitors are served traditional roasted almonds and rose liqueur. Let yourself drift in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taste Corfiot delicacies in one of the many small shops and enjoy the surprising mix of Italian and Greek cuisine in one of the tavernas. Pastitsada, a local dish of braised beef with tomatoes and spaghetti, is particularly tasty. A hint of cinnamon tickles the palate and adds that Greek touch.

By the way: Empress Sissi of Austria was a huge Corfu fan and had her own palace built in the village of Gastouri, about ten kilometres southwest of the island's capital Kerkyra, which was completed in 1891. Sissi named it "Achilleion" and furnished it with works of art from Greek mythology. Nine years after her death, Kaiser Wilhelm II bought the palace. Today the magnificent building is open to the public as a museum. And even more celebrities once stopped off in Corfu. In 1980/81, the island was the location for the film "On a Deadly Mission", in which Roger Moore plays James Bond, the world's most famous agent. The picturesque bays, steep rocky coasts and winding roads provided perfect backdrops for thrilling chase scenes and action-packed stunts. Although she has long since lost track of it, Sissi also had a share in the flick, as 007 also paid a visit to the garden of her palace.

Did you know: Many men on Corfu are called Spyros. This is short for Spyridon, the patron saint of the island, after whom they were named. His bones are kept in a shrine in the church of St. Spyridon in Kerkyra. On special holidays, his relics are displayed and worshipped by the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church. This is also the case on Easter, which is celebrated on a grand scale in Corfu. The Corfiots celebrate the resurrection of Christ with a special custom. On Holy Saturday at 11 am, the Greeks in Kerkyra throw clay jugs filled with water out of the windows and from the balconies. The shards are supposed to bring good luck.

And then there are the countless beaches on Corfu. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach day, more action on the beach or paradise bays, there is something for everyone on Corfu. Dassia Beach is on the east coast of the island and Barbati Beach is a little further north. Both have crystal-clear water and a beautiful pebble beach. The latter is a little off the road and is therefore perfect for relaxing days by the sea. More action awaits you at Kavos Beach. No wonder, because there are countless bars, clubs and tavernas in the immediate vicinity. Accordingly, you will meet many party-hungry guests here. Or would you prefer something more romantic? The name of this beach alone indicates its potential. Canal d'Amour Beach, which is one of the most famous and impressive beaches on Corfu, scores with bizarre rock and sandstone formations that form a narrow channel inland. Close to this beach you can also experience the perfect sunset with a glass of Greek wine in your hand. At the 7thHeaven Café in the small village of Peroulades, you will literally feel in seventh heaven.