Corfu - Greece



CORFU
On the south-eastern extremity of Greece there is an island called Corfu. It is one of the Ionian Islands which capital city and the biggest town at the same time is Kerkira. Many European kings, for example Napoleon, Empress Sisi and Wilhelm II used to rest in this place and for that reason island was called ‘queen of the Ionian Islands’. Corfu is abounding with garish orange plantations, golden fields of corn, forests, olive groves and thanks to these olive groves it is believed to be the ‘green heart’ of Greece. You can’t be impassive about clarity of Ionian Sea which is sparkling with all blue and green tints. Unforgettable climate of Corfu makes island one of the most visited place in the whole world. Attracting attention landscapes of deserted churches and monasteries which are decorated with Byzantine frescos, narrow streets and innumerable monuments makes travel to Corfu unforgettable.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Many valuable monuments of different cultures and traditions confirm island’s attraction. Since the first settlement appeared on this ground, island was visited by many different nationalities: Slavs, French, Italian, British and German. Many monuments were gained in local museums for example in Kerkira there is an Archeological Museum where collection of ancient coins and the oldest finds from the whole island can be admired. The Museum of Notes ensure a possibility of watching a display of paper money of Greece and Corfu.

One of the most interesting nooks of this Island, among other things, is Gouvia Bay which is situated 4,35 miles north from city Corfu on the eastern coast of the island. On the glamorous gravel-sandy beach you can take some water sports such as: water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and pedal boats. To tourists’ disposal there is also diving center – Dive Med Center.

Another lovely place, which is worth recommending, is Paleokastritsa. Thanks to its location, landscape of this town is considered by experts to be the most beautiful in the whole Greece. This place is a paradise for amateurs of scuba diving, swimming and wandering. Small bays with turquoise water are offering a great climate for everybody. Monastery Angelokastro is worth visiting as well as ‘Belle Vista’ café from which there’s an outrageous vista.

ENTERTAINMENT
If you are looking for an active rest you can find on Corfu all that is needed to do sports on the land and on water. Court to play squash in Corcyra Beach, tennis courts in Acharavi Beach, Dapnila Bay, horse stud Traikriders in Ano Koriakina, golf course in Rapo valley, all of that is to your disposal.
People keen on water sports will be delighted because on Corfu are great conditions to sail, dive, windsurf, water ski and paraglide. You can also lend pedal boats and personal water crafts.
The best places to do sports are: Grecotel Daphnila Bay, Corcyra Beach, Grecotel Corfu Imperial, Ermones Beach, Kantokali Bay.
The most highly valued and the most beautiful beaches are: Almiros, Roda, Sidari – in north of the island, Agios Georgios – on northwestern coast, Pelekas, Myrtiotissa, Agios Ghordis – western part of the island and Barbati i Nissaki on the north.

PRACTICAL CLUES:
-Currency: euro
-export of work of arts (antiques and icons) is allowed only with an official permission.
-shops are open in week day from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm and from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. But on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays most of shops are close in the afternoon.
- all tourist information can be get in GNOT, phone number 06610 3 75 20 from Monday to Friday from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm