Corfu (Kerkirya), Greece
Located to the west of Albania 1 hr and across the sea 8
hours from the Port of Brindisi in Italy with the beautiful
waters of the Ionian sea as a back drop, Corfu is often said
to be the Paradise Island of Greece.
8-10 day sailing cruises often sail south and stop in the
ports of Sivota Parga Paxi Lefka Ithaca Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
No one has described this Island better than John Fort, the
then British Vice Consul who in 1963 described Corfu as having
exotic scenery, magical colours, flaming sunsets, romantic
moonlight , luxurious vegetation, a riot of radiant flowers
and colourful blooms, centuries old silver olive groves, glowing
oranges, scented lemons, rich pergolas, sleepy lagoons, forgotten
coves, bubbling springs, exciting caves, virgin beaches, golden
sands and pellucid turquoise emerald seas.
A succession of foreign rulers from Romans , Venetians, French
and British have ruled Corfu during the centuries as its location
guards important trading and sailing routes.
 Prince
Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh was born here, Nana Mouskouri
the famous Greek singer lives here as do many famous bankers
families and film stars who build their houses on the north
eastern beach and port areas just north of the popular and
famous Ipsos beach, known for its 2klm long white sandy beach
which is favoured for its water sports, day cruises to the
north of the island and to Albania..
The Venetian architecture in the old town of Corfu must be
seen together with the old Venetian Castle which was used
in the 1981 James Bond film, For your eyes only, staring Roger
Moore and the french actress Carole Bouguet. This action film
included a car chase down through one of the many olive groves
found all over the island. Old Corfu town is also famous for
its cafes, restaurants and flavorsome greek food.
Kaiser Wilhelm used to watch the sunset from the Achillion
Palace at Gastouri
which is a Corfu sight really worth visiting. Located about
10 klms from the old town this very luxurious villa built
for Elisabeth, the Empress of Austria (also known as princess
sissy) by the Italian architect Raffaele Carito in 1892 as
a holiday retreat, it was later bought by Kaiser Wilhelm 11
of Germany. Below it you can see the remains of the Kaisers
bridge and jetty from where he used to set out on sailing
and swimming trips.
The Island has some great beaches and villages to explore
in small rental cars.
Agios Stefanos' sandy beach is situated 35km northeast of
the Corfu Town, near the homonymous settlement. The beach
is considered as one of the best and safest beaches of the
island. The beach is organised and travellers can find umbrellas
and sun beds as well as sea sports facilities. By the sea
there are taverns where travellers may enjoy their meal.
Palaiokastritsa is a picturesque village situated 26km northwest
of Corfu Town. The area has six sandy and pebble beaches surrounded
by olive trees forests. The beaches are famous for their emerald
waters and the impressive surroundings. The village is one
of the most famous on the island and has many taverns overlooking
the bay where many travellers enjoy their lunch
Glyfada is situated in the western part of the island and
is one of the most popular beaches. It is a large sandy beach
with impressive rock formations in the sea and surrounded
by trees-covered cliffs. The beach has umbrellas and sun beds
and water sports facilities. Near the beach there is a large
range of hotels and apartments as well as shops and restaurants.
Air connections to Corfu are via Athens or Thessaloniki and
there are many sea connections from near by ports such as
Brindisi, Igoumenitsa, Patrai and Pireefs- Athens.
Corfu is one of those islands you will always want to return
to one day.
For
more details and information contact our experienced travel
agents:
293 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: 09 360 0443| E-mail
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