Architecture of hotels, villas and pensions has characteristics of neo-styles and
secession. Facades and ornaments on the buildings show the Mediterranean spirit.
Yacht charter Corfu – the key to your perfect sailing holiday. Find more about this destination: history, sights, climate, how to arrive info etc. Charter a sailingboat, motoryacht, catamaran or gulet and sail away... Corfu awaits you
Location and climate
Corfu is situated just off the West coast of Greece and is one of the
Ionian Islands set far most to the North. Many visitors are surprised
when they find out that the coast directly opposite Corfu is not
Greece, but Albania. Corfu and Albania are divided by a narrow
channel that is in some points less than 2km wide. Island has a mild
Mediterranean climate and spectacular beaches which makes it a
popular holiday destination. When compared to other Greek islands
it is evident that Corfu is far greener than the others: hot and dry
summers along with the winter rains create abundant vegetation
where the most dominating cultivar is olive, represented by 2 million
olive trees. Cultivation of olives has a long tradition and obviously it is
still an occupation of many islanders, but the majority of revenue in
Corfu is generated from tourism.
History and sights
Corfu’s past had been vivid. It is the place where Greek, Roman,
Venetian and French influences clashed over the years, and each of
the cultures has left its marks, including two well-preserved fortresses.
As it is the case with many Greek sites, there are several myths
and legends surrounding Corfu, which include: Hercules, Homer,
Odysseus and Jason with his Argonauts. It is worth of mentioning
that Corfu town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and this has
helped to protect and preserve the buildings and memorials on
Corfu. The architecture and the layout of the town is very interesting,
you can browse trough its maze of narrow streets, upon which stands
a 16th century fortress. Around almost every corner there is a chapel,
old mansion or secret garden square.
Today
Corfu today represents a mixture of cosmopolitan city and Greek
tradition. There are two vivid and lively resorts of Kassiopi and Ipsos,
the graceful Corfu town and villages treasuring the spirit of plentiful
Greek tradition. On the eastern coasts the sea is calm and numerous
marine sports are available. On the western coast sandy beaches
and fascinating bays shaped by rocky cliffs sloping down to the sea
interweave. You should not forget the essential part of any holiday
on Greek islands, with Corfu being no exception - the food and wine.
Tavernas (traditional Greek restaurants) in Corfu will cater to the
needs of even the pickiest gourmands. Food in Greece is fresh and
the splendour of its flavours will exalt you.
How to arrive?
By plane
Corfu’s International modern airport (Kapodistrias) is located on the
edge of Corfu (Kerkyra) town. During the summer months (May to
October) there are regular charter flights from most European countries
to Corfu. Domestic flights (from Athens) operate all year round.
(Remember when searching for flights that Corfu Airport is often
called ‘Kerkyra’ with flight code CFU.)
By car or bus
Many visitors simply drive to island Corfu. If you go for this option you
can catch a ferry directly to Corfu from the Italian or Greek mainland.
Travelling by car is not cheaper than flying, but it is definitely more
interesting! If you can, do not miss the opportunity to visit many
famous places.
By ship
Corfu’s port is at the edge of Corfu (Kerkyra) town. Ferries from Greek
mainland (Igumenitsa and Patra) operate on a regular basis as well
as ferries from Italy (Venice, Ancona and Brindisi). Corfu port is also a
popular stop for visiting cruise ships.