Corfu town and the south of the island
Corfu town-Throughout history, Corfu has been under the influence of many well documented occupation forces, be it the Romans, the Venetians, the French for the Germans. Many of these just stayed for a matter of a few years. The English made it a protectorate in 1815 and developed the health system and the water works so it could be argued that they are responsible ridiculously narrow gauge sewers installed throughout much of Greece. It was a positive period, however and many of the more interesting buildings which can be seen in the town were built during this period.
Corfu town, on a first visit can be a confusing maze of streets, many of which are one way. For the casual visitor though, the old town area is the place to head for. Set between the airport and the old port, this part of town will offer more than enough to pass a few hours.
Spianda Square features elegant fountains and a band stand with walkways which lead down to Corfu’s very own cricket pitch where, if you’re lucky, you can catch a match during the summer months. To the East of the square is located the old Venetian fortress, accessible over a bridge from the main road. Some of the scenes from ‘The Durrell’ss’ were filmed around the ancient port at the base of the fortress. Heading south will take you along the promenade where you can take a break at the coffee house at the Windmill, before the road turns right towards the airport.
North of the Cricket pitch lies the elegant museum of Ancient Art, set next to the old stone archway which leads to the old port road. Taking a walk through the old town though will provide endless dining and shopping opportunities. Start at the North West corner of the Cricket pitch and work your way through the streets. All you’re shopping and souvenir need should be catered for amongst the streets and alleyways of the old town. Parking is usually possible around the square or down on the promenade if you’re prepared to walk a short distance.
Pontokonissi-Before heading for the South, one of the ‘must see’ sights is the view over Pontokonissi. One of the most photographed locations on Corfu. Vlacherna Mosestary sits at the end of its own walkway and has appeared on endless post cards and holiday guides. It’s also right at the end of the runway which makes an interesting picture from one of the coffee shops set on the hill overlooking it.
To get there, follow the signs to Kanoni. When on the peninsula, the one way system will take you past the Paleopolis ruins which are well worth a visit. Entrance is free and the ancient you’ll be able to see the ruined Era’s temple, a Venetian fountain and what remained today of the Doric Kardaki temple. Five minutes drive further up the road will take you to a parking area where there are a couple of cafes which over look the Monestary.
Accomodation idea-one of the most popular hotels on Corfu is the Corfu Palace. Located on the promenade just a short stroll from the main square, the Palace has a large poll with views of the old fortress and even has its own Casino. There’s more information on their website at www.corfupalace.com
Follow the road back along the one way system and look for the signs for the airport.
Driving back past the opposite end of the runway, you will need to keep the sea on your left and follow the signs for Lefkimi. A sharp left at the main junction will take you south or carry on and follow the signs for the Achillion
The Achillion & the South- Built for the Empress of Austria after a visit to the island in 1888, the Achillion features lavish gardens set in front of an impressive mansion built in the Pompeian style.
A tour of the house (one time home of Prince Phillip) and the gardens is recommended. After the visit, drive down to sea level where you’re be able to see the Kaiser bridge (now removed due to it’s low height I would suspect). The jetty stretches out in to the calm waters and is a very nice place to be as the sun goes down. If the house visit doesn’t appeal, just go left at the junction and you’ll come to the Kaiser bridge after a ten minute drive.
As you travel south, the road winds its way around Perama with hotels perched between the roadside and the cliffs. No real centre of town here until you pass through Benitsies. The town (although it’s hard to imagine now) was the centre for the 18-30 party set during the early 80’s. Benitsies has now reverted back to its former state being a pleasant enough village with a small beach and harbour.
Moratica and Messonghi-another 15 minutes will bring you to Moratica & Messonghi. Separated by a small river, the two former fishing villages have developed into pleasant resort which should cater for most tastes. Narrow roads meander down to the sea front where the beach varies in depth. Although the area is home to the sprawling Messonghi Beach hotel, there are many smaller hotels, some of which front onto the beach.
The pace of life is relaxed here with views over to Igumenitsa on the mainland with many of the boat trips offered locally being available directly on the river. Beach front tavernas specialize in locally caught fish, some looking out onto one of several wooden jetties’s which stretch out from the sandy beaches.
Accommodation idea-the Hotel Delfinia is located in a quite pert of Messonghi and front onto its own beach. Guests can relax either on the beach or in the extensive gardens where there’s a large pool. For more information, see their website at http://delfiniahotels.gr
South of Messonghi, the island curves around to the East and not a lot happens until you get down to Lefkimi, home to the Corfu’s second port, with ferry connections to the mainland. Beyond here, Kavos, Corfu’s party place sits at the most southerly tip of the island. In Kavos, the season is short with the resort not really opening properly until the June arrivals and packing up mid September when the 20 something’s have run out of party funds. There’s are some pleasant areas though and if staying in the area, I would suggest staying on the outskirts of town where it’s quieter although the more centrally located hotels will, of course offer better access.
Accommodation idea-Should you want to sample the bars and club of Kavos, the Olympian Hotel is located in a quiet area but close to the centre of the resort. It features a large pool with a pool side taverna and bar and has modern rooms with air con. For more information, go to http://www.thomascook.com
For a more peaceful experience though, head over the Lake Corison. Access is just east of the village of Chalikounas where the lake is signposted.
This vast, land locked lake sits on the south western side of the island and is separated from the sea by a strip of fine sand, narrow on the west side and widening out towards the east. Occasional beach bars will cater for your needs and it’s a great place to relax for a couple of hours.
The beach continues on towards Agios Geogios (to avoid confusion we will call this Ag Geogios south). The village is fairly spread out and relaxed with the main point of interest being the vast beach and dunes.
There are many hotel options here, one of the largest being the vast Aquis Sandy beach hotel, located close to the dunes. The coastline turns rockier in front of the village, with coves and a small fishing harbor before turning sandy again and continuing towards the southern end of the island.
Time to head back in a northerly direction now and on the way to our last stop we can stop at the ancient village of Sinerades. Located just east of Aghios Gordis, the village is off the main tourist track (which leads mainly to the nearby Corfu Water Park).
Find a parking place on the outskirts of town and take half an hour to walk the ancient streets and alleyways. There’s a folk museum here and you’ll be able to get some memorable photographs of the colorful houses and court-yards.
Located south east of Corfu town, Agios Gordios never fails to impress with the mountain top approach offering outstanding views over the beach and headland.
The approach to the village leads you down the hillside where the road gradually filters out after the village centre, which features a collection of supermarkets, gift shops and bars. There are turnings off this road which will lead off north and south into the village. There’s no beach front road here so you will have for find some parking in one of the car parks located behind the beach front hotels. A board walk provides access to the tavernas and bars which overlook the fine sand and excellent views of the tiny Tholeto Island which can be seen from all over the resort.
Accommodation idea-The Alexandria Natalia Apartments have spacious accommodation located on the road into the resort. The balconies have excellent views of the village below and there is use the pool across the road. For more information go to http://www.alexandra-natalia.com.
The tour should take you one-two days depending on how long you stay in any one place.
Enjoy!
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Copyright- Paul Walters 2016 no part of this transcript may be reproduced without permission
Hotel Delfinia, Moraitica
Apartotel Alexandria Natalia, Agios Gordis
The Olympian Village, Kavos
Aquis Capo di Corfu, Lefkimi