Cheap Hotels Corfu
What to see by foot: Corfu
    
The capital, Corfu town (Kérkira), was renovated for an EU summit in 1994,
and is now one of the most elegant island capitals in Greece. As the island's
major port of entry by ferry or plane, the town is packed in summer.
Although many of its finest buildings were destroyed in WWII, some structures
remain intact, including: the city's two massive forts; the 16th century church
of Áyios Spyrídhon; and buildings dating from French and British
administrations. The centrepieces of the old town are the Liston (an elegant
arcaded row of cafés) and the great green of the adjacent Esplanade (Spianada).
Wandering around the old town is a pleasure. It boasts picturesque wide avenues,
large squares, cobbled alleyways, arches and colonnades. Noteworthy sights are:
the Archaeological Museum, which houses the pediment from the Temple of Artemis;
the Town Hall, a splendid example of Venetian architecture (built in 1663);
and the 12th century Byzantine Church of St Jason and Sosipater.
To the south of the capital lies the Kanoni peninsula, site of the Temple of
Artemis and the circular Tomb of Menecrates. Make your way to the edge and enjoy
a spectacular view of the two islands below: Vlacherna Island and the islet
of Pontikonissi. The former is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway
leading to a picturesque monastery.
From there, a boat goes to delightful Pontikonissi, the location of a 13th
century church. Nearby is the village of Gastouri and the site of the famous
Achilleion Palace, which was once the summer palace of the Empress Elisabeth
of Austria. The estate includes a museum, a casino, and some beautiful landscaped
gardens ideal for a romantic walk.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Beis Beach Hotel and Apartments | | Hellinis Hotel | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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