Make Your Next Vacation On The Greek Island Of Corfu

If you're planning your dream vacation or just a short jaunt, consider the Greek Island of Corfu as your final destination. It is a wonderful place for first time holidaymakers traveling to Greece. Shaped like a smaller version of Italy, the island curves toward the Epirus coast of mainland Greece.

Commonly referred to as a yachtsman's paradise, Corfu has much beauty and history to offer enthusiasts of many sorts. Historians are sure to appreciate the history of the island. Architects often marvel at the remains of Corcyra and many other structures on the island.

Music and Festivals

Four annual processions are held in homage to the patron Saint, Spyridon the Keeper of the City. These processions are very popular among locals and visitors alike.

Two are held on Easter and have become a part of an extensive calendar of religious and cultural activities. Another traditional ceremony, which includes the pot-throwing ceremony, is held on the morning of Easter Sunday.

St. Spyridon was given credit for the miracle of expelling the plague from Corfu in 1630, among many other miracles. The procession of St. Spyridon relic begins at eleven a.m. on Palm Sunday.

This procession is the longest and largest of all the Saint's processions. People gather for prayer on the rampart of Aghios Athanasios in the old fortress where the Saint turned the terrible disease away.

Many incredible sights and sounds are to be expected while you enjoy your holiday. Corfu was the capital city of a Venetian colony in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Ottoman rule introduced beautiful music including opera.

Sites and Attractions

Probably the most notable sight in town is the Old Fortress by the sea. This was once the sight of the Temple of Hera. The Archaeological Museum and the Roman sites in Corfu Town, Kanoni (Vlakerani) and Moose Island (Pontikoniss) are most visited.

Capture the beauty of the sea by boat. Local boatsmen offer tours to caves such as Blue Eye, or Nafsica. Enjoy the relaxing boat ride to exotic, beautifully excluded islands after visiting the caves.

The more adventurous traveler may enjoy the busy capital, Corfu Town; rich in Venetian architecture and legacies of British rule. It's still possible to find many places unchanged, untouched by the passage of time. The Greek island of Corfu has something to offer everyone: from the lively night life of Kos to excellent sandy beaches or rugged mountains.

Accommodations

Visitors accustomed to European hotel standards have no problem finding deluxe accommodations. You may find the prices a little higher than most of the other Greek islands. Not everyone appreciates the beauty of high-rise hotels. Go a little farther south and the coast life turns wild again, always able to match a visitors mood for civilization or great places for camping which is perfectly possible given the weather in Corfu during the summer months.

Food

The geography of Corfu is similar to the rest of Greece. Influences brought by the British, French and Italians shaped the culinary. It was a little later that Greeks from the mainland brought Turkish influences to their cooking, but this had no impact on the traditional cuisines.

Traditional cuisines rely on fresh vegetables and fruits. Dishes with olives, olive oil, and cheese are the basics on the menu. The combination of foods places great emphasis on seafood. These are the cooking methods that bring out the deliciously delightful taste of Corfu foods.

Travel

Most travelers charter flights from London and many other European cities; daily flights connect Corfu and Athens. The ferry from Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland operates daily. A boat service enables travel between the Ionian Islands; though this varies substantially based on the time of the year.

Renting a car allows you to travel all over the island with relative ease. Vehicle rental is popular, especially amongst families on holiday together. The road network is very good and greatly contributes to the ease of travel while enjoying independent travel.

Exotic Beauty

Enjoy the outdoors with blue skies and sea, a combination sparkling in the sun light. Listen to the waves while enjoying the spectacular view of white, yellow, purple and green wild flowers against white washed stone buildings and monasteries.

The setting sun and chilly air creeps in late in the evening. Take this time to visit the local coffee shops where you can enjoy hot Greek coffee and liqueur, while chatting with the locals. No holiday to Corfu would be complete without watching an incredibly beautiful and romantic sunset from the terrace of your hotel.

About the Author

There's some good family hotels in Corfu which yourcorfu.net review, and the same site also has a map of Corfu online.

Author (Osborne). Submitted on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 Time: 7:25 AM

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.