For a long time, Santorini has been the must-visit island in Greece for every avid traveler out there. Learning about Greek culture, trying their cuisine, experiencing their way of life, and enjoying the beauty of Greece are the things most people have come to expect from a visit to Santorini. Meanwhile, Corfu has become famous, or rather, infamous for other things- a lot of people consider it to be an island for partying and not much else. If you’ve heard about Kavos, you might think Corfu deserves its reputation. But don’t judge a whole island based on its least reputable part. Actually, Corfu has a lot to offer to its visitors, so read on and tell us if we have convinced you to give it a visit.
Corfu has a rich history you can explore
Corfu is an island with a rich history, which is best showcased by its beautiful capital of the same name. The island’s great location made it desirable to many empires throughout history. It had been a Corinthian colony, part of the Roman Republic, it was invaded many times, and finally, in 1864, it was attached to the Kingdom of Greece.The architecture of the picturesque town of Corfu, Kerkyra in Greek, was influenced by the different styles of its rulers, and it has a unique charm. It has gorgeous Venetian-style buildings that will make strolling around a true joy. Two forts in the town- Néo Froúrio and Paleó Froúrio – are also must-visits; in addition, they have a great view over the town and the surrounding area. Other than Kerkyra, you should also visit the ruins of the Roman Baths, the ancient site of Palaiopolis, the Temple of Artemis, and the Achilleion Palace.
Corfu’s cuisine is unique
Due to its rich and diverse history, Corfu cuisine has a lot more to offer than the rest of Greece. The food you can taste here is prepared with fresh, local ingredients, accompanied by some of the best wines and liquors you can imagine. Some of the most famous dishes you should try are Moussaka, a type of Greek casserole, Sofrito, and spicy fish stew. Those with a bit of a sweet tooth should try Baklava, Kataifi, and Greek spoon sweets. They all go great with traditional Greek coffee, but be prepared, it’s stronger than you’d expect.
Corfu’s hidden harbor is perfect for a quiet day
Thirty kilometers south of Corfu town there is a small fishing village by the name Kouloura. It is well sheltered and offers a feeling of total privacy. The village has a small pebble beach surrounded by a lush forest of cypress trees. You can lie on one of the many sunbeds or hide under a tree if you prefer. The clear, turquoise water is perfect for swimming and cooling down while on the beach. When you get hungry, you can take a stroll and check out the taverns nearby. In Kouloura you can enjoy the nature and the feel of an authentic Greek village.
Corfu has a plethora of hiking trails
Corfu is known as the Emerald Island of the Mediterranean. The long, sandy beaches are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Corfu’s natural beauty. This is a mountainous island covered by lush greenery. If you venture off the coast towards the central parts of the island, you will find yourself on some exciting trails. You can enjoy the green landscapes, the beautiful views of the surrounding sea, and you may even come across some hidden gems on your way. Old Perithia is one of those gems you ought to visit. It is the oldest village in Corfu, and hiking to it can be quite an adventure, since you can go there by yourself using a map you can buy on the island.
At Corfu, you can enjoy yourself like a Nymph
Nymphs are beautiful Greek mythological creatures. It is believed, that they used to gather at a Corfu village, near a waterfall with crystal clear water, where they loved to bathe. The waterfall is now known as the waterfall of Nymfes, and it is still as beautiful as ever. Take a dip and see if the Nymphs chose right to gather there.
Corfu is an island of culture, history, natural beauties, and fun activities for adventurous spirits. No matter how much you read about it, it is still bound to surprise you. So book that flight and get ready for an adventure!
