Corfu, the wooded isle of the Phaeacians, Odysseeus’ last stop
on his long journey home to Ithaca, is the best known of the
Ionian islands.
It owes its sophistication and charm to the meshing of the
different civilisations that have occupied the island and to the
natural beauty with which it is so abundantly endowed.
On this cosmopolitan island, you’ll be able to combine
relaxation with good times and a full nightlife, for Corfu is an
international tourist center, which can satisfy the demands of
the most difficult visitor.
The capital of the island is also called Corfu (Kerklra). It is
built on a promontory that projects into the sea and is
separated into a northern and a southern section. East of the
northern part lies the Old Fortress, cut off from the town by a
moat. For centuries all the popular of Corfu lived within this
citadel, which was founded by the Byzantines but greatly
expanded and strengthened by the Venetians.
The town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements,
left over from different civilisations. It presents an
enchanting picture with its broad streets and spacious squares,
the popular Spianada – the town “green” – contrasting with its
narrow back alleys paved with blocks of stone (known as “Kantounia”),
houses with a strong Italian influence, the famous Liston, a
French arcade, traditional Georgian mansions, a Byzantine
church, Venetian monuments, balconies with wrought.iron railings
and window grilles. |