Corfu Island
The Island of Corfu
Corfu (Kerkyra) the second largest of Ionian Islands. It has 592 sq. km.and its 60 km long while its width varies between 4-30 km. It is one of the most beautiful and greenest Islands in Greece with total costline length of 217 km.
Corfu has rich multi-cultural heritage. Its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear blue seas, and its excellent weather all year round explains why Corfu is one of the most wanted Mediterranean destinations and puts a powerful spell on its visitors.
The Town of Corfu
Corfu Town is the capital of the Island and It is known for its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored Venetian architecture. To the west, the Venetian-built New Fortress has a network of tunnels underneath and views over the harbor. The 15th-century Old Fortress overlooks the town from the east and features a small chapel and mosaics. The Esplanade is a landscaped park near the water.
In 2007, the old town of the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The municipal unit of Corfu city has a land area of 41.905 km2 (16.180 sq mi) and a total population of 40.000 inhabitants while the whole island about 120.000.
There is promenade by the seashore towards the bay of Garitsa (Γαρίτσα), and also an esplanade between the town and the citadel called Liston (Λιστόν) where upscale restaurants and European style bistros abound. The origin of the name Liston has several explanations: many former Venetian cities have a square of that name, coming from a Venetian word meaning evening promenade, but it can also refer to the closed-list aspect of an up-scale area reserved to the nobility registered in the Libro d'Oro.
Beaches
The Grand Lady of the Ionian, has countless beaches of unbelievable beauty.
How many shades of blue are there? How many shades of blue are there? All you have to do is list them as you lay back on your sunbed and observe the waves breaking. Thirty beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag, adorning the 217km of Corfu’s coastline, set against a lush background of forest green. And there are many others, just as wonderful. Here are some of them to get you dreaming:
Myrtiotissa: Situated between Ermones and Glyfada, you’ll find the cape of Agios Georgios. On its southeastern side, the area of Myrtiotissa has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It has refreshing water, golden sand, a vibrant seabed perfect for snorkelling or scuba diving and a little freshwater stream that flows from the rocks into the sea.
Glyfada: Myrtiotissa’s neighbouring beach. It’s very busy and popular, with fine sand, surrounded by pine-studded hills, olive groves and villas. It is fully-equipped, including a space for beach volleyball. About 4km away, you’ll find the Corfu Golf Club and the Corfu Horse-Riding Club. Nearby is the well-known waterpark, Aqualand.