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Welcome to Corfu in the Ionian group of Greek Islands. Probably the most well known of the Ionian Islands, Corfu, the second largest and most verdant is also, reputedly, the most beautiful. It has the distinction of being the setting for Shakespeare's The Tempest. Kerkyra (Corfu Town) is the island's capital and reflects the mainly Venetian influence. It has a population of almost 40,000. The town also hosts what is probably Greece's only cricket ground ........ a reminder of Britain's 49 year rule in the early to mid 19th century. The town also has a number of museums, one dedicated to Asiatic Art and another to the Byzantine Era. From the town the visitor can go walking, sailing or just wander around before enjoying a drink at one of the many cafes and bars. Two brothers who spent many of their young and formative years living on the island, and whose names are well known from the latter part of the 20th century, are the Durrell brothers, Lawrence (the author) and Gerald (writer and wild life conservation authority). Much of the northerly coastline of Corfu is dedicated to the tourist but it is still possible to find unspoiled areas if the visitor ventures away from the more well known spots. Along this coast can be found the villages of Ipsos, Pyrgi, Nisaki, Kalami (the old home of the Durrell family), Kouloura, Kassiopi, Roda, Peroulades and Agios Stefanos. To reach the Mt. Pantokrator take the road from Pyrgi; visit the pretty village of Strinylas then continue climbing, through a bleak landscape, to the mountain's summit which rewards the visitor with its spectacular views. The Diaponda islands lie just off this northern coast and can be reached on day-trip excursions from Sidhari, although accommodation for longer stays is available. The three inhabited islands are: Ereikousa, Mathraki and Othoni. All are well worth a visit but Ereikousa is the closest and most popular. The south-eastern coastline of the island also attracts high numbers of tourists. The Kanoni peninsula, just to the south of Corfu town, was where Prince Philip was born at Mon Repos Villa. Not far away is the Ahillion Palace, the summer home of Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Both these sites are open to the public on most days. Also along this coast can be found the resorts of Benitses, Messonghi and Boukharis. The western side of the island offers some of the best beaches, like those at the popular resorts of Paleokastritsa and, further south, Ermones, Myrtiotissa, Glyfada and Agios Gordios. Inland, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you visit the villages of Lakones, Makrades and Krini, and the Kaiser's Lookout above the village of Pelekas. Also worth a visit are the Monastery of Theotokou, the Byzantine fortress of Angelokrastro and the Folk Museum of Central Corfu just outside Agios Gordios, at Sinarades. The island can be reached by air from Athens and Thessalonika. There are frequent domestic and international ferries from a number of ports on mainland Greece and from Italian ports. It is also possible to travel from Corfu to Athens (a journey which takes about 11 hours) or Thessaloniki by bus and ferry. Getting around on the island can be by bus or by hired vehicle or bike. |