By Stefanie Michaels
Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located just off the coast of mainland Greece, its known for its beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, fresh seafood, warm and friendly locals and ancient history.
Their currency is the Euro and most locals speak Greek.There are about four thousand Olive trees, which produce three percent of the world`s olive oil.
Pastitsada is the most famous dish of the island! Pastitsada is the way meat is cooked, using the local olive oil, spices, onion, garlic and red wine.
Here are eight ideas for things to do on the island:
- Visit the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its narrow streets, charming squares, and Venetian-style buildings.
- Relax on one of Corfu’s many beautiful beaches, such as Glyfada Beach or Agios Georgios Beach. Some beaches are rocky, so it’s wise to bring water shoes.
- Visit the Achilleion, a palace built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the late 19th century. The palace, which features beautiful gardens and statues, offers breathtaking views of the sea.
- Go hiking on the Corfu Trail—a one hundred and thirty-six mile long hike, that covers most of the island. It starts in Kavos and ends at Saint Spiridon beach.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum of Corfu, which houses a collection of artifacts from the island’s long history, including ancient pottery and statues. It exhibits from excavated sites around the island, from places like Paleopolis, Kanoni, Garitsa and Kassiopi.
- Take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands, such as Paxos or Antipaxos, and explore their unspoiled beaches and charming villages. Ferries run regularly between Corfu old town and Paxos, particularly during summer. The trip takes 55 minutes.
- Try some of the local cuisine, which is influenced by both Greek and Italian flavors. Corfiot cuisine is known for its Mediterranean and Venetian influence. These two influences are melded into some of the most delicious dishes. Be sure to try the island’s famous olive oil and Corfu wine.
- Take a dive in the crystal clear waters of Corfu and discover the island’s vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and octopuses. Pavlopetri, the Peloponnese 5,000-year-old sunken city is for both divers and snorkelers. Pavlopetri, thrived for around 2,000 years before it was claimed by the sea, is one of Europe’s first ‘planned’ cities, with residential and commercial neighbourhoods.
