| Corfu |
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Corfu Encompassing a breathtaking swath of coastline as well as the northernmost of the Ionian Islands in Greece, Corfu suits all type of vacationers – ranging from Europeans dashing away for a romantic weekend getaway or fun-loving globe trotters here for the pristine, secluded beaches, ancient ruins, charming cities and strikingly green countryside.
The Old City of Corfu was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a charming maze of colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. Stroll about the town and feel the gentle, warm breezes of the Mediterranean caress your face. Never has sightseeing been so relaxing and carefree than in the coastal, cosmopolitan luxury of this quaint, historical town. Peer over onto the impressive Albanian countryside atop the Paleo Frourio, or “Old Fort”, which has a fascinating history as a front line in the religious wars between Venice and Turkey during the 1500’s. After soaking in the gorgeous views, you’ll want to relax – that is the true spirit of the city. The Venetian Well, while a bit of a splash, is a delightful restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine, a great place to meet other lovers of Greece, as well as the elegant locals.
An even more secluded and delightful city is Kassiopi, which has a strong Roman presence in its past and is said to have been frequented by emperors and poets, including the great Cicero, back in the day. If you’re really into viewing some of the extensive Greek excavations check out the Archaeological Museum back in the main city of Corfu, on the Armeni-Vraila plaza, for a glimpse of the Gorgon Medusa. Don’t worry, however; this serpent haired statue is just a statue, so you can take a nice long look at it without being made a statue yourself. While not exactly regional, a sense of the historic, cosmopolitan opulence of Corfu can be found at the Asian Art Museum.
The natural beauty of Corfu can be found cycling through the emerald, slightly humid countryside, talking to locals and buying artisan meads and home made goat cheeses, ripe olives delicious regional wines from the locals. On the coast, Mirtiotissa Beach, a secluded, romantic powdery sand wonder. You may want to arrange babysitting for the kids before enjoying and all-afternoon, romantic picnic here. For the whole family, water sports are abundant and include snorkeling, swimming, boating, windsurfing and fishing in select areas. On the beach, the Corfu resort has plenty of beach volleyball and tennis. As the sun sets, a raucous nightlife awaits visitors.
Apart from the resort, accommodations in Corfu are of great value, although somewhat limited so it’s important to book ahead, regardless of whether you plan to stay in a youth hostel, luxury hotel or rental apartment. |
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