Corfu Guide

A duney sandspit dividing the open sea from Korissíon lagoon, Halikounas is one of the wildest, most unspoilt beaches on Corfu, stretching 3km southeast to the little Venetian-dredged canal joining the lagoon to the Ionian. Halikounas is an alternative beach destination for naturists (clothing is optional once well away from the northeast end), birdwatchers (Lake Korissíon is a rare avian ecosystem) and kitesurfers as well as for any typical visitor.

Maybe the most famous landmark of Corfu, along with Pontikonissi, particularly among Greeks. Paleokastritsa itself is a rocky, densely wooded land around of which nestles a variety of different beaches and coves. Each beach offers different facilities, varying from diving schools to boat hiring or boat trips to many hidden small beaches, otherwise inaccessible. Most of the trips depart from the harbour of Alipa, an ex-NATOic navy base. The buildings that are scattered on the hillsides are a mixture of rooms for rent and small hotels, almost each one with a path down to the beach. Perched on a rock above the main beach is Paleokastritsa Monastery, founded in the early 13th century, which opens 7am-1pm and 3-8pm from April to October. Inside the gate is a lovely courtyard filled with plants, and a small, intricately decorated orthodox church.

In a 45-minute drive from Corfu town, Sidari resort welcomes its visitors. One of the most photographed summer spots of Corfu and one of the most traditional tourist destinations, outside Corfu town. Since the local infrastructure efficiently supports mass tourism for three decades, one may find anything that falls in the category of summer leisure. The landscape of this lively place is uniquely characterized by a coastline of softly eroded clay rocks that shape a scenery of unrivalled beauty, consisting of many swimmable coves. By far the most famous part of it is Canal d’ Amour (Channel of Love). Rumor has it that if one manages to swim along it will soon meet the love of his/her life (provided he/she hasn’t already found it)! Moreover, in a few minutes drive, the visitor can reach the breathtaking Sunset beach (Logas), in the nearby village of Peroulades, where probably the most idyllic sunset of the Ionian Sea can be enjoyed. Last but not least, excursions to the overseas islands of Mathraki, Othoni (the farthest point of the Northwestern Greece) and Erikousa are scheduled daily.

The resort of Barbati lies on the north-east coast of the island, about 18 kilometres to the north of Corfu Town. Barbati has a long beach of white pebble and shingle, as well as a very impressive mountain backdrop with Mt. Pantokrator rising up steeply behind the beach. The village itself lies on the main road that runs high above the beach. Different sections of the beach are accessible via plenty side streets that branch off the main road and run towards the coast. The bay is well sheltered from the summer winds (especially the northwestern “maistro”) and the water is clean and clear. There are a few beachside tavernas and bars and plenty of sunbeds along with other tourist facilities, such as boat hire and watersports.

The postcard view from Kanoni to Vlaherena islet and Pontikonisi is clichéd, but still unmissable. The belvedere, once defended by a canon (thus the name), now includes two cafés. Vlaherena, tethered to the main island with a causeway, is completely covered by the Venetian-era white monastery of Panagia Vlahernon.
From the base of the jetty, excursion boats chug out to Pontikonísi (Mouse Island), home to dense stands of trees and a tiny Byzantine chapel, plus a seasonal caretaker with his cats. Along with several other islets around Corfu, this claims to be the petrified, ancient Phaecian ship, returning from ferrying Odysseus home to Ithaca, so rendered by Poseidon in revenge for Odysseus’ blinding of his son Polyphemos the Cyclops.
Either from a vantage point in a cafeteria up in Kanoni or from the cement walk-only bridge that drives across the Chalikiopoulos lagoon from Vlacherena to Perama area, one may enjoy the sensational audiovisual experience of airplane landing to Ioannis Kapodistrias airport from as close as a mere spectator can get!

Corfu regal associations began with the Bavarian Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who chose the island and specifically the village of Gastouri (10 km southwest of the town of Corfu) as the location for a summer palace in the late 19th century. She had the Palace (prior named as Villa Vraila) bought from a Corfiot diplomat and philosopher, Petros Armenis Vrailas, but after Sissy (Elisabeth) died, it was sold to the King of Prussia, Kaiser Wilhelm II, who visited it regularly until the First World War.
On the grounds of the Palace the grand and imposing statue of Victorious Achilles dominates the surroundings, except for his alter ego, the statue of Dying Achilles! Of course, there is undoubtedly so much more to see in this luxurious Palace, now operating as a museum. From the lush and eye-soothing royal gardens, rife with sculptural excellence to the perfectly retained interiors which sets you back in the luxuriant past of the Prussian royalty. Open 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm.

Paxi, a paradise of its own, takes great pride in the crystal clear waters and the folklore image of its few little villages that is successfully preserved through time and tourism. Since the last decade the fame of its incomparable beauty is well spread continent-wide and now regularly attracts the yacht-set of Europe and beyond. Antipaxi, the little brother of Paxi, is accessible only by boat trips from the port of Gaios, on Paxi. The islet has no permanent residents or residences to rent but has a permanent contestant for the title of the best beach in the world (Vutumi). Both islands can be visited by boat from the Port of Corfu Town, with daily trips from early morning till afternoon during summer period.