Holy places in Corfu by car. What to see on the island of Corfu: Old Town, Spianada Square, Palace of Saints George and Michael. Main tourist attractions

It can hold your inspiration for quite a long time, however, you can also get fed up with it. So, if you feel that the strings of your soul no longer sound the same, it’s time to go in search of new experiences. Fortunately, with interesting places Everything is fine in Kerkyra and outside the capital of the island.

No. 1 Pontikonisi or mouse island

History, if it has retained in its memory why Mouse Island is called that way, then, apparently, it hid this knowledge deeper than others. Much more often they remember another legend that Pontikonsi is supposedly the ship of Odysseus, turned into an island by the angry Poseidon. You are unlikely to find any mice or, especially, anything reminiscent of the cunning king of Ithaca on Pontikonisi, but what remains is a small church built by monks back in the 13th century.

Today Pontikonisi is one of the business cards island, and to make it even more impressive, it is photographed so that the frame also includes Blachernae Church. The latter is located on another small island connected to Corfu by a causeway. Must see #1 in our symbolic ranking of the best places outside the island's capital.

Mouse Island and Blachernae Church

No. 2 Achillion

Even if you are not a big fan of palaces, Achilleion is unlikely to leave you indifferent. Although many figures have left very conflicting memories about it, there is no doubt that this is one of the most stylized points of Kerkyra with a number of unique features. Firstly, this is the image of Achilles, to whom, in fact, the palace is dedicated - sculptural and artistic images of the hero are found everywhere on the territory of the complex. Secondly, there is an amazing man-made park, stunning with its grace and views of the coast. Finally, the connection of the Palace with the name of the Royal House of Habsburg, which in itself serves as a guarantor of impressions, because the building is made in the best traditions of the Austrian monarchs, who were prone to architectural delights.

Achilleion is surrounded by a stunningly beautiful park

No. 3 Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa is one of those places whose beauty cannot be expressed in words. And it’s not so easy to photograph a fairly large bay with a camera. Therefore, all that remains is to mark the place on the map, putting a large cross and taking its word for it. At one time, Sir Frederick Adam, the British High Commissioner, was so impressed by the beauty of Paleokastritsa that he ordered a separate road to be built here from the city of Corfu, which, having gone through a number of reconstructions, remains the best on the island to this day.

Paleokastritsa is one of the main natural pearls of the island

Beautiful bay with amazing clear water, surrounded by huge rocks covered with pine needles and cypress trees - Paleokastritsa leaves an indelible impression. What the Greeks did not do well with was transport - there could have been more buses connecting the resort with the city of Corfu. Grekoblog wrote more about the resort - we highly recommend it.

No. 4 Sidari

Situated in the north of the Island, Sidari is famous as one of the main resorts of northern Corfu. The popularity of Sidari was brought by its excellent beach and rocky outcrops weird shape. You can go here in a rented car to lie on the beach and dine at one of the many taverns. The sea in Sidari is shallow, and the water is much warmer than in Paleokastritsa.

As the sea recedes at Sidari, the narrow strip of sand beneath the cliffs becomes a beach

#5 Perulades

Another amazing place to Corfu, which, by the way, is located not far from Sidari. The place is famous for its huge cliffs of layered sandstone. Sometimes the water comes close to the rocks, leaving no place for swimming. But if you are lucky and the narrow strip of sandy beach turns out to be free from the power of the sea, then the time spent here will certainly be remembered for a long time. However, you can come to Perulades for another reason - to enjoy a stunningly beautiful sunset while drinking coffee on top of a huge cliff.

The island of Corfu is one of the pearls of Greece, attracting thousands of tourists and travelers not only with the picturesque beauty of its landscapes and warm mild climate, but also with its unique historical attractions.

Old and New Fortress in Kerkyra

Corfu is a unique museum of the Middle Ages under open air. What sights of Corfu are worth seeing when going on this trip? amazing island? Here you can spend hours wandering through the narrow winding streets lined with old stone slabs, studying ancient architecture archaeological sites, squares, churches and museums, combining elements of different cultures.

Ruins of the Old Fortress, built by the Venetians, are located on a cape, which is separated from the island by the Contra-Fossa canal, and can be crossed by a drawbridge. Having reached the top point of the fortress, you can see the magnificent panorama of Kerkyra and picturesque views east coast islands.

IN summer season The fortress hosts festive events - light and sound shows and Ionian folk dances.

New fortress also represents a unique architectural and historical monument, which was one of the important defensive structures of the island's capital.

The fortress contains two large bastions, and the walls in two rows are connected by a labyrinth of passages and corridors.

The famous images of the winged lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice, arouse curiosity and interest among visitors. From the top of the fortress there is a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the city panorama.

The local authorities organize cultural events, concerts and exhibitions of sculpture and painting in the fortress building, which can also be visited.

Mount Pantocrator

Mount Pantokrator is considered the highest mountain peak islands, rising in the northeast and reaching a height of 906m. Way to mountain peak leads along a winding narrow serpentine road. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy the colorful natural landscapes and take in not only the entire island, but also Albania, and in cloudless, clear weather you can see Italy, 130 km away.

Here tourists can relax in a cafe and see the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, built on the site of a once-existing monastery.

Paxos Island

A visit to this charming little island (the smallest of the Ionian Islands), lying south of Corfu, will leave no one indifferent.

Covered in lush green vegetation (the island is home to over 300,000 olive trees), the island is notable for its natural beauty and diving sites.

Although not on the island good beaches, but there are many moorings for yachts.

And, it should be noted that in the summer season it is problematic to get to the island; a lot of tourists come to Paxos and holidays here are very expensive.

In the southern part of this island is sea cave Yapapanti is one of the wonders created by nature itself.

Family Vacations in Greece - a great gift for both adults and children. Fabulous Mediterranean climate, clean sandy beaches, comfortable hotels and boarding houses – perfect place for holidays with children. Read the article about. This information will be useful in order to properly organize a family vacation.

Kanoni

This place is famous for its uniqueness and is one of the most famous attractions of Kerkyra, located in the southern part of the city. Surrounded by cypress trees and orange groves, Kanoni is incredibly beautiful at any time of the day.

Once here, you can visit Botanical Garden And windmill- a striking architectural monument in the Byzantine style of the 12th century.

Mouse Island

This island got this unusual name for the resemblance of the white staircase to the tail of a mouse, leading to the ancient monastery of Pantokrator.

This is one of the most popular places on the island of Corfu, from which a majestic panorama of the surrounding area and the sea opens. There is a legend that says that the island was the ship of Odysseus, which an angry Poseidon turned into stone.

Achilleion Palace

Magnificent palace, which belonged to the Austrian Empress Elizabeth and was built in the architectural traditions of the Italian Renaissance. After the death of Elizabeth, the palace became the property of the German Emperor Wilhelm II.

The palace is surrounded by a huge park overlooking the picturesque surroundings and decorated with beautiful statues, the most famous of which is dying Achilles. In the palace apartments you can see interior items, as well as preserved furniture from the previous owners of the luxurious building.

Kaiser's throne

One of the best viewing points on the island of Corfu with impressive panoramic view, which will open before your eyes a panoramic view of the sprawling sea and Mount Pantokrator.

This place was once a favorite of Kaiser Wilhelm, from the height of which he surveyed the surrounding area.

Sea Shell Museum in Benitses

This private museum, located in the village of Benitses, was created by a diver and collector who collected during dives in the Indian and Pacific Ocean a unique collection of shells - one of the most complete and largest in Europe.

Exhibits include a variety of corals, stuffed fish, lobsters, crabs, snakes and sea urchins. The cost of the most valuable and expensive shells reaches 22 thousand US dollars.

Canal di Amur

The channel of all lovers, a place covered with romance. According to legend, people who bathe in it will soon find a loved one or make peace with loved ones with whom they had a quarrel.

You will also have the opportunity to experience the effects of healing mud, which relieves hundreds of ailments according to local superstition.

Fortress of Angels or Byzantine fortress of Angelokastro

This preserved architectural monument is worth a visit while exploring Corfu. The ruins of a fortress built in the 13th century, located on the slope of an inaccessible cliff, are a majestic stone structure that once served as an important defensive facility.

At the top is located Chapel of the Archangel Michael and Gabriel with seven rock tombs carved in front of it. In one of the cave grottoes there is another chapel, which is also an example of the rich architectural heritage of the island.

Paleokastritsa - located north of the capital Corfu Island and is also one of the most popular holiday destinations.

The nature of these places amazes with its wild, pristine beauty. Sir Frederick Adam, the British High Commissioner, once ordered the construction of a road connecting the resort with the capital of the island.

The resort and bays are surrounded by dense greenery rocky mountains. At the top of the highest of them stands the monastery of Zoodokhu Pigis (13th century), dedicated to the Mother of God.

There is an active church and museum on the territory.

Climbing up observation deck"Bella Vista", you can admire an unforgettable view of everything West Coast, almost from a bird's eye view.

The resort is suitable for family vacation and for holidays with children. The sea here is shallow, so parents do not have to worry about their kids, and children can safely play and splash in the shallow water.

Snow-white velvet beaches are equipped with everything necessary for a “lying” holiday. Lovers active rest They can ride catamarans, water ski, wind surf, play tennis or beach volleyball. Fans of diving will enjoy diving into the undersea world local bays.

Achilleion Palace

This majestic palace is located 20 km from the city of Kerkhira. The building, designed in the style of Platonic Romanticism, was built by the Italian architect Raphael Carita especially for Empress Elizabeth of Austria and was supposed to be “worthy of Achilles.”

Visitors to the palace always admired the elegance of its forms, designer inlaid furniture, and the magnificent Imperial Gardens, which offered beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and the Ionian Sea. In the center of the garden there is a statue of the deathly early Achilles, depicted without pathos or unnecessary arrogance. The author of the statue, a German sculptor, tried to simultaneously show him not only as a hero of myth, but also as an ordinary person.

In another part of the palace, near the main staircase, there is a large painting that depicts Achilles in a completely different way. Here he appears as the hero of a legendary myth: royal robes, military regalia and the defeated enemy Hector against the backdrop of an astonished audience.

Unfortunately, in 1898, Empress Elisabeth of Austria (or Sisi) was assassinated by an anarchist and after her death this luxurious palace was sold to the German Kaiser Wilhem II. Subsequently, this building began to house a museum where you can see many masterpieces of art, personal belongings of the Empress and the Kaiser.

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Paleokastritsa Monastery

The Paleokastritsa Monastery is located in the area of the same name in the west of Corfu.

The monastery is dedicated to the Mother of God, Greek name sounds like Moni Teotoku. Our modern buildings date back to the 17th century. new monastery was erected on the site of a monastery built in the 13th century. On the territory of the monastery there is an arched courtyard and small museum Byzantine icons and icons of a later era. The interior of the monastery is the standard of classical monastic architecture. From the top of the monastery walls opens beautiful views to the islands, one of which, according to legend, may be the "Ship of Odysseus". The monastery has a pleasant atmosphere of calm and comfort.

The Paleokastritsa area itself is considered the most beautiful on the island; it is very popular among tourists, who often visit the monastery.

Mount Pantocrator is the most high mountain on the island of Corfu.

Its height reaches 906 meters above sea level. It is located in the northeastern part of the island.

There is a monastery at the top of the mountain. The first monastery was built on the same site back in 1347, but, unfortunately, it was destroyed in the first half of the 16th century. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, which has survived to this day, was built in 1689.

You can get to the monastery either by car or by hiking. The climb is quite difficult and long, so you should weigh everything carefully before setting off. You won't regret it if you go on foot. Beautiful nature and fresh air contribute to a great mood. The picturesque view from the top of the mountain will amaze you and give you many magnificent photographs.

In clear weather, from the top of the mountain you can see not only the distant Greek islands, but also the territory of neighboring Albania and even Italian lands.

At the top there is also a telecommunications station and a cafe where you can have lunch and relax after the climb.

Old Port

Benitses is an old fishing village located 12 kilometers from Corfu town, the capital of the island of the same name. If you move from Corfu around the island to south direction, then this will be the first resort area, which has recently become very popular among vacationers.

Previously, this area was called “Pinisse” (from the ancient Greek word “pinio” - river). The waters of the springs flowing from the Agi Deka and Stavros mountains form two small rivers, hence the name of the village. Until the mid-70s, the village lived a quiet provincial life. Fishing was the main occupation of the local men. The pier of the Old Port saw off and greeted fishermen with their catch every morning. They came to the port local residents and owners of nearby eateries to buy fresh fish. Fishing boats quietly rocked on the waves at the pier of the Old Port, and it seemed that it would always be like this.

However, with the development of the tourism business, the life of the local population has changed dramatically. The patriarchal structure was suddenly disrupted by the noise of night discos and beach parties. I didn't like it to the local population, and young people eventually stopped coming here on vacation. Despite this, Benitses still remained popular resort, but today it has a calm, almost family atmosphere. And in the Old Port, pleasure boats appeared next to simple fishing boats, and luxury yachts began to moor more and more often. With their appearance Old Port I bought new life without losing the local flavor.

Asian Art Museum

The Museum of Asian Art is the only museum in Greece dedicated exclusively to Oriental and Indian arts.

The museum is located in the Palace of Saints Michael and George, designed by the English architect George Whitmore during the period when the Ionian Islands were ruled by Great Britain. It was founded in 1927 and was originally called the Museum of Sino-Japanese Art. The museum's exhibition contains more than 11,000 objects that span the Neolithic period until the 19th century.

Here you can see Chinese art from the Shang period to the Song dynasty. Among Chinese objects you can see coins, paintings, funeral offerings, seals, among Japanese ones - ceramic statues, samurai costumes, kakemono. The museum also houses a significant collection of art from Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet and Korea.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Church of St. Spyridon

The Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon is named after St. Spyridon of Trimythous, considered the patron saint of the island of Corfu. The relics of the saint rest in the temple, placed in a silver sarcophagus. Every year on Easter, the relics of the saint are carried through the streets of the city, and people hang red canvases from their windows. The fact that the patron is honored on the island is confirmed by the fact that the name Spiridon is very common here.

The temple building was originally located in the Sarocco area, but was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the city walls. The temple building was built in 1590 in a style typical of the Ionian Islands, which is so different from other Greek temples. The church is clearly influenced by the Italian architecture XVII century, because it stands out for its impressive belfry, reminiscent of the belfry of the Church of St. George in Venice.

The most striking elements in the interior of the church are the church ceiling and the iconostasis. Initially, the ceiling of the temple was painted by Payotis Doxaras.

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Old town of Kerkyra

Old city Kerkyra is located in close proximity to the modern part, but most of the tourist attention is concentrated in old Kerkyra. This part of the city is home to some of Corfu's most famous architectural landmarks.

The architecture of the medieval city is made in the Baroque style. In this area, everything is of interest to the untrained eye of a tourist - narrow and winding streets, houses with low balconies decorated with flowers and vines, a majestic embankment with stunning palaces, fountains and colonnades. Italian travelers like to compare the Old Town with Italy, since the architecture in this part is almost no different from Italian. However, in this area of Kerkyra, Greek architects embodied ideas not only in the Baroque style, but also in the national, French and English. Houses of various buildings are decorated with balconies and windows with graceful bars, arches and galleries, making appearance buildings are unique.

There are no street layouts in the old town, they all lead randomly to the main monuments, palaces and temples of Corfu. One of the most important attractions for the Greeks is the Blachernae Monastery, which is considered the guardian angel of Kerkyra. The ancient part of the city is located near the monastery, and residents consider this neighborhood symbolic.

The most popular attractions in Kerkyra with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places for visiting famous places Kerkyra (Corfu) on our website.

View of the island of Corfu

One of the most beautiful greek islands– Corfu, located in the northwestern part of the Ionian Sea.

Its advantageous location haunted many conquerors for thousands of years, which could not but affect the culture of the aborigines.

Italy had a special influence on the life of the island. Evidence of this is the many Venetian architectural structures that have been perfectly preserved to this day, and constitute real historical attractions of the island of Corfu.

They also gave the second name to the island, thereby noting the picturesque mountainous landscape: in translation, Corfu sounds like “city of mountains.”

Other official name Islands "Kerkyra" - the territory received from the Greeks.

The myth of Poseidon tells about this: the god of the seas fell in love with Kerkyra, the daughter of a nymph and a river deity, naming an unknown island in her honor, where he brought his beloved.

The inhabitants of the island began to be called Phaeacians in honor of Phaeak, the son of Poseidon and Kerkyra.

On this legendary story Corfu doesn't end there. According to ancient legends, the Argonauts, who escaped from the Colchians, found shelter on the island, and the ancient Greek hero-traveler Odysseus met Princess Nausicaä here.

The mild subtropical climate has a beneficial effect on the local nature.

The plains of the island are practically buried in green cypress and myrtle forests, olive and lemon groves, and orange orchards.

The island, covered with lush greenery, deservedly received the epithet “emerald”.

Besides natural beauty The island has many historical and architectural monuments, Orthodox cathedrals and monasteries. Greece regularly includes attractions of the island of Corfu in tourist guides, as they are of the greatest interest to visiting guests of the country.

Old city

Paleo Frurio. Neo Furio

The old part of the capital of Corfu almost entirely consists of a labyrinth of small streets, which are very difficult to move around by car. However, this fact does not upset anyone. Walking along the cobblestone alleys, you will have a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the warm hospitality of the residents and the local flavor, which will give you a feeling of comfort and warmth.

The architectural structure of Paleo Furio is evidence of the rule of the Byzantines, who in the 7th century began to build defensive walls to protect themselves from the attacks of conquerors.

Gradually the buildings grew and turned into a real fortress. East End The citadel is constantly in need of strengthening, as it is exposed to the destructive effects of waves. Paleo Frurio – favorite place holding various special events, holidays and festivals.

The complex of defensive structures of Neo Furio is also called the Sea Fortress, or the Fortress of St. Mark. The citadel began to be built by the Venetians, and was completed by the French and British. The entrance to the fortress is “guarded” by a monument to the Russian admiral F.F. Ushakov, who distinguished himself in the battle for the liberation of the island of Corfu from the French.

All structures of the fortress are open to tourists. Here you can feel the history of the Middle Ages, walking through numerous labyrinths of corridors, basements and dungeons, see the Neo Furio gallery and go to a cozy cafe. A breathtaking view of the city from the walls of the citadel will add an amazing experience.

A story about the heavenly patron of Corfu, Saint Spyridon Trimythus, where you will see photos of holy relics, the icon of Saint Spyridon on this.
Meet Messonghi Beach Corfu Hotel, detailed information about which is presented in this.

The elegant square has been the center of public life in the city for many years. Its construction dates back to the 19th century. The territory organically combines the characteristic features of a park and a square. In the western part of Spianada there is the Liston Gallery, which houses the most sophisticated cafes and restaurants. Interesting fact: during the time of aristocratic rule, it was forbidden for “mere mortals” to walk along this street; in order to get into the closed area, they had to first be on the list of honor - List, from which the street got its name.
Spianada Square hosts various celebrations, performances by city philharmonic societies and even cricket competitions. And on Easter, there is a tradition of breaking clay jugs, which residents throw onto the pavement from the balconies of their houses decorated with scarlet fabrics.

Palace of Saints George and Michael on the island of Corfu

Erected by the British in 1819-1824 and was intended as the residence of the High Commissioner Sir Thomas Maitland. The building consists of three floors and is divided into two parts, one of which is named in honor of St. George, the second in honor of St. Michael. The covered galleries have two exits: to the Venetian harbor and palace park.
The guides pay attention to the Museum of Asian Art, located in the palace building. A collection of more than 10 thousand exhibits is stored here. The territory houses a public library, the archives of the Ionian Senate and the Inspectorate of Classical Antiquities. It is also recommended to visit the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Byzantine Art. Be sure to check out the Art Cafe, where you can see works of art by Greek and foreign authors.

Cathedral of Saint Spyridon and Cathedral of Kerkyra

Cathedral of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntsky

Warmly loved and revered by the inhabitants, Saint Spyridon of Trimythous has long been considered the patron saint of Corfu and, if history is to be believed, he saved the islanders from hunger, Turkish invaders and plague. The majestic cathedral houses the relics of St. Spyridon and every year on December 12, the day of honoring his memory, thousands of people come from all over Greece to bow before the miraculous relics. In the cathedral you can receive communion and leave notes about health (υπερ υγειασ) or repose (υπερ αναπαυσεωσ) with the names of people for whom the priests will pray.
Not inferior in beauty and majesty to others architectural monuments And Cathedral Kerkyra, where the relics of St. Theodora, the Byzantine empress, are located.

Pontikonisi

Pontikonisi (Mouse Island)

The first thing tourists arriving by plane see is a tiny, picturesque island nestled off the coast just opposite Corfu airport. It is also called “Mouse Island”, most likely due to its modest size.

There is an ancient beautiful legend, and looking at this strange piece of land it’s hard to believe in it: the god of the sea Poseidon was angry with Odysseus and turned his ship into a small island that remained forever off the coast of Kerkyra.

It is impossible to imagine that Mouse Island was once the ship of a world-famous hero, but it is easy to imagine how many millennia ago Odysseus sailed around Kerker to meet his amazing adventures.

Cape Paleokastritsa

Paleokastritsa - the most beautiful bays of the island

The picturesque Paleokastritsa Corfu is considered one of the most beautiful places not only on the island, but throughout the Ionian coast of Greece.

The cape is washed by the sea on three sides. Sandy beaches surrounded by olive groves and pine forests. Quiet, almost homely hotels and coastal taverns that place their tables right on the sand, a few meters from the water - all this makes the fabulous cape a favorite vacation spot among guests of the island.

The rocks form small cozy coves - wonderful places For romantic dates. Diving enthusiasts will be delighted with Paleokastritsa - there is a service center with instructors and equipment for scuba diving.

Achilleion Palace

10 km south of the capital of the island there is a real Royal Palace. The majestic building was erected in the 19th century by order of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Princess Sissi).

Unable to resist the stunning beauty of the emerald island, Elizabeth decided to build a luxurious residence in Corfu. The crowned lady got seriously carried away Greek mythology and she named the built palace in honor of her favorite hero Achilles, richly decorating the alleys of the surrounding park with beautiful statues of the ancient warrior.

After the assassination of the Empress, the Achilleion Palace became the property of German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Today its halls house museum exhibits and art exhibitions are held.

Kanoni. Vlaherna Monastery

Monastery of the Virgin Blachernae on Kanoni

Anyone will note that the best place to admire the indescribable beauty of the sunset is on the Kanoni Peninsula in Corfu, located in the south of the city of Kerkyra. The name of the peninsula comes from the name of an artillery gun and literally translates as “cannon”. You can get to Kanoni from the city of Kerkyra by taxi, or by bus; lovers of long walks in the fresh air can walk from Kerkyra to Kanoni (the distance from the city is only five kilometers).

Opposite the peninsula there is a tiny island connected to Kanoni by a thin road, on which the monastery of the Virgin Blachernae is located. Having visited this place, you can see the miraculous icon of the Blachernae Mother of God. Wedding ceremonies are held in the monastery building, which will be an unforgettable event at the beginning of the married life of a young couple.

Sparkling with the wonderful charm of Corfu, it will easily satisfy any tourist needs. Here everyone will find something for themselves paradise to taste: like those who love to bask in sandy and pebble beaches, and fans of active recreation. A well-designed excursion system will provide an opportunity to spend time with maximum benefit, and will leave many pleasant impressions about the island and its inhabitants. Many, having visited amazing Corfu, come here again and again, each time discovering new facets of the emerald island.