Corfu: The greek island where East and West culture meet together!

Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands with unique beauty. Due to Venetians presence on the island it has many elements of the West culture (architecture, music, food), which are beautifully combined with the Greek culture.

One of the most beautiful places to visit is the Acilleion Palace, which can be found in the Village of Gastouri, 10km south west of the town of Corfu.

Achilleion is a palace built in Gastouri on the Island of Corfu by Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sisi, after a suggestion by Austrian Consul Alexander von Warsberg. Elisabeth was a powerful woman obsessed with beauty, but was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria during the Mayerling Incident in 1889. A year later in 1890, she had this summer palace built in the region of Gastouri, about ten kilometres to the south of the city of Corfu in formerly, the municipality of Achilleio, now part of the Corfu municipality. Achilleion's location provides a panoramic view of Corfu city to the north, and across the whole southern part of the island. 

Another place to visit is The Garden of People. It is a small park, a green space, located next to the Palace, on the edge of the Old Town, in Spianada. On the one hand, it faces the sea, the Old Fortress and Mandraki (the port of the fortress) and on the other goes to the road to the city's municipal parking lot in Spianada. It is also bordered by Bosekto, Corfu's other garden, which features a children's playground, as well as Panagia Mandrakina, the red small chapel with its ornate appearance.

The excellent view of the sea from the Garden of People and the tranquility and relaxation that it offers, make it especially tempting for those who wish to finish their walk beginning from the old town's paths (kantounia). Its benches are hospitable for those who simply want to gaze at the tranquil sea, under the natural shade of the trees.

Finally, if you still want to enjoy a coffee, soft drink or juice, in the Garden of People, on the back of the Palace, there is a municipal cafe with a very beautiful courtyard.

The ideal time of the year to visit Corfu is the Orthosox Easter. The celebration of Easter in Corfu is truly a unique experience carrying elements from the Roman Catholic community and Orthodox religion. On Holy Friday, the local bands and choir of the island accompany the procession of Epitaphios (the tomb of the Christ decorated with flowers) and the processions of all churches are gathered in Spianada Square, Corfu Town. Preparations start from the early morning hours for the Holy Saturday when locals celebrate the first resurrection throwing clay pots from their balconies in Corfu Town. This particular custom is very characteristic of Easter in Corfu.

  
The same combination of East and West can be experienced if you try the traditional food of Corfu. Because of its mild climate and the frequent rainfalls, Corfu has a fertile land which produces a variety of excellent agricultural products. The island is particularly famous for its olive oil, wine, cereals and the golden honey. The products of Corfu are used extensively in the local recipes. Below are some of the mouth-watering specialties of Corfu which have been influenced, over the centuries, by the Sicilians, the Venetians and the French that once occupied the island:

Pastitsado is a local specialty that derives from the Venetian Spezzatino and one of the favourite dishes of the island. It is made of beef and gravy cooked with tomatoes and accompanied with thick pasta.

Sofrito is a dish that consists of beef stewed in a white sauce and has Franco-Venetian origins. Savoro is the favourite dish during the celebration of March the 25th or during Palm Sunday and consists of fried fish served with a succulent rosemary sauce.

Bianco is a fish dish (usually Scorpion) cooked with lemon and garlic.

Kumquat is a liqueur and a traditional sweet (spoon sweet) made from a fruit similar to lemon. Kumquat has become today the trademark of the island, as it grows only in Corfu and in no other part of Greece.

Mandolato is a black and white nougat, another trademark of Corfu Island.

Ginger beer is the traditional refreshment drink of Corfu. It was brought by the English in 1860 and its production goes on till today.

The handmade ice cream of Corfu is pure heaven and offers succulent tastes following the fruits of the season.

Corfu is especially famous for its wines which have become a tradition for the island. No heavy industry is producing the tasty wines since they are all made from private vineyards owned by families or small associations. All the wines of Corfu have no chemical additives and the most popular of those are: Kakotrigis: a white wine that can be either sweet or dry, Moschato: a light and sweet white wine and Petrokoritho: a dry and crimson wine.

The Ionian Islands of Greece are known for their exotic beaches. Corfu, in particular, has a stunning coastline. Among the best beaches in Corfu are Agios Georgios, Dassia, Agios Stefanos, Kavos, Glyfada and Palaiokastritsa.

If you want to visit Corfu BOOK NOW Villa Psaropouli in Lefkimmi!

Villa Psaropouli is a stone house of 119,2 m², featuring a private swimming pool of 90 m², within a plot of approximately 4000 sq.m. It is located 200 – 300 meters away from the central square of Dragotina village, which is a quiet village in a beautiful area at the South of Corfu. There is a private road at the end of the village, leading to the Villa.
This property, named after the old spring of Dragotina village, is secluded but also in close distance to the famous - for its nightlife – Kavos.

The villa welcomes guests with its warm atmosphere, providing at the same time constant contact with nature, since it is surrounded by trees. There are about 150 fruit trees and a well with excellent water.
The main house consists of a large 65 m² living room with marble fireplace and satellite TV, a dining room with dining table suitable for 6 guests, an open plan fully equipped kitchen with all modern amenities and a guest WC. Stepping up only 3 stairs, there are, one bedroom with double bed and a baby crib, one bedroom with two single beds and a baby crib and one bathroom with bathtub. The baby cribs provided are suitable for children up to 4 years old. All rooms are air-conditioned, but there are also floor fans available upon request.
For the ones that love exercise, there are an elliptical machine and a treadmill.
Outdoors, the property features a large and totally private swimming pool of 90 m², surrounded by a spacious sun deck setting with sunbeds and an outdoor shower.
By the pool, there is a large, pergola shaded lounge area, equipped with comfortable sofas with cushions, suitable for relaxing and enjoying the quiet and romantic atmosphere of the area. There is also, a specially designed area with BBQ, a traditional wood oven, an outdoor kitchen and laundry area.
A large parking area is available free of charge.
This property is ideal for families or group of friends who love space, nature and a quiet location in order to enjoy moments of comfort, privacy, tranquility as well as serenity.
The villa is located near the sandy Kanoula beach and near the famous, touristic villages Kavos and Lefkimmi (4 Km away), where you may find all necessary holiday facilities (shops, restaurants, banks, pharmacy).  Another beach nearby worth visiting is Agios Gordios, just 2,5 Km away.
Transportation from and to the airport is provided free of charge, but bear in mind that rending a car is advisable, in order to explore comfortably, the surrounding areas and the island.
Upon arrival you will receive a welcome basket with local products.
Daily cleaning of the pool and change of linen every two days is provided free of charge.

How to arrive to Corfu?

By Air: Daily flights to and from Athens take about 45 minutes. There are also flights to and from Thessaloniki and other Ionian Islands. During summer there are direct charter flights to many European cities. The airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" is located 2 km away from Corfu town.

Seaplane: There are flights to and from Ioannina, Patras & Ionian islands (line Corfu - Paxos). The seaplane is based in Gouvia Marina about 4 km from Corfu city.

By car: Public buses operate daily and connect Corfu with Athens, Patra, Thessaloniki and other Greek cities.

By Ferry: Ferries connect Corfu with Igoumenitsa, Patras, Ag. Saranda, Bari, Brindisi, Ancona & Venice.

Cruises: There are cruises between Corfu, Paxos and Diapontia Islands (Erikousa, Othoni, Mathraki).

With your own boat: You may also visit Corfu with your own yacht. All amenities required are offered by the Marina in Gouvia, close to Corfu town, while in the town you can moor in the harbor of N.A.O.K. and the old port. Hosting also offers Marina Benitses, located a short distance from Corfu town.