Information about Corfu & Moraitica
Description & Tips
Corfu, the island of Phaeakia in ancient times, is considered as one of the most interesting and beautiful islands of Greece. It is a place that is heavily influenced by various European cultures, an element predominant in the architecture of the island. Corfu gives the impression of a travel back to the time of the knights. Nonetheless it is also one of Greece’s most beautiful islands and certainly the greenest one.
Excellent sandy beaches, lush landscapes and magnificent archaeological, historical and religious sites complete the picture. Each year Corfu hosts countless visitors from Greece and abroad, making it one of the most frequented and favorite islands.
Kerkira or Corfu Town, the capital city of the island is one of the most beautiful cities of the Mediterranean with a strong Venetian element, but also with many English and French influences.
Corfu’s history ranges from ancient times until today. The island capital Kerkira has a majestic flair and features old Venetian buildings, small romantic alleyways along with many neoclassical houses.
Corfu sightseeing
We recommend you start your tour of Corfu in Kerkira, where you can explore:
- the Old Fortress
- the New Fortress
- St. Michael’s and St. George’s Palace
- the Kanoni area
- the Spianada square, surrounded by many other historic monuments
- the Liston place with its hanging lanterns
- the Ionian Academy
- Mon Repos park
- Menecrates Tomb Monument in Garitsa Bay
- the Archaeological site at Palaiopoli near Mon Repos
- the Churches of St. Spiridon, of Panagia Antivouniotissa and Panagia Spiliotissa
- The Museums (archaeological, byzantine, numismatic and Asian Art)
In other parts of Corfu you can visit:
- Achilleion in the old village of Gastouri, palace of the Austrian princess Sissy and later summer residence of the Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm the 2nd, which is full of sculptures and busts of mythical and real ancient Greeks.
- The Monastery of Panagia and the byzantine fortress Agelokastro in Paleokastritsa.
- Canal d’ Amour in Sidari.
- Pontikonissi (The Mouse Island).
- The ruins of roman baths in Acharavi.
- Kaiser Bridge in Gastouri and the Sea Museum in Benitses.
- Pantokratoras: Corfu’s highest mountain with its monastery.
- Logas in Peroulades with its breathtaking view.
Beaches of Corfu
Corfu has wide beautiful sandy beaches but also small, isolated bays. Apart from the beach of Moraitica, you can swim in the nearby beaches of Messoghi, Aghios Georgios, Issos and Kavos.
On the northern coast of the island you will find the beaches of Agios Georgios Pagon, Arillas, Acharavi, the Dassia Bay, Kalami, Sidari, Peroulades and of course Paleokastritsa. Near Kerkira you will find the beaches of Mon Repos and Kontokali, while the beaches of Glyfada and Agios Gordios are located on the west side of the island.
Local kitchen & Nightlife
Corfu offers a wide variety of entertainment choices, from frequented big clubs and bars to quiet seaside cafés and ouzo tavernas. Also worth the visit are the public or religious celebrations in numerous villages throughout the summer.
The cuisine is influenced by various cultures that occupied the island during the last centuries. Some of the most known specialties are Pastitsada (Stew veal or rooster with thick pasta in red sauce), Sofrito (Julien of tenderloin in wine-garlic sauce), Savoro (Fish in a white spicy sauce), Bourtheto (Scorpion Fish in red pepper sauce), etc. A very famous sweet is the small orange fruit of the Koum Kouat tree, which is prepared and served in many different ways.