Corfu - Area guide
Corfu, the pearl of the Ionian Islands, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
Three centuries of Venetian nobility rule over the island are reflected in the architecture of its capital. The old town of Corfu was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 2007 for its unique architectural combination. The town, which consists of a maze of small streets called kantoúnia, offers some of the most beautiful houses in Greece and Europe.
The Cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave and Saint Spyridon, and the Church of Saint Andrew, which stands out among the thirty-seven beautiful churches in the area, are two of the most stunning buildings in the region. The illustrious Liston, with its four-storey arcaded houses inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, is well known for its cafes and bistros which are not to be missed. The spectacular backdrop of the old town is completed by the ruined Venetian fortification, which stands on a rocky peninsula opposite the old town.
The magnificent Achilleion, a summer residence built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria with a distinctive style, beautiful garden and spectacular panoramic views, located 10 kilometres from the historic town, is the most important site on the island.
Corfu's long sandy beaches are among the most picturesque in Greece. Benitses, a beautiful bay with the historic Paleokastritsa monastery, a charming fishing village and resort, Dasia and Ipsos are two of Greece's main water sports destinations.
