Corfu Sightseeing

Corfu (Kerkyra) includes the islands of Paxi and Diapontia islands. All this region is a sight itself, it is a living museum of art, history, nature and culture.

in summer 2007, the old town of Corfu with its two fortresses (old and new) was declared as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, as a remarkable architectural symbol, which represents an historically important era; the architectural remains cover many periods since the Venetian rule until 19th century, especially the periods of 16th and 17th century, where, according to the archives and all the elements, at the same place there was a byzantine settlement of 6th or 7th century A.D.

The historic centre of Corfu is the most important sight of Corfu island, with its kantounia, the narrow streets in the old town paved with cobblestones, with “Kampielo”, the oldest district of the island, with “Spianada”, the greatest square in Greece and one of the largest in Europe and the “Liston” arcade, to its west side, where restaurants and bistros abound.

Corfu Archaeological Sights and Castles

Corfu (Kerkyra) is being inhabited, at least, since the Palaeolithic age (year 100.000 B.C., Grava of Gardiki remains) and it is considered to be the Homeric island of Feakes (there is no archaeological proof of this). Its name “Kerkyra” or “Korkyra”, according to the local myth, it is after the daughter of Asopos and Methoni, who gave birth to Posidonas son, Feakas.

Corfu has not always been an island, but it was connected with the opposite epirotic coast when the first human presence was detected; at Aghios Mattheos mountain there were signs of Palaeolithic age, at Sidari signs of Neolithic age and at the northwestern villages Kefali, Afionas and Ermones settlements of the Copper age were found.

Corfu Churches and Monasteries

The island of Corfu (Kerkyra) is, mainly for historic reasons, full of churches. The historic churches of Corfu (Kerkyra) are connected with all the difficulties of its inhabitants during Medieval era and the continuous conquests and disasters of the island. Most of them are humble temples and there is no comparison as for their size with the temples of the West. Especially, the town of Corfu (Kerkyra) includes today approximately 35 active temples. The most important and famous temple is Aghios Spyridon, the patron saint of the island, where there are the relics of the saint.

Corfu Museums and Historical Monuments

Corfu (Kerkyra) has a very rich history and cultural tradition and is famous for its big number of museums. Its museums include rare and novel exhibits and meticulous collections and, moreover, some of them are unique, especially in Greece.
You will find important museums at the historic centre of Corfu (Kerkyra) town, which, in 2007, was listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Monuments and it is the most important sight in the island.

All the museums are situated in Corfu (Kerkyra) town or very close to it (10-15km). The richest collection, historically, is found at the Archaeological museum of Corfu (Kerkyra), where predominates the famous gable of Gorgo of the 6th century, the most ancient saved stone gable.

Corfu Settlements and Destinations

In Corfu (Kerkyra), Paxi and Diapontia islands, there are more than a hundred villages and settlements. Some villages have remains and traces of the archaic or roman era, some are influenced by the Byzantine period, the Venetian period or the traditional architecture of the 18th, 19th and 20th century, but all of them are built in a beautiful green environment. Main features of these villages are the stone houses, the typical square with the traditional cafes, the neat churches, but, most of all, the simple and hospitable local people, with their beautiful stories about myths, pirates, traditions and funny incidents…

You can visit the villages Aghios Ioannis (in central Corfu (Kerkyra), with Kostas’ s picturesque tavern), Aghios Prokopios (in central Corfu (Kerkyra) with beautiful churches and the oldest olive tree in the island) and Pelekas (in central Corfu (Kerkyra), with the Paf Graffiti & Music Festival every summer and Keiser's watch post, from where Wilhelm II, emperor of Germany, enjoyed the view and the sunset).

Corfu Sightseeing Photos