Corfu can refer to either the island itself or the main city in Greece. Whitewashed houses decorate the sunny island off the Albanian coast. The island is also called Kerkyra in Greek, and has plentiful Byzantine churches, dynamic nightlife and Venetian fortresses, all contributing to the popularity of the Ionian island. The town has 37,000 people and is heavily influenced by the British, French and Greek culture, which help shape the outlook of the streets of the new town.
Beach scene from Corfu island, Greece (Copyright: Ljupco Smokovski)
CORFU-AUGUST 22: Vlacheraina monastery and Pontikonisi Island in the distance on August 22,2014 on the island of Corfu, Greece. (lornet / Shutterstock)
A view of a church and mouse island on Corfu, Greece (Copyright: Ljupco Smokovski)
Corfu, Greece-August 28: Vlacheraina Orthodox monastery with the bell tower on August 28,2014 on the Corfu island, Greece. (lornet / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 16 2013: Close view to girl walking out from entrance to the famous touristic landmark Monastery of Panagia Vlahernon under clouds, Kerkyra, Corfu (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
Pigeon in front of the old castle and picturesque bay with yachts, old city of Corfu, Corfu island, Greece (Copyright: Artem Avetisyan)
Corfu, Greece -August 20, 2015: Beautiful beach in Barbati on Corfu, tourists enjoying a nice summer day at the beach. Kerkyra (Corfu), Greece (Milos Vucicevic / Shutterstock)
Corfu, Greece -August 17, 2015: Beautiful beach in Paleokastritsa on Corfu, tourists enjoying a nice summer day at the beach. Kerkyra (Corfu), Greece (Milos Vucicevic / Shutterstock)
Corfu, Greece – August 11, 2013: three beautiful sun-tanned girls with ball in the sea (Artem Avetisyan / Shutterstock)
Pretty blonde woman enjoying the Ionian sea in Greece (Copyright: Netfalls – Remy Musser)
ACHILLEION PALACE, CORFU ISLAND, GREECE – August 8, 2014: People visiting the palace. It was built by Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sisi in 1890. (Lucian BOLCA / Shutterstock)
CORFU-AUGUST 22: Venetian architecture in Kerkyra city with the row of local restaurants on August 22, 2014 on Corfu island, Greece. (lornet / Shutterstock)
CORFU-AUGUST 24: Tourists go shopping in local souvenirs shops on August 24,2014 on Corfu island, Greece. (lornet / Shutterstock)
three cats living in the streets of greek village at Corfu (Copyright: Oliver Hoffmann)
CORFU-AUGUST 22: Traditional Greek goods displayed for sale on Corfu island on August 22, 2014 in Kerkyra, Greece. (lornet / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 24 2013: Locals and tourists at Platia Leonida Vlachou park famous place near old venetian fortress (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 24 2013: Locals and tourists at Platia Leonida Vlachou park famous place near old venetian fortress (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 19 2013: Tourists walking at the city center looking to the old churches and historical buildings. Also, some sitting and relaxing at cafe on Platia Dimarchiou. (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
CORFU, GREECE – AUGUST 2,2014 – Lord Frederic Adams statue with Asian arts museum in Corfu town.Museum is in palace of St. Michael and St. George. (milosk50 / Shutterstock)
Achillion palace in Corfu island , Greece (Copyright: jocic)
Corfu, Greece – April 22, 2016: Athletes carrying the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg for the Rio 2016, from city to city in Greece (Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 16 2013: Tourists at the venetian fortress yard with cannon and clock tower. The fortress covers the promontory which initially contained the old town of Corfu. (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
CORFU TOWN, GREECE – MAY 20: tourists walking up to the lighthouse at Old Fortress on May 20, 2015. (EugeniaSt / Shutterstock)
CORFU TOWN, GREECE – MAY 20: tourists looking at an ancient cannon at Old Fortress on May 20, 2015. (EugeniaSt / Shutterstock)
Agios Georgios Church at Corfu Old Fortress with the Ionian sea and a tourist ship at the background, Corfu, Greece. (Copyright: EugeniaSt)
Famous touristic landmark old venetian fortress with walls going to sea and clock tower in the morning, located at Kerkyra city, Corfu, Greece (Copyright: Tony Zelenoff)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 18 2013: Tourists riding on bike at the foothills of Pantokrator mountain on dusty rural road (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
Sunset at the beach on Corfu island, Greece (Copyright: Ljupco Smokovski)
CORFU – GREECE, JANUARY 7 2015: The historic center of Corfu town , Greece. Liston – Spianada Square (Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 19 2013: Tourist and locals sitting and relaxing at cafe in the historical city center at night. (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
KERKYRA, CORFU, GREECE – SEPTEMPER 19 2013: Tourist and locals sitting and relaxing at cafe in the historical city center at night. (Tony Zelenoff / Shutterstock)
CORFU – GREECE, JANUARY 7 2015: The historic center of Corfu town , Greece. (Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock)
Corfu Holidays: A Nocturne by the Sea
By Emily EM Collins
Once an island reserved solely for the regal and very privileged, Corfu now ranks as one of the most popular attractions in Europe. Oligarchs on their Corfu holidays populate the opulent North East along with the famous Rothschild family, proving that Corfu is still an island of some repute. The Ionian island was designated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Corfu is a storied island in both myth and popular literature. Homer’s Odyssey references parts of the island, particularly in the hero Odysseus’s disembarkation.
Continuing on the privileged theme, Corfu luxury holidays offer some of the finest secluded accommodation anywhere in Greece. Properties set in the historic hills overlook the lucid Ionian Sea, and at night capture the beautifully lit bay. Kalami provides its guests with romantic views of the somnambulant town. Kalami beach allows for romantic evening walks along a wooden path, keeping the sand out of your shoes. Kalami beach is particularly good for Corfu family holidays as the beach has a natural cove, protecting it from waves and ensuring the safety of young children.
Visitors to the Greek island can expect a festive atmosphere, particularly in the months of May and August. Firstly, there’s the anniversary of the unification of the Ionian Islands with Greece, which courts great banquets with dancing well into the night. This is perhaps the most important festival on Corfu. The Strinillas Pantokratoras festival exhibits the same late night dancing, ending with a stunning pilgrimage to the monastery at the top of the hill.
The placement of Corfu’s monasteries allow for the most spectacular views. At night, visitors will see the bay lit up like deep ocean glow. The hilltops of Kanoni make for an excellent vantage point, both during the day and at night. The Bay of St. George in the north-western part of the island must be considered one of the premier sites of the island. British influence continues with The St. George church which sits next to a Venetian moat all populating the town of Palaio Frourio. A walk along its coast in the half-light makes for an unforgettable short journey.
The Old town is almost floodlight with its buildings in perpetual light. Everything is white at ground level, meaning that sightseeing at night is just as effective. Perhaps this is one of the more unique opportunities with Corfu holidays. Properties along with monuments, exhibit Venetian artistry mostly carved in white stone. There is also a huge Roman influence within Corfu’s architecture, particularly palatial buildings formally used to house the King of Greece and several important British rulers.
Corfiotes are synonymous with hospitality, and their island, steeped in culture and beauty will make the perfect destination for a family or partnership.
Emily Collins is a travel writer who enjoys taking Corfu holidays. Youtravel have an excellent assortment of holidays in Corfu from Corfu family holidays to Corfu luxury holidays.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Emily_EM_Collins/817970
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