Corfu, Greece

Corfu, an island off Greece’s northwest coast in the Ionian Sea, is defined by rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Its cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French, and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town, flanked by two imposing Venetian fortresses, features winding medieval lanes, a French-style arcade, and the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek), unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French, and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather than the Levantine world. Their cultures wielded strong influence in the city: It was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra, and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.

The Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buildings of the Venetian rule uniquely blend with lines of drying washing in tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. Strolling through a complex of narrow cobbled streets with stairways and vaulted passages, the so-called “kantounia” make you feel as if you’ve traveled to Genoa or Naples. Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans, is the center of the city, adorned with remarkable 19th-century works of French architecture. Liston, the city’s landmark, is where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades.

Corfu is known as The Capri of Greece. It rains nearly all winter on Corfu, so it’s one of the greenest of the seven largest and most popular Ionian islands (there are 14 all told). Our guide was Constantina, and she was remarkable. (All these guides have multiple university degrees; it seems there’s nothing they don’t know about their respective countries.) There were four cruise ships docked today (none due tomorrow!), so crowds were everywhere, particularly at the magnificent Paleokastritsa Monastery, which, atop a remote hill dominating the area, dates back to 1228 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. At least not quite as hot as the past couple days. Plus, this was an OE tour, so there were only seven of us and Constantina.Læs mere