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Corfu Introduction
A holiday to Corfu does not just mean about beaches and sea. Corfu is high on the list for sightseeing; it has history, archaeology, mythology, culture, natural beauty, stunning views, architecture and more.
Corfu lies in a good position within the Ionian Sea, at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea and it is the 2nd largest island known as the Seven Islands. On a clear day from some places on Corfu you can see the Greek mainland, and Albania is only a few miles away.
Its history and culture is fascinating. From the Byzantine and Venetian civilisations - all of which can be explained in fine displays at some of its Museums. Its mythology is more than just interesting, Zeus, one of the famous Greek Gods was said to have loved the goddess Io. If you take an interest in mythology you will be in your element in Corfu.
It remains to this day very proud of its culture. The people of Corfu celebrate many festivals relating to namedays and religious festivals. These events are held around the island and are very important to today's Corfiot population.
Corfu's natural beauty cannot be forgotten. It has the mountain range of Pantokrator which stand at a height of around 906 m or 2,972 ft or in contrast the tiny Mouse Island. We mustn't forget to mention the rock formations at Sidari, called the Canal d'Armour. A legend says that if you swim in them, you will then find the true love of your life. The strange and colourful rock formations are rather impressive and attract many tourists to look at them each year.
It does, of course, have some fantastic beaches with glistening sand and clear, warm seas gently lapping to the shore. If a sun and beach holiday is what you are looking for then you will, without a doubt find it at Corfu.
Corfu Location
Corfu lies in a good position within the Ionian Sea, at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea and it is the 2nd largest island known as the Seven Islands. On a clear day from some places on Corfu you can see the Greek mainland, and Albania is only a few miles away.
The weather on Corfu is particularly good and it experiences a longer summer than some European countries, usually from around May until October. The summer months are usually dry with very little rainfall. During the wet winter, the rain is fortuous which enables the plant life to flourish.
Its highest mountain is Mount Pantokrator, which stands tall at some 3000 feet and is very impressive.
Weather in Corfu
The weather on Corfu is particularly good and it experiences a longer summer than some European countries, usually from around May temperatures start to rise, until October.
Summer temperatures can reach a staggering high of +30°C, with sea temperatures reaching a high of 27°C during August so if you are not able to tolerate such high temperatures, July and August would best be avoided.
Spring temperatures start to rise in April, when the rainfall is low and as spring begins to erupt, so do the blossoms and flowers. However, evening temperatures can drop quite rapidly from daytime temperatures so it would be handy to take a lightweight jacket if you are going out for the evening.
December and January are usually the rainiest 2 months but it is thanks to this rain that Corfu is quite verdant and green even during the hot dry summer.
So, in brief you can have a good six or seven months to visit Corfu and enjoy some pleasant weather!
Corfu Beaches
Corfu has such a wide variety of beaches you will have many decisions to make. Depending on what your choice is, whether you are looking for peace and quiet or an action packed time, you will find something for everyone on Corfu.
Some beaches on Corfu have Blue Flags which have been awarded for their cleanliness, facilities like sun loungers, toilets and parasols. There are usually toilets and showers on the more organised beaches. Most beaches are very family friendly, with shallow waters that are crystal clear.
There really are some fantastic beaches around Corfu, where you can find some enchanting quite spots for some perfect relaxing and sunbathing.
There are a number of excellent diving spots around Corfu, Sidari and its famous Canal d'Armour being one of them. There are some beautiful reefs and corals to be explored, night time diving is popular and underwater archaeological sites, so whether you are a beginner or professional diver, you will find a variety of good places to dive.
Shopping in Corfu
Corfu has its share of shopping malls and streets that are just lined with designer boutiques and fashions.
One of the best ways to see life of Corfu as it is, is by shopping at the markets. Indeed a trip to Corfu would not be complete without encountering the atmosphere and charm of a traditional market.
You will find many jewellery shops offering items of gold or silver which has been made by a local craftsmen with care and detail. Prices are very reasonable, but as with all shopping you should look around to find the best deal.
Visitors to Corfu do not usually leave without taking something of ceramic with them or a hand crafted wooden ornament. You will find some traditional workshops where the entire family work.
A very popular Corfiot alcoholic item is a liqueur called Koum Kwat which is grown and produced on Corfu. Honey is also grown on Corfu and has a distinct and flavour.
Eating Out in Corfu
Like most Mediterranean countries, Corfu enjoys simple, but wholesome food that tastes delicious. A Corfiot normal diet doesn't usually consist of fast food or convenience type food. They like their own locally produced fruit, salad and vegetables which are picked and cooked extremely fresh. They cook with olive oil, grown on Corfu and make some tasty salad dressings which are low fat and high in nutrients, as is locally produced tomatoes either in puree, pulp or cooked whole. Stuffed tomatoes with vine leaves is a popular choice at some Corfiot restaurants.
Meat dishes usually contain mutton or goat, either braised or stewed to perfect tenderness and flavour. Locally grown herbs are usually added, particularly Thyme, Oregano and Marjoram. Perhaps you might smell the aromas of these herbs as you wander around the island, as they are grown widely.
Fish is popular, particularly as Corfiots eat fish which has been freshly caught that day to maintain absolute freshness. Fish is usually grilled or baked.
Pulses such as chick peas and lentils are widely used as a main course, usually served with Mediterranean vegetables, lemon juice and olive oil.
Milk, cheese and butter is produced on Corfu from sheep or goats milk, feta cheese is widely used in many countries around the world.
Deserts are usually very sweet and probably contain honey which is produced on Corfu. You might see a typical sweet dish of fried wholemeal bread coated in honey, delicious but full of calories.
Here is a selection of some typical dishes served on Corfu:
Raki is a typical alcoholic drink, strong and clean, made from leftover grapes. It is typically home made and perhaps the bottled variety is not so good. Corfiot wine is usually home made, and resembles port or sherry in colour.
In most of the resorts you can experience a range of typical Corfiot meals at very reasonable prices and there are also a variety of fast food restaurants and take aways.
Nightlife in Corfu
Corfu has a rich and varied nightlife, depending on what you are looking for and where you are staying. There are places you can go, such as Acharavi, Agios Stefanos, Kommeno Bay, Peroulades and more where you will not find anything noisy, just traditional Greek tavernas and restaurants.
However, if you are looking for lots of night entertainment then Corfu Town will have what you are looking for. It has a splendid variety of music bars, clubs and disco's all offering loud and buzzing music. They stay open until the early hours so you will be able to party the night away and then go to the beach, if you wish, to sleep it off.
Around Corfu the other resorts which have a colourful and lively nightlife are Gouvia, Kavos,Roda, Ipsos, and Dassia. At these resorts you will find an abundance of bars, and clubs all playing popular music and offering a choice of beer, wine and cocktails.
The B52 club in Ipsos is renowned and extremely popular as one of Corfu's most exciting clubs. It holds special theme evenings too to add to the excitement. Lumber Jacks and Temple are also well known for much of the same.
If you are looking for a foamparty, Ceasars in Sidari hold regular theme evenings during August. One of the clubs in Kavos holds regular foam nights too, as does one in Ipsos called Monte Cristo.
During the summer months there are many festivals of music and dance held throughout the larger towns. The Festival of Culture takes place during August in Ano Korakiana which includes a wide variety of cultural events. The Festival of Corfu held in Corfu Town includes concerts and musical performances as well as theatrical performances. The Philharmonic Orchestra often perform which makes this one of the most popular cultural events.
A lot of evening entertainment takes place in some of the Island's restaurants and tavernas. Here you will find a very traditional atmosphere, where you and your children will be especially welcomed while you have a very peaceful, and enjoyable meal.
It is possible to have as much, or as little nightlife as you are looking for - the choice is totally up to you.
Car Hire in Corfu
Although you will find that you have everything you need close to your resort, hiring a car can be a good way of exploring Corfu and getting to places that are perhaps a little off the beaten track.
It is easy to hire a car from the local agencies. There are a good selection of both cars, jeeps, 4x4s to hire and most usually offer child booster/car seats if you request it at the time of booking. Cars can be delivered/collected from your resort or a pick up point of your choosing.
With a car you will be able to go to some of the beaches a little out of the way and visit some of those shops away from the bigger towns. Supermarkets out of town are usually cheaper than those in the more well known resorts.
There are many attractions that you will be able to visit in your own time rather than an organisedexcursion, such as the idyllic Mount Pantokrator and the beautiful panoramic views around Paleokastritsa, to name but a few.
In Corfu the road signs are international and modern. Care should be taken as a lot of the roads are very narrow and winding. Always carry your driving license, passport and car rental agreement because if you are unlucky enough to be stopped by the police, you could face a fine for not having one of these documents.
Transfers from Corfu airport
Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>
Airport Shuttle Bus Service in Corfu
In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation than other traditional forms or transport such as local taxis. Book your airport shuttle service here now>>
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