The best way to explore Corfu is by car. It is not a very large island - 60 km long with a maximum width of 30km with Mount Pantokrator at its highest point. If you want to do the whole island is it about 4 days worth of excursions (you can cross from one side of the island to another in 30 minutes).
Corfu is a relatively easy island to navigate your way around with pretty good roads, but there is no respect for traffic signs and you have to use your horn quite often.
If you are going to drive around then pre-book a hire car before you land at Corfu Airport as early booking often secures you the best deal, saves time filling in paperwork when land and ensures you get the make and model of vehicle you want. Renting a car from the airport will also cut down on your transfer costs as you will not have to catch a bus or hire a taxi to reach your holiday destination.
To help you plan your trips, I have put together five “mini-tours” and divided them into sections: historic Corfu town and the north, south, east and west of the Island.
1. CORFU TOWN
The old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets built by the Venetians between 1550 and 1630 with the beautiful Spianada (Esplanade) being the main square.
Attractions to visit in Corfu Town include the Fortress of San Marco which was built between 1576 and 1645 to protect the town from invasion.
The island has 37 churches and St Spyridon is where the island’s patron saint is laid to rest.
2. SOUTH EAST COAST
Visit beautiful Kanoni with its Vlahernon Monastery built on a small island joined to the mainland by an old promontory. It is very close to Pontikonisi (Mouse Island) which can be reached by boat and has a 13th century church.
Gastouri has the Palace Achillion which was built in the 1890's as a summer home for "Sissi” who was Austria's Empress Elizabeth: King Otto of Greece was her uncle. There are beautiful terraced gardens with spectacular views across the Corfu Channel to the mountain range of Chimara.
Benitses is a popular resort with a beach and a large number of good restaurants, tavernas, bars and clubs offering lively night life. There is a Shell Museum where you can view corals, fossils, sharks teeth, crabs, lobsters, snakes, starfish and sponges. It is open daily from 10.00 am to 20.00 pm
Agios Ioannis is on the main road to Glyfada and where Aqualand Adventure Waterpark is located. This is a great place for a family day out and is open from May to October 7 days a week from 10.00 to 18.00
Mesongghi is a beautiful village close to the sea with Lake Korysion which is only significant lake on the island.
Kavos is on the south-eastern tip of Corfu, and is popular tourist village for young people with a number of bars and clubs plus a great beach. On your way down you can stop at Boukari to sample the best fish on the island.
3. NORTH EAST CÖAST
Drive to the west of Corfu town to explore Kontokali and Gouvia villages offering a large selection of restaurants, tavernas, beaches, marine, bars, clubs and discos.
Dassia Village has a lovely beach surrounded by olive trees. Again it has its share of bars discos and restaurants.
Kassiopa is a charming traditional fishing village with a small marina.
4. NORTH WEST COAST
Sidari is a 31km drive from Corfu. It has some incredible beaches and the Canal of Love (Canal d`amour) which is where you swim to find a partner in love. From Sidari there are boats to the three tiny islands of Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki.
Peroulades is a handsome hillside village with natural surroundings and the most spectacular sunset of the island.
Peroulades beach is a narrow strip of sand below vertical cliffs that floods with waves every time a boat goes by. You can only get to it by climbing down 66 steep and winding steps. The taverna above the beach has some fabulous sunset views and gives the place its other name Sunset Beach
Agios Stefanos is a small fishing village NW from Corfu City with sweeping hills at either side. It is a stylish resort with many hotels and expensive villas.
You need a car to get to it as it is off the beaten track with narrow access roads are. To get there from Sidari drive towards Peroulades, and as you pass Sunset Beach turn right and follow the signposts to Avliotes. This is the road which will take you into St Stefanos.
Magoulades is a very old traditional village between Sidari & Arillas. It has beautiful views out to sea and is surrounded by hills covered with wild flowers and olive groves. The Monastery of Ipsili Theotokos is situated on top of the hill
5. WEST COAST
Paleokastritsa is a very popular little village on rocks facing out to sea. It has some excellent fish tavernas, restaurants, bars and shops and you can visit Panagia Paleokastritsa which is a famous monastery built in 1228 BC.
Ermones is 15km from Corfu and supposedly where Odysseus met Nausica. The monastery of Mirtidion has evidence of Neolithic habitation.
Pelekas is a village on top of a top of a hill with incredible views and fabulous sunsets. Glyfada beach is very popular
Aghios Gordio stands high on a cliff surrounded by pine and lemon groves and cypress trees. It has a bay with a sand and pebble beach and clear, warm waters.
Linda Craik is the author of [url=http:// www.corfu-airport-guide.com] Corfu Airport Guide[/url] which provides details of live flight arrivals and departures in Corfu, hire car firms based at the airport, which airlines fly to Corfu and everything else you need to know about Corfu Airport.
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