By Maggie Makris

Corfu The Island of the Phaeacians

On the Northern tip of the Ionian Islands we find a magical place where the emerald mountains interweave harmoniously with the Adriatic Sea. This mythical place is the cosmopolitan Island of Feakes also known as (Pheacians) and more commonly known as Corfu, Kerkyra or Korfu.

Corfu a true crossroads between East and west of Greece but also connecting Europe on the North and boarding with Italy. It is the second largest island in the Ionian Seathe largest being (Cephalonia). Together with the Diapontia Islands Othonoi, Ereikousa, Mathraki to the northwest and then Paxoi and Antipaxoi to the southeast forms its own prefecture.

Corfu is also surrounded by a number of small isles. The most important of these is (Vido)

( ancient ptychia) the old lazzareto and the alluring Pontikonnisi and a picturesque church at Diapolos Islet ( just opposite of Arillas). . This Island is one of natures work of art. A museum in itself. A magical Island combning old with new, the classic with the eccentric, art with everyday life. It is filled with landscapes of unique beauty both in the mountains or next to the sea so full of life with breathtaking underwater seascapes. This fabulous Island isn’t special because of it’s beaches and greenery but rather for the people who created it or were connected to it, prominent figures that were important to both world history and the history of Corfu itself.

People who love nature Corfu, is their paradise. They have a wide variety of choices from nature hikes to having picnics or just strolling through nature. It’s a pure enjoyment. Last but not least Corfu is not only known for a place of relaxation but also a place to have a great time with family and friends with all the pleasures of a cosmopolitan life.

The main harbors are at Ypsos, Garitsa, salt lake of Chalikiopoulos, Mantoukoios, which is also the Island’s main point of anchorage.Some other fishing ports are Acharavi, Benitses, Pleokastritsa, Sidari, Agios Stefanos, Lefkimi, Kavos, Kassioppi and Petriti.

Main tourist attractions:

Paleokastritsa, such a breathtaking landscape, that it is said it was one of the first places on the Island to be touristically developed. Mythology states that this was Odysseus last stop before his return to Ithatca.

The Monestery of Paleokastritsa- founded in 1225. The present building is from the 18th -19th century, iknside the church is a great example of monastic architecture, the outside of the church has vaults and a museum with Byzantine and post Byzantine icons.

Moraitika – big hotels, sholpping centers, souvenir shops, ATM machines car and motorcycle rental offices, a taxi station and best of all for your night life numerous amount of clubs and bars.

Marina Gouvia- It’s the first privately owned Marina in Greece , it’s situated 7 kilometers from the town of Corfu and the International Airport. The Marina is fully organized offering facilities and services of high standards.The Marina holds 960 berths on permanent and floating pontoons, there are dry dock facilities for approximately 520 boats. Moorings are available for boats upto 80 meters long and 6 meters draught. Services that are offered to our guests include commercial shops, car, motorbike and boat rental offices.Port police, refueling station, supermarket, laundry, showers and wc facilities. If you wish to enjoy the beautiful view of the shore that’s surrounded by yachts and motorboats , then you can have a relaxing dinner at one of restaurants then a drink at one of the bars or maybe a coffe at the cafe.

The Marina also provides: a kindergarden, a swimmimg pool, sports facilities, a cricket and a croquet field.

In the Marina there’s also a a seaplane base with flights to close destinations such as Pakos and Anti Paxos..A full range of technical boat services are available such as: a 65 ton travel lift, a 45 ton and a 60 ton mobile crane to facilitate the maneuvre of boats in and out of the the water.In addition, a smaller 5 ton jib-crane and a boat transporter are available.

Apart from power washing , painting and other works on the underwater parts of boats , the Marina can cover a wide range of maintenance and repairs, including mechanical ,electrical, wood-working , sail repair, refrigeration, upholstery , and a diver is available to undertake repairs such as hull inspection and other tasks. There are also facilities for the laying up in a covered shelter. The Marina operates all year round on a 24 hr basis.

Ypsos – a resort area with a large beach, most popular rae during the summer and is one of the most developed on Corfu with facilities for camping and sea sports.

Ayios Spyridonas -Patron Saint of Corfu originally a Bishop of Cyprus.A long ago tradition tells us he saved the Island from a plague, from Pestilence in 1630, and 1673 and a third save came when the turks wanted to invade Corfu.He appeared dressed as a monk holding a torch and spread panic among the Turkish forces.

Achilleio-built at the end of the 19th century (1889 -1891)by the Queen of the Austro Hungarian Empire, Elisabeth, better known as Sissy. It was purchased after her assassination by Kaiser William II of Germany.

Corfu, a utopia of serenity, history, sand washed beaches, traditional Greek cuisine coupled with homemade wine keeps our visitors returning year after year.

Maggie

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Source: isnare.com

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