Welcome to Corfu town (Kerkyra)

The main town of Corfu is one of the most interesting cities in Greece due to the heavy influence of the Venetians who for centuries controlled the island. Like the other Ionian islands Corfu was never occupied by the Turks, which gives it a character very different from the rest of Greece. But Corfu town has seen other influences as well including the British, the Normans, the French, and the Greeks and Romans whose ancient buildings are still in evidence in several archaeology sites and the excellent archaeological museum.

The population of the town of Corfu is about 30.000 and is quite cosmopolitan compared to the other Greek islands. It is an interesting mixture of old tavernas, new cafes, discos, clubs and shops of all types plus an amazing old city that sits in a protected area between the two fortresses. The Theater of San Giacomo constructed entirely of stone in the style of the Italian Renaissance had it's foundations first laid in1663 and is just one example of then many historical buildings that make walking the streets of this city a pleasure. The town really resembles an Italian city though their are other influences such as the Liston, the building which borders the main esplanade or Spianada, built by the French, which houses some of the finest cafes and restaurants in Corfu. On the esplanade itself the men compete in weekend cricket matches, the only place in Greece where the sport is played.

Corfu Weather

Unlike the stark and often treeless islands of the Aegean, Corfu is covered with luxuriant vegetation, thanks to its winter rainfall - 240mm average in December - and is the wettest place in all of Greece. Tropical orchids, wildflowers, eucalyptus and acacias combine with northern European greenery such as oaks and maples. Despite its lush vegetation and high precipitation, Corfu can be stiflingly hot and muggy, as the humidity-reducing meltemi wind passes it by. To compensate, winters are less severe than on the mainland.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Corfu. Conditions are perfect between Easter and mid-June - the weather is pleasantly warm in most places, but not too hot. Beaches are relatively uncrowded and accommodation is cheaper and easier to find than in the mid-June to end of August high season. Conditions are once more ideal from the end of August until mid-October as the season winds down.

Month	Av Sun (hours)	High Temp (°C)	Low Temp (°C)	Sea Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	4	14	13	15	13
Feb	5	15	13	15	11
Mar	7	16	14	14	9
Apr	7	19	15	17	7
May	9	23	18	21	5
June	10	28	22	23	2
July	12	31	23	25	1
Aug	11	32	24	27	1
Sept	9	28	23	24	5
Oct	6	23	21	22	9
Nov	4	19	17	19	12
Dec	2	16	14	16	15

Nightlife in Corfu island

Nights in Corfu are magical. The modern day passion for clubbing is readily found in Corfu. The cool of midnight, the cosmopolitan background may tempt one to have another drink, give way to the music, and dance under the moonlight. The main areas for nightlife are in Mandouki opposite the customs in the port, the Emboriko Kendro (disco area), Ipsos, Acharavi, Kavos and Benitses. There are bars and clubs for every taste. Rock, soul, trans, ethnic, underground and Greek music can be found in bars with gardens, balconies, palm trees and people everywhere. The fun goes on till the morning hours. The island is divided into different sorts of entertainment according to the type of people in each area, creating clubbing "clans".

Corfu beaches

The Corfiot beaches are considered to belong to the most beautiful beaches in the world and all of them fly the UNESCO blue flags, the international sign for clean beaches. The most beautiful bays are on the west coast of Corfu. Paleokastrista is world famous, but the beaches of Myrtiostissa, Glyfada and Agios Gordios are equally good.
The northern beaches close to Roda are very child-friendly with a gradually increasing depth of the water. Other worthwhile beaches are Agni, Kalami and Kassiopi, located on the mundane northeast side of Corfu.

NOT TO MISS IN CORFU

Archaeological Museum

A superb and diverse exhibition of Corfu's archaeological heritage. The Gorgon Pediment is not to be missed. 5 Vraila Street. Open 8.3015.00. Closed Mondays. Sundays open 9.30-14.30.

Byzantine Art Museum

Fabulous Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons are displayed in an attractive church. Church of Antivouniotissa, just off Arseniou Street. Open 8.30-15.00. Closed Mondays. Sundays open 9.30-14.30.

Achilleon Palace

Corfu's most famous building contains a museum displaying possessions of its previous owners, Empress Sissi and Kaiser Wilhelm II, plus lovely gardens. Gastouri Village. Open 08.00-16.00 every day

Folk Museum of Central Corfu

S step into a timecapsule, into a village house that has been left intact with its original decorations, furniture and fittings, a glimpse into a vanishing way of life. Sinarades Village. Open every day except Sunday 9.30-14.30. Tel. 26610 35673 & 2661044530

Kapodistrias Museum

A 17th century mansion which now contains the possessions and furniture of John Kapodistrias, first president of the modern Greek State. Koukouritsa, near Evropouli Village. Open 11.00-13.00 Wednesday and Saturday

Paleokastritsa Monastery

Contains a small museum with icons and other relics, as well as some curiosities. Paleokastritsa, at the end of the road

Solomos Museum

A collection of the memorabilia and archives of the Greek National poet, Dionysius Solomos. 3rd Parados, Arseniou Street, Corfu Town Open 09.30-13.00 weekdays

Municipal Art Gallery

Exhibiting Corfu Artists of the 19th Century and other works, including paitings by 20th century local artists. Palace of Saints Michael and George, East Wing. Open 09.00-21.00

Old Fortress

Site of the original town of Corfu, with battlements and bastions to explore, plus the best view of Corfu Town. Contains a lovely Byzantine Art Museum, plus a top quality Museum Copies shop. Entrance from the Esplanade Square. Open every day except Monday 08.3015.00

New Fortress

Built by the Venetians, improved by the British, a stunning work of military engineering. Entrance from Solomos Street. Open every day 10.00-16.00.

Mon Repos

On the outskirts of Corfu Town on the road running to Kanoni, the newly restored villa was the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh. The extensive gardens are full of stately trees and also contain the ruins of an ancient temple. Open daily 09.00-21.00

British Cemetery

Lovely garden containing graves from the British Protectorate to the present. Intersting plants and trees. Kolokotroni Street. Open all day.

Arillas Heritage Walk

A working farm with buildings reantiquated to preserve a record of Corfu's disappearing agicultural heritage. Follow the Trail through the farm, viewing olive cultivation, ecological smallholdings, barns, wells, a water mill and a restored olive press. Arillas, North West Corfu. Follow the arrows. Open all day

Corfu Shell Museum

The Corfu Shell Museum is not only unique in Greece, but also is one of Europe's best museums dedicated to shells and other treasures of the Deep. It contains thousands of exhibits, scientifically labelled. Unusual shells for collectors and exotic souvenirs are on sale. Benitses Harbour Square, north end. Open everyday, 10.00-21.00

Vidos Island

Lovely islet off Corfu Town. Tracks for walking, beaches for a swim. Remains of fortresses to explore. Boat service from the Old Port, every hour on the hour, return on the half hour. 1 euro return.

Serbian War Museum

Photographs and militaria commemorating the Balkan War of 1915-17. Moustoxidi Street. Open on request only

Reading Society

Fine collection of old books, documents and prints, mostly relating to the Ionian Islands. 120, Kapodistrias Street. Open weekdays 10.00-13.00

Palace of St. Michael & St. George

Built in 1823 in neo-classical style as a residence for the British High Commissioners, the Palace was later the summer residence for the Greek royals. It houses the Museum of Asian Art, and the Municipal Art Gallery, with permanent and changing exhibitions of local art. Open daily 08.3015.00. Closed Mondays.

National Art Gallery - Corfu Annex

Located in the Castellino Building at Kato Korakiana near Dassia, it carries changing exhibitions, mainly centered on Greek art. Open daily except Tuesday, 10.00-16.00

Olive Oil Museum

An old olive press with original machinery, beautifully converted into a museum dedicated to olive oil production and to local agricultural traditions. Kinopiastes, beside Tripa Taverna. Open on request.

Angelokastro

Dramatic ruins of a Byzantine castle capping a rocky peak. Recently reconstructed. Near Krini

Gardiki Fortress

The extensive ruins of a Byzantine fort are located her the village of Agios Mattheos in the south of the island. Reach it by following the road to Lake Korission.

Kassiopi Castle

The ruins of a medieval caslte stand on the headland above the harbour at Kassiopi. Access is indicated from near the Harbour Square.

Patounis Soap Factory

Patounis has been hand making olive oil soap by the traditional stamped method for over 100 years, and is one of the very few factories left in the world. You can visit and see the process, also buy the products. loanni Theotokis Street, just off San Rocco Square, on the way to the Green Bus Station. Open shop hours. Tel. 26610 39806