5 Must Visit Landmarks when in Corfu
Corfu (Kerkyra) is the island which although has developed into a modern holiday destination, remains timeless and unaffected-almost stuck in a time capsule. Its primaeval monuments and castles, rich cultural heritage, striking landmarks, shimmering blue sea and all-year-round sunny climate fuse into one marking Corfu one of the hottest Mediterranean destinations of our times. There is a surplus of reasons to visit Corfu and get a taste of this marvellous haven-like island floating in the Ionian shimmering blue sea. I have made it a personal mission to show the world the island’s secret treasures!
Corfu’s Old Town resembles a picture taken from a history book. The UNESCO World Heritage Site unfolds a world of the past, mixed with Renaissance, Classical and Baroque features. Ancient castles and forts, public Venetian buildings, remote squares and the maze-like cobbled lanes (kantunia) invite all to explore and get lost within its mystical alleys.
Corfu’s Old Fort is most known for its two peaks (Korifi), which is the reason the island was named Corfu. The castle is separated from the mainland by a moat dug by the Venetians in the 16th century, which protected the island from the Ottoman army from invading the isle. The views of faraway Albania, the whole of Corfu and the glistening blue waters which unfold before your eyes from the castle’s high peaks are totally worth visiting!
British Commissioner Adams built Mon Repos Palace for his wife-a local Corfiot. Although smaller than other palaces in Corfu, it is equally beautiful and perfect to enjoy a stroll within its flourishing gardens. At present, the palace runs as a museum. In 1922, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was born in the castle!
Pontikonissi Isle (Mouse Island) was named due to its vague resemblance to a mouse. As legend has it, the green island is actually Ulysses ship, which was turned into stone by Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Within the isle’s flourishing forests stands the church of Pantokrator, constructed in the 13th century.
Soaring high into the blue skies, Mount Pantokrator is the highest point in Corfu. The mountain is so high, it is visible from anywhere you stand on the island. During winter, the snowy slopes are great for those up for a winter adventure in the cold forests of the mountain. In summer, thousands of visitors seek to explore the slopes by cycling or hiking!
Louis Hotels has your accommodation covered as the island is home to 4 outstanding hotels! Take your pick? Louis Corcyra Beach, LTI Louis Grand Hotel, Louis Ionian Sun and Kerkyra Golf!