The idyllic and cosmopolitan Corfu
Greetings to all travel enthusiasts! Cosmopolitan Corfu is idyllic and well suited for relaxing holidays, it has plenty of exciting sandy beaches, world class resorts and there is an array of activities to do. Corfu is located in the Adriatic Sea and in the north part of Greece. From the east, it is facing towards Italy and from the south-west, it is looking towards Albania. The strategic location of the island invited many suitors and the list of invaders include the Venetians, the Ottomans and the British. The rich history and the remains of civilisations past are evident throughout.
Angelokastro or the Castle of Angels is built on the highest peak of Corfu near Paleokastritsa area. It is by far the most complete Byzantine castle in Corfu and the castle’s strategic position was a good vantage point that surveyed the area of the southern Adriatic Sea. It formed a formidable defensive triangle with the castles at Gardiki and Kassiopi. It is really difficult to fathom the construction of the castle on a remote steep cliff that stands at 300 meters. The ruins of Angelokastro are really impressive and well worth your visit whilst the view from the top is exquisite.
Kanoni Peninsula is 8km away from Corfu Town and it is home to some nice pebble beaches and one of the most attractive sights that should be visited during your stay. It was named after a battery cannon brought and placed on location by the French in 1798 to protect from the invading ships. The best time to visit is during the afternoon where you can enjoy the shade, your stroll, the sunset and relish the scenery with a glass of wine at the neighbouring cafeterias.
The peninsula is separated by Lake Halikiopoulou and a bridge had to be erected to join the peninsula with Perama region. The bridge is ideal for a stroll and the lagoon of the lake that is an important hydro-biotope hosts various migrating birds. Walking along the coastline you will come across some lovely views and the tiny isles of Vlaherna and Mouse Island.
The Isle of Vlacherna is really tiny and connected to the peninsula by a jetty. It is extremely picturesque and here you will come across the whitewashed small monastery of Lady Vlacherna, the isle’s Patron Saint. The monastery dates back to the 17th century, it was built by the Venetians and was used as a nunnery. The location is one of the most recognised in Corfu and even James Bond had to come visit the place for the needs of the film ‘For your eyes only’. The monastery is open for the public and from Vlacherna isle you can catch a boat to Mouse Island.
Mouse Island is also a very small islet filled with trees and it took its name due to its shape that when viewed from afar it strikes a resemblance to a mouse. The islet is home to the Church of Pantokrator that was built in the 13th century. According to the legend Mouse Island was created when the angry God Poseidon turned Odysseus boat into stone during the hero’s return to Ithaca.
This is all, for now, my dear fellow adventurers. In conclusion please remember that life is short and beautiful and it is strictly up to you to enjoy it and live it to the fullest.