Five Things to Do in Corfu

A Greek island in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, including its small satellite islands, forms the edge of the north western frontier of Greece. Corfu was long controlled by Venice, which repulsed several Turkish sieges, before falling under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire along with the remaining islands of the United States of the Ionian Islands, and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864 under the Treaty of London. In 2007, the city’s old city was designated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a recommendation by ICOMOS.

Corfu is a very popular tourist destination, mainly visited by the European royals and elites, including Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany and Empress Elisabeth of Austria during the early 20th century.  Today, middle class families primarily from the UK, Scandinavia and Germany book flights to Corfu and visit the place, leading to mass tourism.

Here are the 5 things you can do in Corfu:

Aqualand

One of Europe’s largest water parks, children and adults will love the park’s extensive selection of water-based attractions, which include 15 interactive adventure pools, a giant Jacuzzi and the third largest wave pool in the world as well as slides and rides such as the Black Hole, Free Fall and the Double Twister. Located about 5 miles from Corfu Town, Aqualand is open during summer from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Archaeological Museum of Corfu

The museum has various objects of interest, including a collection of sculptures and statues among which is a stone lion dating from around 575 BC. The museum’s centrepiece, however, is the pediment from the Temple of Artemis, which features a Medusa figure and dates back to 590 BC.

Palaiokastritsa

Meaning old castle place, Palaiokastritsa is the place where Odysseus disembarked and met Nausicaa for the first time. One of most beautiful villages in Corfu, Paloikastritsa boast 5 beautiful bays, a monastery high on the mountaintop and ideal conditions for snorkelling and diving making it a renowned tourist spot. For best seafood on Corfu, Palaiokastritsa has one of the many excellent restaurants scattered about town.

Achilleion

Built in 1892, the villa of Achilleion was constructed as a memorial to the son of Empress Elizabeth of Austria following his death by suicide. With its breath-taking views and gorgeous gardens, interesting features of this neo-classical structure include a collection of carved emblems and statues associated with the famous Greek warrior, Achilles. Also known as Sissi’s Palace, it houses relics that Empress Elizabeth collected.

Corfu Beaches

With its stunning views, clear waters, and a multitude of water sports, the beaches of Corfu are some of the most beautiful in the world. The area is well developed travel-wise, so whether you are looking to kick back and relax near the calm waters, or jump into an activity, Corfu beaches has everything you are looking for.