WELCOME TO THE ISLAND OF THE PHAEACIANS

CORFU, THE FAMOUS ISLAND OF THE PHAEACIANS KNOWN FOR THE HOSPITALITY GIVEN TO THE ARGONAUTS AND ULYSSES, OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HOST ANYONE WHO WISHES  TO TRAVEL TO THE ISLAND AND EXPLORE ITS NATURAL BEAUTY, ITS HISTORY TROUGH ITS MONUMENTS, AS WELL AS ITS TRADITIONS.

THE GREEN ISLAND WITH SPECTACULAR BEACHES OF  VARIEGATED WHITE AND GOLDEN SANDS, WITH  ROCKY COVES LIKE POSTCARD, HAS A HISTORIC CENTRE  THAT HAS BEEN A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE SINCE 2007.

 A BRIEF PRESENTATION OF CORFU THROUGH A FEW IMAGES AS A PRELUDE TO AN UNFORGE TABLE HOLIDAY. 

PONTIKONISSI

Discover the Magic of Pontikonisi
Pontikonisi is one of the hidden gems of Greece, a small island located near Corfu that enchants visitors from all over the world with its timeless beauty. Its name, which means "Island of the Mouse", comes from its unique shape, which, when seen from above, resembles a mouse's tail. Pontikonisi is famous for its serene atmosphere and the iconic Byzantine Church of Pantokrator, a historic building dating back to the 12th century, nestled among the lush trees that cover the island. This place is ideal for nature lovers, culture lovers and those looking for a moment of tranquility away from the chaos of everyday life. A visit to Pontikonisi will offer you a unique experience, combining history and spirituality. The photo was taken from KANONI, a panoramic point above the international airport 5 km from the city. You can reach Pontikonisi by going down the steps from Kanoni or by car to the parking lot near the monastery, from where the boats to the island depart.

 

PALACE OF SAINT MICHAEL AND GEORGE, KNOWN AS THE ROYAL PALACE.

It closes the northern part of Corfu Square (SPIANADA).
The palace was built during the British protectorate of the Ionian Islands, and was commissioned during the reign of High Commissioner Thomas Maitland to serve as the residence of the High Commissioner and seat of the Ionian Senate.
After the union of the Ionian Islands with the Kingdom of Greece in 1864, the palace served as a royal residence, which was used occasionally until 1967.
Inside, you can see:
Historical Halls: The central hall with frescoes of the Odyssey, the circular dance hall, the throne and banquet halls, with original furniture,
Museum of Asian Art: An important collection with over 10,000 works from India, China, Korea and Japan

Gallery: Displays works of art and hosts temporary exhibitions.

 

 

SPIANADA, ONE OF THE LARGEST SQUARES IN EUROPE, APPROXIMATELY 84,000 SQM
Designed as an open space for defensive purposes by the Venetians, it is now divided by a road into two parts (pedestrian streets).
The upper part (the upper square corresponding to the southern part of the spianada) includes the monument built in honor of the British governor Maitland (called Sterna by the Corfiots because it was built on a Venetian reservoir), the palko where the three city bands often play during the summer (classical or modern music) and the monument commemorating the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece in 1864. The lower part (the lower square of the spianada) features a green field where the cricket championship between the Corfu and British teams is held, as well as other events.
To the south of the square is the statue of the first governor of Greece John Kapodistria, who was born in Corfu, while to the north of the square is the royal palace.

 

 

 

 

LISTON:

This is a series of arcaded buildings begun by the French during their rule (1807-1814), inspired by the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, and completed by the British during their protectorate (1815-1864).
It is the heart of the daily and nightlife of the old town (pedestrian street) and is frequented not only by tourists but also by Corfiots who come here for coffee and to meet friends. It offers a range of characteristic places to eat and cafes for relaxing aperitifs - in a beautiful setting.

 

 

 

OLD FORTRESS

When the old town of Corfu (Palaeopolis), located on the Kanoni peninsula, was destroyed by invaders in the 6th century, the survivors decided not to rebuild on the ruins, but to use them to create a new city in a more easily defended area.
The city was later protected by the construction of a fortress around it, the Old Fortress, which occupies the entire islet at the eastern end of Corfu town. The Old Fortress features imposing ramparts, a true masterpiece of military architecture from antiquity.
The project begun by the Byzantines was followed by modifications in the 16th century by the Venetians to defend against Turkish invasions. The statue in honor of General Sullenburg (erected by the Venetians to commemorate the defense against the Turks) precedes the entrance to the bridge over the first moat, which, together with the second, leads to the inner courtyard of the fortress.
On the south side of the hill is a small Doric chapel of St. George, built in 1840 by the British as a church for the British detachment. Twenty years later, it was converted into a Catholic church and adorned with icons from the church of St. Spyridon in the old town of Corfu.
Inside the fortress there are many buildings, such as a prison built in 1786 by the Venetians and later expanded by the British, the military chapel of the "Madonna dei Carmini", two barracks built by the British around 1850 and a military hospital that now functions as a music school.
Inside the fortress, near the main gate, there is now a historical archive, which collects more than six centuries of history with a wide variety of documents, and an exhibition space that houses the Byzantine Collection of Corfu, which includes mosaics from the Basilica of Palaiopolis, sculptures, icons and frescoes from the Byzantine period.
Beyond its historical and cultural interest, what makes the Old Fortress special is undoubtedly the magnificent view that opens from here over the city of Corfu and the expanse of sea that separates the island of Corfu from the nearby mainland. On the north side is the Corfu Sailing Club with an adjacent restaurant, open to all.

 

BANKNOTE MUSEUM                                   

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MON REPO VILLA

Built by Frederick Adam, British Governor of the Ionian Islands, it became a royal residence in 1864, the year of the union of the Ionian Islands with Greece. King George I of Greece named it "Mon Repo" meaning "My Rest". The royal family regularly visited it during the summer and several descendants of the royal family were born there: Prince George in 1869, Princess Alexandra in 1870, Prince Philip, later Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elizabeth II, in 1921, and Princess Alexia, eldest daughter of King Constantine II, in 1965. Princess Maria of Greece and Grand Duke George Mikhailovich Romanov were also married at Mon Repos in 1900.
It now functions as a museum housing archaeological finds from the Ionian Islands, while in the summer months, musical and theatrical performances are held in the garden.

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ACHILLION

The Achilleon is a palace built by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sissi, about ten kilometers south of Corfu Town. It was Elisabeth's favorite vacation spot, and she built the palace herself because she admired Greece, its language and its culture. The location of the Achilleon offers panoramic views of Corfu Town to the north and the entire southern part of the island. The palace was designed by the Neapolitan architect Raffaele Carito and has as its central theme the figure of the mythological hero Achilles. Wilhelm II of Germany purchased it from the heirs of the Empress, visiting it every spring until 1914 and participating in archaeological excavations in the area.
Today, the residence occasionally hosts European summits, such as the signing of the Treaty of Corfu in 1994, but is mainly used as a museum.
In 1981, the casino scene from the twelfth James Bond film, "For Your Eyes Only," was filmed there.

The Philharmonic Societies of Corfu are historic bands and key cultural institutions on the island. They were founded in 1840 as the first music academy in Greece and today number 17, promoting free music education and participating in local events. Famous names include the "Philharmonic Society of Corfu" (Old Philharmonic) the first founded in 1840, the "Mantzaros" (1890) and the "Kapodistrias" (1980).

They are deeply rooted in the local tradition, playing in festivals and processions and have been registered as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

PANIGIRI: POPULAR FESTIVAL WHERE, IN ADDITION TO EATING SPIT-ROASTED MEAT, EVERYONE GETS INVOLVED IN TRADITIONAL DANCES, INCLUDING TURISTS

SOME BEACHES OF CORFU'

 

SAN GIACOMO BUILDING

The Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo takes its name from the Catholic cathedral located in the same square. Founded during the Venetian Republic in 1693 as a gathering place for the Venetian aristocracy, it was converted into a theater in 1720 and became the first modern theater to be founded in Greece. Initially, the theatre staged plays, but in 1733, an opera premiered there. The opera was Gerone, tyrant of Syracuse by A. Aurelli. Operas were performed continuously, especially between 1771 and 1892, when the theatre was converted into a town hall,
The musical tradition established by the theatre is particularly important for the history of modern Greek music, as it helped establish a Greek musical presence at a time when the Greek state did not even exist. The theatre staged the genre of comic opera known as opera buffa, which was less elaborate and therefore cheaper than true opera seria. The musicians of the San Giacomo opera came mainly from southern Italy.
The theatre attracted many Italian professional musicians who came to Corfu as teachers, composers and performers. This fostered an appreciation for music among the island's inhabitants, gradually leading to the emergence of the first Corfiot musicians, who, in turn, became the first professional musicians in modern Greece
According to oral tradition, opera actors who achieved success in the theatre were distinguished by the famous applaudito a Corfu ("applauded in Corfu"), a tribute to the island's demanding musical tastes.
The theatre was later replaced by the Municipal Theatre of Corfu in 1902, with architecture reminiscent of La Scala in Milan. The Municipal Theatre and its historical archives, many of which belonged to the Teatro San Giacomo, were destroyed during a Luftwaffe bombing in 1943

 

 

CORFU CARNIVAL PROGRAM 2026
Here are the unmissable events during the Carnival of Kerkyra, the island's capital:
Sunday, February 8th: Rehearsal of the float parade
Thursday, February 12th: In the streets of the old town, you can admire the "Petegoletsia," an ancient ritual. Outside on the balconies of their homes, women gossip among themselves (hence the name). The subjects of their chatter will be politicians, public figures, and even... their neighbors' laundry! All of this is performed in the traditional Corfiot language, which is sometimes satirical, embarrassing, and bordering on vulgar.
All of this is accompanied by music and folk songs.
Sunday, the 15th: "Sir Carnival" parade. You can admire mas and costumed characters who impersonate all the characters parading through the city center. The procession closes with Sir Carniva's evils and misfortunes of the past year, whose fate is already sealed: the bonfire! Celebratory songs and dances will follow.
(PROGRAM TO BE CHECKED)

 

THE MOST FAMOUS EASTER IN GREECE

Easter in Corfu is a spectacular and unique event, a blend of local traditions, characterized by evocative processions (especially on Good Friday with the Epitaphs and Holy Saturday), philharmonic bands playing joyful and mournful marches, and the traditional throwing of  clay pots from balconies.
Good Friday: Epitaph processions throughout the island, accompanied by philharmonic bands and choirs, with lanterns that paint the city purple. Each church holds its own Epitaph procession. The most important is that of the main church (Metropolis), which takes place in the evening at 22:00
Holy Saturday (Morning): Litany of Saint Spyridon along with the Epitaph of the church of Saint Spyridon at 9:00 am, with philharmonic bands playing mourning marches, beloved by the population. At 11:00 am, the so-called first resurrection begins with the famous throwing of the botides, red clay jars thrown from the balconies and philharmonic bands playing festive music in the streets of the city.
Holy Saturday (Midnight): The Resurrection is celebrated in the churches, with the transition of the "holy light". The upper part of the wide Spianada is filled with thousands of people who, at midnight, become part of a moving, festive scene: on the platform, the bishop and the other priests begin to chant about the Resurrection of Jesus, people light candles and exchange greetings, bands start joyful parades and fireworks are launched from the old fortress.

 

Contact us

Indirizzo

CORFU',  1 ZALOGGOU STRE

CORFU', 52 MARASLI STREET