Those who have been to Corfu or who have heard of Corfu’s history and events that take place there, can certify that Corfu, Culture and Natural Beauty are three meanings, connected to each other and fulfilling each other… After all the number of people who visit Corfu every year isn’t at all left to chance.
Corfu fascinates its visitors no matter where they come from . They fall in love with the island at the first sight . Who hasn’t been impressed by the old traditional and monumental buildings of the old Corfu Town? Or by the Old Fortress when they see it on their way to the island while on a ferry? Who hasn’t admired the natural beauty of the island while landing at the airport? With their first sight of Corfu being one of its most famous landmarks , Pontikonisi or else the Mouse Island and right in front of if the little Church of Virgin Mary. Who hasn’t admired Liston and the palko (meaning an old stage , located on the top of Spianada Square) on magazines and photographs if not live? And when talking about natural beauty and cultural events that give Corfu a special scent how could someone begin describing all these things? The musical tradition in Corfu? The hospitality? The Venetian architecture? The picturesque villages? the arches in Corfu town? Or the indescribable natural wealth? Which is one the many reasons it attracts so many visitors each year . As you understand the list is endless so today I will focus on the natural landscape and the cultural tradition and beauty of North Corfu.
Palaiokastritsa
Commencing a summer day , we can start let’s say from Palaiokastritsa. The best thing to do when you get there is to take a dip in the deep cold blue/green waters of the two little gulfs of Palaiokastritsa. Afterwards, visiting the picturesque, rich in flora monastery and then going on a boat ride to the magnificent caves and the secret little beaches that can only be approached by boat.
For those who love a good view from a high mountain going to the village of Lakones or Agelokastro which is one of the most important byzantine castles in Greece ! Going further up the North part of the island in a location called “Chelidoni” (Chelidoni is a swallow, the bird, in Greek), going by Chelidoni no one can resist the view it provides to the people passing by it. Others take photos of the place, others get their photo taken with that marvellous place from where all you see is an infinite view of the horizon, of the sky and the sea.. the ultimate blue view!
The sea that is viewed from Chelidoni is called Agios Georgios Pagon and deeper in the horizon you can see three little islands that belong to Corfu, Mathraki, Erikousa and Othoni. Headed now to Afionas you can see may famous beaches side by side, separated by little lines of land, each one of them having a different water temperature!
A bit higher from there (a place not many people know , and those who know it are hopeless romantics) there is a little hill , getting to which you’d have to cross many little streets and the yards of many houses. From that little hill you have a mesmerizing view of the sea! At night, you can watch the sky, filled with stars, seating on a bench with your other half , glaring at the sea and the lights of the tourist attractions and in that view you can’t help but fall in love!!