Corfu is renowned as the lushest and greenest of the Ionian islands, boasting an array of beautiful coastal scenery and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. After braving the steep inclines of the airport transfers (the drivers know what they're doing but if you're a little scared of heights, don't look down!) the coastal road arrives in Kassiopi, on the north-eastern tip of the island.
Giving upon the barren vistas of Albania and close enough to Corfu town, it is a brilliantly positioned holiday resort. It was once a small fishing harbour overlooked by the roman fortress that sits on the hills behind, and it still retains a traditional charm, with restaurants and bars lining the harbour and living up to the Greek adage of eating plenty of food and taking your time about it. For some fantastic food (and I like my food!) 'Uncle Simos' on the harbour and 'Strofilia' are well worth visiting for their swordfish and meze respectively.
As a poor student I couldn't manage many excursions, but visiting Aghio Serranda, Albania's biggest southern city, was a highlight and an eye-opening one at that. Its sparse landscape is in deep contrast to Corfu but it is home to many historical monuments and archaeological finds.
Finally, Corfu Town is a beautiful cobbled town of Venetian-inspired buildings and the people have a fondness for sitting and watching the people go by with an iced coffee. The Liston and the balmy gardens of the Esplanade are buzzing in the summer months and into October. No visitor of Corfu should miss the ambience of the capital, cosmopolitan and yet remains small. St Spiridion, the patron Saint of Corfu, also resides there in his eponymous church that you will inevitably stumble across in this unassuming pretty place.
To get around the island I recommend the Road Editions map of Corfu and the AA Essential Guide to Corfu. For literary lovers out there, look out for the now out-of-print In the Footsteps of Lawrence and Gerald Durrell in Corfu by Hilary Whitton Paipeti. It takes you through the Corfu they loved and were fascinated by. You must read Gerald Durrell's lovely account of their time on the island, My Family and Other Animals.
Author: Lauren Hurley
Date: 1 October 2005
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