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blopez34

Active member
Hey guys, I'm thinking of traveling to Corfu for my next vacation, but I don't know too much about the island. Before traveling I really like to learn about the places that I'm visiting so I have some cultural context. What is a culture like? How does Corfu differ from the other Greek Islands? Can anyone give me some insight?
 
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I love that! It's pretty rare that people want to learn about the culture of a specific Greek island before visiting. Corfu is pretty unique because it's one of the few islands and regions of Greece that wasn't dominated by Turkish rule. Because of that, the island has a lot of Venetian and Byzantine influence. Which makes the architecture and culture pretty unique. I mean just look at this picture:

corfu-greece-250x154.jpg
 
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There's a lot of literary history in Corfu. One of Greece’s most famous poets, who also wrote the national anthem lived there for a long time. His name was Dionisis Solomos.
 
Corfu has less of the white 'sugar cube' houses that you see on a lot of Greek islands, much of the UNESCO World Heritage protected old town and villages are Venetian in style. The island is greener than most other Greek islands, it gets more rain. The food and music culture, religious and family life is similar to most of the rest of Greece, there are lots of traditional and orthodox religious festivals in the communities, local food and wine of course features heavily!
They have a long tradition of catering to tourism and international visitors, their hospitality is second to none!
 

Achillon Palace Information

When I was asking for advice on how many days to spend on Corfu someone mentioned to see the Achilon Palace. So I thought I'd gather information about it.

Located in Corfu, Greece, Achillon Palace is a fascinating monument that attracts a large number of tourists every year. This beautiful palace is perched on a hilltop overlooking the stunning Ionian Sea. The palace was once the residence of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, who was captivated by the natural beauty and elegance of the island and decided to build a palace there in the 1800s. Today, the palace is a popular tourist attraction that is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views. In this blog, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Achillon Palace in Corfu.

Achillon Palace is a historical monument that was built in the late 19th century by Empress Elizabeth of Austria. This stunning palace was designed by a famous Italian architect, Raffaele Caritto. The architecture of the palace is inspired by ancient Greek mythology with stunning neoclassical features and mythological sculptures. The interior of the palace features elegant furniture, beautiful chandeliers, and stunning paintings on the ceilings and walls.

Planning What to See in Corfu

I've been to Corfu plenty of times. I am writing down some of my notes so that I can sort out what I want to see next time I visit. I have friends there and might visit again next year...

Old Town Corfu - It's a NESCO World Heritage Site and has an impressive collection of Venetian-era buildings, narrow streets, and hidden alleys. It is also home to the imposing Old Fortress, Esplanade, and there architecture of the Liston and Palace of St. Michael and St. George.

Beaches - The Blue Caves on the northern coast of the island are a must-visit attraction and can only be accessed by boat but are worth visiting. Once there, swim in the sparkling blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs.

Dishes to Try - Sample local dishes like Pastitsada (beef stewed in tomato sauce), Sofrito (thinly sliced veal with parsley and garlic sauce), and Bourdeto (fish in a spicy red sauce). Also drink ouzo or tsipouro, two popular spirits.

Achilleion Palace - Located seven kilometers south of Corfu Town. Built as a summer residence for Empress Elizabeth of Austria. The palace has gorgeous architecture, beautiful gardens, and exceptional views of the surrounding countryside. I have taken a tour - not sure I'd do it again.

Anyone have any good Tavernas to recommend?

Three Days or So in Corfu?

I was thinking of visiting Corfu over summer of 2024 and I am not sure how many days to stay. I was thinking that three days is a good amount, and that will enable me to visit other places in Greece (and other people - I have friends and family to visit).

Anyway 3 or 4 days really is ideal. But now, what to do? I have been watching a lot of content - there is some great travel content on YouTube and people love to visit Greece. Anyway, here is a great video:

Advice for seeing Byzantine sites in Corfu

I'm planning a trip to Corfu and, as someone deeply fascinated by Byzantine history, I'm eager to discover all the Byzantine sites and remnants the island has to offer. From what I've gathered, Corfu's heritage is rich with Byzantine influences, and I'm hoping to immerse myself in this aspect of the island's history.

Could anyone share recommendations on must-visit Byzantine sites in Corfu? Are there specific churches, museums, or ruins that stand out? I'm particularly interested in places that offer a glimpse into the everyday life and the architectural magnificence of the Byzantine period.

Additionally, if there are any tips on guided tours or resources for deepening my understanding of Byzantine history while in Corfu, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m also curious about any local guides or historians specializing in this era.

Video Tour of Corfu

When I am about to visit a destination, I like to watch video content.

It has been a while since I have been to Corfu. I kept trying to go, but it keeps falling through.

Ignore the several-minutes long plug for a product! That part I know was necessary because they were a sponsor.

Once you get through that the content is good!

Share and discuss your Corfu photos, questions and experiences!

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