Corfu
Corfu is part of the Ionian Islands, which are situated off the north coast of Greece and the island offers a relaxing and luxurious holiday to its visitors. Differing markedly from the other popular Greek islands because not only is Corfu green and lush, but also very developed with tourist resorts and hotels. Summer time is hectic on Corfu, with charter flights arriving daily from European cities, ferries disgorging travellers from Italy, and cruise ships docking. Corfu Town is a contemporary town with a cosmopolitan and sophisticated atmosphere, which offers a mixture of European culture due to its Italian, Greek, British and French influences. The Venetians laid out the old town in the 14th century and features narrow alleys lined with multi-storeyed pastel-coloured buildings with red tiled roofs, creating a scene reminiscent of Italy. The hub of activity in the town centre is the Liston, an arcaded row of cafes and restaurants, copied from the Rue de Rivoli in Paris.
Visitors can escape from the lively town centre of Corfu and explore the lush and vibrant interior of the island. Corfu has, for instance, 43 different kinds of orchids growing wild in the countryside, and there are countless olive groves. Finally there are, of course, the beautiful beaches washed by the sparkling Ionian Sea, and it is still possible to search out a secluded cove or two even in the busy season when the over-developed resorts on the east coast are awash with package tourists.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Corfu offers an interesting insight into the islands history and is located along the waterfront. Although it is small, it is worth visiting particularly to see the pediment from the Temple of Artemis that is housed there. The temple dates from 590 BC and is south of Corfu Town. The pediment on display in the museum features a Medusa and is regarded as a fine example of archaic sculpture. The museum has some other interesting sculptures too.
Telephone: (0661) 30680; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 2.30pm; Admission: €3 (adults), €2 for students from countries
Outside EU: Special ticketing package for the Archaeological Museum, the Old Fortress, the Church of Antivouniotissa and the
Museum of Asian Art: €8 (reduced €4)
Museum of Asian Art
The Museum of Asian Art is housed in an enchanting neoclassical structure, which dates back to 1820 and the British built during their occupation of the Ionian Islands. The museum contains a wonderful collection of Japanese and Chinese art and is a peaceful oasis exhibiting Chinese porcelain and art through all the main dynasties, as well as some Japanese prints, ceramics and sculpture. The Museum is situated at the north end of the Esplanade in Corfu Town.
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 2.30pm
Kanoni
Kanoni is a clifftop-viewing site to the south of Corfu Town, which offers panoramic views of two tiny islands housed in an inlet. One of the islets can be reached via a causeway and bears the Monastery of Vlakherna. The other islet is known as Mouse Island, and legend has it that it is actually a ship turned to stone. A small boat ferry will carry you to Mouse Island to visit the 13th-century chapel set among the trees.
Achilleion
The Achilleion villa was constructed as a memorial for Rudolf the son of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, shortly after his suicide in 1890. The villa, Neoclassical in style, features numerous statues and motifs associated with Achilles both inside and out. The gardens are also set with a number of statues commissioned by the Empress, including the famous 'Dying Achilles' by German sculptor Herter. Part of the villa is now a museum, with a casino housed on the second floor.
Opening time: The rooms are open daily 9am to 4pm
