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This
sickle-shaped island off the west coast of
mainland Greece and to the south of Albania has a
coastline that runs to 217km (134 miles). In the
north of the island the landscape is dominated by
a huge limestone massif and sandstone-carved
valleys and fertile hills. The centre is green,
lush and verdant, dotted with pretty villages. To
the south, the land lies flatter, and the
coastline is composed of long sandy beaches.
There
are resorts to suit whatever travellers seek cheap
flights to Corfu for. Kavos
and Ipsos
are for partying. Sidari
and Messonghi are for families. The north-east
coast - from Nissaki up to Kassiopi
- is perhaps the most attractive and civilised, a
favourite with British families who come for the
secluded pebble-strewn coves as well as the
beaches.
Its
interior has as much to offer as its shores.
Green, lush and mountainous, it's a haven for
those who want to holiday in traditional Corfiot
villages.
Corfu
Town is towards the south, a fascinating and
beautiful town with Venetian, British and French
influences evident in its narrow streets.
- The
narrow straits between north-east Corfu and
Albania are usually calm. A wonderful
diversion is renting a motorboat and chugging
along the coast stopping off for dips at empty
coves inaccessible by road. Renting a decent
boat in a resort such as Agios Stefanos costs
about £35 for half a day, fuel included.
- Souvenirs
from the island include olive oil and olive
soap. Products made from olive tree wood such
as salad bowls, honey drizzlers and figurines
are also popular.
- Corfu
was a British protectorate in the early 19th
century and Corfu Town even
had its own cricket team. The cricket field
can be found near the Liston, a cafe-lined
Italianate colonnade, which is at the edge of
the Spianada (Esplanade), the plaza
and park.
- The
Venetians ruled Corfu for hundreds of years,
leaving elegant buildings in Corfu Town such
as the Liston, for example,
and two fortresses by the harbour. The old
fort, Palaio Frourio, is open to tourists,
from where there are panoramic views over the
town and beyond to the coast.
- At
906 metres (almost 3,000 feet) above sea
level, Corfu's highest peak is Mount
Pantokrator. The mighty mountain is
visible from most spots on the island.
- Corfu's
second "city" in terms of population
is Lefkimmi. It is much less
touristy than other parts of the island.
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