Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Europe:
The Mediterranean
Sights to see & things to do
Corfu, Greece
Thanks to an abundance of rainfall and lush vegetation, Corfu is considered by many to be the most scenic of the Greek islands. It attracts a large number of tourists in high season.
Diversions
Coming ashore on the eastern shore at Corfu Town you’ll immediately be struck by the colonial atmosphere. The British ruled Corfu from 1815 to 1864 and the city remains a delightful mixture of Venetian, French, and British Georgia buildings with fortresses guarding each end. The park-like Spinada Square or Esplanade is adjacent to the moat of the Old Fortress and bordered to the west by the Liston, a row of tall arcaded houses built by the French from 1807-1814. North of the square is the Royal Palace built in 1819 and resembling a Georgian English country manor house. Head south and you’ll find the Archeological Museum with its pedimental sculptures from the Temple of Artmis and a collection of classical and Roman sculptures recovered from a variety of sites on the island.
Mopeds are available to rent to explore the rest of the island. North of Corfu Town, the remains of a 12th century castle built on the site of a Temple of Zeus overlook the fishing village of Kassiopi. On the northwestern shore of the island Paliokastritsa is the home of a castle and monastery in a beautiful seaside setting.
To the south is the ancient city of Kerkyra. Little more than rubble, this was the site of the Temple of Artemis. Also south is another Royal Palace; built in 1891 and used by Kaiser Wilhelm II as a summer home, it is the birthplace of Great Britain’s Prince Phillip.
Shopping
Corfu tends to be touristy and expensive without too much unique to offer.
Beaches
Beaches abound on Corfu. Closest to Corfu Town is a resort area to the north. Further away, the large resort at Messoighi is a popular beach and disco village.
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