Three great tourist activities in Corfu
Surrounded by the calm blue waters of the Ionian Sea, Corfu is home to many sheltered bays, organised marinas and secluded coves, meaning exploring this exceptionally picturesque island’s coastline is difficult to surpass on any well-travelled individual’s list of ‘done that’s’.
Although despite the sheer beauty of Corfu’s periphery there is a prolific amount of things to do and see on Corfu that doesn’t involve water.
Take a look at three great tourist activities in Corfu.
Mon Repos Palace
This 19th century mansion is situated to the south of Corfu Town within the dense forest of Palaiopolis. This grand house was built as a summer retreat between 1828 and 1831 by the English Commissioner Thomas Maitland.
Meandering through the shaded woodlands exploring the trails lined with huge trees that eventually lead to the ancient ruins of the Temple of Artemis is a great place to spend an afternoon on Corfu, particularly in the summer, when visitors are grateful of the shade.
Archaeological Museum of Corfu
Situated in Corfu Town, the archaeological Museum of Corfu was opened in the mid-1960s, with the initial aim to house and display remains from the Temple of Artemis in Corfu.
In the 1990s the museum was expanded and now contains archaeological remains that were found more recently at the ancient citadel of Corfu.
From marvelling at the oldest stone pediment in Greece that date to 590 – 580 BC, the Gorgon pediment from the Artemis Temple of Corfu, to witnessing the sculpture of the Lion of Menecrates, that dates to the 7th century BC, the Archaeological Museum of Corfu provides a fascinating and insightful day out for all the family.
New Fortress
Built between 1572 and 1645 by the Venetians, the New Fortress stands mightily on the hill of Agios Markos, overlooking the city below.
Comprising of two imposing twin bastions, the New Fortress really is an architectural marvel. Historically, the New Fortress played an important role in World War II, when its giant archways were used as shelters and provided some protection.
Today the New Fortress remains a popular tourist attraction and one that should be on every Corfu traveller’s itinerary.