Located approximately 3 km from Corfu Town, Kanoni was once the capital and heart of Corfu, rich in nature, history and culture. The name Kanoni (canon) is derived from the canons that were protecting the city at the entrance of the lagoon. Nowadays, Kanoni is a quarter of Corfu Town, home to incredible views to two of Corfu’s most popular spots: the whitewashed church of Vlacherna and Corfu’s iconic landmark, the Mouse Island!
Connected to Kanoni via a causeway, lies the beautiful 17th-century church of Vlacherna, open to visitors only once per year, on the 6th of August where a religious celebration takes place. From this causeway, small boats depart regularly to Mouse Island. Mouse Island is a tiny island, with beautiful green tufts of tree and home to the tiny, 13th-century church of Pantokrator. Legend has it, that this little island was formed when the ship that had taken Odysseus back to Ithaca, his home port, was turned into stone by Poseidon, God of the sea, angry at being defied by the Phaeacians.
Visitors to Kanoni can savour their coffee in one of the cafés while enjoying the wonderful views over the Mouse Island, take a small boat to visit the Mouse Island or watch planes taking off and landing right over their head, as Kanoni is located just next to Corfu Airport!
The village of Giannades is located 13 km west of Corfu town and 7 km southeast of Paleokastritsa. Three kilometres south of the village is the beach of Ermones, while from above, the former swamp, which has dried up and today, is a plain; a cultivated area of 10,000 acres known as the Ropa valley. The beautiful village, with its long history and 18th century buildings, is a medley of hues.
The old buildings stand out and minimal interventions deviate, evident of the respect shown by the approximately 500 inhabitants of the village for preserving its tradition and history in its beautiful antiquated elements.
Back in time, the village of Giannades is said to have taken its name from the surname of a feudal lord, Giannades. The village monopolized the interest of the conquerors, from the Andeans to the Venetians, due to its special oak powder or tanning agent. The “prinokoki” as it is called, was a product that was exported for tanning, a crimson or
scarlet coloured dye. Later the olive groves, the vineyards but also the drying of the Ropa swamp and its cultivation, was of interest to the Venetians.
The important architecture of the village, testifies to its long history. The streets are narrow, as in many villages of the island. From the main square of the village there is a panoramic view of the current, fertile Ropa valley, a tapestry of colour.
Do not forget to enjoy the tasty, traditional dishes that you will find in the colloquial tavernas of the village and drink your coffee in one of the traditional cafes while
enjoying images that take you back in time to a bygone era. All this on the island of Corfu, that manages to combine mountain and sea at close quarters, and to include magnificent, miniature landscapes of everything that makes Greece famous around the world.
Kavos is one of the most tourist spots in Corfu. This popular resort is located at the southern part of the island, 46 km from the town. During the last 20 years, Kavos has been hugely developed and today it is regarded as the top destination for British tourists. The pristine beaches and the night entertainment are all important features that Kavos has become famous for. Lying on the southern coast of Corfu, the village provides an impressive view to the bay.
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At the wider area of Kavos, there are numerous accommodations for every taste and budget. Kavos is filled with numerous restaurants, shops and bars. In fact, this is probably the most popular entertainment spot of Corfu, with bars and clubs that stay open till next morning. The sandy beach of Kavos is ideal for swimming and sea sports. Many lovely beaches are also found in the area, like Agios Georgios Argyradon and Issos.
The village of Kassiopi lies 35 km north of Corfu Town, opposite the Albanian coasts. This small picturesque fishing village counts 1200 inhabitants and is dominated by a Roman fortress where it is also believed that the Emperor Nero once stood near this location. Today, Kassiopi is a cosmopolitan town with several taverns, cafes, bars and accommodation.
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There are numerous bays around the village of Kassiopi. Coming from the west, the beaches at this side of the village are tiny, windy, full of loungers and not very pleasant. Behind them at the main road you will find the usual resort shops and many cafes. The headland itself contains nicer pebbly beaches where water sports are available and an abandoned castle. Beyond this is a small fishing port that retains its picturesque character. Beautiful houses lie to the east.
This is a lovely, picturesque village located on the slopes of a lush green hill. Lakones is ideal for hiking adventures, you can use several paths that lead to Paleokastritsa and enjoy the superb view to the sea.
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Between the 18th and 19th century houses spread in the village are many beautiful churches and traditional shops. You may even see women wearing the traditional Greek dress here.
The picturesque fishing village of Benitses lies 12.5 km south of Corfu Town and its population reaches 800 inhabitants. During the last few years, the village has become a cosmopolitan spot yet without losing its picturesque character and traditional atmosphere.
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Today, Benitses, this lovely tourist resort offers various accommodation for all tastes and budgets as well as taverns, cafes and bars. The village itself though retains its authentic beauty. A stroll around the narrow paved streets reveals beautiful traditional details that impress every visitor.
Tourists arrive with their yachts at the picturesque port of Benitses for a refreshing swim at the crystalline waters of the Ionian sea. Around the coastal village
Lefkimi is the second largest town of Corfu, 41.5 km southern of the island. It is one of the most traditional villages of Corfu built amidst lush green surroundings, in the middle of a fertile plain full of olive trees and vineyards.
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The village itself is quite picturesque with narrow streets and, tall houses, lovely squares and beautiful churches. Worth visiting in the town are the superb churches of Agioi Theodoroi and Agios Arsenios which are famous for there fine architecture. The port of Lefkimi serves daily ferries to Igoumenitsa.
Vatos is a small and tranquil village in the centre of Corfu island, about 12 km from the main town. Although Vatos is located on a high altitude, it is also only a few minutes drive from the famous beaches of Corfu, such as Ermones, Pelekas, Glyfada and Myrtiotissa.
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The village is surrounded by lush greenery while the valley around Vatos was actually a lake that has been dried today. Ropa Valley, as it is called, occupies an area of 10,000,000 sq.m. and extends all over central Corfu.
It is a vast green meadow where herbs of sheep graze and numerous cultivations prevail, mostly olive trees and vineyards. River Ermones crosses the valley, forming beautiful lakes. The region constitutes an important life reserve, the hospitable refuge for various species of birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. It is worth exploring the meadow by car or bike. A walk on foot is definitely fascinating.
This valley also hosts a large, 18-hole golf course and driving range near Ermones. The area is not much tourism developed, so it is ideal for quiet and relaxing holidays.
On a green hill above the beach of Paleokastritsa, on the northwestern side of Corfu, there is a large Monastery complex dedicated to Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Paleokastritsa. This monastery dominates the whole region. Built on top of a remote hill, it gives a gorgeous view of the island and the sea.
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This Byzantine Monastery dates back to 1228, however the current complex, the cells of the monks and the yard date from the 18th century. The monastery has a small ecclesiastical museum with rare Byzantine icons, holy books, and other relics. Inside the monastery, there works a traditional olive oil press. The road to the monastery passes through a forest of olive trees and cypresses.
The islet of Vidos lies right opposite Corfu town. This islet is small in size but has yet many special types of flora and fauna around it, thus it is protected as a nature reserve. In the ancient times, this island was known as Pythia or the island of Hera. A strong fort, also used as a prison, was built there by the French but was destroyed by the British.
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It is said that some underwater tunnels, constructed by the French, used to connect Vidos islet and the four fortresses of Corfu. A Serbian mausoleum also stands close to the small port of Vidos in the memory of the thousands of Serbian soldiers, who had died due to starvation and plague on Corfu in the First World War and were buried there.
An outdoor cafeteria and tavern offer refreshment drinks and delicious meals, while you enjoy the view of Corfu town. There are some beaches around the islet, suitable for swimming. You can take any path you like after reaching the islet and you are bound to find one. In summer, a camping site for children works there. Small boats connect the old port of Corfu town, right in front of the Court House, to Vidos.
Boats leave very frequently, almost every half an hour, and the trip takes about 10 minutes. Some diving centers also organize diving excursions around the coasts of Vidos islet.
