We will be docked in Corfu (Kerkyra) on Thursday, June 7th from 8 am - 6 pm. Corfu is the greenest, much lush, of the Greek isles and is often called the Emerald Island. The mean temperature in June is 75 degrees F. Distance from the pier to the town is about 2 miles (20-30 minute walk) but taxis will be readily available. Corfu's Greek name, Kerkyra, is connected to 2 powerful water symbols;
Poseidon, god of the sea and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river.
Two fortresses (or castles) enclose the old city of Corfu Town. Two years ago when we visited Corfu, we spied a
shuttle bus to centre for 1.20 Euro, so we hopped on that without a second
thought! It was a good thing, as we walked and climbed and walked and
climbed in the old town... up to the tippity top of the Fortress to get
those great photo ops! It never ceases to amaze me when I see ancient
buildings and ruins. It's difficult to imagine such ancient times with
gods & goddesses and gladiators, etc.
After our self made
tour to the top of the Fortress and such, it was time for a "traditional
Greek lunch" ... so we found a cafe, Piperitsa, Plakada Agiou, near St.
Spyridon Square. We chose well... OK, I will give credit to Ken as he
chose it! We both ordered a Greek salad and white wine for me and red
wine for Ken. Our salads were so beautiful, that I took a photo, which I
just may submit to a magazine!!!! I have ordered many Greek salads,
but this one "took the cake" so to speak. It was amazingly beautiful
and yummy. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, butter lettuce, Kalamata
olives, feta cheese (of course!) and olive oil/vinegar for dressing.
This is a memory that will indeed last forever. We got to know the
family owners, (mom, pop, 10 year old daughter, puppy dog) and we plan to have lunch at Piperitsa again!
My Greek Salad at Piperitsa
'Corfu town is Venice and Naples, a touch of France and more than a dash of England, apart of course from being Greek' - Countess Flamburiari. Old Corfu Town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets dominated by a 16th century fortress.
A visit to the Achillion Palace, built by Queen Sissy of Austria at the end of the 19th century is a highlight. The Empress's obsession with the Greek mythology and especially with Homer's Iliad & Ulysses influenced the whole architecture and decoration of the palace, which is built in neo-classical style and has elements of Ionian, Roman and Eolithic styles. Its gardens are decorated by many sculptures and have stunning views on the island.
After Achillion Palace you will come to Corfu Town, where you will see the exceptional mixture of architecture influenced by four great civilizations: the Old Fortress, New Fortress, famous Liston Street, the Royal Palace, and of course the Saint Spyridon church, named after the Patron Saint of the island.
Map of Old Town Corfu - includes locations of sites for a do-it-yourself walking tour.
Shopping
You will find small shops of almost every commercial nature, including a multitude of gold shops; Corfiot craftsmen excel at designing and making Greek jewelry in gold at competitive prices. Small stalls with local wild honey, fig cakes, and hand made lace may tempt you too. Pottery, leather goods, olive wood objects make nice remembrances. Shops are generally open from 9am-2pm and 6pm-8:30pm Monday through Saturday.
Lunching
The Old Town is packed with tavernas, restaurants, and cafes. Many will have outdoor seating, great for people watching and enjoying the Grecian sunshine! The most famous Corfiot dishes show the influence made on the island by the Venetians: Pastitsada is a meat and pasta dish, Bourdeto is a peppery fish stew, Bianco is a white fish stew infused with garlic and Sofrito consists of sliced veal cooked with garlic, parsley and vinegar. However, the traditional meat in Corfiot cooking is lamb and it features in many of the island’s day-to-day dishes, although pork, beef and chicken are also popular choices. The meats are cooked with Corfiot herbs; mainly oregano, parsley, dill, mint and basil and are often grilled or roasted with onions and garlic. If you're a seafood fan, you won't be disappointed as the Corfiots like to eat their fish almost as soon as it is off the hook! Seafood will usually be baked or grilled over open fires & local herbs, olive oil and lemon are used for seasoning.
Another Corfu sampling would include the kumquat, a small bittersweet tasting orange, not found anywhere else in Greece. They are preserved and eaten whole or soaked in syrup. Kumquats have been called "the little gems of the citrus family", and local Corfiots seized on the opportunity, once they realized that the fruit could be fermented and distilled into liquors. As well as liquors, kumquats are made into sweets and marmalades. Many of the tourist shops in Corfu sell Kumquat products one of the more famous shops you will find is located next to the "Achillion Palace"
