The Old Fortress

View of the Old Fortress by Vince Smith

Throughout Europe, the Old Fortress of Corfu is one of the most striking fortification works. Towering the town’s eastern side, the Old Fortress of Corfu is the first thing that that anyone approaching the town in a ferry first sees. It stands on a rocky peninsula that cuts into the sea. The fortress gets its name relative to the New Fortress of Saint Mark, a fortress which was constructed as a protection of the town from pirates as well as enemies.

Spianada, Europe’s second largest square, holds the entrance to the Fortress. After the entrance, there are two rooms on either side which currently holds Corfu’s Byzantine Collection. It is also in the fortress that the Public Library is embedded. There are 2 stone stairs leading up to the high point. The high point provides a spectacular view of the town and the Ionian Sea. The library provides great history about Corfu. It is a great site to have a view of the sea.

Kérkyra

Kérkyra has some spectacular beaches. The greek Ionian Islands are especially known for their amazing beaches. Kérkyra particularly has an awesome coastline which provides a great destination for anyone who desires a great swim. The beaches are scattered all through the Island making them easy to access. One can therefore have a swim anytime they feel like it.

Near these beaches, there are some wonderful hotels which offer great services. There are also numerous clubs and bars in which one can hang out after a great swim. Some of the hotels which are available for rent have private beaches. One can also participate in beach games in Kérkyra. It is one destination in which one can never lack an activity to engage in.

Achillion Palace

The Village of Gastouri hosts the Achillion Palace. A casino was made out of the upper floors of the palace while the ground floor was made into a museum. It also has conspicuous gardens which overlook the Ionian Sea as well as Corfu Town.
It is a great place for anyone who would like to have an unobstructed view of the Ionian Sea. It is especially interesting during the afternoon.

Kassiópi

Kassiopi by Alexander Saprykin

Kassiópi provides a great sightseeing tour destination. It is a cute harbor town on a nice location, a small peninsula on the N. Eastern corner of Corfu Island. It is a great hideaway destination in which to seek refuge from the rest of the world.

Old Town Corfu

Old Town Corfu by Sonderzeichen

Walking down the Old Town of Corfu is an amazing experience. There are numerous interesting historical sites to visit, some of which include the church of Ayios Spiridon. There is also the museum of Palaipolis.

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Here’s a hint. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing beach away from the crowds, try visiting Panormos Beach; you have to use a private car to get there, but it’s white sandy beach where the high-brow people hang out. There are no beach chairs and umbrellas there, unfortunately. But if you are looking for that here are a few of the more popular beaches.

1. Agia Anna Beach

Agia Anna Beach Naxos by Tilemahos Efthimiadis, CC

Agia Anna Beach is south of Naxos Town on Mykonos Island. It is a small family beach with lounges, umbrellas, and bar services. This subdued beach is not glamorous, but it is fun. There are bars, restaurants and plenty of hotels and studios to rent around the beach.

2. Ornos Beach

Ornos Beach by Leonora Enking, CC

 Ornos Beach is just a few miles from the town of Mykonos. Like Agia Anna, this beach also has its share of bars, restaurants,  accommodations, and shops, there are also nearby supermarkets in this touristy beach town.

3. Elia Beach

Elia Beach by Mike, CC

Elia Beach is a white sandy beach near the town of Ano Mera. This beach is also in a well-developed area with restaurants, accommodations, and stores.

4. Beach at Aghios Ioannis

Aghios Ioannis Beach by Lenora Enking, CC

This small beach is accessible by bus from the town of Mykonos. The setting houses several luxury boutique hotels, but visitors will also find a selection of inexpensive options, hotels, villas, and apartments. Aghios Ioannis Beach appeared in the 1989 movie, Shirley Valentine, a drama/comedy.

5. Super Paradise Beach

Super Paradise Beach by Omar Haroun, CC

Super Island by Maria Panayiotou, CC

Super Paradise Beach probably should be called, Super Party Beach. This beach is known for having a party atmosphere, and nudity is accepted. This is a good-time, lively beach, so if you are not ready for a party, this one’s probably not for you.

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Be prepared to walk a lot in Santorini, Greece. Since the region is on cliffs, you’ll have to maneuver up and down a lot steep stairs to get around. The steps do not go straight up. There are small platforms after every few stairs. All of the villages have pretty much the same set-up. There are plenty of cobblestone sidewalks and sometimes the steps are uneven.

People rent scooters and cars to get around, but be forewarned that tourists are not accustomed to driving on Santorini’s winding streets. So, be alert for careless or baffled drivers. In Santorini, Greece, people drive on the right side of the road.

Port of Santorini

Santorini Port by Shane Gorski, CC

You might want to snap a few photos at one of the docks in Santorini. When you arrive to the  Santorini area, you’ll probably have to transfer from the ship to a local boat that will take you to the dock.  Then, you will have to either climb hundreds of treacherous stairs to get to the street level or you can take the cable car up (beware there might be a long line).

Santorini Cable Car by Michael Gaylard

The  cable car is worth the price if you are not into climbing about 600 steps to reach Fira, the capital town of Santorini.

 Go Sightseeing

Santorini Greece Photo by Edward Dalmulder, CC

This is one of the most recognizable photos of Santorini, Greece. The white and blue dwellings on this island are positively picturesque. During your meandering, you’ll going to get hungry.

Where to Find Seafood in Santorini

Try the seafood at the Sunset Taverna. This seaside restaurant is said to have some of the freshest seafood in the area. Sea Side by Notos has high ratings on TripAdvisor for its food.

Red Beach

Red Beach Santorini Greece by Pietro Motta, CC

Red Beach is another of the  well-photographed destinations in Santorini. It’s located near Akrotiri. The beach is tiny and is usually crowded, but if you go there, you can nab pictures like this.

Kamari Beach

Kamari Beach by Panos Asproulis, CC

Kamari Beach is popular for its black sandy beach and the cute restaurants and shops that surround it. Kamari is a well-developed town with plenty of hotels and resorts. This beach gets crowded quickly, but it does have umbrellas and cabanas.

Akrotiri Ruins

Akrotiri Ruins by Carolyn Sugg, CC

Visit the Akrotiri Ruins, an excavation site where you can the ancient streets and buildings. Pottery like the pottery pictured above have been found during excavations there. The site is indoors, making it a great option for history buffs who want to get out of the heat. The ruins are the result of a volcano eruption in 1450 BC. The inhabitants evacuated, leaving behind their city and valuables.

Aerial View of Santorini

Thira Santorini Greece by Roberto Faccenda, CC

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