Travelstick The Greek Island Corfu
Corfu Greece
The Greeks call the island Kerkyra, named after a nymph who was the daughter of the river god Asopus. Poseidon, god of the sea, fell in love with Kerkyra and they made love on the island, giving birth to the race of the Phaeaceans. The crystal clear waters around Corfu are a gift from Poseidon to his children.
The Castle Angelokastro on Corfu
Angelokastro
One of the oldest and most important Byzantine castles in Greece, it dates back to at least the 7th century. The origin of its name is unclear. Some historians say that it is named after Michael I Komnenos Doukas, alias Michael Angelos, who annexed Corfu in 1214. His son Michael II, named the castle "Angelokastro" after himself and his father. The first documented evidence dates to 1272, after Giordano di San Felice seized Corfu from Manfred, the King of Sicily, in 1267.
The site is a short walk uphill from the entrance. 2019 Entrance €2.
Grava Gardikiou on Corfu
Grava Gardikiou Entrance
Remains dating back to 20,000 BC were found in this cave. In those days Corfu was still connected to the mainland. Hunter-gatherer stone tools and animal bones were found, which have since been removed and are now exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Corfu. From the cave you have a spectacular view of the valley below and the 13th century Byzantine castle Gardiki.
A short distance along the road from taverna "Castle Gardikis" there is a path leading uphill to the cave. 2019 Entrance free.
Gardiki Castle on Corfu
Gardiki Castle Entrance
A 13th century Byzantine castle in southwestern Corfu, it is the only surviving medieval fortress on the southern part of the island. It is unknown who was responsible for the construction of the castle but it is assumed that it was built either by Michael I Komnenos or his son Michael II Komnenos, rulers of the Despotate of Epirus. Close to the castle entrance are the Chrisoulas Teverna and the Taverna Gardikis which has a beautiful garden, a perfect place to relax after exploring the ruins.
Less then a minute walk down the road from the parking at the Taverna "Castle Gardikis". 2019 Entrance free.
Floor Mosaic Museum Corfu
Byzantine Period Mosaic
Fragments of a mosaic floor dating back to the 5th/6th century. Part of a collection of Byzantine art on display inside the entrance gate of the old Venetian fortress in the city of Corfu. Also present is a fine collection of wall paintings.
Entrance included in Old Venetian Fortress price.
The Beaches of Corfu
Sand Beaches
The beaches on the south western part of the island are some of the most beautiful, with crystal clear water. We visited a few different beaches in south west and all of them were completely empty (when we visited Corfu in June 2019). Take some water, towels and a parasol and you will have the time of your life.
The Old Venetian Fortress on Corfu
Old Venetian Fortress Information
The Old Venetian Fortress in the center of Corfu Town dates back to the Byzantine Period when the town was called Koryfo (meaning peaks). From the 6th to the 13th century residents lived within the walls of the old Fortress. Today Corfu has over 30,000 residents and the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2019 Entrance €6
