(Area 592 sq. km)

Paleokastrltsa, 26 kilometres west of Corfu town, a miniature earthly paradise with its crystal clear waters, enchanting coves and lush greenery growing right up to the sea.

Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, a Byzantine fortress dating from the 13th century.

Pelekas, 13 kilometres west of the town, a lovely village set on a rocky hill, whose summit – according to the Corfiots say – is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the Ropa Valley is situated Corfu’s excellent golf course.

Kanoni, 4 kilometres south of town is the most popular spot on the island. Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful Pondikonissi and its 13th century church.

Gastouri, a picturesque hill village, is the site of the Achillion, the summer palace of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the last Kaiser. The Palace has many beautiful gardens ideal for a romantic walk. A part of it places an important museum as well.

Other sights not to be missed include, on the east side of the island Kassiopi, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, Benitses, Moraitika and Messongi. On its west side Lake Korission (Limni Korission), the only lake on the island.

In the northern part of the island are the resorts of Sidari, with its sandy beach, and Roda, whose beach is even longer. From Sidari you can take a boat to the three picturesque offshore islands of Erikoussa, Mathraki and Othoni. Their sheltered anchorages are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. But Corfu also has another side: a vital traditional facet to its personality still very much alive in the constumes of its village women and in its local festivals. Fine examples of folk art and crafts are displayed in shops allover the island: handwoven textiles and embroideries with intricate designs, objects of all kinds carved out of olive wood, silver utensils and lovely jewerly.