Corfu is an island with beautiful and interesting places for everyone's taste.
If you are in Corfu, don't overlook to visit the following places:
One of them is the Achilleion Palace, built as a summer recidence, back in 1890 by the Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sissi. It is located in Gastouri region, around 10 km south of Corfu city.
According to history books, Sissi was a romantic woman but with an obsession for beauty. She fell in love with the island, and adored the nature and culture of the island and generally of Greece. The theme design of the Palace is based on the famous Greek warrior Achilles.
Greek statues surround the palace, a monument of platonic romanticism and escapism. Numerous paintings and statues of Achilles decorate its main hall and luxurious gardens showing the heroic and tragic scenes of the Trojan War.
Achilleion Palace is a known filmmaking shooting spot. In the movie, 'For your eyes only' 1981, with Roger Moore, director John Glen used the Palace for a couple of scenes. Because the Palace has a spectacular view over Corfu town and the coast, since it is the best view point on the island, both scenes managed to capture the
beauty of Corfu and the architectural style of the palace.
After Sissi's assassination in 1898, Achilleion Palace was purchased by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1907, and he also used it as a summer residence.
Although, during the First and Second World War the palace was inevitably pillaged, after years of restoration, the palace was finally restored to its former glory.
The Palace is overwhelmed by tourists each year; you really should not miss this wonderful building.
Pelakas with the Kaiser throne.
Another good destination is Pelakas village with Kaiser throne. Pelakas is a traditional small mountain village, located on the west coast of Corfu 13km on the opposite side from Corfu town, at 270m above sea level. This place is famous for its natural beauty and of course the 'Kaiser Throne', a lookout point on the rock summit above the village.
According to the historians, between 1908 and the first World War, Kaiser Wilhelm II spent his summers at Achillion Palace, which has previously purchased from Sissi's heirs in 1907, but never had a chance to enjoy it, because of his involvement as the last German Emperor and King of Prussia in the First World War.
Kaiser fell in love with the view of the sunset from that rock summit, and was driven from Achilleion each evening to watch the beautiful sunsets. This lookout point remained known as the “Kaiser's Throne”. It offers probably the best 360° degree panoramic views to be found anywhere on the island.
We suggest you to visit this place for its marvellous sunsets and stunning 360° view over the island. The view Kaiser Throne 'is really breathtaking.
Kassiopi Castle, at Kassiopi Village
Kassiopi is a picturesque fishing village, located on the north side of the island.
It is famous for its beautiful beaches, romantic hotels, and of course The Kassiopi Castle. This historical monument is a Byzantine Castle which was built probably in 582-602 AD, the exact year of construction is still unknown. Unfortunately, this amazing castle was destroyed several times by invaders and pillagers.
Today, we can see the ruins of Kassiopi Castle, and also admire the amazing view to the sea coast. This Castle is considered to be one of the most important
architectural remains in the Ionian Islands [1].
The Mouse Island(Pontikonisi)
This tiny island is the most romantic and unusual place in Corfu Island.
Mouse Island is located opposite Perama village, and owes its name to its shape, which is similar to a mouse. Also, according to Greek mythology, the island is
the ship of Odysseus(Ulysseus), which unfortunately turned into an island by the god of the seas Poseidon.
In the centre of the island is situated the beautiful Church of Pantokrator.
This small church is built in 13th century, which is surrounded by trees and small plants.
History and mythology dominate Corfu. In this Magic Island you can find places full of excitement and inspiration.
Martin Wynn
