Corfu is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea, famous for its rich history, culture and natural beauty. There are many things to do and see in Corfu, but if you are looking for some relaxing and scenic options, you might want to consider a boat trip to Vidos Island or a bus tour to Achilleon Palace or Kanoni. Here are some tips on how to enjoy these attractions from Corfu Town.
Boat trip to Vidos Island
Vidos Island is a small island at the mouth of the port of Corfu Town, just a 10-minute boat ride away. It is a peaceful and green place, where you can enjoy nature, history and stunning views of the city and the sea.
- To get to Vidos Island, you can take one of the frequent boats that depart from the Old Port of Corfu Town. The ticket costs €4 for a round trip and the boats run from 9 am to 6 pm in the summer season.
- Once you arrive at the island, you can explore its paths and trails, which lead you to various points of interest, such as the WW1 Serbian Memorial, the abandoned buildings of the scouts, and the small church of Pantokrator. You can also swim at the main beach or at some secluded coves around the island.
- If you get hungry or thirsty, you can visit the Vido Island restaurant, which offers Greek cuisine and drinks with a view of the sea and Corfu Town. You can also bring your own picnic and enjoy it at one of the many shaded spots on the island.
- To make the most of your boat trip to Vidos Island, you should wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. You should also bring water, snacks, a towel and a swimsuit. You can spend as much time as you want on the island, but make sure you catch the last boat back to Corfu Town.
Bus tour to Achilleon Palace
Achilleon Palace is a neoclassical palace located 10 km south of Corfu Town, on the edge of Gastouri village. It was built in 1890 by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, as her summer retreat. The palace is decorated with paintings and statues inspired by Greek mythology, especially by Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War.
- To get to Achilleon Palace, you can take one of the buses that depart from Corfu Town every hour. The ticket costs €1.80 for a one-way trip and the journey takes about 20 minutes. You can also join a guided tour or rent a car if you prefer.
- Once you arrive at the palace, you can buy your entrance ticket for €8 (€4 for students and seniors) and explore its rooms and gardens. You can admire the impressive architecture, art and furniture of the palace, as well as its panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding countryside.
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Some of the highlights of Achilleon Palace include:
- The main hall with its fresco of The Triumph of Achilles by Franz von Matsch
- The Empress’s bedroom with her personal belongings and portraits
- The Kaiser’s Bridge, a stone bridge that connected the palace with the beach below
- The Dying Achilles statue by Ernst Herter in the gardens
- The Peristyle with its columns and statues of Greek gods and heroes
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To make the most of your bus tour to Achilleon Palace, you should wear appropriate clothing (no shorts or tank tops), as it is a historical monument. You should also bring water, snacks, a camera and some cash for souvenirs. You can spend about an hour or two at the palace, depending on your interest.
Bus tour to Kanoni
Kanoni is a district of Corfu Town, just 2 km south of the city center. It is named after an old cannon that stands on top of a hill overlooking the sea. It is one of the most famous and photographed spots of Corfu, as it offers spectacular views of the church of Panagia Vlacherna and Mouse Island (Pontikonisi).
- To get to Kanoni, you can take one of the buses that depart from Corfu Town every 15 minutes. The ticket costs €1.20 for a one-way trip and the journey takes about 10 minutes. You can also walk or cycle if you are feeling adventurous.
- Once you arrive at Kanoni, you can enjoy its scenery and atmosphere from one of its cafeterias or viewpoints. You can also go down some steps to reach the church of Panagia Vlacherna, a 17th-century chapel with a tall bell tower and a wooden-carved iconostasis. From there, you can take a boat to Mouse Island, a tiny green island with a 13th-century church of Pantokrator. The boat ride costs €2.50 for a round trip and takes about 5 minutes.
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Some of the highlights of Kanoni include:
- The old cannon that gave its name to the area
- The church of Panagia Vlacherna and its narrow passageway
- Mouse Island and its church of Pantokrator
- The planes landing and taking off from the nearby airport
- The sunset over the sea and the city
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To make the most of your bus tour to Kanoni, you should wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. You should also bring water, snacks, a camera and some cash for the boat and the cafeterias. You can spend as much time as you want at Kanoni, but make sure you catch the last bus back to Corfu Town.
Conclusion
Corfu is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves culture, nature and relaxation. A boat trip to Vidos Island or a bus tour to Achilleon Palace or Kanoni are some of the best ways to enjoy its beauty and charm from Corfu Town. Whether you choose one or all of them, you will surely have a memorable experience.
