Natural Crafts Corfu

Even today, Kanoni is still the "postcard" and one of the most famous sights of Corfu. It is hard to resist. The proof is that it is still the most photographed site. About twenty minutes from the port and the old town, this islet, attached to the land by a long dike, shelters a cute little whitewashed church. If the place owes its name to a cannon abandoned by Napoleon's troops, history will remember that this is also where the capital of the island stood during Antiquity. However, with the exception of two excavation sites, archaeologists have never really conducted any research on the spot. The British occupants, on the other hand, turned the small point to the north-east of the peninsula upside down and built the Villa Mon Repos (which can be visited and houses a small museum, please stop by). This residence surrounded by a huge park was the birthplace in 1921 of Prince Philip of Edinburgh, husband of the Queen of England, before being assigned to the Greek royal family, then ceded to the state. It now houses a museum. The park (open from 8am to 7pm, free entrance) allows access to the islets of Vlacherna and Pondikonissi.

The popular tradition associates this island with the boat of the Phaeacians, which after having brought Ulysses back to Ithaca, would have been petrified by Poseidon. Look closely: according to Homer, this small piece of land would be nothing other than the boat that brought Odysseus back to Ithaca with his beloved Penelope... This island seems to have inspired the Swiss painter Boecklin for his work The Island of the Dead. Once there, visit the small church (13th century) surrounded by cypress trees. On the wall, plaques recall the passage of the Empress Elisabeth of Austria and her son Rodolphe.

But it is better to be warned, this landscape must be earned. The only (small) shadow to this idyllic picture: you will probably not be the only one on the spot... So to avoid the tourist buses, inevitable in Corfu in season, we advise you to go there early, very early. The ideal, if you have rented a car, is to go there in the morning at sunrise and to take a little height. You will not regret it. At this precise moment, the spectacle is magnificent, with the first rays of sunlight illuminating the two neighboring islets of Corfu: the Monastery of Vlacherna in the foreground, on the first islet, connected to the port only by a dike, Pondikonissi, the rock on which Odysseus would have failed, and finally the church of Pantokrator on the left.

Not far from the beach, the village of Lefkimmi is crossed by a river where fishermen moor their boats. This charming spot is also marked by a bridge linking the two banks. It's a place that still preserves the customs and traditions of yesteryear. You'll often see women on donkeys, for example. It's a pleasant walk. Following the scenic riverside road, you'll find the sandy beach of Boukas, 1.5 km away. Its shallow, clear, warm waters make it ideal for children.

The port village of Lefkimmi is also great for swimming. The village center is about two kilometers from the sea. Fishing boats are moored along a canal that can be followed to Bouka beach. Close to the mouth of the river, it's a nice little beach, especially before taking a boat. Accessible by car, it is equipped with showers, changing rooms and deckchairs for a fee. But the water is transparent and very warm in season. And it's much less crowded than other beaches on the island.

On the west coast of the island of Corfu, Agios Gordios is a seaside resort with a large beach, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the island. It's a charming place, with a large stretch of sand, transparent water and nature. Some restaurants let you use their umbrellas and deckchairs free of charge if you buy something from them. Otherwise, you'll have to pay 10 to 15 euros for two. This beach is well worth a visit. There's parking nearby and water sports in the bay.

Messongi beach itself is not particularly interesting compared with the other stretches accessible on the west coast. Nonetheless, it offers crystal-clear waters and good swimming. The beach is also well organized, with numerous restaurants, tavernas and beach bars along the waterfront. It is close to a particularly rich hotel offer. It will appeal to families in particular, but also to holidaymakers based here who stop off at the end of the day after exploring the island.

Benitses beach is vast, stretching from the marina to the south of the resort. If it's not crowded, the water is clear. In season, it's easy to walk around and get away from the crowds. There's hardly any sand, but the pebbles are really small and you can walk on them comfortably. The beach is pleasant, quiet and well equipped. Not as spectacular or charming as the west coast beaches, it's still perfect for a relaxing moment, especially with children.

A small observation deck on the road to the beach. And here is perhaps one of the most beautiful views on the island, and certainly the most dazzling view of Agios Gordios, the coast and one of Corfu's most beautiful sandy beaches. Parking is not easy, but it's a great place to stop off on your way to or from the village. It's also possible to walk from the village to this viewpoint. It's a fairly strenuous walk, but well worth it! In that case, allow 45 minutes to an hour's walk from the middle of the village.

Magnificent. Soft sand and greenery in the dunes. This beach is ideal for a stroll or a lazy day. It's a pleasant beach for families, especially with young children: sandy beach, clear water, ample parking. For the rest of you, rest assured, there's plenty of space, even in season. There are a few deckchairs and umbrellas, but not many. Be sure to bring water, snacks and food, as there aren't many options. There's a small bar close to the beach entrance from the parking lot.