South Corfu

THE SEDUCTIVE SOUTH

Experience the seductive energy of Corfu Island’s South and be enchanted by a land waiting to be discovered. The Sothern part of Corfu Island is decidedly different to the North whilst Corfu Town sits comfortably and uniquely in its own rite, somewhere in the middle. Here the distance between east and west coasts is relatively small giving the entire south a more uniform identity.

The landscape itself shaped the history of the island’s South and later development. Most traditional villages on the island developed on higher ground in order to protect themselves from pirates and other threats coming from the sea. The South, however, has a limited number of inhabitable heights. The villages of Chlomos and Agios Matheos are fine examples of Corfiot village living in the south. Overall it is flatter, dryer and more conducive to agricultural production. The difference between Corfu Island’s North and South is striking.

Benitses is some 12km along the main coastal road heading south and is one of the oldest inhabited fishing villages on the island. A fiery resort in the late 70’s it has now restored itself to a more tranquil location with many good fish restaurants and even boasts a popular  Sardine Festival during the summer months.

Moraitika and Messonghi are next door to each other and could be called the gateways to Corfu Island’s seductive south. Only 19 Km away from the old Corfu town center, both resorts have grown over the last years into the ideal holiday destination. Some of the best fish restaurants on the island are in nearby Boukari and Petriti as well as offering some better quality resort shops, medical facilities and the like.

Delfinia Hotels or the five star Marbella Beach are a great place to stay for those travelers who wish to explore and enjoy the rustic beauty of the southern part of the island as well as being accessibly close to locations of natural beauty. There is a calmer more settled tone to this side of Corfu Island that makes it an ideal holiday destination for those seeking a relaxed environment with easy access to restaurants, cafes and general resort facilities.

From here the west coast is only 10 minutes away by car. Not many places in the world over visitors the opportunity to watch the sun rise and set across the sea in the same day. Korission Lake is a fascinating place to visit. The lake itself runs parallel to one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the island attracting many types of bird and other small creatures that provide a haven for nature enthusiasts. Today the area has also become a hot spot for kite surfing aficionados.

Notably Korissia is home to one of the oldest Paleolithic communities discovered in Greece whilst two areas of wetland in Corfu’s south are recognized for their environmental value by NATURA. The second is down the very south of the island near Lefkimi. A bush size cedar tree also covers a sand dune area the size of a small forest and is unique to only a couple of places in the world.

The medieval Gardiki Castle is also an attraction in the area whilst a small detour to the northwest will get you to the small but attractive beach of Paramonas. The South of Corfu Island, however, is collectively appreciated for its many and seemingly endless golden sand beaches. Isos Beach, St George South, Santa Barbara, Marathias, Vitalades are but the most commonly known. Choose any that attracts your attention and you won’t be disappointed or you might even discover your very own. Aquis Hotels are in the area as well as many other attractive holiday apartments.

The very south of Corfu has had an unfortunate reputation in recent years due to the rather loud and unruly behavior of Kavos resort. This, however, has done an injustice to the area which is rich in history and natural beauty. For example, one has to pass through Kavos to get to the forest of Arcoudilas which sits on the southernmost tip of Corfu Island. As well as featuring the impressive ruins of a byzantine monastery the natural views from here are simply unforgettable.