CORFU ISLAND
Ikos Dassia and Ikos Odisia are located on the breathtaking island of Corfu, cherished for centuries by all who visit. With a captivating mix of cultural influences, this radiant star of the Ionian is a timeless, cosmopolitan destination that offers so much, from lush green surroundings and beautiful beaches to a myriad of historic landmarks and famed hospitality.
CULTURE PASS
At Ikos Dassia you can enrich your stay with a complimentary ticket to visit to one of the following museums – each one offers you and your family a unique cultural experience at no extra cost.
- Capodistrias Museum, the only museum dedicated to Ioannis Capodistrias
- The Antivouniotissa Museum, showcasing post-Byzantine religious art
- The Old Fortress, a key landmark of the historical centre of Corfu town
BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
With its crystal clear waters and magnificent mountain view, the stunning Blue Flag-awarded Dassia beach is regarded as one of the finest on the island. And it is just one of the many splendid beaches adorning Corfu’s majestic 217 km coastline for the visitor to enjoy; explore those of renowned Paleokastritsa, Sidari with its stunning sandstone formations, the golden sands of remote Myrtiotissa, or the vibrant beach life at Glyfada.
COLOURFUL SIGHTS
Corfu – Homer’s kingdom of the Phaeacians – has so much to see. Visit the city’s Venetian Forts, the Achillion Palace built by Sissy, Empress of Austria. Explore one of the outstanding museums such as the Asian Art collection in the Palace of St Michael and St George. Check out the island’s marching bands in their full regalia or join in the unique Easter celebrations. While for fans of the Durrell brothers’ books, Kouloura and Kalami are a must. The town of Corfu should also be top of your list, with its cobbled alleys and the many buildings left by Venetian, French and British rulers.
DISTINCTIVE TASTES
Corfu offers a gastronomic feast with its fusion of Greek and Venetian cuisine of which the Islanders are fiercely proud. Local culinary treats you’ll discover on the menu at traditional tavernas include pastitsada – a delicious casserole of meat and pasta, sofrito – tender veal cooked in white wine and mouth-watering bourdeto, fish in a spicy tomato sauce. Each one guaranteed to enrich your holidays with the aromas and flavours of the Ionian Sea.
TOP THINGS TO DO
CLASSIC CORFU
A UNESCO world heritage site, Corfu’s historic centre with its neoclassical influences will dazzle you. Check out the Palace of St Michael and St Georgiou, the Liston Arcade, the Reading Society and the Kapodistrias family mansion to name but a few. Whilst walking the famous alleyways of Campiello, with clotheslines hanging above you, and visiting the opulent hotels are also a ‘must’ for every visitor.
THE CITY’S KEEPERS
On the eastern side of Corfu town, the rocky shore crowned by two low peaks gives the island its name Koryfo – Corfu (meaning peak). The Old Fort (Palaio Frourio), built in the 13th century has much to offer including the British-built church of St George resembling a Doric temple. This open-air museum offers a journey through time. Towering above the northwest border of the capital, the other guardian, the 16th century Neo Frourio (New Fort), is a masterpiece of military architecture built by the Venetians.
KANONI AND MOUSE ISLAND
The two famous landmarks of Corfu island are actually other islands: the diminutive Pontikonisi, which translates as Mouse Island, is just large enough to hold the Pantokrator monastery. Sitting right next to it, the famous islet Vlacherna, with its 17th century monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.
THE CANAL D’AMOUR
Love beckons at Sidari, where if you swim in the Canal d’Amour, the myth says you’ll find your soul mate. This natural ‘tunnel’ in the sandstone rocks is just one of the sandstone formations found around the spectacular sand beaches around the town.
MYTHICAL RESORTS
In the Island’s most famous tourist resort of Paleokastritsa, lush greenery blankets six rocky coves. Legend has it that this was the site of the mythical palace of King Alkinoos, where Odysseus stayed. The Monastery of Panagias was founded in 1225 and reaches as far as the famous 12th century village of Angelokastro, where you’ll find the church of Agia Kyriaki hidden in a small cave.
EASTER IN CORFU
Corfu gives has so many reasons to visit and one of these is definitely its world renowned Easter celebrations. Bearing the mummified body of the Island’s patron, St Spyridon, the procession makes its way around the city on Good Friday accompanied by the Corfu Philharmonic. And then on Holy Saturday it rains botides in the streets – clay jars thrown from balconies – so don’t get too close.
ACHILLION PALACE
The Island’s imperial past is one of the reasons it enjoys the reputation as one the most glamorous and luxurious destinations in Greece. Empress Elizabeth of Austria-Hungary, the legendary Sissi, chose Corfu to build her palace. This elegant Pompeian-style building with luxurious, neoclassical living rooms has beautiful gardens where you can see the famous statue of Dying Achilles.
MON REPOS
British High Commissioner Frederick Adam built this summer residence for his wife, Nina Palatianou in the early 19th century. Situated in beautiful forested surroundings, it occupies the site of ancient Corcyra, as the city was then called. The villa houses the Palaiopolis museum and botanical gardens with more than 2,000 rare plants collected from across the British Empire.
