Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands and the second largest after Kefalonia. The name Corfu is a Venetian version of the Byzantine word combination meaning "city of the peaks". The Greeks have named it Kerkyra owing to myths. The story goes that Poseidon, god of the sea, fell in love with Korkyra, the daughter of the river god Asopus. Poseidon abducted the girl, brought her to that beautiful island and gave it her name.

Corfu runs 65 kilometres along the mainland coast. Its shape resembles a sickle. Two high ranges divide the island into three districts: mountainous, undulating, and low-lying. The island has preserved a variety of historical sites, and is known for the imperial gardens and authentic architecture declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Also, Corfu surely attracts beach lovers and those hunting for beautiful landscapes. AirPano will take you around the place to let you see some of its marvels. Welcome to the Cape of Drastis! It is the north-westernmost point of the island: here you can find bizarrely shaped rocks with tiny sea caves. In close up, the cape resembles a giant turtle head, with smaller turtle-like formations floating around it.

If the weather allows, you can get to the cape by boat. It is impossible to reach it by car: the cliffs fall vertically into the sea and have no stairways. During the Byzantine Empire, the area was known for its strategic location, which made it an ideal spot to control trade routes. Later on, the Venetians built here a fortification. Today, it is a desired destination for those seeking to enjoy the nature and the sea.

The area is home to small fine-sand beaches lined with cliffs. The sea bottom is shallow but because of a strong wind swimming for kids is not recommended. The cape and its views are referred to as a "symphony of rocks, cliffs and water". Now, also you have a chance to marvel at this spectacular show.

Another place worth a visit in the north-west of the island is the Porto Timoni beach. These are actually two small beaches with a strip of land between them. Both are covered with pebbles and surrounded by lush greenery, boasting crystal-clear waters in the shades of turquoise and teal. Snorkelers are sure to enjoy a maze of bright-coloured fish. Also, there is a sea cave to visit.

You can get here in two ways: on foot from Afionas, or by boat from the near-by resorts such as Agios Georgios. The beach is visited not only in the day time, it is also favoured for spectacular sunsets. And if you come here on a foggy day, as happened to the AirPano team, you'll find yourself inside an enigmatic fairy-tale.

We hope you've enjoyed the tour to this spot in Greece!

Photos by Ádám Plézer

15 August 2024