Private Cultural Tour In The Historical Center Of Corfu Old Town

It is synonymous with the image of Corfu, one of its most famous landscapes and the one found in the lyrics of multiple songs! Of course it is the one and only Pontikonisi, the small island in the entrance of the ancient Ellaiko port where, the Lagoon of Chalikiopoulos is today. Pontikonisi is a verdant area, full of tall cypress trees and other plants of rare beauty. For this reason, this island is considered a natural monument and it is not allowed for visitors to disembark there but, only for a little while and under strict surveillance by guards. The name Pontikonisi derives from its shape because if someone sees it from high above, it looks like the small animal (mouse)! According to the myth, Pontikonisi was the ship of Odysseus which was transformed into a rock by Poseidon, as he was furious with the resourceful king of Ithaca, in order to prevent him once more, from returning to his homeland.

One of the most beautiful districts of Corfu, Kanoni, is located in the outskirts of the modern city, in the southern peninsula of the hill of Assumption where, the archaeological area of Palaiopoli is located. Kanoni was named during the French Occupation of Corfu, when generals decided in 1798 to place the most significant fortifications and the battery there. The French Kanoni (which means cannon) is still in this spot and one can browse at it at a close distance. Just below Kanoni, the Lagoon of Chalikiopoulos dominates where you will enjoy one of the most characteristic landscapes of Corfu: Pontikonisi and Panagia Vlahernon. The small, tiled roof chapel which is connected to the land by a narrow strip of cement and the verdant, emblematic islet in the entrance of the bay is one of the most photographed sights of Corfu and the best way to enjoy them from high above, is to observe them from Kanoni.

In the area covered by the archaeological site of Palaiopoli in Corfu, is situated the verdant estate of Mon Repos. It is approximately 3 kilometers away from the city of Corfu and covers in total an area of 258 acres of vegetation on the hill of Analipsi, while it also includes an impressive palace with an endless view of the sea. The palace of Mon Repos was built by an English Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, Frederick Adam, in 1831. It is said that it was a gift to his beloved wife, the Corfiot Nina Palantianou, while the architect of the edifice was also an English man, Whitmore. It has large openings, of colonial style with intense Greek and neoclassical elements. Mon Repos hosted the empress Elizabeth of Austria before she built the Achillion, while it is the place where, prince Philip was born who later married Elizabeth of England.

The old town of Corfu, belonging to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, constitutes a unique, world-famous site that never fails to captivate visitors. Different nations, cultures, as well as customs and traditions of three distinct states, having occupied the island of Corfu in the last centuries, meet in the maze-like alleyways of the old town center. Brits, Venetians and French left their imprint on Corfu’s society, but Corfiots have managed to adopt aspects of those cultures, maintaining their own traditions and habits and create the perfect culture mixing. The old town of Corfu boasts numerous impressive and world-famous sites: tall fortresses, considered which contributed to the defense of the island against potential  conquerors and magnificent palaces, still maintaining their power and magnificence; museums of historic significance and great architecture, old mansions and colorful houses constructed with the Venetian style, famous cosmopolitan squares and magnificent churches

After our walk we end up for lunch. The traditional restaurant we have chosen, especially for you, is located in one of the most picturesque and distinctive streets of Corfu Town and it is awarded for its traditional Corfiot recipes and the pure ingredients. You will enjoy and taste Corfu like a local eating among the historical buildings of Corfu, which have been constructed during the French occupation and you will have the opportunity to see plenty of paintings, in the restaurant, which represent the glory and the beauty of Corfu since 1932. You will enjoy traditional dishes as they offer a big variety of food, and we guarantee the quality of service and cooking. You will also have the opportunity to taste local wines and handcrafted Corfiot beers completing the lunch with original Corfiot desserts.