Corfu Town and beyond

Visited the old fortress in Corfu Town which provides great views over the city. Its history dates back to the mid-6th century AD, when the ancient city of Corfu was destroyed in barbarian incursions. The current form of the Old Fortress's fortifications is mostly owed to the defensive works done during the period of Venetian rule (1386-1797)

View of Corfu from the top of fortress

In the old fortress in Corfu Town

Church of St George in the old fortress

We visited the Church of St Spirodon, the mummified remains of whom are entombed in a silver casket. He is much venerated on Corfu as their patron saint and the Corfiots have great faith in his powers of intervention. We have noticed in the Greek Orthodox churches the ritual of kissing all the icons. I noticed one man kiss the casket of St Spirodon at least 4 times. Perhaps St Spirodon may have a lot to answer for in spreading COVID. 

 

Forgot to mention that when we returned the car rental in one piece, we were severely scolded for not producing the "paperwork". "It must remain in your car at all times" we were told. Adrian shrugged and told them he did not know where it was and more scolding followed. But he kept his cool...just. Apparently if the police pull you over,  you must show the "paperwork". In all the fracas...fortunately no imprisonment on this occasion...I left my beach shoes behind. But a detour in the taxi today allowed me to reclaim them for more use at rocky beaches.

Celebrating the safe return of the car with an ouzo on the famous Liston

A surprise around every corner

On our final full day on the island of Corfu and without a car, we decided to catch a ferry to the nearby island of Paxos. Both Paxos and its tiny neighbour, Antipaxos boast magically clear, light blue waters. We had originally planned to go on a tour, but it was booked out. Dodged a bullet there, as the boats were packed, with loud music playing and no chance for any independence. From the small town of Gaios on Paxos, you can catch a water taxi to Antipaxos which returns to collect you later in the day. The trip to Paxos was very fast on a hydrofoil – one hour (35 euro per person), which was our only option. The return trip was by slower boat – two and a half hours – at less than a third of the price. 

A colourful scene in the port of Gaios on Paxos

Clear blue waters of Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos

Waiting for the water taxi

Our water taxi

Our final evening we dined at the Bougainvillea restaurant. Impeccable service, delicious food and wine (red house wine was excellent). After paying the bill we were presented with two glasses of cumquat liqueur, gratis, something that is often done in Greek restaurants. 

Bougainvillea restaurant

 

Ah!!!