Corfu, unlike the rest of Greece, never fell under the Ottoman oppression. Due to the successive dominations of the Venetians, the French and the British over the centuries, the island has primarily become part of the Western rather the Levantine world.

It was here that the first Greek University (the Ionian Academy), the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the First School of Fine Arts were founded.

Fell like an aristocrat and take a walk in the most beautiful spots in the old town of Corfu passing through Spianada, the largest square in the Balkans. Here you can watch cricket games, or attend in musical concerts organised throughout the year.

Stop for a welcome cup of coffee at one of the town’s cosy cafés in Liston, the city’s trademark, where the aristocrats used to enjoy their evening promenades. The characteristic arcades form the most romantic background setting.

Don’t miss to visit Mon Repos Palace. It was built by the British Commissioner Adams as a gift to his Corfiot wife.

It is a small but beautiful palace with colonial elements, which today operates as a museum. In this luxurious dwelling, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Elisabeth II, was born in 1921. The park around the palace is ideal for long romantic walks.

Other top places to visit are Achillion Palace, the former retreat of princess Sissi of Austria.

Don’t forget your camera when visiting the iconic Panagia Vlacherna and Mouse island – no worries there isn’t any mouses there! However, these 2 landscapes will make you fall even deeper in love with Corfu!

It is a destination also famous for its carnival, going back to Venetian times, as well as its Easter celebrations, when locals throw large clay pots off their balconies to celebrate life.