Corfu - Finally!

Nearly 43 years after we were last in Corfu we finally got to go ashore on the island. Our last visit was on the ferry from Brindisi to Igoumenitsa in 1976/77 and we were told that we could not go ashore - incorrectly - so we never got to set foot on the island.

This time we made sure and did an excursion which covered much of the northern end of the island. We were surprised by the size of Corfu, not being aware of just how large it is.

The first part of the trip took us to a lovely spot on the north-western coast and up into the hills behind, using a very narrow road that seemed to zig zag endlessly. The last little bit was on a section of road that was one-way and through which the bus barely squeezed.

The trip was worth it, as the views across the top of the island were spectacular.

We stopped at a small monastery for women, which was founded in the 17th century, with a lovely little Greek Orthodox church.

We then drove across the top of the island to the north-eastern side, with views of little villages all the way until we returned to Corfu Old Town.

A walking tour through the UNESCO listed city was very interesting with all the different architectural styles brought to the city by the various rulers. Lots of very narrow streets and buildings that have been converted into apartments - no doubt very desirable.

Saw the famous cricket pitch - for a game brought to the island by the British and now played very enthusiastically by the locals.