Corfu or Crete - which is better? To Corfu from Athens - how to get to little Italy Crete Corfu distance

Corfu or Crete - which is better? We visited both islands. Each island is beautiful in its own way, and everyone will find something interesting there for themselves. Let's try to figure out the differences and choose what's right for you.

Location

Crete is the southernmost of all the Greek islands; the warm period lasts longer there, and the sea warms up faster and better.

In contrast to Crete, Corfu is the most northern island In Greece, the swimming season is accordingly somewhat shorter. And the sea, even at the height of the season, is somewhat cooler.

That is, if you decide to go on vacation, for example, in May, then in Corfu you will not need swimwear, while in Crete you can easily swim in the sea to freshen up.

Dimensions

Crete is the most big Island Greece. It seems to me that I can see everything wonderful places on the island is impossible in one trip (at least we’ve already been 2 times, and despite the fact that we don’t sit still for a day, there are still places that we can’t get to).

Corfu is small enough, and if you rent a car, you can travel around all corners of the island in four days. However, this does not make it less interesting, rather more convenient in terms of expeditions.

Attractions

Regardless of the size of the islands, there are enough attractions for both. Everywhere you will find Venetian heritage ( Venetian fortresses, neighborhoods and architecture).

The only difference is that there are no traces of Turkish culture in Corfu, because this island was never conquered by the Turks. But in Corfu there is the palace of Sisi, the Austrian Empress, which was later bought by Wilhelm II, the last German emperor.

Also in Corfu you can see buildings and even entire streets in the French style.

And a monument to our compatriot - Admiral Ushakov, who liberated the island from the rule of the French, which helped create the Republic of the Seven Islands, which for several years was a support base for the Russian Mediterranean squadron.

In Crete, you can see traces of a mixture of Venetian and Turkish culture. For example, in Chania there are neighboring turkish mosque and narrow Venetian streets with characteristic architecture.

And, of course, on each island there are many Orthodox shrines: churches, monasteries. The Greeks are generally very religious people and the degree of spirituality is quite high.

In Corfu, in the capital, there is the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimifuntos, where the relics of the Saint are kept.

In Crete, of course, there are many more of them, including the most famous: the Preveli Monastery, the Agia Triada Monastery (pictured below).

Preveli Monastery is one of the most ancient and famous monasteries in Crete. The date 1594 is engraved on the bell tower of the monastery. The monastery keeps miraculous cross Ephraim of Prevelius, who helps people recover from eye diseases. This cross is silver, and there are legends that it retained parts of the real Cross of the Lord.

Entertainment

Corfu, in my opinion, is more suitable for a relaxing holiday. The island is small, there is only one large city on it - the capital of Corfu (Kerkyra), and the rest of the resort towns are small towns and villages, mainly consisting of a couple of streets with a sedate life.

There are plenty of restaurants, taverns, as well as shops, supermarkets and rental offices everywhere. Bus service all over the island, and the distances are short. So if you don’t drive a car, you can travel around the entire island on buses quite inexpensively.

Discos, nightclubs, bars and pubs are also found in almost every resort town. However, there is a special resort in Corfu - Kavos, aimed at young people. In our photo it looks rather dull, since it was the beginning of May, it was raining and the season was not yet open. But during the season, these streets are noisier than Miami. If you love nightlife, this is the place for you.

There is housing for every taste and budget, music, fast food, water activities and life is in full swing around the clock.

There are many big cities in Crete, many party and quiet places in any part of the island, generally for every taste. Bus service is also good, but the distances are long and the fare is more expensive. So in Crete it is more convenient and economical to use a rented car.

Nature

Nature is beautiful on both islands, but Corfu still has more greenery.

You can see cypress candles everywhere, flowers all around, olive terraces, everything is very green.

There are no high mountains, the most high point islands Mount Pantokrator, only 900m. But despite this, the views from there are extraordinary, at the top it is breathtaking and you can see the entire island.

And in general, there are many such sites in Corfu from where the most beautiful panoramas open up.

There are many gorges and caves where you can walk and climb to your heart's content.

In Crete there is freshwater lake Kournas, where there are turtles and where you can take a boat or catamaran ride. But there is much less greenery, the landscapes are more mountainous. Although there are, of course, olive and orange groves.

The sea is crystal clear and very beautiful in both Corfu and Crete. You can find both pebble and sandy beaches, equipped and wild. But in Crete you can visit an amazing place -

So if you prefer more relaxing holiday with easy accessibility to the main attractions, love beautiful nature and vegetation - then you are in Corfu.

If you are very active and have a larger travel budget, like to climb mountains and gorges, and want endless attractions, then there are more opportunities for this in Crete.

Both islands are interesting, and whichever you choose, it will not disappoint you. I hope that after reading, you were finally able to determine whether Corfu or Crete is better for you specifically.

The Greek island of Corfu (aka Kerkyra) is visible from the coast of Albania.

From a distance of one and a half kilometers, the island looks like a beautiful green, hilly piece of paradise. And that's what he really is.

Since ancient times, the Greeks have adored Corfu, and it is not for nothing that it has a large place in their myths. Let's start with the fact that the god Poseidon created it in the name of love for one of the nymphs.

Maybe that's why the island is so beautiful. Maybe that’s why you fall in love with Corfu immediately and forever.

History with geography

Geographical location Corfu, undoubtedly successful and convenient for shipping and trade, largely determined the history of the island.

For example, in ancient times the Peloponnesian War was unleashed between Sparta and Sparta for the possession of this tasty piece of land in the Ionian Sea.

In the Middle Ages, Corfu, like most of the Greek islands, was subjugated by the Sicilians, and then for four centuries by the Byzantines. But unlike its many neighbors, Corfu managed to repel the attack of the Turks and did not become part of the Ottoman Empire.

But at the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon’s troops landed here, and then the island came under the protectorate of England. Despite such historical vicissitudes, Corfu became part of the country already in 1864, almost 100 years earlier than, for example,.

The northernmost of all the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is shaped like a sickle. It lies very close to the mainland on which Greece and Albania are located. Kerkyra is considered the most picturesque and most fertile of the Ionian islands.

Its area is just under 600 square meters. km., coastline– 217 km. The capital is the city of Kerkyra (or Corfu). The geographical location of Corfu allows it to have resorts almost along its entire perimeter, which is rare for the Greek islands.

How to get there

By plane., where they fly from Russia (mainly from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk) during the season charter flights(travel time – 3 hours). For those who do not accept a “package” vacation, you will have to fly to the island via Moscow and Athens.

On a ferryboat. A comfortable ferry to Corfu departs from the port of Igoumenitsa from the Greek mainland almost every hour (the journey takes 1.5 hours). You can cross to the island either independently or by car. Ticket price is 10 euros, for a car – 40 euros.

By bus. Of course, there is no bridge between Corfu and the mainland. But if you buy bus tour, for example, in Athens or Thessaloniki, then the ferry ride along with the bus will be included in the ticket price, and the transport will take you directly to the center of the capital - the city of Kerkyra - to the bus station. The cost of the ticket in this case depends on the point of departure.

Climate

The northernmost of the Greek islands, Corfu is ideal for those who love the sea but can't stand the heat. The climate here is Mediterranean, mild subtropical.

Low air humidity in summer conceals the heat and makes it almost unnoticeable. In addition, from the beginning of June, trade winds blow in Corfu, which bring coolness here. The lush greenery of the island gives additional freshness to the air: in this regard, Corfu compares favorably with its fellows.

Swimming on the island begins in May and ends at the beginning of November. True, at the end of September the rains begin, and staying in Corfu is no longer so comfortable.

Average temperature by month during the season:

April: air during the day +18, air at night +9, water +16;
May: air during the day +23, air at night +13, water +17;
June: air during the day +27, air at night +16, water +21;
July: air during the day +30, air at night +18, water +24;
August: air during the day +30, air at night +18, water +25;
September: air during the day +27, air at night +16, water +25;
October: air during the day +23, air at night +13, water +21;
November: air during the day +18, air at night +10, water +19.

Areas of Corfu

The atypicality of Corfu also lies in large quantities resort towns and villages, which are located almost along the entire perimeter of the island, whereas usually on the Greek islands resorts are concentrated on one of the coasts.

Here the west coast is famous for its beauty and beaches, the east - warm sea and seething nightlife. Numerous tourist centers Islands are most often grouped by region.

Central and eastern part of the island

In the center of Corfu on its eastern coast is the capital - the city of Kerkyra. Near the main city on the island there is an airport, a large sea port, therefore resorts near the capital are considered the most prestigious.

That's all East Coast is more popular due to the warmer and calmer sea.

The resorts of Dassia, Gouvia, Kontokali, Pyrgi and Ipsos are located a few kilometers from the capital, close to each other on the plain. They are united by excellent infrastructure - both transport and entertainment.

Kerkyra and Gouvia are known throughout the island for their vibrant nightlife. 12 km from the capital there is a town where holidays are considered elite - Kommeno. There are fashionable hotels here, including the most expensive on the island - Grecotel Corfu Imperial 5*. Read more about the delights and attractions of the central and eastern regions of Corfu in the special section of our magazine.

North and northeast

The northeastern regions of the island seem to be specially created for peace and quiet. family vacation surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Most Big city region – Nissaki (24 km from the capital).

The main attraction is Mount Pantokrator. The distance from Kerkyra makes staying at the resorts of the northeast more relaxing, and in the northern part of the island there are places that are completely secluded.

However, in the center of the villages of Roda, Sidari, Acharavi, Kassiopi, life is in full swing, there are many shops and taverns, in Arakhvi there is even a water park at one of the hotels. It is the north of Corfu that is famous for its beauty and legendary greenery, as well as the famous Lover's Strait.

Southern resorts

South of Kerkyra there is a group of resort villages - Kanoni, Perama, Benitses, where families prefer to relax because of the shallow waters and relative proximity to the airport.

At the same time, it is quiet here at night, and during the day children and their parents enjoy excellent sandy beaches. Even further south - and you find yourself in the fairly democratic youth resorts of Moraitika and Messonghi.

On the beaches south coast tourists most often expect a wide variety water activities– from paragliding to banana riding. Hotels in this part of the island are both expensive and very affordable.

The most southern point Corfu – the town of Kavos – it’s a long sand beach, shallow, ideal for children, sea and only a few hotels and taverns.

West Coast

The west coast of Corfu is known far beyond its borders.

The best beaches of the island - Ermones and Glyfada - are located here, a little away from the busy tourist villages of the same name, but they are never empty.

The beauty of these long pebble and sandy beaches is complemented by steep cliffs with waterfalls and picturesque bays.

The capital of Corfu is only 15 km away, and many holidaymakers on the west coast can afford evening and night walks to Kerkyra.

A pearl west coast The resort of Paleokastritsa is considered. The coast in this part of the island has made it possible to make the small village a place of pilgrimage for divers and scuba diving enthusiasts, who annually flood the resort, despite the cool and not always calm sea.

Besides, Paleokastritsa is crazy beautiful landscapes and several main ones. You can find out exactly what this and other resorts on the west coast of Corfu are famous for in a special section.

In Greece, it is customary to call the island of Corfu - Kerkyra, this is the name of the capital of the island. This is one of the most beautiful islands Greece.

The name of the island is associated with the mythical nymph Kerkyra, the daughter of Asopus and Metope, who fell in love with the god of the Sea Poseidon, stole her and settled her on this island.

History of Corfu

From ancient times to the present day, the history of Corfu has always been turbulent and exciting. Traces of Neolithic settlements in Corfu have been identified in modern Sidari, and traces of Paleolithic settlements have been found near the present village of St. Matthew.

The rapid development of Corfu was facilitated by its excellent location between Greece and the West. This has always attracted conquerors here - the Romans, Venetians, French, and British.

Corfu has always been an important strategic region in the Adriatic Sea.

One of the most famous naval battles in history, which took place near Corfu, is the naval battle of Actium, where Octavian Augustus destroyed the fleet of Antony and Cleopatra.

Unlike Greece, which was under Ottoman rule for 400 years, Corfu was never captured by the Turks, despite the fact that there were several long sieges.

Modern Corfu

Corfu has developed infrastructure: international Airport, a network of modern roads, a seaport, excellent hotels, comfortable beaches.

Different historical eras have left their indelible mark on cultural life Corfu: historical monuments, museums, picturesque temples, art galleries.

The island of Corfu has a great theatrical and musical heritage, The first theater and the first opera of modern Greece (18th-19th centuries) were opened here.

The picturesque nature of Corfu, with its azure sea, olive and orange groves, mild Mediterranean climate, delicious village food and vibrant nightlife, attract tourists from all over the world.

How to get to Corfu:

◊ By plane

There are daily flights of approximately 50 minutes from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and Thessaloniki Macedonia Airport to Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport (Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας CFU). Corfu Airport is located 3 km south of Corfu town, you can get to the city by taxi or by buses No. 5, 6.
Airport facilities include parking for 120 cars and 60 buses, car rental companies, three travel agencies, a bank, an automated teller machine (ATM), taxis, a café/bar, a duty free shop and a health centre.

◊ Bus + Ferry

By car or bus you need to get to Igoumenitsa (the distance from Athens to Igoumenitsa is 500 km) or to the city of Patras (the port where ferries depart to the Ionian islands and Italy), from where “open” or “closed” ferries will take you to Corfu .

Daily intercity buses from Athens, depart from KTEL Kifisou, 100 (Κηφισού 100), the ticket costs 60 euros, it includes a ferry ticket, the journey takes 9 hours.

From Thessaloniki to Corfu, a bus leaves from KTEL Macedonia, the ticket costs 49.5 euros, the travel time is 6 hours.

What to see in Corfu:

old defensive fortress Corfu (Paleo Frourio)

Achilleion Palace

Cathedral of St. Spyridon

Temple of the Virgin Mary

Cathedral of San Jacomo

Kerkyra love channel

ruins of the Temple of Artemis

Paleokastritsa

ruins of the Byzantine castle of Angelokastro (Krini)

Necessary telephone numbers in Corfu

Corfu Airport telephone: +30 26610 30180

Corfu port telephone: +30 26610 45551

phone KTEL Corfu: +30 2661028928

Corfu radio taxi phone: +302661028928

Corfu tourist police telephone number: +3026610 30265

If you are planning independent trip from Russia to the island of Corfu and are planning a route, you may find the information below useful.

To Corfu by plane

From Russia to the island of Corfu you can get:

Direct flight.
Some airlines fly non-stop to Kerkyra during the summer tourist season. You can view Ellin Air flights - departure from major cities Russia Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don - 5 hours of flight and you are in Corfu.
With transfers.
You have a better chance of finding inexpensive tickets to Corfu with transfers in Athens or Thessaloniki. In these major cities It’s easy to make a connection - flights from Athens and Thessaloniki to Corfu fly several times a day, so you don’t have to stop in the transit city itself, but after waiting at the airport for a couple of hours, fly to the final point of the route.

How to get to Corfu from Athens

by plane - departures several times a day by Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air - be careful and prudent - buy tickets a month in advance, if possible - the cost of the flight in this case can be two times cheaper than if you buy a ticket on the day of departure ( from my own experience). If you are flying with a family, the savings can be significant.
By bus from Athens – travel time is about 8 hours. The trip includes a ferry ride to Igoumenitsa.
By car – travel time depends on driving skill, on average about 6 hours.

If you are traveling with children, the best way transportation will be by plane - quickly and not tiringly. You can also take a bus if the children are older - for them it will even be a kind of adventure on land and water. Traveling by car is only advisable if you come to Greece with your own vehicle.

How to get to Kerkyra from other islands

It may turn out that while you are on another Greek island, you will need to end up in Corfu. From Rhodes, Crete, Symi and other islands you can fly or take a ferry to Kerkyra.

Since many interesting islands communicate with this large island one way or another, you can arrange big Adventure, for example in the Ionian Islands. Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Zakynthos are nearby, but so different. Take the ferry and visit them all.

Moreover, from Corfu you can even reach Italy and Albania – also by ferry. Accordingly, while on vacation in Italy, you can profitably visit Greece and even return back, if necessary - tickets to Europe will be cheaper than visiting these countries next time, flying from Russia specifically.

Tags:

Greece includes more than 1,400 islands. Among them there are very tiny and even uninhabited ones that no tourist has ever set foot on, but today we are not talking about them. With the Director of Product and Operations, we will focus on the three pillars of the Greek island holiday - Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.

We can talk endlessly about the islands of Greece, their number is huge, and their diversity is amazing. Suffice it to say that Greece includes more than 1,400 islands. Among them there are very tiny and even uninhabited ones that no tourist has ever set foot on, but today we are not talking about them.

Crete is the largest, southernmost and most beloved by tourists greek island, people come here for wonderful holiday, rich history and delicious food. Rhodes is considered the most beautiful, and Corfu is the northernmost and greenest of this trio of tourist whales.

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The main thing you need to know about the islands of Greece is that no matter which one your tourists choose for their trip, you can be sure that they will receive a warm welcome, warm sea, gentle sun and the best vacation in the world!

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