✌ Hello Steemians!

I came back. To reality. As you probably guessed from my previous entries, I spent the last week on the Greek island -Corfu. The island I've been planning for at least 1.5 years.

If you ask me if I would go there again, I will answer that yes. Even the second time. Possibly the eighth one as well. ;) Thanks to Ewa from @grecki-bazar-ewy, who made me even more involved in this trip and gave me some valuable tips on places to visit. I definitely envy you now that you are there!

It was beautiful!

For years I have been in love with Greece, the climate, seas, people. It was my sixth time, I feel the same thrill in my every approach during planning. Is this my place on Earth? It is difficult to judge, because there are still so many beautiful places to see, but one thing I know for sure - I feel perfectly there and I miss every time after return.

On Corfu, apart from rest, I was also going with the intention of making a comprehensive relationship for you.

The vast majority of photos will not appear anywhere except Steemit!

I would like to share my experiences with you, what I have seen and what I recommend to visit.

Are you ready? Let's start!

I started the adventure on the third day of May. Why such a date? In Poland, the long weekend was coming to an end. Some people probably started thinking about next campaigns, targets and deadlines at work.

I wrote to you in previous entries about the advantages of traveling to Greece in early May - before the season, fewer tourists, no queues and beautiful weather.

Everything worked in 100%!

As for tourists - there were very few people outside of the Corfu city. Even the beach in Paleokastritsa, where there is nowhere to put a towel during the season, was quite empty. There were maybe 5 other people besides me on Hidden Beach. In the evenings a lot of places in pubs, peace. It was beautiful! Nowhere else did I have to stand in queues. This does not happen often.

As for the weather - it was variable. During the day the rain could have fallen twice, every now and then the sun was hiding behind the clouds, and then pouring heat from the sky. It was very hot in the full sun. The water in the sea was not fully heated, but it was easy to bathe, which I did many times! At the end of the trip, there was a difference in water temperature between the first and last day of the stay. However, the sun does its job. ;)

I was surprised by the prices of car rental - 20 euros per night. I have never been able to rent a car so cheap yet. I counted on the expense of 25-30 euros, and here is such a surprise! Maybe it's also because I stayed in a smaller town - Benitses, and it was close to everything. The island is small enough that you can have enough time to travel around it.

What else amazingly surprised me is the ubiquitous greenery on the island. Corfu is the leader in this ranking. Traveling miles from north to south and from west to east you will be overwhelmed by the enormity of greenery. There were moments in which I wondered if I was definitely not in the jungle. :D

Apart from the greenery, there were many kinds of flowers and scents from them emerging. On the roofs of taverns, huge vines in wonderful colors, something amazing!

Wonderful green landscapes, crystal clear bays and sandy beaches have meant that for centuries Corfu has been known as the "Emerald Island" - I agree with every word of this sentence!

What do you have to see during your stay?

I started my tour with Kerkira (different name of the Corfu city). Many of the city's monuments were destroyed during World War II, but some survived. You can see here the Italian influence on architecture - a lot of small streets built with tenement houses, decorated shutters, cafes, and taverns.

It is definitely worth going to the Old Fortress - the symbol of the city and the island. Admission: 6 euros.

The oldest fragments of the building, which can be seen now, date from the mid-12th century, that is from the time of the Byzantine Empire. In the fifteenth century, the Venetians built new walls and dug a defense moat - Contrafossa.

Further rebuilding took place in the years 1558-1588 - then fortifications were built, which have survived to this day

In the middle of the fort there is the church of St. George.

The castle "Castel a Terra" with a small lighthouse can be accessed by climbing a steep climb next to the Venetian clock tower, with a stunning view of the city that compensates for the difficulty of climbing up.

The Liston - A building on the esplanade, a remnant of the French occupation. Interestingly, I can add that it was made according to the design of the same architect who designed the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. It looks beautiful, during the day and at night!

At the end of espaland you will find the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. It is worth visiting, although from the outside due to the interesting buildings. The remains of the presence of the British on Corfu. Currently, there is a large collection of Asian art and Byzantine finds from the island. The palace is preserved in the neoclassical style, but triumphant in manner, with a nod towards the Parthenon.

Moving around this part of the city, it is impossible not to notice the tower towering above the heads from the Church of St. Spirydon. This is one of the main landmarks in the city. You can see here a silver casket with the remains of a saint. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to go inside, which I regret very much!

You will find the Town Hall building nearby.

Corfu absorbs, you can be lost here for the whole day.

From the city I went south - to Kanoni, where there is the Vlacherna Monastery and the bridge over which planes land and take off.

Two obligatory tour points.

Monks are not currently living in the monastery, it is open to sightseeing, although small. It is located on a picturesque island. The view from above is legendary.

There is a bridge next to it, where you can feel almost like in Sint Maarten. The planes will start and land over your heads. Interestingly, the Corfu airport is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. It is also small enough that planes taking off towards the monastery cause a street perpendicular to the airport due to safety reasons. The engine could simply blow out the passing cars from the road. The view is great though!

The next day the weather broke down a little, so instead of going to heavenly views in the north, I went south - to the very end of the island. I came to the ruins of the Blessed Virgin Mary's Convent, which was hidden in the dense summer on the hill, at the end of the road, which has to be walked on foot. However, I felt a bit uncomfortable (;)) Have you watched the Ghost House horror? You already know why! I recommend seeing with my own eyes.

Goose bumps are compensated by beautiful views all around!

At least one day (and preferably two days) MUST be allocated to the north-west and north of the island. Without visiting these regions, you can not say that you were on Corfu!

I'll start with the bomb. One word: Paleokastritsa. And all is clear now!

Paleokastritsa is the name of a small town, which accumulates beautiful views. The walk between the coves is MANDATORY! If you have more time, it's best to spend all day on this place.

During a stroll, you will come across the most famous beach of Corfu - Agios Spirydon. The views are breathtaking. Boats on the horizon, hills on the sides, you can feel like in Thailand.

Water - crystal clear, shimmering with shades of blue. From the stories I know that in the summer there is no place to put a towel. The downside is that the beach is quite short and narrow. Views, however, make up for these small inconveniences.

On the beach you can go on a cruise on a small boat or motorboat (I recommend the second option!). The cost is 10 euros per person.

The captain will take you on a 40-minute cruise around the area and Blue Grottos. This is another place that you NEED to see with your own eyes!

The captain feeds fish that are curious about going to the boat.

If you take a good look at the picture below on the top of the rocks, you will see the lion's head. ;)

One of the caves is called the Blue Eye Cave. The colors look amazing. All because of the difference in depth between the inner and outer sides of the rocks.

Cliffs that we pass along the way seem to be monumental.

We had the opportunity to swim to the famous Paradise beach - available only from the sea. The beach actually looks heavenly! It is surrounded by unusual high and beautiful cliffs. The beach is rocky, beautiful, calm, captivates with the color and purity of the water.

After returning, head for one of the hills and find the Paleokastritsa Monastery. Along the way, you will see paradise views of the bay:

Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to go inside, a few minutes after 13 the church is closed for some time.

From Paleokastritsa it is impossible not to go to the Angelokastro castle. It is true that these are only ruins, and a lot of stairs lead upstairs, but I assure you that it's worth it! From above you have wonderful views of the bay. This is one of the most beautiful historical places on Corfu, fortified in the 12th century. A piece of history!

Traveling north of the castle you will come across the beautiful landscapes of Agios Georgios beach. Almost like Copacabana!

Traveling between stops is a real challenge. Often roads are very narrow, winding and full of hills. I do not recommend driving people who do not feel confident behind the wheel!

The plan to see was Porto Timoni, but for lack of time I had to let go. I leave for the next time. ;) Or maybe some of you were there and can share your impressions?

After a hard day, I arrived in the vicinity of Sidari. What should you see here?

Definitely Cape Drastis.

One of the most beautiful viewpoints on the island. You will find here the formations of limestone rocks surrounding the picturesque cove. You can sunbathe on rock shelves, preferably in good weather. Otherwise, the sea can give us a trick. You have to be careful, it's quite dangerous there.

In Sidari itself, you must go to Canal D'Amour or the Love Canal. Legend has it that if a couple bathes together in it, love will join her forever, and unmarried maidens will meet their chosen heart in the same year. In addition, there are beautiful views of the area from above.

For the next day I planned a tour of the picturesque village of Kassiopi. But before I got there, I could not refuse myself a bath at Hidden Beach.
From the land, there is a path like in the jungle. You have to go about 1 kilometer. Well worth it!

When I showed up in the morning, I was practically alone, which intensified the impression of the uniqueness of this place. A clean beach, almost virgin, crystal clear water, shoals of fish swimming underfoot. Wonder!

Nearby, there are more beaches - Avlaki East and Avlaki. It's worth stopping for a moment.

You can see the coasts of Albania from Kassiopi. From here it is really close. My attention was caught by 3 beaches: Pipitou, Bataria and Kanoni Beach.

Kanoni Beach is the least friendly because you have to crash on the rocks. There is no gentle descent to the sea.

The most secretive is Pipitou.

The most beautiful is Bataria! Wonderful! It is not enough that colorful fish float by the legs, attracted by the sea bottom moved by our feet, we can also meet jellyfish there. Do not be fooled and do not take them in your hand. ;)

On the island itself you will meet many cats of various colors.

Corfu is also a place where Italian influences not only concern architecture, but also food. In addition to traditional Greek dishes, you will eat delicious pasta and pizza.

The picture that enjoys the eye is always fresh fruit!

Do not forget about ice creams!

Corfu has something extraordinary about it. Everyone will find a part of themselves here.

And you? Have you been to Corfu? Let me know in the comments and leave me follow if you like it. It motivates!

Where now?

Best regards.

@lashotta