Corfu, Greece

Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek) is an island near the west coast of Greece.  It was part of the Venetian Empire, and then under the British and the French influence.  The first Greek University was founded here, the first Philharmonic Orchestra and the first School of Fine Arts.  Its architecture blends many traditions.

It is a city of open air and tight spaces at the same time. We took the Hop-on Hop-off bus.  If we went down a street with cars parked on both sides, the bus driver had to be so careful to avoid hitting anything.  They’re so used to doing it, they answer their cell phone while steering carefully around a car. If you park in Corfu, always remember to fold in your mirror. 

bits of green everywhere - a sense they live outdoors

FOLD...YOUR... MIRROR!!!!

Along the waterline are restaurants, marinas, beaches and places to stroll.

with the old fortress in the background

water all directions

boats everywhere

It has two fortresses, one near the new port and this one on the eastern approaches to the city.

historic Greek orthodox church

The St. Michael & George Palace, built during the British occupation, now serves as an Asian Art Museum.  A Japanese show was the current offering.

the new fort

new fort

crowded pier

We returned to the pier, feeling like we had been through a wringer because it was hot and crowded. 

Most days, we’ve had one ship in port with us, but this was a day with 4 additional (2 NCL, Mein Schiff 4, MSC Armonia, and the three-masted Sea Cloud 2) – almost 9900 passengers.

Sea Cloud II

Just to get a perspective, the arrow shows where our cabin is on the stern of our ship.