The 400 years of Venetian occupation have left an enormous mark on cooking recipes, but also on food names.

Corfiot cuisine is purely Mediterranean. Oil, pepper, legumes, pasta and vegetables have a common base. However, it has nothing to do with the cuisine of the rest of Greece, not only because of the climatic conditions but also of the old Venetian recipes.

You will surely find moussaka and rustic, but it is worth looking for the traditional cuisine, the story of which begins several centuries ago. So you do not have to leave the island without having tasted some traditional dishes, as they are the ones that will shape your typical culinary experience in local cuisine.
We present some of the hotel guests, which you can taste at many traditional taverns and restaurants of the island.

Pastitsada. It is considered to be a formal and festive meal. This iconic recipe uses cock or calf as a base ingredient. After the meat is cooked with spices, onions and garlic, we add red wine, cinnamon, laurel, nutmeg, fresh tomato, tomato paste and sugar, while the thick spaghetti are thrown. Served with grated parmesan.

Sofrito. The second emblematic food of Corfu is made from thin slices of veal, which after being floured and fried slighlty in a pan, are cooked with white sauce of finely chopped garlic, parsley, white pepper, white wine, salt and vinegar. Served with beans or mashed potatoes.

Pastitsio Dolce. Rare recipe of Corfu. Between two layers of dough is a mixture of well-cooked meats (veal, pork, chicken, woodcocks, bacon, sausages) and coarse pasta with grated cheese and dill. The result is an incredible feast of flavors.

Pheasant aubergines. Pancakes of aubergines, sprinkled with cheese in layers cooked in the oven between boiled eggs in slices, pancetta, salami, salted with tomato sauce and basil.

Ayada hake. Stuffed cod with garlic paste. Garlic paste in Corfu has a variation. Except garlic (aglio), bread and oil, peeled almonds and vinegar are added.

Bianco. Another fish recipe with garlic, parsley, lemon juice, onions and potatoes.

Fogatsa. Brioche of venetian origin.

Gialletta (Giallo yellow in Italian). Yeast of cornstarch and shrimp flour fried in olive oil and served with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

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Kaiser’s throne is located in Pelekas a village close to Kontogialos and Glyfada beaches, in an altitude of 270m. Kaiser Wilhelm II (link) used to visit this spot to enjoy the sunset (hence the name). The panoramic view of the Ionian sea and the Island mainland will definitely pay off a visit there, especially during the sunset. We also need to mention the fact that binoculars are provided as well, for visitors to enhance their experience.

Cape Drastis

Crystal clear blue waters, green landscape, and unusual rock formations compose this cape near Peroulades traditional village and around 35km from Corfu Town. The area is isolated even during high season, giving you the opportunity for a swim in the tiny beaches formed between the rocks. The tranquility, natural beauty and the view of Cape Drastis will definitely amaze nature lovers and provide memories for a lifetime.

The cedar forest in Issos Beach

Next up is a beach located in the South Western part of Corfu. Issos distininguishing features are it’s vast shoreline, the sandy dunes and the Cedar forest surrounding the area. Due to the presence of Korission Lake to the East and the wildlife which inhabits the area, Issos along with Chalikounas Beach (which is located to the North), are protected under Natura 2000.

The Cedar Forest which surrounds the area is comprised by a unique species of Cedar trees which flourishes in north Mediterranean coastal regions.A visit to Issos beach provides an exciting combination of swimming in a wonderful beach and hiking through this amazing forest.

Old Corfu town tour

The Old Corfu town has been listed in the Unesco World Heritage List since 2007. The mixture of various cultural influences of countries which occupied Corfu during different historical eras is apparent throughout the town.

The places of interest are endless. Two Venetian Fortresses, the famous Spianada square, Liston, St Spyridon church with it’s distinctive bell tower. Of course, someone cannot miss Campiello a traditional district and one of the oldest districts in Corfu.

Paleopolis

Propably the most significant archaeological site in the island, and the region where Corfu town was located during ancient times. The findings indicate the region was inhabited as early as the 8th Century B.C. Today the area is known as Kanoni and it stretches from Chalikiopoulos Lagoon to the bay of Garitsa or Alcinous’s port (Alcinous was the king of Corfu in Greek Mythology).

The archaeological site of Paleopolis contains the villa of Mon Repos, built in 1830 and used by the former royal family as a summer residence. The estate contains various ancient monuments, and vegetation of trees and plants collected from all over the world. The path around the estate also leads to a secluded beach where you can enjoy swim with the view of Old Corfu Fortress.

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There are 3 beaches available, and all of them provide crystal clear blue waters. En route to the beaches through the walking trails, you will certainly feel the presence of rabbits and birds which populate the island. Spending some time in any of the beaches, will give you the chance to experience a feeling of tranquility, as vehicles are not allowed in the island and surprisingly the number of visitors is quite limited.

Vido can certainly satisfy history lovers as well. Remnants of English forts and fortifications are present all around the island. Some extra historical facts for the island are the presence of the Serbian Mausoleum (a resting place for thousands of World War I Serbian soldiers), and it’s use by Greek authorities as prison and detention center up to 1976. During your exploration you will definitely notice, hidden trails, tree houses, handmade signs, small benches all crafted by children, as some areas are used as boy scout training grounds.

The journey doesn’t have to end right after your exploration, you can relax at the restaurant at the front section of the island (facing the harbor). It is the perfect spot to have dinner, along with the view of the old Corfu Town as well as the old Fortress.

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Wandering through these narrow alleys or “kantounia” (as they are called by locals) will definitely provide a feeling of travelling back in time. This is encouraged by the views of traditional 3-4 storey buildings, the presence of laundry strung across buildings (yes you read correctly), and every now and then the appearance of a historic monument (it is really likely that you will run across 300-400 years old churches or remnants of the Venetian rule).

The masterpieces of course are situated around Spianada Square (one of the largest in the Balkan region) right in front of the Old Fortress. The opportunities here are endless. You definitely have to visit St. Michael and George Palace, have a coffee break in the famous Liston, or stroll through Boschetto Garden (meaning small grove in Italian).

One of the major aspects of Corfu Island is it’s musical tradition. It is almost certain that during your visit in Corfu town you will run across street musicians performing traditional songs, or one of the philharmonic orchestras which are active in the island, either during an event, or a ceremonial attendance.

Of course, don’t forget to get through the Campiello district. One of the oldest districts in Corfu Town and the iconic first view of Corfu if someone arrives to the island by sea. As mentioned before this section of the town is packed by historical monuments such as venetian wells, and features the most distinctive architecture in the island.

Hotel Konstantinoupolis, is the ideal starting point for any visitor who wishes to enjoy all of these mentioned above, as it has a privileged position in the old Port right next to Campiello district.

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