Today I have driven around more hairpin bends than I have done all of my life. We have rented a car to drive around much of Corfu. It turns out to be a stressful experience up and down narrow winding mountain roads, often only wide enough for one car. Not to mention the narrow tracks through towns. Nonetheless it is worth the effort as the countryside is nothing short of stunning!
Our first destination was the Achilleion palace 10 km south of Corfu, a steep winding climb up a mountain this was built for Empress Sisi of Austria in 1889. It became her holiday residence until her untimely assassination. The palace is named after Achilles and was built in classic Greek style. There is a classic statue of Achilles with arrow in his heel as well as multiple statues of Minerva. There are amazing sea views.
North of Corfu our lunch stop is at Kassiopi. The drive has beautiful sea views and we eat alfresco on the sea front of this pretty fishing village.
After lunch the next stop is Canal d’Amour. Sandstone cliffs are reminiscent of Port Campbell in Victoria. Legend has it that couples who swim the canal together will find the love of their life. Despite the cooler autumn weather here there are many braving the cold waters for a swim.
The next stop is a rough hike to the viewpoint of Porto Timono beach. The pictures tell the tale
Our final stop is Paleokastritsa monastery.
