My wife and I are visiting Corfu in April as part of a cruise. We wish we had more time but are wondering what we can see from 2pm-7pm. I know there are some great hiking and walking areas. We are both interested in seeing some nature and culture. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
Are there any local buses we can hop onto to give us a few glimpses of the country side?
There was one of those fake tourist trains that loops though some of the outlying city areas and a couple of old "Roman?" sites. Leaves from the city square. It was so so but it was also inexpensive. We enjoyed it. There is also an old fort/castle across from the park that was self guide and interesting BUT not substantially different from other old forts and castles.
You could rent a car. On our recent cruise, my inlaws rented a car and drove around the island, seeing some beautiful sights. However, they said traffic coming back into town was fairly heavy, so make sure that you leave plenty of time to get back!
Otherwise, the historic area is nice, but I am not sure that it would fill a whole day. I was there for three hours and felt like I saw everything I wanted to.
If you haven't read any of Gerry Durrell's books--My Family and Other Animals is the first one I think--you should find a copy. Back in the 30's when Lawrence Durrell was barely 21 he suggested to his mother that the family escape the weather in England and go to Corfu. They packed up everything and soon found themselves in Corfu. Gerry is the youngest, Larry, the oldest and there is a sister and another brother in between. It's a lovely tale of the island. Pam
I would like to catch some vistas if possible. Some have said no time, some have said touristy buses. How far out/variety of scenery might the local buses offer? Are they reliable? thanks.
To echo Pamela- I highly recommend Gerry (or Gerald) Durrell's books if you are visiting Corfu. They are very funny, offer some great insight to the island, and you will like your visit more since you will recognize places from the book, especially St. Spiridon's church in Corfu Town and some other sights in the old section. There is even a small monument along the harbor in a park in Corfu Town dedicated to the Durrell brothers.
So far Palaiokastritsa looks nice and Glyfada or Kontogialos. Any thoughts on these Corfu sights? Or how is Achilleion? thanks.