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54 EXPLORE / CORFU EXPLORE / CORFU 55

CORFU’S HIDDEN

NATURAL TREASURES

Part of Corfu’s charm lies in its capacity to treat you to the unexpected:
A turn in the road can open up vistas of rolling hills, vertiginous villages
and the bluest waters you’ve ever seen.

BY SOPHIA McCONNELL

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From the turquoise waters and layered rocks of Canal d'Amour to long stretches of
sandy beach, Corfu has been blessed with immense natural beauty.

THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO CORFU than meets the eye; THE KAISER’S OBSERVATORY: Offering stunning dramatic views,
dig a little deeper and you will uncover one of Greece’s most this is where the German Emperor would sit to admire the sun-
lush and verdant islands that was almost made for hiking en- set from the village of Pelekas.
thusiasts (there are marked trails everywhere you look). Discov- MOUNTAINS: Located in the island’s north, Pantokratoras is the
er strikingly sculpted cliffs that plunge down towards the sea, highest mountain on Corfu. It offers beautiful treks, breathtak-
some bare and others covered in greenery, hilltop monasteries ing views as well as lovely Venetian villages, which are relative-
and castles offering eye-wateringly beautiful sea views, moun- ly unaffected by tourism. Situated in the southern part of Cor-
tains, paradise-like beaches and coves, and ancient olive groves. fu, the mountain of Agioi Deka also boasts stunning views and
Incredibly green, Corfu owes its sensational natural beauty to fascinating walking paths.
the winter rains, the relatively temperate summer temperatures WATERFALLS & CAVES: There are impressive waterfalls in Kypri-
Left, from
and its fertile soil. Out of season (April, May and June), Corfu top: Kaiser's anades and in Nymfes. As for caves, Anthropograva and the
offers superb walking opportunities when the island is literally 582618586.jpg Observatory, 1170658075.jpg Cave of Loutses stand out for their impressive stalagmites and
where Wilhelm
covered in a blanket of impossibly pretty wildflowers. Various II would sit stalactites. They’re all found near the village of Klimatia in the
to enjoy the
international treaties that have conferred a special preservation sunset. Nymfes northern part of the island.
waterfall near
status on parts of the island mean that much of it is safeguarded Klimatia. LAGOONS & SALT MARSHES: The lagoons of Chalikiopoulos and
from any development taking place. For instance, such areas in- Antiniotis and the Salt Marshes of Lefkimmi each have their own
Right page,
clude Lake Korission with its immaculately preserved cedar for- from top: The distinct ecosystems and attract many visitors.
est, the beautiful Lagoon of Antiniotis, as well as the enchanting enchanting
Canal d'Amour
Erimitis region, known for its dense vegetation, stunning lakes features caves BEACHES
with colorful
and secluded beaches. rock formations.
There are many more areas and spots that deserve special Lake Korission Offering 217 km of verdant coastline, Corfu is a paradise
and the beach
mention. Among them, we find: of Halikounas. for beach lovers. Thirty beaches have been awarded the Blue
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