The Great crossing of Corfu

The country

Country: Greece (Hellenic Republic)
Capital: Athens
Region: Ionian Islands

Various

The "Corfu Trail"
Created in 2001, and 220 km long, the route crosses varied landscapes outside the most touristy areas of the island. From the vast beaches covered with juniper, in the south of the island, through the olive groves of the central part, to the karst plateau and the steep mountain gorges, in the north, the Corfu trail marries all the beauty and the diversity of an island whose seaside tourism reveals only meager aspects. If certain portions of the Corfu Trail are sometimes questionable, our itinerary discovers the most beautiful paths, avoiding the less attractive sectors.

A little culture…
Corfu is an island that has many facets.
The ancient love of its inhabitants for the arts, culture, and commerce today combines harmoniously with the cultivation of the olive, which was imposed by the Venetian occupier, the breeding, and the high-quality tourism which has thrived for many years on the island.

Local customs, including many western elements, present in music, churches, and even in the particular dialect of the island, have in no way altered the personality of the Corfiots.

Apart from its natural beauty and its fascinating history, Corfu also knows how to convey to visitors the very simple and very pure values ​​conveyed by its inhabitants as well as their joy and natural disposition for song, dance and art.

During the litanies, one can clearly distinguish the survival of very old traditions, which retain all their strength and liveliness to this day, in a way so beautiful and so real that they will move the visitor.

The Corfiots are inhabited by a deep religious feeling, which is characterized by the veneration of Saint Spyridon, who is considered the patron saint of the island. They have an original attitude towards him and he takes care of all their problems, both in times of joy and pain.

They express this intense piety during many local festivals and panegyries. The most important and spectacular of these are the Litanies of Saint Spyridon, which take place four times a year.

Easter Litany
This litany is held in memory of the island's salvation from a deadly cholera epidemic, thanks to the intervention of the Saint.

It was established in 1673 by the Venetian government. A large number of traditions linked to the seasons of the main agricultural activities (harvests, harvests) and to the various daily activities of peasants and fishermen are still perpetuated today.

On the morning of Saturday in the week of Lent, a strange noise accompanies the sound of the bells: it comes from the breaking of jugs, which the Corfiots throw from the top of their balconies.

This custom is linked to the memory of the joy of the Virgin and Mary Magdalene, who according to tradition, were the first to see the open tomb of Christ. But it also relays the pagan custom of renewing your dishes with the arrival of spring.

Formalities

► Papers
For intra-Schengen people: valid passport or identity card. No visa, no vaccine.

► Health
Bring the European health insurance card, to ask your health insurance fund at least 15 days before departure. Sanitary conditions are similar to those in most European countries.

Weather

Winter is generally mild on the island. However, rainfall can be significant, especially from December to February, which explains the island's greenery. The air temperature fluctuates between 10 and 15° C and that of the water between 14 and 18° C. In spring, the weather is mild. The air temperature varies between 15 and 25° C and that of the sea between 16 and 22° C. In summer, the sun is maximum, and the sea temperature varies from 24 to 26° C. Autumn is a little milder than spring, with average temperatures ranging from 23° C in September to 15° C in November; the water remains warm in September and October (around 22 to 25° C).

Language

Greek, English, and sometimes German, a little French or Italian.

Currencies

Euro = €.

Bibliography

- Jacques Lacarrière, The Greek Summer
- Lawrence Durrell, The Island of Prospero
- Gérald Durrell, My family and other animals (brother of the previous one, the famous naturalist recounts his childhood memories in Corfu)
- Albert Cohen, Nailcruncher (the story, supposedly set in Kefalonia, actually describes the town of Corfu)