Hotmail
The best of the Mediterranean
The best for architecture
Corfu, Greece
Multi-storied buildings with delicate latticework, beautiful arched doorways and an elegant demeanor can be found in great supply — and perfect preservation — on the Greek island of Corfu, just west of mainland Greece. Here the Venetians ruled from the 15th to the late 18th centuries, so it is their architectural style, and not that of the Greeks, that stands out.
The capital of this Ionian island is Corfu Town, on the east coast, a good starting point for those who love to be surrounded by the art of architecture. It’s a typical Venetian town, with a unique highlight: a series of archways in the Liston colonnade. Take a spin around a section of Corfu called Old Town, a mess of tightly packed cobblestone streets with interesting back alleyways. Here modern boutiques, tavernas and lively bars are housed in historic buildings. Two grand fortresses are also nearby: Palaio Frourio, or Old Fortress, was originally Byzantine but was reworked by the Venetians between the 13th and 15th centuries. Neo Frourio, or New Fortress, was constructed entirely by the Venetians before 1589.
Head to the village of Gastouri, where you’ll find the Achilleon, which is a Rococo palace built by an Austrian empress and later used as the backdrop for a James Bond movie.
Corfu has been passed around more than the village bicycle (from the Venetians to the Turks and from the Russians to Napoleon to the British), a fact that is echoed in the architecture. In the end, the Venetians’ artisan touch has withstood the test of time. Greektourism.com
The best for adventure
Corsica, France
Often called the “Mountain in the Sea,” the French island of Corsica is an adventurer’s playground. It boasts the highest mountains and the most rivers of all the Mediterranean, with an amazing 21 mountains that are more than 6,500 feet tall.
If you’re in the mood for some serious adventure, head to the GR20 (Grande Randonnee, or “big excursion” in French). It’s a trail of more than 100 miles that zigzags north to south across the island from Calenzana to Conca. The GR20 is considered the most difficult of the network of GR trails that stretches across much of Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain. This is not for the faint of heart. Think a shorter but equally challenging version of the Appalachian Trail. The GR20 is marked in most places by red and white signs, and it can be completed in its total glory in about 15 days. Hike between early June to mid-October to be sure to miss the snow on the highest passes.
The northern part of the trail, from Calenzana to Vizzavone, is the hardest, presenting steep and rocky paths. So for a lighter but still thrilling experience, hop a train to Vizzavone, about the halfway point, and hike south to Conca. Be sure to make a stop at the Coscione Plateau to take in all of its green, meadowy glory.
Another great but less-intense trail is the Tra Mare e Monti, which crosses the GR20 and stretches across the northwest region of the island from coast to coast. Hike down mule paths and across mountain passes that offer far-reaching vistas. One of the greatest aspects of this trail is that it lets you get up-close and personal with some of the small fishing villages that most travelers never see. Spend the day traversing miles of chestnut- and pine-forested river valleys and then retreat to quaint cafes and lovable coffee shops.
If you’re more of a water person, then you can try to take on churning rapids, paddle in hand, during the months of March and April when snowmelt fills the gorges and swells the rivers into rapids. While there are challenges here for even the most experienced paddlers, anyone can go into the Tavignano River, also in the northwest, which rushes between the walls of narrow canyons for a lovely and at times thrilling run.
Both the most daring of thrill-seekers and those visitors who are just looking for a lesser brush with nature will be able to find refuge here on Corsica. Us.franceguide.com
Each issue of ISLANDS Magazine explores the most beautiful island destinations in the world, from tropical island outposts to the sophisticated gems of the Mediterranean. Our top-rate photographers and writers discover the quiet beaches, boutique hotels, and unique cultural experiences that make island travel unique.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM EUROPE TRAVEL |
 Europe Travel Section Front |
| Add Europe Travel headlines to your news reader: |
Resource guide