Benitses, Corfu
Benitses (Mpenitses) is a resort on the east coast of Corfu, 12 km from the capital of the island. Many tourists prefer accommodation here not only because of its proximity to Corfu Town but also because of its central location which is a good starting point to explore of the island. According to the legend Benitses is named after a pirate (or his pirate ship) who remained to live in this place.
Accommodation is provided in big and small hotels and studios to rent. There are various restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, ATM and several bars. In Benitses you can visit the Sea Shell Museum and see the remains of Roman baths, and 3 km from the resort the famous Achilleion Palace is located.
The beach is narrow but long, gravel mixed with sand, and the water is transparent. What some people may not like about this beach is that the main island road runs just next to it and the place is busy and noisy. There are sunbeds and umbrellas, showers and changing cabins. Pedal boats are available to rent and boat trips are organized several times a week. Water taxis to the capital Corfu Town are available.
Achilleion Palace
Achilleion is the most famous sight on Corfu and it is included in the program of all organized trips to the island. It is located about 10 km south of the town of Corfu, on the top of the village of Gastouri. The palace was built in 1890 by Empress Sisi of Austria. The name Achilleion comes from the favorite hero of the empress from Greek mythology – Achilles.
The palace was designed by an Italian architect and the sculptures are by the German sculptor Ernst Herter. The most renowned of them, the Dying Achilles, can be seen in the palace gardens. After empress Sisi`s death, the palace had a few owners and even worked as a casino for a certain period of time but the original furniture and interior have been preserved. The German Kaiser Wilhelm II who owned the place from 1907 to 1914 ordered the sculpture of Victorious Achilles with a height of 8 meters.
Nowadays the palace is managed by the Hellenic Tourist Organization and works as a museum. Part of the building presents the rooms of the empress and her family, and the rest of it manifests antique furniture and pieces of art. The beautiful green garden offers a nice sea view. highlights: the most famous sight on Corfu island, museum in Gastouri, Corfu, Greece
Gastouri
The village of Gastouri is better known as Achilleio because the famous Achilleion Palace is located just 500 meters before the village entrance. It is located in the east part of the island, close to Benitses and Perama. Gastouri is an old village built on a hill above the sea level and maybe that is why the Empress Sissy chose the location for her palace – because of the terrific view revealed from its gardens.
The older part of the village has narrow alleys between the buildings, some of them accessible only on foot, and there you can see beautiful old houses in the traditional for the region architecture. The new part of the village has developed closer to Achilleion Palace and the houses there newly built, in the same architectural style. Along the road there are also a few restaurants.
The lively Benitses resort is 4 km away from Gastouri, and there is another inland but larger village 2 km away (Kinopiastes) where you can also find more food options, shops and gas station. The large sandy beach of Agios Gordios, although on the west coast, is also easily accessible within 15 minutes drive. highlights: old village close to the Achilleion palace, village in Corfu, Ionian Islands, Greece
Info: feelgreece.com
