Corfu has proven over the last years to be one of the more popular destinations for Europeans that seek a holiday, a retirement or an investment home. Demand for the island is increasing at a rapid rate and has quadrupled between 2002 and 2006. Corfu island is renowned as the greenest of all the Greek islands also for its particularly beautiful scenery and very friendly locals. The perfect place for a summer or life time holidays!! Corfu beaches offers what anyone may want: long sandy expanses, small pebble coves, sand and shingle shallow waters, or rocky / deep water. There are many sports on offer for the holidaymaker and the permanent alike - such as scuba diving, golf, tennis, cycling, boat rides, water sports, etc. All these types of activities are available as an organised excursion or you can do them on a private basis. Walking in the countryside, there will always be a surprise around the corner, may be a heavily-laden donkey returning after a hard days work in the fields; perhaps a shepherd taking his siesta in the shade of the olive groves; a small church or monastery on the peak of the mountain with the most magnificent view over the island; and also, a very special time in the Corfiot calendar is the blooming of spring. Walking around Corfu town can be equally as interesting with churches and museums to visit; the old and new fortresses; after shopping, relax in one of the many side-walk cafes, typical tavernas, bars and of course the famous Liston for people-watching. What ever you’re fancy, it can be found and satisfied in our part of paradise ... The main advantages for buying property in CORFU are: The climate. Winters without hazardous road conditions, no freezing fog or black ice, and summers without rain. Not to mention clear blue skies (with an average of 310 days of sun), spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and brilliant star and moonlit nights. landscape and environment. Lovely beaches, majestic mountain peaks, some capped with snow until early June, impressive gorges, hidden caves, ancient sites, picturesque and literally untouched villages of character and tradition The place and its History Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of the best known European holiday resorts, particularly popular among English and German tourists, but other nationalities as well. Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) built her summer palace "The Achilleon" in Corfu in 1890, The Duke of Edinburgh was born at Mon Repos Palace and many royals and emperors from all countries spend their holidays in Corfu, including the former Greek royal family. Today many famous international jet-setters own a summer residence or holiday home on the island. Lord Rothschild and the Italian industrialist family Agnelli have homes here, and Prince Charles and his sons have often been spotted. Various film and sports stars have been seen searching for properties. One is the actor Nicolas Cage, who fell in love with Corfu after he finished filming on the nearby island of Kefalonia. Madonna and Richard Gere have also been spotted looking at property for sale in Corfu. Property in Corfu is becoming increasingly sought after, so search for your Corfu property now. The beaches Corfu's coastline is awash with wonderful beaches and you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which one to head for. In Corfu you can find many types of beaches, such as secluded ones... for private things!!! Popular beaches... Rugged and rocky ones... You can pick one according to your personal taste and you'll definitely be satisfied!!! The cost of living. The cost of living is a fraction of that in the US or northern Europe. The basic monthly expense budget for two people maintaining a house is about 900 euros in the southern peloponnese. The exceptions is luxury goods such as high-end automobiles and designer clothes. The people The people of the Corfu are very friendly, very social and very family-oriented. Cafes are ubiquitous and filled with groups of friends and family enjoying refreshment and animated conversation. Almost all Greeks speak some English, hospitality workers speak it fairly well, and educated Greeks speak it fluently. English is now the second language of choice in Greece. The country's literacy rate is 98%. Greece is part of an EU member country Part of a non-volatile country The warmth and hospitality of the Corfiots The people of the Corfu are very friendly, very social and very family-oriented. Cafes are ubiquitous and filled with groups of friends and family enjoying refreshment and animated conversation. Almost all Greeks speak some English, hospitality workers speak it fairly well, and educated Greeks speak it fluently. English is now the second language of choice in Greece. The country's literacy rate is 98 The Environment What little heavy industry Greece has resides in the north. From an ecological perspective the Corfu is pristine. The local hillsides are covered with olive trees. The water of the Aegean, Mediterranean and Ionian seas is clean and transparent, and these seas were chosen as one of the best in the European Continent, by the European Union. Children play and adults swim in the ocean, leaving behind the stresses of life Travel Corfu is the most easily accessible Greek destination from countries of Northern Europe, with direct charter flights during the season, Easter and Christmas, 4 - 6 flights daily via Athens all year round and daily car ferry crossings from the Italian ports of Brindisi (7 hrs), Bari (8 hrs), Ancona (14 hours), Venice (24 hrs) and Trieste (26 hrs) for those wishing to drive. With budget airline Ryan Air now flying into these ports, Corfu has become even more appealing to those on a limited budget. Easy Jet also has good deals to Athens. Recreation Fishing, boating, snorkeling, tennis, swimming, walking, hiking, gardening, exploring the many historical sites and visiting country villages are just a few of the activities one can enjoy in the Greece. Cultural events such as theater, cinema, dance performances, and concerts are common weekly offerings. Nightlife Seaside cafes, bars, tavernas and restaurants abound. In the summer, locals swarm to the beachfronts to stroll on the boardwalks, mingle with friends at a seaside cafe, or to take a dip in the warm ocean waters of the sea. Local tavernas and cafes are dispersed through even small villages, where some of the best authentic Greek dining can be found Is Corfu a good investment? Property is extremely affordable in Corfu when compared to Spain and Southern France. However since Greece joined the European Community, property prices have risen, year on year. The latest economic data points to the cost of living in Greece reaching parity with the UK by 2026. When you consider an average two bedroom detached house in the UK costs more than twice, one in Crete, you can see buying a house now, is certainly good move. Buying a house from Corfu homes is an excellent investment, as you are buying a quality home-guaranteed-at prices lower than you would expect, because we sell to you direct, without incurring the considerable additional cost of an estate agent. |
