Experience in Kerkira, Greece by Jimmy

What is it like to live in Kerkira? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The island of Corfu or Kerkyra (in Greek) is one of the most beautiful greek islands. It has a very big history which starts from the ancient years until the contemporary history. The town of Corfu has a lot of influences from Venice because it was colony of Venice. Is like to live in living museum. The weather is rainy and humid at the winter season. At the spring is sunny.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kerkira?

The Ionian University is a small university (3000 students) with six departments:

1. Department of History.
2. Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting.
3. Departamento de Informática.
4. Department of Archives, Library Science and Museum Studies.
5. Department of Audio and Visual Arts.
6. Department of Music Studies.

Students are partying a lot in homes with friends.

How much does it cost to live in Kerkira?

House rents are a bit expensive. You can rent a flat with one or two bedroom, your own bath and your own kitchen from 200 - 400 per month.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Kerkira? Is there any advice you can give?

It is easier to search for homes at start of September when the old students leaving their homes. The old part of town is beautiful, but if you find there a home maybe you have humidity and it will be expensive. So I suggest to look for a home to the new part of town around the old hospital and around the university.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Of course souvlaki!

It has a lot of choises for food. First choice is the students restaurant, with 2 euros per lunch.

What places would you recommend visiting in Kerkira?

• The old and new fortress of Corfu.
• Mon Repos: it is a small forest inside the town (Garitsa) which the ancient people start to live there. Also it has a museum inside the forest.
• Museum os Asian Art. It is the only Asian collection in Greece. It is a very good collection from Japan, China... that you must see.
• Sissi Princess Residence (Achillion) at Gastouri.
• The Kerkyra (Corfu) Annex of the National Gallery, in Kato Korakiana.
• The Archaeological Museum of Corfu.
• Antivouniotissas Museum.
• Old Fortress Byzantine Museum.
• Money Museum.
• Serbian Museum.
• Aggelokastro Corfu. Byzantine castle.

Source

Is it good to eat out in Kerkira? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is good. My favourite are Panini.

Is the nightlife good in Kerkira? Where is good to go?

1. There are some clubs outside the town. You need a taxi or by walk (30 min walking from the city centre).
2. The students prefer bars with beer and wine, tsipuro... at the city centre.

What advice would you give future students heading to Kerkira?

Have a strong umbrella and a bike!