The Schulenburg fort in Vidos island

  Few people know that for almost two centuries, from the early 18th century up to 1864 Vidos boasted three little forts built by the Venetians and the British. Given that Vidos island is strategically situated across Corfu Town port, it was important to protect it from the Turks and from the other enemies who wanted to take control of the island. During the first centuries of the venetian occupation, nothing was done to fortify that little island across town. But after 1716 siege, general Schulenburg understood that it was very important to establish fortifications across Vidos because if the enemy achieved to take it, it would had been very easy to bombard the town and its fortresses. So in 1727 it had beed decided the construction of a sophisticated system of walls and forts but at last only an hexagonal fort on the northwestern side of the island was constructed which later was named "Schulenburg fort". 

  Nowadays, the fort is in ruins- it had been bombed by the british back in 1864, the year when Ionian islands had been annexed to Greece. But its walls can still be seen. On the top of the fort a forest of pines can be accessed by a set of stone steps leading at the top of this artificial hill. The view from there is amazing; looking down those crystal clear shallow waters which encircle the island and the view towards Pantokrator range is spectacular.

  It would have been great if the authorities could clear, renovate and promote this historic place as part of  the island's defensive history.

Issos beach: the rare exotic biotope

  Issos beach is unique. It's a 2 and half kilometre long and wide enough to include sand dunes which are such tall as hills which give the impression of being in a desert. The waters are cristiline and clear. Hopefully tourism has not spoilt this undeveloped beach, excluding the south end which actually belong to the Saint George Argiradon proper, a touristy village by the sea.
  Issos is also a nudist beach. It provides a remote and peacefull place in which somebody meet nature and nothing more. It is frequented by windsurfers, kitesurfers and boardsurfers as well as its prevailing winds are the right ones for this kind of sports.
Its vast sand dunes, the cedar trees, the protected flora and fauna consist a unique habitat which is protected by Natura 2000. The sandy rock formations are interesting too. Not far from the dunes, Korission lake can be visited, the biggest lake in the island which being fed by sea water from a narrow canal.

  Here are some images from my recent visit - a took a complete tour of the area and I was excited by its beauty and uniqueness!

  Also, here are the links from my two previous visits in 2009 and 2010.

Issos beach: An african place in Corfu

Issos beach revisited: A beach which never ceases to amaze me

The Thomas Flagginis house in Anemomylos

  Between the private Mon Repos beach and the hotel which bears the same name with the "plage" stands a recently renovated 17th century house, which belonged to the rich greek merchant and lawyer Thomas Flagginis (1573-1648). Flagginis was born in Corfu but spent most of his life in Venice, where he made a fortune. When he died, his will stated that in case his daughter would die without any children, he would like to donate the house to the orthodox church for educational use. So, in 1665 the "Flagginio college" was funded educating hudreds of local children and publishing some interesting books. The college existed up to 1797 but it opened again in 1823. In 1905 it closed forever.

  The house has an attached a picturesque private church and a beautiful garden with palm trees. The church itself was built in the local traditional style.

  There is a plaque which commemorates the renovation of the complex, which took place in 1979 by the Corfu Reading Society. 

  Nowadays, the building houses the Anemomylos Cultural and Enviromental Society. Unfortunately, it is closed to the public. Although, you can browse the site from the railings and apreciate one of the most beautiful traditional corfiot houses.

- Then and now: