Places of interest e strategic location of the island made it very attractive for all sorts of foreign oppressors. The Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French and British; they have all left their traces. Especially in the city you can see a mixture of architectural styles. You may even come to think that you are in Italy if you roam around the narrow streets in the "old part"! Some of the places of interest: Corfu-town Typical and eye-catching are the many old and high houses in the Old City between The Old Fortress (Paleo Frourio) and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio). Everywhere in town you will find bustle in the streets in a chaotic but friendly way. From one of the many terraces alongside the Old Harbor you can watch for hours the busyness that is going on at the water. Another place that attracts a lot of visitors is the Spianada of Esplanada. Under the arches of the Liston and the trees in front of it hundreds of people are sitting, talking, and watching to whatever passes by. Behind the Liston are the narrow streets with stairs and squares where you can buy souvenirs, jewellery and leatherwear. Achillion The Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sissi) visited Corfu for her holidays already at the end of the nineteenth century. Though not at Appartment's Marina's. She had a white palace build near Corfu-city and named it "Achillion". In honour of the Greek hero Achilles of whom she had an enormous statue in her garden. Sissi was called "the black engine", because she used to run on the beach dressed in black. The palace and garden are open to the public. Pantokrator The Pantokrator is Corfu's highest mountain (906m) and rises in the northern part of the island. Those who are into sports accomplish the climb by bike (or even by foot), but you can also master it on a scooter, by car or bus. The scenic route passes old villages, all worth a visit. On top of the mountain is a monastery from 1347 and a outdoor café where you can take a rest and enjoy the view over the island and neighbouring Albania. The monastery is open for the public but you are not allowed in short trousers or top! Paleokastritsa a monastery from 1228, built on one of the boulders at the west coast, where monks still live and work today (as at the Pantokrator). Suitable clothes are desired! From one of the bays you can make a trip by boat to the caves along the coast.     Day trips For example an island-tour by bus or boat, excursions to the isles of Paxos and Antipaxos or Albania. The information above is merely meant as examples of the things Corfu has to offer. But there is so much more! There are many good guidebooks that you can buy in your own country or at Corfu, so you do not have to miss anything!