The focus of this article will be the airport in Corfu (Greece). You will find a lot of interesting information about the island's air gates, as well as useful tips on how to get from the plane's gangway to the place of rest and how best to pass the time before departure. Despite the fact that this hub receives regular flights, during the tourist season (which is from April to October), its work is especially intense due to the large number of charters. In order not to get lost in the crowd, it is useful to have an idea of the structure of the airport.
How to get to Corfu
Corfu Airport named after Ioann Kapodistrias, unfortunately, does not receive regular flights from Russia. You will have to fly through Athens. You can get to Corfu without transfers only at the height of the tourist season on one of the charters that depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan. But Corfu Airport is connected by frequent regular flights with the capital of the country, Athens. From the major cities of Western Europe alsoyou can fly to the island without transfers. Several major airlines operate in Greece, so it is most convenient to buy tickets using metasearch engines such as Aviasales. Sometimes the prices there are lower than at the ticket offices of direct carriers.
History
The first airport on the island of Corfu was built in 1937 for military aviation. During the Second World War, it was even more used for non-peaceful purposes. There was a base for the Italian and German air forces. And only in 1949, the first passenger flight departed from Corfu Airport to Athens. It was carried out by the Greek company TAE Greek National Airlines. For a long time, the hub could not fully receive civil aircraft, because it did not have a long enough runway. This obstacle was removed in 1959, and in 1962 the first passenger terminal was built. In 1965 it was awarded the title of "Corfu International Airport". It received its name from John Kapodistrias, a native of the island and the first ruler of independent Greece. But since the airport is located near the city of Kerkyra, many locals call it that way. Finally, a second terminal was built in 1972.
General information
Corfu International Airport is the home of Ellinair and Aegean Airlines. Passengers are served by two terminals. They don't have sleeves. Apron buses are taken to the landing of passengers. In general, the hub is not impressive for its size. Everything here is simple, at home. However, this airport manageshost over two million travelers annually. It is worth mentioning the runway again. In order to take civilian sides, it had to be lengthened from 800 meters to more than two kilometers. For this purpose, an embankment was erected in the bay of Halikiopoulou. Just 500 meters from it rises the “Mouse Island” of Pontikonisi with the Blachernae Monastery. So a fact-finding tour of the sights of Kerkyra begins already when the plane lands.
Where is it and how to get to the city
Corfu International Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" is located three kilometers south of the center of the island's capital, Kerkyra. The distance is short, but a taxi will cost you a tidy sum - about thirty euros. Bus service on the island is carried out by two companies - KTEL and the municipal one. Private green car. They transport passengers not only to Kerkyra, but also to other settlements of the island, as well as (using a ferry crossing) to other cities of Greece - Thessaloniki, Larissa, Athens. Blue buses are municipal. They drive only along the streets of Kerkyra, entering the suburbs. Numbers 5 and 6 will take you to the bus station. Route number 19 follows the center. It must be remembered that bus stops are scattered around the terminal, and you need to wait for your route exactly where it is indicated. The fare in municipal transport is € 1.10. Most city routes have a final stop at Piazza San Rocco or Canoni. And from there, other blue buses leave for the towns of the island.
Corfu Airport Services
Both terminals are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable journey. Otherwise, the airport would not have been awarded the title of international. However, prices in shops, cafes and other services are higher here than in Corfu. Even in duty free, Greek souvenirs, wine, anisette ouzo and olive oil are more expensive than in the city. Prices for food in the cafes of the hub differ from the national average by one and a half, or even two times. Greek slowness affects both registration and security screening. Therefore, it is necessary to arrive at the airport in advance for the flight. On the territory of the terminals there are ATMs, currency exchange offices, car rental offices and travel companies. However, they are also overpriced. Taxi fares vary depending on the time of day. For example, to the resort of Paleokastritsa, which is 25 kilometers from the airport, a day trip will cost 35 euros, and a night trip - 50.
