Last updated on July 16th, 2025 at 07:25 am
BENITSES – CORFU
Tel:+30 26610 72234
Last updated on July 16th, 2025 at 07:24 am
Bikes hire in Benitses Corfu
ATVs – MOTORBIKES – SCOOTERS – BUGGIES
FULL INSURANCE – FREE DELIVERY – LOW PRICES
BENITSES – CORFU
Tel/fax: +30 26610 71220
Mobile: 694 4688241
e-mail: [email protected]
Last updated on November 7th, 2023 at 10:25 am
Achilles rent a car has a large fleet of cars for rent, with a long presence in Corfu.
It also offers tourist services, such as room rental, tickets for cruises, currency changes and more.
Tel:+30 26610 72198
Mobile: +306977247051
email: [email protected]
Last updated on July 16th, 2025 at 07:57 am
Enjoy your holidays in Corfu better by hiring a car or a bike, to visit every little corner of our charming island.
Alpha cars In Benitses offer rental options for all types of cars and motorcycles.
Alpha car rental is a company with vast experience in Corfu car rental, been on business continuously since the decade of ’70s, and has three branch offices.
For over 30 years we provide to our customers the best services anyone can find.
Reservations made within 24 hours before delivery time, must be arranged through a phone call with the manager, otherwise are not valid.
We will contact you for confirmation via phone or e-mail as soon as possible.
Yes, you can call us on +30 26610 72314 or +30 697 655 0953
Yes, we provide them free of charge.
In case of a delay, it is better to contact us and we will agree. Otherwise, you will be charged extra, depending on the situation and the delay.
Yes, you can pay in cash in any currency (Dollars, Pounds, etc.). We will exchange your money in Euros using the current exchange rate.
At least 2 days before. For your best service though we recommend doing it earlier.
No, the Minimum rental period is 3 days.
No, credit card details are not needed.
No, but our representative will be waiting for you when you arrive at the airport or port and personally deliver the car.
Alpha car rental
Benitses Corfu (30 yards from the port)
Tel. +30 26610 72314
Fax. +30 26610 72109
Mobile. +30 697 655 0953
[email protected]
www.AlphaCarRental.gr
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Last updated on June 25th, 2025 at 02:02 pm
Corfu has still inhabited since the Stone Age when it was mostly connected to the mainland. The present-day water body that separates it was once a modest lake until rising sea levels, triggered by melting glaciers around 10,000-8000 BCE, transformed Corfu into an island.
Evidence of Paleolithic life dots Corfu, with discoveries near Agios Mattheos in the southwest and Sidari in the northwest. Mythology adds flair to Corfu’s name, suggesting it stems from the nymph Corcyra, daughter of the river god Asopos, abducted by Poseidon and immortalized in the island’s nomenclature.
Mythical roots intertwine with historical narrative, introducing figures like Phaeakas and Nafsithoos, while Homer’s Odyssey brings King Alkinoos and his helpful daughter Nausikaa into the mix.
Corfu, identified as Scheria in Homer’s Odyssey, is the mythical island of the Phaeacians. These skilled seafarers are renowned for their magically swift ships, navigating without steering wheels.
When Odysseus arrives after numerous trials, King Alkinoos and his daughter Nafsika warmly welcome him. Odysseus recounts his adventures, impressing the king, who offers him a ship to aid his return to Ithaca.
The Phaeacians’ hospitality and advanced ships significantly aid Odysseus on his journey home, contributing a fantastical element to the epic tale.
A note of caution: Much of this tale resides in Greek mythology rather than historical certainty. The origin of the Phaeacians, tied to the Mycenaeans by Homer, lacks concrete evidence, as recent archaeological ventures haven’t unearthed Mycenaean relics on the island.
As centuries rolled on, Corfu became a melting pot, welcoming immigrants from Illyria, Sicily, Crete, Mycenae, and the Aegean islands, each contributing to the island’s evolving narrative.
Around 775 BCE, the written history of Corfu officially begins with the arrival of Dorians from Eretria of Euboea. This initial settlement saw a significant boost in 750 BCE when Dorian refugees from Corinth, led by Hersikrates, established a robust colony.
Corinthian influence expanded, giving rise to colonies like Epidamnos in ancient Illyria (now Dyrrachium in Albania) and the city of Corfu in present-day Garitsa and Kanoni peninsula.
In 492 BCE, Corfu town, or KerkyraΒ in Greek, marked a milestone by being the first Greek city-state to build a fleet of triremes. The harbor, now the site of the modern airport, housed this formidable fleet, second only to Athens in ancient Greece, boasting over 300 triremes.
Corfu’s expansion led to a clash with Corinth, resulting in the first naval battle in 680 BCE. After the Corinthians’ failed attempt to occupy Corfu, the Athenians recognized the island’s naval strength and formed a defensive alliance, sending triremes for support.
This alliance endured through the Peloponnesian War, where Corfu actively supported Athenian interests. In 435 BCE, a Corinthian fleet of 150 ships challenged Corfu, but with Athenian assistance, the Corinthians retreated.
In 375 BCE, Corfu joined the Athenian Confederation, playing a role noted by historian Thucydides in the Peloponnesian War, contributing to Greece’s weakening and fracturing.
The war’s inevitability was rooted in Sparta’s concerns about Athens’ expansionist policies. Corfu’s history became intertwined with broader conflicts, leaving an indelible mark on the ancient Greek landscape.
Last updated on June 25th, 2025 at 01:57 pm
After the Peloponnesian War, internal conflicts between democrats and oligarchs weakened the state, leading to the dissolution of its alliance with Athens.
Illyrian pirates briefly took control, providing an opportunity for the Romans, who captured Kerkyra in 229 BCE. Granting autonomy to Corfiots, the Romans used the island as a naval base.
Corfu, like many Greek city-states, accepted Roman sovereignty for protection, becoming part of the Roman Empire.
In the first century CE, Christianity arrived, introduced by St. Paul’s disciples, Jason, and Sosipatros.
After Emperor Constantine died in 337 CE, the Roman Empire split into three sections. Corfu found itself in the Western Empire, covering Greece, Italy, and Rome’s African territories. The island’s history unfolded within this changing imperial landscape.
In 339 CE, during Emperor Theodosius’s reign, the Roman Empire was re-divided, placing Corfu in the Eastern Empire, also known as the early Byzantine Empire. This Byzantine period spanned around three centuries.
Sadly, this era was marred by Corfu’s susceptibility to frequent barbarian raids and pirate invasions. The island lacked sufficient protection, making it vulnerable to these threats, which significantly impacted the region during this time.
Last updated on June 25th, 2025 at 01:58 pm
During the period from 562 CE to 1267 CE, Corfu underwent significant changes. In 562 CE, the island faced a devastating attack by the Goths, resulting in the destruction of the ancient city of Corfu, now known as Paleopolis.
This event marked the end of the ancient city and signaled the beginning of the medieval age on the island. The displaced inhabitants moved north to a natural promontory, forming the foundation for the old fortress. Over time, the new city expanded into what is now the old town of Corfu.
From 562 CE to 1267 CE, Corfu experienced the Byzantine period, followed by the challenging Angevin occupation. Positioned as the westernmost corner of the Byzantine Empire, Corfu faced constant pirate attacks and territorial ambitions from neighboring regions.
To safeguard Corfu, the multicultural Byzantine Empire took extensive measures. They stationed diverse mercenary guards, including Greeks, Syrians, Bulgarians, and stradioti (Byzantine soldiers), across the island. These guards, deployed from the northeast to the southwest, gradually assimilated into the local population.
This era witnessed the construction and enhancement of many fortresses on the island. The old Corfu fortress in the city underwent redesign and fortification. Other fortresses like Angelokastro in northwestern Corfu, Kassiopi, Gardiki in the southwest, and several smaller ones were built, bolstering the island’s defenses.
In 1204 CE, the Normans of the Fourth Crusade captured Corfu. Shortly after, the Venetians took control, holding the island until 1214 CE.
This period marked a notable shift in Corfu’s history as it exchanged hands between these European powers.
From 1214 to 1259 CE, Corfu became part of the Byzantine domain of Epirus, specifically the Duchy known as the Despotate of Epirus.
During this period, Despot Duke Michael-Angelos Komnenos the Second oversaw the construction of significant fortifications on the island. These included the Gardiki fortress, located near today’s Chalikouna area, and the Angelokastro fortress, situated in the northwest part of the island north of Paleokastritsa.
These fortifications played a crucial role in the island’s defense during this era.
During the tumultuous period from 1259 to 1267 CE, Corfu experienced various attempts by Sicilian rulers to gain control over the island, employing diplomatic means like dowries and, at times, resorting to military force.
The first successful conqueror of the island was Manfred, the king of Sicily. However, following Manfred’s death in battle, his Franco-Cypriot adjutant, named Philip Ginardo, took charge of Corfu.
Subsequently, Philip Ginardo met a violent end, leading the island to fall under the rule of his generals, the Garnerio brothers, and Thomas Alamano.
It is noteworthy that the surname “Alamanos” still exists in Corfu today, indicating a Sicilian origin for some of the island’s inhabitants.
In 1267 CE, the Angevin King of Sicily, Charles of the House of Anjou, successfully conquered Corfu. Upon securing control, he reorganized the island into four administrative regions: Gyrou, Orous, Mesis, and Lefkimiβnames that endure in the region today.
This period saw a significant influx of Jewish people, mainly from Spain, settling in Corfu and establishing the Corfiot Jewish community.
Charles of Anjou also tried to replace the Orthodox Christian faith with Roman Catholicism, aiming to convert Orthodox churches. However, this endeavor proved unsuccessful and concluded when the Venetians regained control of the island.
Last updated on June 25th, 2025 at 01:52 pm
During the Council of Corfu, a significant majority of the nobility favored Venetian protection due to the crumbling Byzantine Empire and the constant Turkish threat. In 1386 CE, the Council officially sought refuge with the Republic of Saint Markos (Venice).
Recognizing Corfu’s strategic importance and agricultural potential, the Venetians purchased the island from the Kingdom of Naples for 30,000 gold ducats. Venetian forces, led by “Admiral of the Gulf” Giovanni Miani, landed in Corfu.
This turbulent time lacked a strong sense of national identity, leading to unusual events. While Venetians occupied the Old Fortress without resistance and dominated most of the island, the Angevin-controlled fortresses of Angelokastro and Kassiopi in the north opposed the sale. Residents, supporting the Angevins, fought against the Venetians.
In response, Venetians sent an army to capture both fortresses. Angelokastro surrendered quickly, but Kassiopi resisted fiercely. The Venetians, angered by this resistance, destroyed the Kassiopi fortress, leaving only remnants today.
This marked the start of the second extended period of Venetian rule in Corfu, lasting precisely 411 years, 11 months, and 11 days.
The Venetian rule in Corfu established a feudalistic system with three social classes: nobility, citizens (Civili), and poor people (called Popolari). The painting of medieval Corfu, now Evgenios Voulgaris Street, shows a snapshot of life, with little change over time.
Agriculture thrived with olive tree cultivation, and Corfu’s connections with great empires boosted arts and sciences. The Venetian era profoundly impacted Corfu, influencing art, music, culture, local language, cuisine, and architecture.
Corfu’s constitution during the Venetian occupation was exclusive, concentrating political power in the hands of the local nobility. Venetians with political influence included the General Proveditor of the Sea and his Judiciary. The Golden Book listed local nobles, granting privileges.
During the second Ionian state, only those in the Libro d’Oro enjoyed Liston area privileges. Originally, Byzantine names dominated, later joined by affluent civilians supporting the state treasury. Today, many city names trace back to this list, with a few from villages.
The Venetians, while securing Corfu city, struggled to protect the countryside, leading to tragedies during barbarian raids and pirate attacks, notably Turkish invasions in 1537 and 1571.
In 1537, the Turks invaded, capturing and selling 20,000 countryside men as slaves. Greeks from the Peloponnese, Epirus, and Crete migrated to Corfu, rebuilding the depopulated areas.
In 1571, Venetians lost the Peloponnese, Crete, and Cyprus, prompting a refugee influx to Corfu. The Venetians encouraged migration to repopulate and attract skilled individuals, weakening the Ottomans and strengthening Venice.
Refugees from Nafplio and Monemvasia settled in Lefkimi, Pirgi to Kassiopi, and south of Nissaki (Barbati), shaping the island’s demographics.
Peloponnesian immigrants founded Moraitika and Korakiana, contributing to the prevalence of surnames like Moraitis and “opoulos.”
Cretan immigrants impacted Garitsa, Saint Markos, Stroggyli, Messonghi, Argyrades, and Kritika, influencing Corfu’s linguistic idiom with unique pronunciations.
Despite these influences, Corfu’s culture remained resilient, incorporating new elements, and the immigrants eventually integrated into the Corfiots’ lives. In 1800, Souli refugees settling in Benitses became a significant part of the population after Ali Pasha’s destruction of Souli.
The Venetians, unable to convert Corfu to Catholicism, prioritized political stability and coined the phrase “Siamo prima Veneziani e poi Cristiani” (We are first Venetians and then Christians). To promote harmony, they organized joint religious events for both Catholics and Orthodox Christians, continuing traditions today.
With public discontent due to Turkish threats, especially after losing Crete and Cyprus, Corfu became crucial to Venice. The Venetians, determined to fortify the island, undertook ambitious plans from 1576 to 1588.
They built the San Marcos fortress on the west hill, creating the vast Esplanade Square in front of the old fortress. Connecting them with a protective wall featuring bastions like Raimondo and St. Athanasius, they added gates like Porta Reale, Porta Raymonda, Gate of Spilia, and Gate of Saint Nicholas, enhancing defenses.
Engineers Michele Sanmicheli and Ferrante Vitelli designed these fortifications, evolving over the 17th century. After repelling the Turks in 1716, Marshal Johann Matthias von Schulenburg added another wall outside, designed by F. Verneda.
Post the 1716 Turkish invasion, Vido Island, Avrami and Saint Sotiros hills, and the San Rocco (Saroko) area were fortified, ensuring Corfu’s robust defense.
The 1716 siege of Corfu marked a pivotal moment in the Seventh Venetian-Turkish War, with the island’s occupation viewed as a potential threat to Venice and Europe.
The Turkish forces, numbering 25,000-30,000, supported by 71 ships and about 2,200 guns, posed a formidable challenge. In contrast, the Venetians, with only 3,097 men (2,245 combatants), faced a significant numerical disadvantage.
Defending the Corfu New Fortress, Marshal Johann Mattias Von Schulenburg dealt with initial chaos among locals seeking refuge. He quickly recruited able-bodied individuals, bolstered reservists, and lifted the besieged morale.
Starting on July 8th and concluding after fierce battles on August 22nd, the siege witnessed a turning point on August 20th when a storm scattered Turkish ships, leading to significant losses. While Corfu credited St. Spyridon for the storm, military factors, including the Ottoman army’s defeat in Peterwardein, played a crucial role in the Turks’ retreat.
Casualties included around 800 dead and 700 wounded defenders, contrasting with substantial Turkish losses, totaling 6,500 men, including Muchtar, Ali Pasha’s grandfather.
A diverse coalition supported Corfu’s defense, comprising Venetians, Germans, Italians, Maltese, Papal, Genoese, Tuscan, Spanish, and Portuguese forces, showcasing the unity that secured victory.
During the conflict, the Jewish community in the city exhibited remarkable courage, mobilizing under the leadership of the Rabbi’s son, equipped through the Corfiot Jewish community’s resources.
Antrea Pizanis, the General Proveditor of Corfu, commanded the light fleet and served as Marshal Schulenburg’s adjutant. The key role played by Corfiot Lieutenant Dimitrios Stratigos added to the cohesive defense.
Marshal Schulenburg’s unwavering determination earned him a lifelong pension from the Senate of Venice, with his statue adorning the Old Fortress entrance.
All those who displayed bravery in the conflict received due recognition and honors.
The Turkish setback in Corfu held historic significance, altering the trajectory of Europe’s history, especially for Greece. The bravery of the Corfiots and Europeans played a crucial role in preventing the potential expansion of the Ottoman Empire and influencing the emergence of the Greek nation.
Unfortunately, this event often goes unrecognized by historians, despite its pivotal role in shaping the present-day Greek state. The successful repulsion of the Turkish invasion in 1716 carried great importance for Western Europe, marked by grand celebrations and even inspiring Antonio Vivaldi’s oratorio “Juditha Triumphans,” performed in major theaters for years.
This event marked the final Turkish attempt to expand into Europe.
The Venetian era, while leaving positive cultural legacies, faced challenges such as strained relations between commoners and the nobility. Uprisings, particularly in villages, resulted from the Venetian ruling class’s authoritarianism and arbitrary behavior.
Corfu remained a significant part of the Venetian State until the fall of Venice to the French, showcasing its enduring importance to Venice.
Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of modern Greece, was born on the island into an aristocratic family. After pursuing education, he rose to prominence in Russia, eventually becoming a foreign minister and actively participating in European political affairs.
His notable achievements included contributions to the formation of Switzerland’s state entity and constitution, earning him recognition from the Swiss.
While Kapodistrias had limited involvement in Corfu’s historical course, playing a diplomatic role in its liberation from French rule by a Russian-Turkish alliance in 1800, his overall connection with the island’s history is not extensive. Despite his ties to Corfu being somewhat limited, his diplomatic contributions are worth acknowledging.
(Note: Historical alliances between Russia and Turkey, despite fluctuations, have been observed in various instances. This might be relevant for those with an affinity for Russia.)
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:45 am
The Venetian period was followed by the first French occupation in 1797. It was the end of the feudal system, and the people burned the Book of Gold (libro d’oro), where all Aristocrats were listed.
In a symbolic gesture, the libro d’oro was burned in all the Ionian islands.
The initial euphoria after the arrival of the French, who were welcomed as liberators, quickly turned to severe distress due to French arrogance towards the locals and the heavy taxation.
Followed by a period of instability, people were divided, the Nobles began to exploit the popular discontent against the French, and began to plot for the occupation of Corfu by the Russians.
They finally succeeded in 1799 when a strange alliance of Russians and Turks occupied Corfu.
The Russian admiral Ousakof, of aristocratic origin, immediately restored the privileges of the nobility and later on the 21st of March 1800, at the instigation of Ioannis Kapodistrias, then foreign minister of Russia, founded the Ionian State, also known as the Septinsular Republic.
This was the first independent Greek state, something that Kapodistrias envisioned as a harbinger of the rebirth of a Greek state.
It was a federation of the seven larger island states, Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos(Zante), Paxos, Lefkada, Ithaka, and Kythyra, which also included all other smaller Ionian islands. The capital was Corfu.
This state remained until 1807, when the French under Napoleon returned and stayed until 1814.
It was the time when the two buildings, which today are the famous Liston, were built by the French for use as military barracks.
In 1815, Corfu went under British rule, and the seven Ionian island state declared their independence under British protection, with Greek as the official language and Corfu town as the capital.
The first “Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands” was Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Maitland.
The state’s government had 29 members, 7 members from Corfu, 7 from Kefalonia, and 7 from Zante, and 4 were elected from Lefkada. Paxos, Ithaka, and Kythera elected 1 each, plus a second member, which was elected in rotation by the three.
The official name of the new protectorate was: “United States of the Ionian Islands”. During this period, the Ionian Academy, the Reading Society, and the public library were established.
Under British rule, the local economy was well developed, the palace of Saint Michael and George was built, and the road network of the island was expanded.
Also construction of the aqueduct that supplied Corfu town with water from the hills around Benitses.
Power plants too were built in Corfu, which, however, after the union with Greece, were moved to Piraeus.
Many other projects and significant improvements to the island’s infrastructure were made during this period.
On 21 May 1864, after the London treaty and the positive vote of the Ionian Parliament, Corfu and all the Ionian islands united with Greece.
It was one of the most important turning points in the history of Corfu. The turbulent historical past of the island ended, so ends the prominence of Corfu as the capital of the Ionian State.
The emergent Greek state could not afford the existence of two centres of economic and cultural strength, so in the battle with Athens, Corfu lost its university, its fame, its cultural lead, and after just 40 years, became a Greek provincial town.
But the memories of the glorious past remain, and this is what makes Corfu unique, a Greek island that does not look like the others.
Return to Corfu history
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:44 am
Aerial photographs of the area, see the mountains of Stavros and Agioi Deka which surround Benitses, the bay of Koutsomaroula in the Chontrakia area, the pier in front of Stadium club, the old village overlooking the harbour, several hotels, and details of the yacht marina and shelter where tourist boats which go to Paxos and the mainland stay for the night.
All these photos were taken by our friend Nick Mezitis
Last updated on November 7th, 2023 at 10:27 am
On this page there are 18 photos that can be used as wallpapers.
The Shots were taken one morning of August 2011 on the beach of Laopetra, at the time of sunrise.
All photos have resolution of 1920×1080.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:42 am
Here are dozens of Benitses photos in large size, Photographs of landscapes and everyday life.
It is a collection of about 150 recent pictures separated into two groups, photographs were taken both in winter and in the summertime, there are people fishing, swimming and sunbathing.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:43 am
Here is the second group of photos in large size of Benitses landscapes and Benitse’s everyday life.
it is a collection of about 150 recent pictures separated into two groups, photographs were taken both in winter and in the summertime, there are people fishing, swimming and sunbathing.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:43 am
Here is another group with 50 more new photos of Benitses landscapes and the area around.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:41 am
Here you will find dozens of photos in large size of many hotels, apartments and most stores in Benitses.
In order, we see the inside and outside space of Sunshine bar, the Chinese restaurant “flower garden” in the old village, Hotel Riviera and the beachfront of it, the hotel Recency south of Benitses, shots outside the pub Rainbow in the village center, some souvenir shops, photos from the rooms and gardens of “Passas apartments”, oriental dances at the restaurant “Nikos”, pics from the restaurants “Laopetra” and “Mythos” opposite the harbor, from the reception of the hotel “Loutrouvia”, shots from the grill shop in Lotza neighborhood, and finally pictures from the hotel “Lemirage”.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:42 am
More photos in large sizes for many hotels, apartments and many stores in Benitses.
Photos from “Lacey’ s pub” the Benitses apartments “Kerkyra island”, the Pizza house “Kavouras” with great Italian style pizza in wood oven, the club “Casanovas”, the restaurant “Kaizer bridge” at Kaiser bridge with a stand in the sea, the apartments “Galini”, the pizzeria “Flogas”, which offers home pizza delivery, the hotels “Eros”, “Potamaki” and “Corfu Maris” and finally from the grill “Christos” in Benitses center.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:42 am
Even more photos in large sizes of hotels, apartments, clubs and other stores in Benitses.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:39 am
Here there are dozens of Corfu photos of a great variety of places in Corfu, there are pictures of Corfu Town, and of major beaches, also aerial photographs of the old fortress in Corfu, the Venetian shipyards at Gouvia, the Byzantine castle in Gardiki at the southwest of Corfu island, Angelokastro in Paleokastritsa, photos of Gaios harbor on the island of Paxos and much more.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:39 am
The second group of full-size pictures from various places in Corfu, there are pictures of the major beaches, aerial photos of the old fortress pictures from Liston, photos of Old Corfu town, photos of City Hall, of the Serbian museum, pictures of the Palace of Saints Michael and George and others.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:40 am
The third group with dozens of full-size pictures from various places of Corfu, pictures of Esplanade square, of the buildings inside the old fortress, images of the canal d ‘amour at Sidari, from the Mouse island, aerial pictures from the airport and the fortress, old prints of Corfu, beautiful beaches and much more…
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:38 am
Rulers and especially important people may write history, but ordinary people are the ones who actually make it, and to begin to write about the habits, lifestyle, and obvious difficulties of society in the early 20th century we would need many pages and it would be very difficult to write clearly and accurately.
Everything becomes easier with these old photosΒ of Corfu whichΒ reveal to us the life in that distant era.
Observing facial expressions, their dress,Β or watching them working hard in the fields, we understand many things about their way of life, we discover that their world and their character was very different.
We see ordinary people trying to survive in a difficult environment, where the work was hard and lasted almost all day, material possessions were very limited and only enjoyed by a narrow circle of wealthy people.
Their faces show innocence if we compare them with modern people, lacking greed and consumerism, mostly poor but happier, it seems to look at the prematurely aged but cheerful faces, than their wealthier descendants
The women were especially worthy of admiration, it is more than obvious that their life was very hard, they worked hard and were socially oppressed both by the social environment but mainly from their family, to such an extent that makes us wonder how they managed to live, something that today’s women certainly could not put up with.
Fortunately, the world is changing, and development solves many of the problems of the past but it also creates new issues and divisions.
We simply present these old Corfu photos, so everyone can draw their own conclusions.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:37 am
The Philhellene Swiss photographer Fred Boissonnas(1858-1946) was the first foreign photographer who traveled so much in the Greek land from 1903 and for nearly three decades following.
Fred Boissonnas was born in 1858 in Geneva from a family that moved from Marseilles in southern France to Switzerland.
Due to the origin of the family, Fred believed that he was a descendant of Greek navigators, this may explain his interest and love for the Greeks, especially those of the countryside …
Fred Boissonnas first stepped foot in the Greek island of Corfu at 1903,Β from where chronologically his first photos are, after this he went to Athens which had visited numerous times and from there he wandered across the entire Greek territory and also in the new under Greek unification countries as Macedonia, Thrace, Epirus, Aegean islands, etc..
Generally, he did not leave an inch of Greek soil without recording it with his camera.
Towards the end of his Greek adventure shortly before 1930, he spends some time in Mount Athos where he photographed many details of monastic life and the monasteries.
He died in Geneva in 1946.
His work was innovative and proved decisive in the development of Greek photography during the 20th century.
Through photos and albums, he presents a panorama of Greece during the interwar period, also helping to shape the European public opinion of Greece for the same period.
The work of Fred Boissonnas, although known in Europe in the early 20th century, now needs a second showing.
Progress in technical issues, the discovery of color, easy to use cameras, plus the ease with which we travel, may make the project appear obsolete, but to the historical glance it has great value and it also shows modernism in comparison with other photographers who wandered in Greece at that time.
The artist has recorded things that have disappeared, but also gives us a picture of Greece that extends beyond simple ethnographic pieces of evidence.
His great faith and admiration for this country are transmitted through his work with tenderness and love which can be seen through his work even today after so many years.
These characteristics give soul to these pieces of paper, which otherwise could remain simple pictures …
Streets of old Athens. Pictures from Athos showing the difficult life of monks. Rural in Greece of another era. Corfu as Fred’s first stop. Peloponnisos with places like Akrata, Korinth, and Andritsaina. Crete and Epirus. All Greece regions are here.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:38 am
Here are some elder Greek pictures from 1900 to 1930, photos from the period before the First World War.
Last updated on July 29th, 2025 at 07:36 am
In the following photos we can see what Benitses like in 1950.
We can see the two characteristic creeks, the Port and Koutsomaroula bay, as they appear from the hill of Agios Stefanos.
We also see the beach, the boats with the lamps, and generally how early tourism coexisted along with other economic activities since we see hotels and water sports and on the other side residents continuing to fish professionally.
In Benitses in the 50s, there were several fishing boats which we called gri gri.
Two of them were the larger, Saint Demetrios or “red” because of It’s red color and the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) which also had the name “Binitsiotiko” or “grey” due to its grey color.
Every evening they left the harbor, towing behind them their large utility boat called “pisino” followed by the small boats with the lamps (pyrofania).
Fishing was as follows, the small boats were scattered in prominent locations to enable their lights to attract the fish when sufficient fish were in the area of light, the small boats called the mother ship, which arrived in the spot and surrounded the area with nets.
Depending on the size of the shoals of fish, there were some nights when the nets were being cast and pulled in several times.
In these two fishing boats, most of the people worked who were involved in fishing and also other fishermen from neighboring villages.
Of course, there were also many other boats too that were operated by their owners.
The grey gri gri Agia Triada had a stocky shape and was bought by the residents with resources from the Marshall plan for reconstruction after World War 2.
These fishing ships finally stopped their operation just before 1980, by which time most of the inhabitants worked in the tourist industry.
In the following photos, we see scenes of the departures of these ships, also there are scenes showing how other fishermen landed the catch on the shore.
At this time, famous actors and several wealthy foreign visitors had started to visit Benitses, the island of Corfu after all was always attractive to the international elite, long before any other part of Greece.
And who has not been here then, read about on the page for tourism development.
There are no pictures of most of them because only a few people had cameras at that time.
But the wealthy Manessis family had cameras and so thanks to them we have a few pictures of celebrities of the 50s, regular visitors to Benitses as the older residents remember.
See below some photos, mainly with Vivien Leigh and the English artist and set designer Roger Furse, pictures were taken in 1960.
Among the economic activities, it was also beekeeping.
Many residents had hives scattered in various parts of Benitses.
On the farm of San Stefano, among other agricultural activities, there was a well-organized beekeeping unit with several hives.
Occasionally, the residents gathered to learn new methods and the secrets of the bees, that were almost seminars on beekeeping.
In the following photos, Stefanos Manesis explains to people new methods and also helps the youngsters to learn the job.
Mouse island in the 1950s, the islet guarding the entrance of Chalikiopoulos lagoon, where the port was in ancient times.
Thanks to these old photos we see why it has become the trademark of Corfu, a beautiful and magical virginal scene without hotels and buildings in the surrounding area, only the sky, the sea, and the endless green of the landscape.
