Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi, forms the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece. The island is full with the history of Greece and is related to two powerful water symbols: Poseidon, god of the sea, and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river. According to myth, Poseidon fell in love with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, and abducted her. Poseidon brought Korkyra to the hitherto unnamed island and, in marital bliss, offered her name to the place: Korkyra, which gradually evolved to Kerkyra. The island's history is laden with battles and conquests. The legacy of these struggles is visible in the form of castles punctuating strategic locations across the island. Two of these castles enclose its capital, which is the only city in Greece to be surrounded in such a way thus declared a Kastropolis ("castle city").
“Corfu” by rob.sandbach is licensed under CC BY 2.0
From medieval times and into the 17th c., the island was recognized as a bulwark of the European States against the Ottoman Empire and became one of the most fortified places in Europe. The fortifications of the island were used by the Venetians to defend against Ottoman intrusion into the Adriatic. Corfu repulsed several Turkish sieges, before falling under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire along with the remaining of the Ionian Islands, and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864 under the Treaty of London.
Corfu. Courtesy Greek National Tourist Organization.
Copyright Y. Skoulas
Without doubt, Corfu is the most beautiful among the Ionian Islands. This lush and verdant island lies midway between Greece and Italy, set in the northern Ionian Sea at the entrance to the Adriatic. Corfu's gorgeous turquoise beaches tantalize, and the lovely land's allure leaves you wanting more. But if the sun-drenched landscape is not enough, the island's rich history and reputation for hospitality are sure to please you. Because the land is somewhat divided, it is well equipped to please a wide range of tourists.
The island has a long and colorful history. First colonized by the city-state of Corinth, Corfu has been ruled by the Romans, the Venetians, the French and the English. Corfu Town boasts fortresses bearing the insignia of the Venetian Republic, an esplanade lavishly planted by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, and an English cricket pitch. The island also offers some of the finest coastal scenery in the entire Mediterranean. Corfu is the place to be if the classic vacation elements are what you are looking for. The island is encircled by beaches and filled with delicious restaurants, resorts ranging in price from affordable to very expensive, and is home to a vigorous nightlife. Corfu's mainland interior is a quiet, lesser-known haven of villages, vegetation, and agriculture. Most tourists, young people especially, opt for the excitement of Corfu Island, which boasts of having over one million visitors per year.
How to Get There
Search for and book a flight toGreece or within Greece via a number of reliable airlines viaBooking now and your dream holiday is a flight away! GetTransfer is a booking service for transfers and car rentals with a personal driver at the best prices.
Visit Jet2Holidaysforflight+hotel packages to Corfu.
For ferry transportation to Corfu, go to AFerrynow!
Elifehas a wide variety of vehicle options available. If you need a ride or just a private ride service to the airport or your hotel, They have your back! Their fares adapt to your budget, depending on the number of passengers, the distance to your destination and the type of service. Their charter car service can take you in a day trip car service, a long-distance car driving service, and many more, all including driver pick up service to your house, office, airport, hotel or anywhere else you need!
Where to Stay
All-inclusiveJet2holidays to Corfu offer guaranteed good times.
Visit Oliver's Travel for villas in Corfu. TUIoffers holidays in Greece, including in Corfu.
Visit Thomas Cookfor all-inclusive holidays to Corfu.
Sheltered in pine forest hovering above, Domes of Corfu luxury family resort of the Autograph Collection, captures essential Corfu on the sand. Comfort comes in the form of boho luxury with crystal clear waters just steps away for unforgettable summer days with the young ones. Evenings end with cocktails, and fiery sunsets at adult only zones while the kids socialize, learn, and grow at Montessori inspired creche, kids and teen zones. CORE Spianada, our open air, ancient Greek style agora, blends pop-up shopping with street food, art and events. A variety of bars and restaurants fuse local with international cuisine, creating dazzling finales. For those who want an “all…-exclusive” vacation, choose the Haute Living Selection. Rebirth through ancient ritual is found at Signature Soma Spa and outdoor connection at Steevos hybrid activity park. Revel in togetherness and make collective memories through transformative experiences at Domes, minutes away from UNESCO World heritage old town Corfu, destination for the cosmopolitan explorer.
Being yourself is the ultimate luxury. Especially when you’re experiencing it in a serene, relaxed and elegant adults-only 16+ resort! Domes Miramare Corfu is the new, fascinating chapter in the story of one of modern Greece’s most iconic buildings, once owned by the Onassis family. After the recent multi-million pound renovation, Domes Miramare Corfu is true to the spirit of authentic hospitality and luxury experiences of the Domes Resorts family. It is an elegant seafront oasis with rooms, suites and villas, for those who seek a luxurious getaway from the ordinary. Renovated with refined natural materials and decorated with contemporary art pieces, this beachfront resort is a legendary amalgamation of opulent style and design, set in an authentic Mediterranean landscape!
Corfu
Corfu town is a more sophisticated place where the emphasis falls on history as well as Greek, Italian and French culture. Corfu's old town is a mixture of the medieval and the modern. The Esplanade, planted with palms and eucalyptus by the French, leads to the English cricket pitch.
Corfu has inspired artists and historians alike. It is said to have been a favorite place of artists like Impressionist landscape painter Alfred Sisley and literary giants like Oscar Wilde and Goethe. Homer's Odysseus visited the island on his journey home, and marveled at its splendor. Shakespeare's The Tempest was inspired by Corfu. Even Napoleon was awed by the land's magnificence. And when you visit, you will quickly realize why so much brilliance has been born in and of Corfu. Its beaches are like no other, and its atmosphere of relaxation is instantly recognizable.
Highlights
Corfu Town / Old Fortress A maze of cobblestone streets full of old tavernas, cafes and shops, with a 15th c. fortress as its backdrop, Corfu is one of the most intriguing cities in Greece.
Agios Spyridon Church This 16th c. church, with its prominent bell tower and jewel-adorned silver sarcophagus, is the final resting place of the patron saint of the island.
Paleokastrista View Point Olive, lemon and cypress groves line the small coves nestled in the rugged coastline of this small seaside village.
Monastery of Virgin Mary Located above Paleokastritsa is this ancient cloister, enveloped by lemon trees, a flower garden and breathtaking views. Inside, the chapel offers a museum of Byzantine and ecclesiastical art.
Achilleion Palace This neo-classical palace was built as a summer retreat for Empress Elizabeth of Austria. Gardens filled with flowers, trees and statues in the Italian style, make this a mythical setting.
Koum Kouat Distillery The "koum kouat" citrus fruit, a variety of which only grows in Greece's Corfu, is made into one of the island's most famous products - a liqueur with the same name as well as fruit-preserved sweets.
Mon Repos Estate Just above Corfu Town sits the Mon Repos villa. Its palace, tiered and pillared with pink highlights and traditional Corfiot green shutters, was the birthplace of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Pontikonissi & Vlaherna View This idyllic landscape is one of the most photographed in all of Greece. The 17th c. Vlacherna Monastery sits at the southern end of the Kanoni peninsula, and Pontikonissi (Mouse Island) just beyond.
View of the town of Corfu.
“Corfu - Kanoni” by Torben Simonsen is licensed under CC BY 2.0