Corfu

The island of Corfu is located just off the West coast of Greece. It is the second largest island in the group of Ionian Islands and was the first to open itself up to tourism with plenty to offer its visitors.   Corfu enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate and it attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of those rare destinations that cater for all age groups and tastes.

Corfu is known as "Kerkyra" in Greek and takes its name from a variation of the Nymph Korkira, daughter of the Greek river god Aesopos in mythology.  Legend says that the god of sea, Poseidon fell in love with the Nymph Korkira, kidnapped her and then brought her to the Island, hence the name Kerkyra.

The island of Corfu has been described as the Emerald Isle, the Garden of Eden and by Homer himself, a beautiful and rich land - all this is due to the lush green hills, towering mountains, clear blue seas, pure white sands, endless olive groves and colourful wild flowers.

Corfu is full of variety from its traditional fishing villages to its large modern resorts, coupled with its amazing wildlife, over six hundred types of wild flowers and numerous exotic birds including pelicans, bee eaters, hoopoes and golden orioles; this island has something for everyone!

The main town of Corfu is one of the most interesting cities in Greece due to the heavy influence of the Venetians who for centuries controlled the island. Like the other Ionian islands Corfu was never occupied by the Turks, which gives it a character very different from the rest of Greece. But Corfu town has seen other influences as well including the British, the Normans, the French, and the Greeks and Romans whose ancient buildings are still in evidence in several archaeology sites and the excellent archaeological museum.

 
The population of the town of Corfu is about 30.000 and is quite cosmopolitan compared to the other Greek islands. It is an interesting mixture of old tavernas, new cafes, discos, clubs and shops of all types plus an amazing old city that sits in a protected area between the two fortresses.  The town of Corfu contains a large number of buildings which have survived the centuries and is on the list of Europe's most historic cities.