Corfu or Kerkyra as the island is called in Greek is the Ionian Island described in superlative. Corfu is the most famous, the most beautiful and the most visited island. The thrilling landscapes along with the noble charm have made it a top destination. Corfu has a great number of hotels offering facilities of high quality and the local cuisine served at the restaurants is almost addictive! For a boost of experience, try it in Easter.
History
The island of Corfu is the land of Phaiakes in Homer’s Odyssey and considered to be the trigger of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta after a conflict between Corfu and Corinth. Corfu then becomes a part of the Kingdom of Epirus and then is conquered by Romans. In the Byzantine years to follow, Corfu has no important role till the naval forces of the west rise up. Corfu changed hands from Italians of Sicily, Genoa, Venice and Naples but Venetians are those who take Corfu under protection for nearly 400 years. Despite the several attempts of Ottoman Turks to siege Corfu, they fail due to its strong fortification. After the Napoleonic Wars, Corfu becomes a protectorate of United Kingdom until 1864 when it was ceded to Greece.
Geography
Corfu has a surface of 613,6 sq. km. with a total population of 109.537 residents. Corfu or Kerkira is one of the northernmost islands of the Ionian Sea with the mainland of Epirus of Greece and part of Albania on the east, Adriatic Sea and Italy on the west, the small island of Paxos on the south and the cluster of islands of Othoni on the north.
Sights
The old city of Corfu has an evident Venetian style with English and French influences. The large esplanade known as Spianada is the largest square in the Balkans and ideal for the starting point of a walk. The narrow alleys of the city are known as Kantounia and the place to rest after this is the Liston arcade facing Spianada with restaurants and cafes. The most famous sight of Corfu is Pontikonisi, a small islet which is located in front of Kanoni with a small church that dates back to the 12th century. Apart from the city there are many villages and beaches to visit with the most popular being: Glyfada, Paleokastritsa, Benitses and many more. The cosmopolitan air of the island still attracts European Royalties with many of them owing summer houses in Corfu. One of them used to be Achilleion, summer palace of Elisabeth or Sissy of Bavaria, Empress of Austria which is now a museum.
Products
There is a great tradition of liqueurs in Corfu: Kumquat: is a liqueur from a tasty and small citrus-like fruit, Ginger Beer: is refreshment that was brought by the English, Corfu wine: there are two varieties of white wine produced, Kakotrigis and Muscat.
The influence of Italy can be seen even in the local cuisine. pastitsado: beef cooked with tomatoes and pasta, sofrito: beef stewed in white sauce, savoro: fried fish served with rosemary sauce, mandolato: sweet nougat.
Getting to
By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Igoumenitsa and Patra. There is also connection with the ports Saradje Bari, Brintisi, Ancona and Venice in Italy.
Useful phones
Police: +30 26610 26303
Tourist Police: +30 26610 39503
Port Authorities of Corfu: +30 26610 40002
Airport: +30 26610 89600
Local Buses Services: +30 26610 31595
Hospital: +30 26610 88200
Best time to visit Corfu
From April till September. In Easter there are traditional festivities and customs that take place in the old city during the Holy Week.
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