Corfu, Greece

Corfu highlights

Known for archaeological site, beach, fortress, historical center, island, marina, medieval old town, museum, promenade, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint

Corfu, known in Greek as Kerkyra, is an island in the Ionian Sea of Greece, about 35km from mainland town Igoumenitsa. The Corfu island is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, cultural heritage as the unique blend of Greek, Italian, and British influences, and natural beauty. Key attractions include the capital, Corfu City, with its Venetian architecture, old citadel with Venetian fortifications, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George, and historical sites like Angelokastro and the church of St. Jason and St. Sosipater. The island also boasts beautiful beaches, such as Palaiokastritsa, Paleokastritsa monastery, and the picturesque villages of Kefali and Afionas.

Other places in Greece that we are familiar with

Acrocorinth - Known for fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint

Aigai (Aegae) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ancient Corinth - Known for archaeological site, museum

Antirrio - Known for bridge, fortress, viewpoint

Arachova - Known for free time, mountain town

Argos - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Arta - Known for bridge, byzantine empire, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral

Athens - Known for archaeological site, museum; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chalkida - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, museum, viewpoint

Corinth - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, landmark, viewpoint

Corinth canal - Known for landmark, viewpoint

Delphi - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Diros - Known for cave, coastal town

Dodoni - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Epidaurus - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Galaxidi - Known for coastal town, marina, promenade

Hosios Loukas - Known for orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Igoumenitsa - Known for beach, coastal town, seaport

Oeniadae (Iniades) - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Ioannina - Known for ancient settlement, fortress, lake, museum, park, venetian empire, orthodox monastery

Kalamata - Known for beach, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral

Kalampaka - Known for museum, natural phenomenon, viewpoint

Koroni - Known for beach, coastal town, fortress, promenade, viewpoint, orthodox church, orthodox monastery; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Koronisia - Known for beach, island, lagoon, marina, nature, wildlife

Lamia - Known for castle

Larissa - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Livadeia - Known for castle, medieval old town, river, waterfall

Messene - Known for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Mesolongi (Messolonghi) - Known for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife

Meteora - Known for landmark, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Methoni - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, viewpoint; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Metsovo - Known for architecture, mountain town, museum, viewpoint, winery

Monemvasia - Known for ancient settlement, beach, coastal town, hiking pass, island, medieval old town, viewpoint, orthodox church

Mycenae - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mystras - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, viewpoint, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nafpaktos - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint

Nafplio - Known for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Olympia - Known for archaeological site, museum; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Palace of Nestor - Known for archaeological site, architecture, landmark

Parga - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, promenade

Patras - Known for archaeological site, castle, coastal town, museum, promenade, seaport, viewpoint, winery, orthodox cathedral

Porto Kagio - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint

Preveza - Known for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport

Pylos - Known for beach, bridge, castle, coastal town, fortress, marina, venetian empire, wildlife

Rio - Known for beach, bridge, coastal town, fortress, seaport, viewpoint

Sparta - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site

Thermopylae - Known for landmark, monument

Trikala - Known for castle, park

Volos - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, beach, coastal town, marina, museum, nature, seaport

Western Thrace - Known for beach, forest, lake, landmark, nature, park, river

Last reviewed: 30 November 2024

Corfu description

Corfu, known in Greek as Kerkyra, is an island in the Ionian Sea, located off the coast of Epirus in western Greece. It is approximately 58 km long and 27 km wide, covering an area of 593 square km. The island is mountainous in the north, with Pantokrator Mountain reaching a peak of 906 meters, and lower in the south.

The Greek name, Kerkyra or Korkyra, is related to two powerful water deities: Poseidon, god of the sea, and Asopos, an important Greek mainland river. According to myth, Poseidon fell in love with the beautiful nymph Korkyra, daughter of Asopos and river nymph Metope, 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. They had a child, Phaiax, after whom the inhabitants of the island were named Phaiakes. Corfu is known as the island of the Phaeacians.

The name Corfu is a Venetian and Italian version of the Byzantine name Korypho, meaning ＂city of the peaks＂. It derives from the Byzantine Greek Koryphai (crests or peaks), denoting the two peaks of Palaio Frourio.

Corfu is renowned for its attractive countryside, fertile soil, and well-watered landscape. The island is predominantly covered with olive trees, but other crops such as figs, oranges, lemons, grapes, and corn are also cultivated. This fertile land makes Corfu a significant producer of olive oil, fruit, grain, and wine.

Corfu's history dates back to the Paleolithic era when it was part of the Greek mainland. The island became separate during the Neolithic era due to rising sea levels. The first Greek settlers were Eretrians from Euboea around 775-750 BC, followed by Corinthians. The island has been under various rulers, including the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians, French, and British, each leaving their mark on its culture and architecture.

In ancient times, Corfu was a significant naval base for the Romans and later became a Byzantine stronghold. The Byzantine period saw the construction of important sites like Angelokastro and the church of St. Jason and St. Sosipater. The island was later contested by various powers, including the Normans and the Venetians, who ruled Corfu for nearly four centuries.

Under Venetian rule, Corfu developed a sophisticated administrative structure and saw significant improvements in infrastructure, including the establishment of a Greek university and a public aqueduct system. This period also saw the division of the island into four regions: Gyrou, Orous, Mesis, and Lefkimi.

In 1797, Corfu was assigned to France, but the French were soon expelled by a Russo-Turkish fleet. The island became part of the Napoleonic empire in 1807 and later a British protectorate after Napoleon's defeat. In 1864, Corfu was ceded to Greece along with the other Ionian Islands.

The capital, Corfu City (Kerkyra), is located on a peninsula on the east coast and features a twin-peaked old citadel with Venetian fortifications. The city's Old Town is known for its narrow, hilly streets and is home to both a Greek metropolitan and a Roman Catholic bishop.

Corfu is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Key attractions include the Old Town with its Venetian architecture, the Palace of St. Michael and St. George built by the British, and historical sites like Angelokastro and the church of St. Jason and St. Sosipater. The island also boasts beautiful beaches, such as Paleokastritsa, and the picturesque villages of Kefali and Afionas.

Corfu's urban architecture differs from that of other major Greek cities, because of Corfu's unique history. From 1386 to 1797, Corfu was ruled by Venetian nobility; much of the city reflects this era when the island belonged to the Republic of Venice, with multi-storeyed buildings on narrow lanes. The Old Town of Corfu has clear Venetian influence and is amongst the World Heritage Sites in Greece. It was in the Venetian period that the city saw the erection of the first opera house (Nobile Teatro di San Giacomo di Corfu) in Greece.

Corfu's unique blend of Greek, Italian, and British influences makes it culturally fascinating. The island is home to the Ionian University and has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and traditions. The local cuisine, which includes products like olive oil, honey, wine, and kumquat, is another draw for visitors.

Tourism is the main economic driver for Corfu, with thousands of visitors each year attracted by its beaches, historical sites, and charming old city. Agriculture and fishing also play important roles, though to a lesser extent. The production and sale of local products like oil, honey, and wine contribute significantly to the island's economy.

Corfu is interesting for tourists due to its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and unique cultural heritage. The island offers a mix of historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history, architecture, and natural beauty. Additionally, the warm climate and friendly locals add to its appeal as a holiday destination.

Nowadays, Corfu is easily accesstable by several ferry lines. The most easy and short ferry is from the port of Igoumenitsa in mainland northwestern Greece. The Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry route is available all year round, with at least 16 daily crossings and increased ferry frequency in the summer months. The duration of the ferry trip ranges from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Corfu related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Corfu during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Corfu.

We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Corfu. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

Exploring Northern Greece 15 days tour from Thessaloniki. Thasos island, Philippi, Zagori mountain villages and bridges, Corfu. all seasons tour 18 days Price from € 5,699 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Thessaloniki, Greece tour finishes in: Corfu, Greece tour duration: 18 days (17 nights) tour countries: Greece tour destinations: Aigai, Ano Pedina, Aristi, Corfu, Dodoni, Ioannina, Kavala, Kipoi, Metsovo, Monodendri, Paleokastritsa, Papingo, Philippi, Thasos, Thessaloniki, Tsepelovo, Veria Come with us to discover amazing Northern Greece with our 18 days tour from Thessaloniki. With this tour we going to see the most important places in Thessaloniki, will come to Thasos island, walk archaeological site Philippi (UNESCO World Heritage site), and spend a few days in popular region Zagori (UNESCO World Heritage site for Cultural Landscape). We will start with discovering Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece, known for its Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Sites), renowned cuisine, and never sleep atmosphere. After Thessaloniki we will come to town Kavala, to see its fortress and historical center. On the way we will visit a winery with wine tasting. Short drive from Kavala, we will come to port to take a quick ferry to Thasos island, to see historical landmarks of Thasos town, Archangel Michael monastery, museum of Olive and Olive oil, scenic Kefalogourna waterfalls, Marble Quarry and few other attractions. After Thasos island, on mainland, we will come to explore large and very important archaeological site Philippi, its exceptional Roman architecture is small reflection of Rome itself, and very import for Christianity because of several visits of the apostle Paul. We will continue to discover Northern Greece, by visiting Aigai, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of its monumental significance in Western civilization and exceptional architecture. Aigai was a first capital of the Macedonian kingdom and the burial place for their kings, considered to be one of the biggest and the most significant places of classical Greece. Our next place to visit is mountain town Metsovo, known from Ottoman census records. Metsovo residents had a privileges from Ottomans because they provided the special service of guarding local mountain passes and the servicing of travelers. Metsovo is known for rich merchants and traders, traveling sheepherders, specific cuisine used local cheeses, and wine making traditions including the Katogi vineyard of the Averoff family. Significant part of this tour is exploring the Zagori region (approved as UNESCO World Heritage Site for Cultural Landscape). Zagori, also called Zagorochoria, contains 46 villages known as Zagori villages. The main source of income for the local communities initially were commercial activities like trading to distant places. Rich residents during centuries built many villages with stone houses, stone bridges, cobblestones streets, fountains, schools, churches and monasteries. UNESCO added Zagori to the list of Cultural Landscapes, acknowledging the universal value of Zagori's architecture as a representative example of traditional, stone-built settlements. During our time in Zagori we will also come to few developed hiking passes, relatively easy but with amazing viewpoints. After we leave Zagori, we will come to Ioannina, to see its fortress, silversmith weapons and jewelery museum, and come to small island at the middle of Ioannina lake, to have a short walk with visiting a few churches and monasteries and the museum of famous Ali Pasha. From Ioannina, on the way to Igoumenitsa, we will come to see archaeological site Dodoni, know for its gorgeous ancient theater. From Igoumenitsa we will take ferry to Corfu. There on Corfu we need to walk its historical center, fortress, and we will come to see ancient Paleokastritsa monastery located on another side of Corfu island.