Corfu (Kerkyra), Ionian Islands

In brief
The beautiful island of Corfu (or Kerkyra), the island of cantadas (traditional Ionian island love songs) offers a unique atmosphere and style that steels the heart of all its visitors. According to Greek mythology, the island got its name from the daughter of the river god Asopos, Nymph Korkyra, who was carried away by Poseidon.
In Homer's Odyssey we read that Odysseus found shelter here in Corfu at the end of his wanderings and received the care of King Alkinoos and his people Pheaces and his daughter Nafsika.

General Information
(Area 592 sq. km)
Corfu lies off the coast of Epirus North of Paxoi island in between Greece and Italy. It is 58 km long and about 27 km wide and its highest peak is “Pandokratoras” (906 m high). Its geographical position attracted powers in the past, from east & west. Through ancient history it was under the rule of the city-states of Athens & Corinth and later it was ruled by the Goths, Lombards, Saracens & Normans and was fought over from the kings of Sicily and the Italian city-states of Genoa & Venice.

Corfu has played an important role in the cultural and educational development of modern Greece. In 1815 Lord Guilford founded the first Fine Arts School and first University of Greece on the island with the support of Ioannis Kapodistrias who was born in Corfu to become later the first Prime Minister of the newly liberated Greece.

The island is well watered and very fertile full of Olive and citrus trees, grapes and corn. That’s why, Corfu is considered as having one of the most attractive countryside of all the Greek Islands.

Sightseeing
Paleokastritsa, 26 km west of Corfu town, a miniature earthly paradise with its crystal clear waters, enchanting coves and lush greenery growing right up to the sea.
Angelokastro, near Paleokastritsa, a Byzantine fortress dating from the 13th century.
Pelekas, 13 km west of the town, a lovely village set on a rocky hill, whose summit – according to the Corfiots say – is the best place to watch the sun go down. Not far from Pelekas in the Ropa Valley is situated Corfu’s excellent golf course.

Kanoni, 4 km south of town is the most popular spot on the island. Here a narrow causeway leads across the water to the Monastery of Vlacherna and from there one can take a caique to visit delightful Pondikonissi and its 13th century church.
Gastouri, a picturesque hill village, is the site of the Achillion, the summer palace of the Empress Elizabeth of Austria and the last Kaiser. The Palace has many beautiful gardens ideal for a romantic walk. A part of it places an important museum as well.

Other sights not to be missed include, on the east side of the island Kassiopi, Ipsos, Dassia, Gouvia, Benitses, Moraitika and Messongi. On its west side Lake Korission (Limni Korission), the only lake on the island.

In the northern part of the island are the resorts of Sidari, with its sandy beach, and Roda, whose beach is even longer. From Sidari you can take a boat to the three picturesque offshore islands of Erikoussa, Mathraki and Othoni. Their sheltered anchorages are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. But Corfu also has another side: a vital traditional facet to its personality still very much alive in the costumes of its village women and in its local festivals.

The Town of the island offers unique and monumental spots for sightseeing. 
The Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum housed in the Church of the Panayia Antivouniotissa; the Museum of Oriental Art in the English Palace of St. Michael and St. George; the Town Hall, a superb example of Venetian architecture built in 1663; the Byzantine church of Sts. Jason and Sosipater (12th century) with fine frescoes; the church of Corfu’s patron Saint Spyridon with its valuable icons and collection of gold and silver offerings; the Old Fort; the New Fort, constructed between 1576 and 1588 (not open to the public); and the Platytera Monastery with its rare post-Byzantine icons.

Beaches

There are plenty of beaches around the island to satisfy various types of swimmers. Several stony beaches with calm, beautiful waters can be found ar Dasia, Ipsos, Kassiopi and Sidari with its picturesque "Canal d'Amour"; sand stone cliffs with narrow inlets, a natural archway and small paths to explore.
In addition, many choices with sandy beaches either crowded or isolated, offer visitors a wide range of swimming spots. Glifada, Benitses and Messongi; equally popular and crowded, are long, sandy beaches with lots of facilities nearby. Pelekas, Lefkimmi, Barbati, Chalikounas, Issos and Prasoudi are more isolated the most popular ones. 

Things to taste & buy

Fine examples of folk art and crafts are displayed in shops all over the island: hand-woven textiles and embroideries with intricate designs, objects of all kinds carved out of olive wood, silver utensils and lovely jewellery.

In September, Corfu hosts the well-known festival is also a worthy visit. 
While on holidays, sports' facilities are offered in the island such as ski, yachting, tennis, golf and horse racing/riding.

Useful Information
How to get there
By air from Athens 

Olympic Airways: +30 210 3550500
By sea from Patra & Igoumenitsa
Patra Port Authority: +30 2610 341002, 341024, 341046
Igoumenitsa Port Authority: +30 26650 22235

By Bus from Athens 
Athens Bus Authority (KTEL): +30 210 5129443

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code:  + 30 26610
Municipal Office: 44410, 62784-5
Police: 22353, 27778
Olympic Airways: 89622, (airport) 89600
Port Authority: 32655
Bus Terminal (urban, intercity): 28928
Health Center: 32533

http://www.corfu.gr