Venetian castles, elegant mansions, endless beaches, lush green mountains, picturesque villages, hidden coves... Cosmopolitan and unique, Corfu, with its unique beauty and gaze fixed on the Ionian Sea, encapsulates the essence of Greece! Known as the island of the Phaeacians, Corfu stands out for its rich history, culture, natural beauty, and architecture, which blends elements from Venetian, French, and British rule. Corfu Town, with its historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site 🏛️, is a living museum with impressive buildings, squares, narrow streets, and fortresses.
How did it get its name? 🧐
Corfu was named after the nymph Korkyra, daughter of the river god Asopos, who was loved by Poseidon 💙 and brought to the island. From their love, Phaeacian was born, to whom the island owes its mythical name as the "island of the Phaeacians." In Byzantine times, the island was called "Korypho," after the two-peaked Acropolis, located where the current city stands. "Korypho" was later transformed into "Korfu," hence the English name Corfu.
Attractions and Activities:
Don't miss visiting the Old and New Fortresses 🏰, strolling along the Liston, admiring the Achilleion Palace, seeing Pontikonisi Island, and exploring the picturesque Kanoni district. The Museum of Asian Art is also worth a visit. Corfu offers a plethora of activities such as hiking, water sports, sailing, and cultural events. Its beaches cater to all tastes, from cosmopolitan to secluded.
Gastronomy:
Corfiot cuisine 🍽️ is rich in flavours and aromas, with influences from Italian and Greek cuisine. Don't miss the sofrito (veal with garlic and parsley), the pastitsada (rooster with pasta and red sauce), the burdeto (fish with red sauce) and the kumquat (local liqueur).
Our recommendation:
The "Best of the Corfu Trail (Self-Guided)" program offers an 8-day hiking experience in Corfu, combining culture and nature. Participants will walk along scenic trails, explore villages, castles and monasteries, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning views of the island. The programme is of moderate difficulty and includes accommodation, breakfast and transfers, and is available from April to November.
How to get there:
Corfu is connected by air ✈️ and by ferry ⛴️ to the rest of Greece and Europe.
See you in Corfu! 😊