Mediterrana

CORFU is one of the biggest Ionian islands situated on the west side of the Greek mainland. The area is estimated at 580 km². On this cosmopolitan island it is easy to combine relaxation on beautiful beaches, green landscape with intense night life. 

The island enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in July and August range from 32°C during the day and to 18°C at night. Rainfall is unlikely during the peak summer season, but heavy showers can be expected between September and April. The no coast is made up of sheltered rocky coves and shingle beaches offering secluded bays and traditional fishing villages. The North and South offer long sweeping sandy bays and the expected commercialism.  The craggy west coast is dominated by high cliffs and horse-shoe sandy beaches and spectacular sunsets. 

Acients Greeks, Venetian, French and even British have left their traces on the island. Its Greek name, Kerkyra, is connected to two powerful water symbols: 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 Asopus and river nymph Metope, and abducted her, as was the custom among gods of that era's myths. Poseidon brought her to the hitherto unnamed island and, being in marital bliss, offered her name to the place: Korkyra, which gradually evolved to Kerkyra. Together, they had a child they called Phaiax, after whom the inhabitants of the island were named: Phaiakes that was then transliterated via Latin to Phaeacians.

The island's history is also full of battles and conquests, indicative of Corfu's turbulent past that lasted until modern times, when after the unification with modern Greece in 1864 the history of the island became one with the mainlands. The legacy of these struggles remains in the form of castles that exist in strategic locations all over the island. Two of these castles enclose the city. It is the only city in Greece to be surrounded by castles this way and as a result has officially been declared as a Kastropolis (Castle city) by the Greek Government. In 2007, the old town of the Corfu city was enlisted on UNESCO World Heritage List.

Corfu international airport is located 3km from Corfu city. From the international port there are several ferry and ship lines connecting the island with Italy and other Greek towns and cities.