Welcome to Corfu
Corfu (Greek: Kerkyra) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, off the northwest coast of mainland Greece.
Location & Size The northernmost and second-largest of the Ionian Islands, about 592 square kilometers with roughly 100,000 inhabitants. The capital, Corfu Town, sits on the east coast.
History Corfu has a distinctive character shaped by centuries of Venetian rule (1386-1797), followed by brief French and British periods before joining Greece in 1864. This gives it a more Western European feel compared to other Greek islands – you’ll see Italian-influenced architecture, cricket fields, and fortifications built against Ottoman invasions.
Key Features The Old Fortress and New Fortress in Corfu Town are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The old town itself, with its narrow Venetian streets (called “kantounia”), feels more like an Italian city than a typical Greek island settlement. The Liston arcade and Spianada square are particularly striking.
Landscape Known for being exceptionally green and lush compared to most Greek islands, with over 4 million olive trees. The west coast has dramatic cliffs and beaches, while the east is gentler with resort areas.
Cultural Notes Strong musical tradition, particularly in philharmonic bands. The island was also home to the Durrell family in the 1930s (Gerald Durrell’s “My Family and Other Animals” is set here).
