This the Northwest edge of Greece and is the second largest island in the Ionian Sea, after Kefalonia. For many, it is identified with the land of Feakes, in which Odysseus was shipwrecked and saved by noble Nausica, daughter of King Alkinoos. Much later, mainly from 1386A.D. to 1863A.D.it went through periods of Venetian, French and English hegemony, they left their mark intensely, creating a scenery of unique beauty.
Corfu bears the title of the "Countess of the Ionian Sea", due to the cosmopolitan air it exudes and its genuine nobility. It is characterized by unique images, like no others in any Island, making it a special tourist destination. The centre of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, is the "jewel" of Corfu.
Stretching between the Old and the New Fortress, it is defined by a combination of Italian, French and British influences. Walking through the maze of alleys, visitors are enchanted by the charm of magnificent buildings (influenced by neoclassicism and eclecticism), the Byzantine churches and the Venetian monuments, while at the same they feel possessed by an unceasing romance.
The fact that Corfu was for many years under Venetian occupation justifies its variety of Corfiot cuisine (Pastitsada, sofrito, bourdeto, bakaliaros saboro). With regard to the sights of the island, it is well worth visiting the Old and the New Fortress of Corfu, the Spianada (Esplanade), which is probably the largest square in Europe, the Liston Arcade, which was in the past where nobles would assemble, the Achilleion, which was the Palace of Princess Sisi and many other attractions, such as the central public library, the Ionian Academy, the Ionian Parliament, the site of the Windmill, the Park of Mon Repos, the Cannon, the monastery of Panagia Vlaherna, Pontikonisi, the island of Vido, the archaeological museum, the Venetian shipyards, and the Temple of St. Spyridon.
It is worth mentioning the "living museum" of Casa Parlante with animated figurines of robotics technology, as well as the very accurate decor and furnishings of a bygone era. All the above make a visit to Corfu very attractive at any time of year and especially at Easter (one of the highlights of that period is this breaking of clay pots from balconies in the morning of Holy Saturday during the so-called First Resurrection).
The Patron Saint of Corfu is Agios Spyridonas (Saint Spyridon). The Sacred and Imperishable Relics of the Saint, is located in the Sanctuary Pilgrimage Temple by the same name and is one of the greatest shrines in Greece.
Corfu, as one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece, has a excellent tourist infrastructure and remarkable hotels. Their range includes all categories, from luxury resorts for outstanding, carefree getaways to small family hotels that offer true traditional hospitality, the total number of which is more than 400.
The range of beaches on the island is equally rich, with locals exaggerating somewhat, saying that not even they themselves have visited them all or know them all. The options are endless and for all tastes. There are sandy beaches, pebbled beaches, others bustling, offering moments of great fun and others completely secluded, some located in front of large resorts offering all amenities and others accessible only by sea.
