Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian islands and it forms the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece . It is considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan summer resorts.

Its name , Corfu, comes from the peaks (corifes in Greek) of its two fortresses that you can see approaching the island. The highest mountain on the island is Mt Pantokratoras(914m.)

The City Of Corfu

The city of Corfu is famous for its Venetian architecture while one can also find numerous buildings influenced by the English and French architectural style. It is a cosmopolitan city which ‘gives out’ a sense of nobility; some of its main sights are the grand square of Spianada, which is the largest square in the Balkans, the Old and New Fortress, the Town Hall (San Giacomo Theatre) , Kanoni, Mon Repos, as well as the Museum of Byzantine and Post- Byzantine History. The patron saint of the island of Corfu is Saint Spyridonas whose remains are kept in the Church of Agios Spyridonas. Every year the Church is visited by thousands of people from all over the world.

The whole old city of Corfu is a real monument, that is why it was designated for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Perhaps one of the most charming parts of Corfu is the small island in front of Kanoni, linked to the mainland by a cement dock; there you can see the Church of Panagia Vlaherna and the famous Pontikonissi.

In the city of Corfu you can find modern services, banks, a police station, a recruiting office, public services, TV and radio stations, an international port and airport accessible to any kind of aircraft. The Ionian University and the Prefecture of Corfu and the Ionian Islands Region sit in the city of Corfu.

Easter in Corfu is a really unique experience! Apart from the “botides”, the clay pots that are being thrown from the windows and balconies down to the “kantounia” (narrow streets among the town houses) right after the first Resurrection , art lovers can also enjoy the town’s bands parading around the streets, playing hymns of the Holly Week, as well as the moving funeral procession of the Epitaphs accompanied by the music coming from the bands and the melodic voices of the choirs.

 

Cuisine

You shouldn’t miss the traditional Corfu dishes such as “pastitsada” , “sofrito” , “bianco” and “bourdetto”, all accompanied of course by excellent local wine. You can also enjoy ginger beer (made with lemon juice and ginger)which is good for the digestion and it was brought to the island by the English as well as the special kumquat liquer.

Sightseeing

One of the most important sights in Corfu is the Achilleion, a palace built for Empress Elizabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sissi, with its famous statue of the mortally wounded Achilles (Achilles Dying) and its marvelous paintings and wall paintings. Pelekas region is known for its excellent sunset view and in Palaiokastritsa you can visit the byzantine fortress Aggelokastro. Sandy beaches are found in Agios Gordis, Glyfada, the Korission lagoon, Agios Georgios, Marathia, Kassiopi, Sidari, Roda, Aharavi, Almyros, Dassia and many others while the outlying villages scattered among beautiful olive trees are equally enchanting.