One very important aspect of Corfu we didn't mention so far: the residents of the island. The are called Greeks, but they call themself Corfiots.
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Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, owes its name to the Nymph Korkyra, the daughter of the River God, Asopus. According to the myth, Poseidon, God of the Sea, fell in love with Nymph Korkyra, kidnapped her and brought her to this island.
Corfu is famous for its charming architecture as it features a cluster of colorful buildings dated back to the Venetian period. The island's historic town is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and elegant ones worldwide.
Cappuchin Monastery, and a convent and school which was founded in 1907 by the Franciscan Sisters of Malta. Surnames which are very common in Corfu are Psailas (Psaila), Spitieris (Spiteri), Atzopardis (Azzopardi), Soueref (Xuereb), Alamanos (Alamango), Sakkos (Sacco) and Michalef (Micallef).
Its rich multi-cultural heritage, its historic monuments, its stunning natural landscape, its crystal clear seas, and its excellent weather all year round explain why Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations weaving a powerful spell on its visitors.
Corfu is one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, famous for its vivid nightlife. Corfu Town suggests many places to start your evening, like the traditional taverns with amazing local dishes, especially in the Old Town.
The architecture of Corfu City still reflects its long Venetian heritage, with its multi-storied buildings, its spacious squares such as the popular Spianada and the narrow cobblestone alleys known as Kantounia. The town began to grow during the Venetian period on a low hillock situated between the two forts.
Corfu is the second-largest island in the Ionian Sea and the seventh-largest in Greece. It is one of the northernmost parts of Greece as its northern coasts are part of the Adriatic Sea, while at a short distance from the island lie Albanian coasts.
It's not clear where the name comes from. Some say that the island was full of mice in the past, some others that it has a mouse shape if you look it from top. There is also a legend that refers to the island as the ship of Odysseus which Poseidon turned to stone. Mouse island can be reached from Kanoni are, in town.
The ulterior motive for the invasion was Corfu's strategic position at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea. The crisis was the first major test for the League of Nations but the League failed it. It showed that the League was weak and couldn't settle disputes when a great power confronted a small one.
With houses dating from the 14th century, Old Perithia is Corfu's most ancient village. Built to be safe from pirate attacks, it's near the top of the island's highest peak, Mount Pantokrator, surrounded by dense forest and with views over the Ionian Sea towards Albania.
The escalating migrant crisis has put many alarmed holidaymakers off visiting Greece, but the popular Greek island of Corfu is not affected. Corfu and other Ionian islands are unaffected due to their location off Greece's northwest coast in the Ionian Sea across from Italy.
The majority of luxury villas are to be found on the north east coast, from Kommeno northwards. Premium areas are Nissaki, Agni, Kalami, San Stefano, Avlaki and Kassiopi. In the Barbati area there are also several modern seaside developments.
Like many beach destinations in Europe, Corfu can be expensive due to higher tourist demand and limited space on the island. But Greece is still a fairly affordable country compared to other places in Europe, so deals can be found.