The island known internationally as Corfu is called Kerkyra by the Greeks. Like so much else in this ancient country the origin of its name can be found in Greek mythology.
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.
Corfu was the only Greek island not conquered by the Turks. The island was the cradle of culture and science. In Corfu was founded the first university or Greece, called the Ionian University and the first modern theater and opera of Greece.
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.
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.
On the northern side of the Ionian Sea, the charming island of Corfu carries a rich historical past, with influences from the Venetian, French, and English cultures that shaped the island's unique architecture. Its picturesque town, mansions, palaces, and gorgeous beaches make Corfu a top destination in western Greece.
1. Santorini. In Santorini the blue of the sea blends with the blue of the sky and the blue roofs of the houses. This island, ranked among the best destinations for a honeymoon in Europe, is also one of the most beautiful Greek islands.
Located on the north-west coast of Corfu, the village of Paleokastrítsa is considered to be the most beautiful on the island. Nestled in a rocky bay with steep cliffs, it enjoys an ideal location in the Ionian Sea.
Santorini is somewhat of a cliché choice to kick-off the list, but there are a multitude of reasons why the film-set stunning island is considered one of the most beautiful islands in Greece.
In the 12th century, the Kingdom of Naples sent some Italian families to Corfu to rule the island. From the Fourth Crusade of 1204 onwards, the Republic of Venice sent many Italian families to Corfu. These families brought the Italian language of the Middle Ages to the island.
According to mythology, Corfu was named after the daughter of Asopos, who was named Kerkyra, a nymph who the Greek God Zeus fell in love with and brought to Corfu.
Corfu is the only destination in Greece during the last 100 years where cricket is played?
Corfu incident, (1923) brief occupation of the Greek island of Corfu by Italian forces. In August 1923 Italians forming part of an international boundary delegation were murdered on Greek soil, leading Benito Mussolini to order a naval bombardment of Corfu.
It was triggered when an Italian general heading a commission to resolve a border dispute between Albania and Greece was murdered in Greek territory along with two other officers of his staff.
From Italian Corfù, from Ancient Greek ????f? (Koruph?), from ????f? (koruph?) (summit, mountain peak). Named after the twin peaks of the Old Fortress of Corfu.