General Information

Corfu Island (or Kerkyra) is rightfully one of the most famous and beloved Greek islands by both Greeks and tourists. Corfu has a rich and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. It is the only Greek island with a fully preserved medieval Venetian city, complete with two fortresses dating from the 14th and 16th centuries. Kerkyra (Corfu) is also the greenest island in Greece and boasts the greatest natural diversity – here you can see rocky coastlines, lush coves nestled in the mountains, and miles of sandy beaches on flat terrain. Subtropical forests, rocky cliffs, sandy and pebble beaches, mountains and plains, a vast array of ancient trees and a variety of flowers, cypress and olive groves, stunning viewpoints, the turquoise hues of the sea, and mountaintop monasteries will leave no one indifferent. Corfu Island is ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways for honeymooners or senior singles; for lovers of mountains and gently sloping sandy beaches; for those seeking a relaxing or active holiday; and for sports enthusiasts, such as mountain walking, diving, surfing, and paragliding (the island offers ideal conditions for paragliding, paramotoring, and paratriking).

Thanks to its moderate subtropical climate, vacationers can feel comfortable – Corfu typically experiences mild temperatures, and most summer evenings are cool. The Ionian Islands are a calm, windless area, with gentle, wave-free seas at most resorts.

The renowned English scientist and writer Gerald Durrell wrote eloquently about the astonishing beauty of Corfu, extolling the island's diverse palette of greenery: "silver olives," "dark cypresses under a light cloak of greenish-white cones," "prickly pear thickets like a fence of green plates," "vineyards with curly foliage." Indeed, Corfu is famous for its incredible diversity of nature and every possible shade of green – from light green to dark green and silvery green.

Corfu, ancient Kerkyra, where the ancient myths of Poseidon and the nymphs Kerkyra and Amphitriti, Jason and the Golden Fleece, Odysseus, who met the beautiful princess Nausicaa here, and the hospitable King Alcinous, come to life. The ancient city of Paliopoli, dating back to the 8th century BC, boasts two archaeological museums, a famous pediment with a bas-relief of the Gorgon Medusa, and excavations of ancient Greek temples, baths, and a Roman market.

Many surprises await those interested in more modern history: the Achilleion Palace, built by the Austrian Empress Sissi, a medieval Venetian town with two fortress-museums, Venetian estates in the countryside, two English palaces and the Mon Repos Park, the famous Asian Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Icons, the memorial site of Admiral Ushakov, the world's only portrait of the naval commander painted during his lifetime, and much more.

For pilgrims, the island of Corfu is a true paradise. The incorrupt relics of Saint Spyridon of Tremithus, visited by pilgrims from all over the world, the relics of Saint Theodora Augusta, 15 active monasteries with ancient frescoes, great shrines, amazing architectural ensembles, and divinely inspired monks and priests. Religious processions, vibrant Easter concerts, and events accompanied by Corfu's 18 philharmonic orchestras will leave no visitor to Corfu indifferent.

Corfu Island, beautiful Kerkyra, opens its warm embrace to all travelers; after visiting the island, you will definitely want to return.