Corfu-Holiday.Org

Corfu (Kerkyra) at a Glance

On Corfu in the Ionian Sea, one finds a distinctly different climate than that of the more barren Aegean islands. Corfu is the greenest of all the over 120 inhabited Greek islands in both seas. Tourism began here over two thousand years ago with Emperor’s from Nero to Napoleon lauding its abundent sandy beaces, lush forests and strategic location. Greeks and the many foreign, mostly Britsh, ex-pats residing here refer to the island as Kerkyra.

The islands fertility is due to the highest rainfall in all of Greece particularly in winter. Corfu is also considered by many to be the most beautiful of the Greek islands and offers some 43 kinds of orchids to be appreciated by visitors to the island in spring. Amid a general array of wildflowers; olive groves, green mountains, villages and beaches there is some over development particularly in the eastern half of the island. Many secluded beaches and forest glens remain to be discovered by those with the means to seek them out. A perfect island for renting a scooter or small car.

Though second in size among the Ionian islands, (Epta-nisa in Greek, which means ‘seven islands’), Corfu has a population of around 114,000 compared to 40,000 on the larger Ionian island of Kefalonia, including 5,000 British residents. Under British rule from 1815-1864, Corfu has 5,000 year round British residents and hosts over a million British annual visitors.

This is a cosmopolitan and somewhat expensive island with something for everyone from its rich history to its wonderful beaches and resorts and cuisine. Corfu is among the few Greek islands with horseback riding and world class golf courses in addition to the usual variety of water sports typical on many Greek islands. Hang gliding, kite-surfing and wind surfing all exist here to be sure.

The most developed part of the Corfu is on the east coast where the vestiges of small coastal fishing communities are engulfed by hotel resorts all the way down from Pirgi to Benetsis. This strip is called the ’booze and snooze clubbing holiday’ coast. To escape this sort of development the north and west coasts are your best bet.

In the north Kassiopi remains a charming fishing village protected buy a 12 century castle erected upon the ancient site of a Temple to Zeus. Sidari is another fishing village with a lively scene and offers caique water taxis to more remote secluded beaches and islets.

The west coast is where the very best beaches on Corfu are to be found. With names such as Glyfada, Aghios Gordis, Plekas, Aghios Georgos north and south and the stunning Mirtiotissa where many naturalists like to recline. Paliokastritsa beach and its cliffs are renown for their beautiful sunset views.