Enchanted Islands: About Corfu Greece

This enchanted island is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. The island attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Corfu Greece is situated in the northernmost part of the Ionian Islands group and lies at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea in front of Albania. Population on the island is approximately 100,000.

Climate

The island of Corfu is characterized by a Mediterranean mild climate. There is a lot of rainfall during winter seasons. The island is known as the greenest island in Greece.

There are many mountain areas in Corfu. The highest mountain is Mt. Pantokrator. There are also several flat areas and plains, two lakes and a couple of rivers. Corfu is built between two fortresses and has many elegant buildings of Italian and French architecture.

Economy

The economy of Corfu relies mostly on tourism. Tourism has taken over the majority of the coastal areas; however, many mountainous villages have kept their authenticity. Corfu was the first island in Greece to open itself up to tourism.

There is a small part of the economy related to agriculture. They also produce olive oil and wine.

Some Early Historical Facts

The name of Corfu Greece (Kerkyra in Greek) comes from the Nymph Korkira, daughter of the Assopos River according to Ancient Greet Mythology. The story goes that Poseidon, god of the sea, fell in love with the nymph, kidnapped her and brought her to the island.

The island has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Era (70.00-40.000 B.C.). The first Greek settlers were Eretreans from Euboia in the 8th Century. A group of refugees from Corinth came to the island and founded a colony later in their history. The Romans ruled on the island from 229 B.C. until 337 A.D.

During the Byzantine period that lasted until 1267 A.D., the island was continually attacked by pirates, barbarians, Goths, and Saracens. Peace could not be established during this time.

For a short period the island fell under the rule of the Normans and then the Venetians. There was half a century of peace after the Venetian rule, then a new threat from Sicily arose.

Charles of Angou, the French King of Sicily, conquered the island of Corfu in 1267 and attempted to change the people from Orthodox religious beliefs to the Catholic. The Angevins dynasty persecuted the Christians Orthodox and all the churches were converted to Catholicism.

Today, the main town of Corfu Greece, which has the island’s same name, is one of the most beautiful, impressive and interesting cities in Greece. Corfu Town is the principal port and largest town in the Ionian Islands. The town’s architecture is influenced by all the major civilizations that once occupied the island, such as the Sicilians, the Venetians, the French and the British. The churches in Corfu Greece are some of the most beautiful works of the island’s architecture. There are more than 800 churches and monasteries.

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