Corfu is one of Greece's most popular and beautiful islands, attracting thousands of visitors every year to its Corfu hotels for some relaxation or fun in the sun. It is also the most northern of the Ionian Islands, situated at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea. It is an extremely green island, rich with natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. Being the second largest island in the group, it has been home to several different civilizations over the years.
Owing to its treasures and marvels, Corfu is considered to be one of the best islands to visit in Greece, offering plenty to visitors and local alike.
The island's topography comprises mountains, long coastlines with sandy beaches, dense vegetation and impressive landscapes. The greenery of this island is due to the plentiful winter rainfall. It is replete with traditional villages, Byzantine churches, museums, Venetian fortresses and lively lively Corfu hotels and resorts. Corfu town, the capital of the island, is regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Greece.
Corfu is an ideal destination for combining both relaxation and entertainment and there is a lot to see and do in Corfu. It is safe to say that a tour in Corfu is an unparalleled and unforgettable experience, and Corfu is arguably the most interesting island in the Ionian Sea, an amalgam of natural beauty, traditional treasures and archaeological sites. It was also one of the first Greek islands to invest in tourism and there are numerous resorts and hotels in Corfu. Take a look at our Corfu map to choose your hotel in Corfu based on its location and make sure you're near to what you wish to see and do.
Corfu is part of the group of islands collectively known as the Seven Islands, or Eptanisa. The scenery is continuously changing without affecting the harmony of the terrain. It boasts of 4,200,000 olive trees and these, along with the cypress trees, make it the most green of the Greek islands. Flanked on either side by a fortress, the many Byzantine churches and the flower squares make the atmosphere of Corfu Town unique and enchanting and the ideal place to begin a Corfu tour.
The people of Corfu, known as Corfiots, are gentle and cultured people and boast of traditions, and a rich musical and arts heritage. For this reason, you will find that there are several choirs that sing on a regular basis at different Corfu events. The singers are known as ‘kantadore'. During Venetian times until the Second World War, opera became the favourite form of musical expression, and even today the performances are greatly appreciated. An old saying, dating back to the last century rightly expresses this sentiment: ‘To be applauded in Corfu is to be sure of international success'.
Corfu is also replete with many art galleries that host permanent as well as temporary exhibitions. The displays include the art works of international as well as local artists. The modern theatre and various other romantic outdoor locations serve as venues for a great variety of Corfu events including rock concerts, contemporary dance performances, performances by the island's symphony orchestra and theatrical works of tragedy and comedy. Take a look at our Corfu events page for information on upcoming events in Corfu.
Corfu has also kept its traditions alive. Events that were celebrated hundreds of years ago are still enjoyed in a traditional manner. Right through the year several significant events and celebrations take place. There are four annual processions held on Corfu town in homage to the patron saint, Spiridon. These processions are extremely popular among tourists and locals. In fact, two of the processions are held at Easter and have become a part of the extensive calendar of religious and cultural activities. Other traditional ceremonies include the ‘pot-throwing' ceremony held on the Saturday morning of Easter's Eve.
An amalgam of different architectural styles lends Corfu Town a unique charm reminiscent of various cities of Italy. The historical part of the town is situated in the northern region between Esplanade Square and the new fortress. Esplanade Square is the central square of Corfu Town and is surrounded by magnificent buildings, an old Venetian fortress and quaint Corfu hotels. To the west of the Square lies the beautiful Liston building which was built during French rule. This building is home to some of the best cafes and Corfu restaurants in Corfu Town. The Town Hall Square, the Square of Saint Spyridon, Ionian Academy and Palace of Saint Michael and Saint Georges are some of the other monuments that add to the charm of Corfu Town.
Owing to these treasures and marvels, Corfu is considered to be one of the most elegant towns in Greece, offering plenty to visitors and local alike, which is why Unesco supports the preservation of its cultural heritage. Choose from our range of friendly and welcoming Corfu hotels and locally run tours in Corfu and let us help you plan your perfect Corfu holiday!
Meet your local connection in Corfu, Vasso, Effie, Sandra & the team of Corfu Sunspots! We are very proud to be part of whl.travel and to join a network of people that are concerned with the needs of local communities and the local environment to avoid the destruction of beautiful destinations like ours by mass tourism. In Corfu, we are active in promoting responsible tourism in our destination and have implemented a "Go Green" campaign with some accommodations that our company is managing on behalf of the owners.
