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Corfu is known as the island of the Phaeacians . The name Corfù is a Venetian and Italian version of the Byzantine Κορυφώ (Koryphō), meaning "city of the peaks". It derives from the Byzantine Greek Κορυφαί (Koryphai) (crests or peaks), denoting the two peaks of Palaio Frourio.
- 610.9 km² (235.9 sq mi)
- 99,134 (2021)
- 906 m (2972 ft)
- 490 81, 490 82, 490 83, 490 84, 491 31, 491 32 (former 491 00)
- The History of Corfu Island
- The Channel of Love
- Corfu’s Old Town and Paleokastritsa
- The Sublime Paleokastritsa
- Across Corfu Island: Syvota, Surrounded by Secret Coves
- The Durrells’ Scenic Corfu Backdrop
Corfu’s history can be traced back all the way to Ancient Greece and Greek mythology. Corfu is known as Kerkyra in Greek, a name derived from the nymph Korkira. In Greek mythology, Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, falls in love with Korkira, kidnapping her and hiding her away on the island that now bears her name. The myth claims that Poseidon a...
One of the most beautiful and well-known beaches on the island of Corfu, the picturesque Canal d’Amour or “Channel of Love,” is known throughout Europe and worldwide as the beach for true lovers who want to stay together forever. Located on the north of the island near Sidari, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the main town and on the westernmost...
Because of Corfu’s past under Venetian rule, the island has many breathtaking Venetian buildings and defensive architecture in Corfu’s Old Town. In fact, many of the fortresses were constructed in order to protect the island from further conquests. The Old Fortress in Old Town is the most staggering example: it overlooks the sea on the promontory w...
Located 25 km (15 miles) northwest of Corfu is Paleokastritsa — arguably the most famous picturesque village of the Greek island of Corfu. It is chiefly memorable for its exceptional scenery, along with its superb beaches. The cool crystal waters are ideal for swimming and water sports. Paleokastritsa one of the best-known sites on cosmopolitan Cor...
Facing the southern tip of Corfu, Syvota is considered to be one of the most exotic destinations in Greece. Sandy shores, luscious green islets, long sheltered beaches with crystal clear waters and secret coves, are just some of the small town’s many features. It is the perfect stop for sailors in the Ionian archipelago, but nevertheless it is an e...
Corfu received international attention after it became the backdrop for the British PBS TV series “The Durrells.” In 2018 it was voted the most Top European Film Location. The island was nominated by the Hellenic Film Commission for the shooting of the popular ITV and PBS TV series. The UK drama was based on the life of author Gerald Durrell, and o...
In Byzantine Greek Koryphai means ‘peaks’ and the Byzantine word Korypho means ‘city of the peaks’ – the name was given to the island because of the twin peaks of the town’s Old Venetian Fortress. ‘Corfu’ was the Italian version of Korypho and so that became the name that was eventually used worldwide. Contact Our Experts.
May 7, 2024 · Corfu, island in the Ionian Sea (Modern Greek: Iónio Pélagos), with adjacent small islands making up the dímos (municipality) and pereferiakí enótita (regional unit) of Kérkyra (also called Corfu), Ionian Islands (Iónia Nisiá) periféreia (region), western Greece. Lying just off the coast of Epirus (Ípeiros), it is about 36 miles (58 ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
History of Corfu. Corfu is mentioned frequently in Greek mythology . The modern Greek name Kerkyra comes from the nymph who was the daughter of the river-god Asopos . Posideon, the god of the sea fell in love with her and made love to her on the island, giving birth to the race of the Phaeacians. The name is also possibly linked to the demonic ...
Jul 18, 2022 · Poseidon named the island in Korkyra’s honour, and there they sired a child called Phaiax, which would become the proper noun for the citizens of Corfu. Corfu is so named today thanks to Byzantine influence, Corfu being a western corruption of Korypho, meaning peaks and referring to Corfu’s fortress installation. Ancient Greece
Corfu History. Corfu, known as Kerkyra in Greek, owes its name to the Nymph Korkyra, the daughter of the River God, Asopus. According to the myth, Poseidon, God of the Sea, fell in love with Nymph Korkyra, kidnapped her and brought her to this island. According to the myth, Corfu was the island of the Phaeacians, where Odysseus was cast up ...
