Coveted in ancient times

Corfu is the westernmost part of Greece and the northernmost of all the Ionian Islands. The island is located near the Albanian mainland, from which it is only separated by a narrow strait (approx. 2 nautical miles at the narrowest point). In addition, Corfu is the point of Greece that is closest to Italy. With 590 square kilometers it is the second largest Ionian island after Kefalonia, but has the highest population density with approx. 100.000 inhabitants.

The island is shaped like a sickle and has a length of 62 km. The widest part is about 25 km in the north, where the island is very mountainous. The highest mountain is the Pantokrator with 906 m. To the south the mountains flatten. In front of the island are some small islands and rocks, around which legends and myths entwine. The best known are probably the small island of Pontikonissi (Mouse Island) and the monastery island of Vlacherna. Popular
Excursion destinations are the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos, 8 nautical miles south of Corfu, and the Diapontic islands north-west of Corfu (Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki), which are not very well developed for tourism.

The island is rich in nature, culture and interesting historical evidence. Because of its economically and strategically important location, it was coveted and contested even in antiquity. It was besieged by numerous peoples and ruled by Venetians, French and English. So Corfu has always been exposed to western influences, even more than the rest of Greece, which mingled with the Hellenic traditions. In this way a very independent and multi-layered culture and way of life has developed.