The Island of Corfu

Corfu is covered with luxuriant vegetation due to its winter rainfall which in December provides an average of 240mm - and is the wettest place in all of Greece. Tropical orchids, wildflowers, eucalyptus and acacias combine with northern European foliage such as oaks and maples. Regardless of its lush vegetation and high precipitation, Corfu can be stiflingly hot and muggy, as the humidity-reducing meltemi wind passes it by. To compensate winters are less severe than on the mainland.

Spring and autumn are the best time to visit Corfu. Conditions are perfect between Easter and mid-June when the weather is pleasantly warm in most places, but not too hot.  Beaches are relatively un-crowded and accommodation is cheaper and easier to find than in the mid-June to end of August high season. Conditions are once more ideal from the end of August until mid-October as the season winds down.

Corfu is one of the most popular holidayresorts around and is the best known of the lonian islands.  Although Corfu is an international tourist centre which can satisfy the demands of the most difficult visitor it remains true to its history and is largely unspoilt.  Legend has it that the wooded island was Scheria or Drepani, home of the Phaeacians - Alkinoos's people - in Homer's "Odyssey" and Odysseus' last stop on his long journey home to Ithaca,

Corfu, owes its sophistication and charm to the fusion of the different civilizations that have occupied the island and to the natural beauty with which it is so abundantly endowed.  You can still find traditional villages and secluded beaches that are covered with soft white sand where you can unwind and drift away in the tranquil environment. 

Corfu is the most northerly of the Ionian Islands situated in the far north west of Greece, within sight of Albania, just off the coast of the Greek mainland and about 75km from the heel of Italy.  The island, known as Kerkyra in Greek, is about 60km long and between 17 and 25km wide, giving an area of approximately 640 square km.  It has a population of approximately 110,000 with 35,000 of those living in Corfu Town.

With its Mediterranean climate providing long, hot summers and warm, wet winters. Corfu gets a lot of rain during the winter months and is therefore very fertile and supports a large agricultural sector.  The island is covered with vegetation which includes millions of olive, fig, pine and citrus trees as well as many vineyards.

Corfu is an island of contrasts with wetlands, such as Korission Lake, which is a flourishing habitat for many species of birds. It also has high peaks, the highest at 914 metres being Mount Pantokrator found in the north east, and valleys such as the Ropa Valley in the middle of the island

In the springtime (April/May), Corfu is a magnificent floral sight but then at all times of the year you will amazed by the splendour of the vegetation and wildflowers in the countryside, as well as the awe-inspiring displays seen in the villages by the omnipresent geraniums and bougainvilleas.  Unlike many Greek islands, Corfu does not dry up in the summer months and offers some of the most spectacular scenery to be found anywhere in Europe. This variety of landscape, flora and fauna leads many people to feel that Corfu is blessed with the most beautiful countryside of all the Greek islands.

The capital of the island is also called Corfu it is built on a headland that projects into the sea and is divided into two sections. To the east of the northern part lies the Old Fortress which is cut off from the town by a moat.  For centuries all the fashionable of Corfu lived within this citadel, which was founded by the Byzantines then greatly expanded and strengthened by the Venetians.  The town of Corfu is made up of completely dissimilar elements, left over from these different civilizations.  It presents a captivating picture with its broad streets and spacious squares.  The popular Spianada – the town "green" contrasting with its narrow back alleys paved with blocks of stone known as "Kantounia", houses with an Italian influence, the famous Liston, a French arcade, traditional Georgian mansions, a Byzantine church, Venetian monuments, balconies with wrought-iron railings and window grilles.

The sunsets are a delight and mixed with the moonlight and scented lemons this is a truly romantic holidaylocation.  For those wishing to expend a little more energy top class water sports and some of the most fun packed nightlife around are there to be enjoyed