Geographical & Historical Outline of Corfu
Corfu is the northernmost island in the Ionian sea and the second largest, after Kefalonia with an area of 592 square kilometers and 217 kilometers of coastline.
It lies off the coast of Epirus and Albania.
The west coast of the island is rather steep, while it is gentler on the east side, where it forms the bay of Corfu, in which the main harbor of the island is built.
It has fertile terrain, with abundant vegetation and waters. Its natural beauties, mild climate, sights and monuments, highly modern tourist facilities, many opportunities for entertainment and sports, cosmopolitan character, local color and the friendliness of the inhabitants are some of the elements that have helped to make Corfu one of the most popular tourist destinations, with a world-wide reputation.
Geographical & Historical Outline of Corfu
According to mythology, Jason and the Argonauts sought refuge on its welcoming coasts on their way back from the quest for the Golden Fleece.
Corfu is traditionally identified with the island of the Phaeacians, described in the fine verses of book VI Homer’s Odyssey.
According to the narrative, it was Odysseus’ last stop before he returned to Ithaca. In antiquity, the island acquired a major naval force.
In early modern times it was occupied by the Venetians, French, English and Italians.
